son, don't mess around

Chapter 825 If You Bite Me, I Bite Too

"A mysterious elite force?"

Lin Jiangnian seemed to be deep in thought.

Back then, there were more than a dozen large and small kingdoms in the southern border region of the dynasty, with complex and intertwined power dynamics. Even today, during the more than ten years that the Prince of Lin's residence has been guarding the area, countless rebellions have still occurred.

The war lasted too long, and many historical records were destroyed in the flames of war, burying the secrets of the southern frontier.

More than a decade has passed, and the reconstruction of southern Xinjiang is still incomplete. Many traces of the war remain on that old land.

Under such circumstances, even the Prince Lin's residence would find it difficult to uncover the details of what happened back then. Furthermore, the elite force that Zhiyuan discovered was not recorded within the Prince Lin's residence.

"That elite force was very likely involved in the operation to assassinate the princess back then."

Zhiyuan's voice was clear and cold, carrying a hint of cold murderous intent. She looked up at Lin Jiangnian, hesitated for a moment, and said, "It may also be related to the assassination attempt on Your Highness at the temple more than a year ago!"

The kite's words reminded Lin Jiangnian of what had happened back then.

To this day, the Prince Lin's residence has discovered that four factions were involved in the assassination attempt on the Prince Lin's heir at the temple that night.

Besides the Heavenly God Cult behind Liu Su that night, three other forces were involved.

It has now been confirmed that one of the three forces comes from the Xu Prince's Mansion, a fact that Xu Chaoge himself has acknowledged.

Of the remaining two forces, one is most likely to come from the Third Prince... or perhaps from the former Emperor!
In any case, that force was essentially inseparable from the imperial court.

Having identified two factions, only one remains, but the investigation has yielded no results to date.

Now, Zhiyuan's words made Lin Jiangnian suddenly realize something... If this last force was the same force that had been involved in the assassination of the princess back then.

So, does that make sense now?

"The situation in the southern border is too complicated. That force is very well hidden. If it really is them, then what exactly is their purpose?"

Lin Jiangnian pondered.

Another question remains... Nineteen years ago, who took him away? And how did Lin Jiangnian end up at the temple that night more than a year ago?

What secrets did that former Crown Prince uncover, and what scheme did he set up?

To this day, these remain a mystery!

This secret, spanning more than a decade, remains shrouded in mystery, like a cloud of doubt hanging over Lin Jiangnian's head.

"The person behind this must be playing a long game, with some unspeakable secrets."

Zhiyuan's cool voice rang out as she looked up at the imperial city shrouded in darkness not far away.

Then, turning back to Lin Jiangnian, he asked, "What do you think their purpose is, Your Highness?"

Lin Jiang smiled and said, "To be able to start planning more than a decade ago, their ambitions must be considerable. Anyone capable of this must be no small figure. As for what they're after..."

Lin Jiangnian's gaze followed and landed on the imperial city not far away: "There's only one possibility."

Zhiyuan lowered her eyes slightly, her expression indifferent.

Clearly, Lin Jiangnian's thoughts were the same as hers.

Those in the world capable of scheming against the Prince's mansion, their ambitions are nothing more than those few things.

that power!

"The situation in the southern border region is complicated, and it won't be easy to investigate. I'll write a letter later and ask Sun Changjing to investigate from the southern border."

Sun Changjing, one of the four top experts under Lin Hengzhong, guards the southern border of the Southern Frontier.

Lin Jiangnian had no connection with this person, but it was rumored that he was extremely loyal to the prince and was considered the prince's most trusted general.

Of Lin Hengzhong's four top experts, probably only one has the most harmonious relationship with the Prince of Lin.

"As for the capital..."

Lin Jiangnian's voice rang out again: "It seems we have to start the investigation from within the palace. Regardless of whether the late emperor was responsible for what happened back then, it seems they are definitely involved."

Paper Kite nodded slightly.

Lin Jiangnian was perfectly clear-headed. Whether it was the assassination of Chu Jiangcheng or the assassination of the princess back then, they were all inextricably linked to the imperial court.

There must be a deeper secret within the palace!

However, finding clues and details within this vast imperial city is no easy task.

Just as Lin Jiangnian was pondering, Zhiyuan suddenly spoke up: "Li Chang'an has entered the palace."

"Ok?"

Lin Jiangnian asked in surprise, "He went to the palace? When? What was he doing there?"

"Just a short time before tonight."

Paper Kite said, "Entering the palace at this time is most likely to be to meet the emperor."

Lin Jiangnian had just visited Cuiwei Residence today to test the Sixth Prince, and now the Sixth Prince was already eager to enter the palace to see the Emperor.

What is he implying?
Or is it... a cover-up?

After a moment's thought, Lin Jiangnian had an answer in his mind and said softly, "He did this on purpose to show me."

Upon hearing this, Zhiyuan raised her eyes, a hint of confusion in them.

Lin Jiangnian then told Zhiyuan about what had happened that day, and after listening, she agreed with Lin Jiangnian's opinion.

"His actions were indeed somewhat of a cover-up."

Lin Jiangnian chuckled, his eyes narrowing slightly: "In this way, we can be certain that the force behind him is indeed related to the imperial palace."

“What Lü Fusheng said was indeed true.”

"Lü Fusheng?"

The kite looked even more puzzled.

It was only then that Lin Jiangnian remembered that he hadn't had a chance to explain the matter of Lü Fusheng to Zhiyuan.

That night, after reaching an agreement with Lü Fusheng, he went straight back to the Zhao residence and spent the night with Miss Zhao.

After being caught red-handed by Prime Minister Zhao, and after a lot of trouble, I finally saw the kite now, without even having a chance to explain.

"That's a long story!"

Lin Jiang cleared his throat and glanced at the sky outside: "It's getting late, let's go back first, and I'll explain to you slowly later."

Zhiyuan's expression remained aloof as she quietly looked at Lin Jiangnian for a moment before gently nodding.

"it is good."

"..."

It was late at night at the Jiang residence.

After showering and changing, Lin Jiang walked into the courtyard with practiced ease and slipped into Zhiyuan's room.

Having lived here for a period of time a year ago, Lin Jiangnian was already very familiar with the place.

The room was brightly lit, and Zhiyuan had just bathed and changed into a loose silk dress. Beneath her slightly damp hair, her once fair and delicate face showed signs of fatigue.

However, her eyes remained bright and clear, as if they could see through people's hearts.

She possessed the same aloof demeanor as the young maid in the Prince Lin's mansion, but with an added touch of gentleness.

Although she was a year younger than Lin Jiangnian, the temperament she exuded was far more mature than his.

Inside the room, Lin Jiangnian crept in, closed the door, and came up behind Zhiyuan, looking at her fair and delicate face through the bronze mirror.

Then, he picked up the towel next to him and gently wiped Zhiyuan's hair.

Seeing this, Zhiyuan was about to stop him, but Lin Jiangnian pressed her down again: "Don't move."

Zhiyuan didn't move. She sat there quietly, letting Lin Jiangnian dry her hair, the cool touch falling on her skin. Gazing at Lin Jiangnian's familiar and earnest face in the bronze mirror, Zhiyuan seemed lost in thought, her gaze unfocused.

It wasn't until she heard Lin Jiangnian's gentle voice that she gradually came back to her senses. What Lin Jiangnian was referring to was the matter of Lü Fusheng.

He told Zhiyuan about what had happened between him and Lü Fusheng, as well as the terms and agreements they had reached, and asked her to help analyze them.

"That old fox is shrewd; he wants to use me to protect the Lü family."

Lin Jiangnian glanced down at Zhiyuan and asked, "Zhiyuan, do you think that old fox might have some other motive?"

Zhiyuan seemed to be deep in thought. She thought about it carefully, then shook her head: "Maybe yes, maybe no."

"What kind of answer is that?"

Zhiyuan glanced at him and said softly, "His intention to use His Highness to protect the Lü family is probably genuine. However, he likely has other motives as well."

Lin Jiang chuckled lightly, "That's what I think too."

"That old fox couldn't possibly have such a simple purpose."

Lin Jiangnian didn't believe he could outmaneuver that former Minister of Personnel. That man had spent decades navigating the officialdom, successfully reaching the pinnacle of the dynasty's power—how could a lazy, good-for-nothing prince like himself possibly compare?
Even though the Lü family has declined, Lin Jiangnian has never looked down on Minister Lü.

"However, no matter how he schemes, the initiative is now in His Highness's hands."

Zhiyuan glanced back at Lin Jiangnian: "Your Highness has the support of the Prince Lin's Mansion. The Lü family has long since fallen. As long as Your Highness doesn't give them a chance, no matter how many tricks they have, they can't escape Your Highness's grasp."

"Makes sense."

Lin Jiang chuckled lightly, nodded, then looked down at Zhiyuan's delicate face. As if remembering something, he raised an eyebrow: "But, Zhiyuan, is that a compliment?"

"Is this considered praising my abilities?"

Paper Kite calmly replied, "Your Highness is indeed formidable."

"Tsk, it's rare to hear you praise me."

Lin Jiangnian sighed, then rolled his eyes and leaned close to Zhiyuan's ear, pressing his advantage by asking a question.

"Then tell me, what makes me good at this?"

At first, Zhiyuan didn't notice anything strange until she was about to speak, when she felt a warm breath approaching her. Then, she met Lin Jiangnian's ambiguous smile.

A familiar gaze, tinged with deeper meaning.

After a moment's thought, Zhiyuan quickly realized what was happening, and a blush appeared on her fair cheeks.

"Your Highness..."

Zhiyuan glared at him, seemingly a little embarrassed and annoyed, but not angry, giving off a sense of submissive acceptance.

Her slight glare was full of charm.

Lin Jiangnian's heart was practically melting!

Little kites are so cute!

Lin Jiangnian gently hugged her from behind, bringing his head close to the girl's delicate neck hidden under her collar, and took a deep breath.

Fragrant!
Soft and fragrant!

"It's getting late, let's get some rest."

Lin Jiangnian brought up the important matter.

The young girl's delicate body tensed slightly, as if she were nervous, and she subconsciously clenched her fists. Hearing Lin Jiangnian's words, she was momentarily at a loss for words. She didn't respond, but simply lowered her eyes slightly, sitting there with a flushed face, motionless.

No reaction is the best reaction.

Seeing this, Lin Jiangnian reached out and picked up the kite, holding it in his arms.

The kite is very light, as thin as a cicada's wing.

Compared to Miss Zhao's captivating charm, Zhiyuan appeared noticeably more naive. Her delicate features also conveyed a more innocent and pure quality. Although she felt some resentment towards Lin Jiangnian's bullying, she almost never resisted or refused.

As Lin Jiangnian held her in his arms, the girl's cheeks flushed even more, and she gently bit her lower lip. Seeing that Lin Jiangnian had carried her to the bedside, the girl subconsciously buried her head in his chest.

With a light wave of the hand!

Immediately, the lights in the room went out.

Wow, how thoughtful of you!
It even turns off the lights on its own now?
Lin Jiangnian raised an eyebrow, looking down at the pure, fair face with rosy cheeks in his arms, who had already buried her head in her hands.

Her shy reaction was just like before!
Lin Jiangnian's breathing quickened.

Since arriving in Beijing, Lin Jiangnian and Zhao Xi's relationship has grown even closer, and the two naturally crossed the final line, achieving the "entering Xi achievement".

In the days that followed, Lin Jiangnian stayed overnight at the Zhao residence every few days, shamelessly mingling with Zhao Xi.

Lin Jiangnian was completely captivated by Miss Zhao's charm and her long, slender, snow-white legs that were so alluring they could kill.

Long legs are truly captivating!

After all, who could resist a beautiful woman who would willingly use her legs to help them?
Lin Jiangnian had become so engrossed in his hobby that he had neglected his kite. He only learned of what had happened today from Fengling. Thinking about this, Lin Jiangnian couldn't help but feel guilty and ashamed.

He really is a scumbag!

How can you favor one over the other?
Thinking of this, Lin Jiangnian gently placed the girl in his arms on the bed, then skillfully unfastened his clothes and slipped into the quilt.

In the darkness, the pleasant fragrance emanating from the kite filled the air. Lin Jiangnian's hands groped around in the dark, gradually sensing that the girl beside him was breathing rapidly and her delicate body was tensing up, as if she had been stimulated by something.

As her breathing became more rapid, the girl turned her head, slightly opened her silver teeth, and bit down on Lin Jiangnian's shoulder.

The bite wasn't hard, just a little painful. I could vaguely feel the girl's thin lips and her nimble tongue occasionally touching my shoulder skin—warm and slightly itchy.

"Bite? Are you a puppy?"

Hearing the words in her ear, Zhiyuan blushed even more, and hurriedly let go of her mouth, trying to turn her face away, but Lin Jiangnian grabbed her chin.

"You've finished biting, now it's my turn, right?"

"no!"

"That's not fair. You bit me, so I'll bite you back." Lin Jiangnian seemed determined to keep biting her until she was allowed to.

Zhiyuan's face flushed crimson, a burning embarrassment preventing her from meeting Lin Jiangnian's gaze. Knowing that His Highness was deliberately teasing her, Zhiyuan bit her lower lip, seemingly going through an internal struggle before finally giving up.

She revealed a bit of her snow-white shoulder.

"Then, then you can bite it..."

A slightly trembling voice.

In the darkness, Lin Jiangnian's gaze fell on the girl's snow-white, slender neck. Her delicate collarbone was extremely sexy, and her exposed, rounded shoulders were tense with the girl's nervous emotions.

Looking at the girl's face again, it was already completely red, and she turned away shyly.

Seeing this, Lin Jiangnian naturally didn't stand on ceremony.

The kite bit him, so naturally he had to bite back.

This is called reciprocity.

Looking away, Lin Jiangnian lowered his head and leaned closer, biting down.

"ah!"

From the darkness came a girl's panicked yet pleasant voice.

Zhiyuan suddenly opened her eyes, her beautiful eyes filled with embarrassment and panic.

No, wasn't it a shoulder bite?!
How could he...

Your Highness is bullying people again!

……

(End of this chapter)