novelden Chapter 136 Willing to Serve Like a Dog or Horse
Chapter 136 Willing to Serve Like a Dog or Horse
In that heart-stopping moment, Liu Yingmei, like a startled fawn, suddenly threw herself into Chu Liangchen's broad embrace. Tears streamed down her face like broken pearls, falling silently yet surging forth. She choked out, "My lord, I have been on the brink of life and death, and I will never leave your arms again!"
Just as this warm moment of intertwined emotions was breaking the silence of the room, a series of hurried footsteps broke the tranquility of the room. Xiao Jinyan, dressed in a tight-fitting outfit, strode confidently across the threshold.
Liu Yingmei quickly wiped away her tears, forced a grateful smile, and said to Xiao Jin, "I am very grateful to Protector Xiao for saving me. If it weren't for Protector Xiao, I really wouldn't know what to do."
Upon hearing this, a complex emotion flashed in Chu Liangchen's eyes. Without hesitation, he knelt before Xiao Jinyan, his voice sincere and firm: "Thank you, Commander Xiao, for risking your own safety to save the princess. I, Liangchen, will never forget this kindness in my life. From now on, whatever you command, I, Liangchen, am willing to serve you with utmost loyalty, even unto death!"
Upon seeing this, Xiao Jinyan quickly stepped forward, helped Chu Liangchen up with both hands, and said with a gentle yet firm gaze: "Minister Chu, please rise. This is a small matter, nothing more than a matter of lifting a finger. You and I both serve the court, and protecting the princess's safety is my duty. How can you speak of such a great favor? Moreover, that Liu Kun is licentious and immoral, worse than a beast. He dared to assault the princess. Such evil deeds are intolerable to heaven and earth. My intervention was a righteous act."
At this point, Xiao Jinyan's eyes suddenly became deep, as if he was pondering some more profound question. He sighed softly and continued, "However, although this matter has been resolved, the situation in the court remains complex and volatile. We need to act more cautiously in order to protect the princess and find a moment of peace in this chaotic world."
Chu Liangchen's face appeared particularly solemn. He slowly spoke and said, "Commander Xiao, I am about to request to resign from my post and retire from the turmoil and troubles of the court, citing my illness."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan gently patted Chu Liangchen's shoulder and said earnestly, "Brother Liangchen, such a choice is not necessarily wrong. But please remember this: it is only a temporary measure. In the future, when the gloom in the court dissipates, the court will surely recognize your talent again and recall you to the court to work together on national affairs."
After hearing this, Chu Liangchen nodded, a resolute look flashing in his eyes: "Commander Xiao, I will remember your words from the bottom of my heart."
Xiao Jinyan smiled slightly and said, "Alright, Brother Liangchen, I won't disturb you any longer. You two should enjoy this rare moment of peace and quiet together."
After saying that, he turned to leave, his steps carrying a hint of nonchalance and unruliness.
However, at that moment, Chu Liangchen suddenly called out to him: "Commander Xiao, please wait."
Xiao Jinyan stopped and turned around, his brows furrowing slightly. He asked, "Oh? Is there anything else you wish to discuss, Minister Chu?"
Chu Liangchen took a deep breath, his gaze sharp, and spoke bluntly: "Liu Kun is a debauched and incompetent ruler who has long lost the hearts of the people. This tyrant should be deposed, and our beautiful land should be restored to peace. Commander Xiao, do you share this sentiment?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan remained silent for a moment, his brows furrowed, as if he were weighing something.
Finally, he spoke slowly, his voice deep and powerful: "Indeed, Brother Liangchen, Jinyan does have this intention. However, this matter is of great importance and we must act with caution and not be reckless."
“Commander Xiao,” Chu Liangchen said slowly, “if the nation needs my services in this matter, I will be willing to serve you like a dog or a horse.”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan smiled faintly: "Brother Liangchen, I, Xiao Jinyan, fully understand your intentions. Please rest assured, when the storm is brewing, I will come to invite you to join me in facing the national crisis."
After speaking, Xiao Jinyan turned and left with steady steps.
After navigating the winding corridor, Xiao Jinyan finally stopped in front of He Qiongying's room. Inside, the candlelight flickered, illuminating He Qiongying's graceful figure. She wore a gossamer-thin gauze dress, her skin faintly visible beneath, like a fairy under the moon. Facing the bronze mirror, she meticulously drew her eyebrows, each stroke imbued with endless tenderness and elegance.
Hearing footsteps outside the door, He Qiongying smiled slightly, a smile as fresh and refined as a lotus flower in its first bloom.
She rose gently and stepped forward, her voice filled with surprise and tenderness: "Jinyan, what brings you here? It's late, is there something important to discuss?"
Xiao Jinyan nodded slightly, his eyes full of respect and concern: "Your Majesty, I have come to visit you and ensure that you are well. In addition, there are two matters that I must report to you in a timely manner, as they concern the overall situation and cannot be delayed."
Upon hearing this, a hint of seriousness flashed in He Qiongying's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by tenderness. She gently took Xiao Jinyan's hand and led him to sit down on the edge of the bed, then nestled beside him and said softly, "Jinyan, there's no need for formalities between us. Just speak freely. What's troubling you so much?"
Xiao Jinyan spoke slowly, his voice low and gentle: "Your Highness, I have made proper arrangements for Princess Xincai and her husband to live in the manor, where they will be your neighbors. I hope this arrangement will add a touch of warmth to your life."
Upon hearing this, He Qiongying frowned slightly, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes: "Princess Xincai and her husband? Why must they also be residing here?"
Xiao Jinyan sighed softly, his gaze deep: "Your Highness, you may not know, but that tyrannical Emperor Liu Kun has audaciously seized Princess Xincai and imprisoned her in the deep palace under the guise of Consort Xie. I have gone through countless hardships to finally rescue the princess from his clutches. However, if the princess and her husband continue to stay in Jiankang, they will likely face persecution. Therefore, I have taken the liberty of bringing them here to temporarily avoid the limelight and await an opportunity."
Upon hearing this, He Qiongying clenched her fists, her jade-like fingers turning slightly white with anger. Her voice was filled with unprecedented determination and indignation: "That villain Liu Kun has committed such a heinous act once again! The cycle of justice will surely bring retribution, and he will one day be punished by heaven and fall into the deepest hell!"
Seeing this, Xiao Jinyan felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He gently patted the back of her hand to comfort her, and then continued, "What the Crown Princess said is absolutely right. Liu Kun's end is not far off. Your humble servant is secretly contacting loyal ministers and righteous men, actively planning a coup to overthrow the dynasty, and vowing to bring this tyrant down from the throne and restore a bright and clear world to our Great Song."
Upon hearing this, He Qiongying's eyes flashed with a strange light: "Liu Kun, I will personally bring you to justice and let the world see that those who commit many evils will eventually reap what they sow!"
Xiao Jinyan coughed lightly, his gaze falling on He Qiongying, whose face was filled with worry.
"Your Highness, I was just about to speak about another important matter concerning the safety of the nation."
Upon hearing this, He Qiongying frowned slightly, a hint of urgency flashing in her eyes: "Jinyan, what's the matter that's so urgent? Could it be..."
Xiao Jinyan's heart was filled with turmoil: "Your Highness, after going through countless hardships, I have finally found a candidate for a new emperor. Once we successfully overthrow the tyrannical Liu Kun, we can enthrone this person to bring peace to the world."