He remarried after his mother's death, seized power over the world, and slept on the emperor�

As night deepens, the city lights begin to illuminate the night.

The most famous private restaurant in the capital, Wanfenglou, had its entire private room overlooking the moat booked out.

Ji Ling poured Jiang Bingning a cup of tea, the aroma of which wafted gently.

"Try it, it's pre-Qingming Longjing tea."

After three rounds of dishes and two cups of wine,

Ji Ling put down the jade chopsticks in his hand, and his expression became serious.

"The Wang Kun incident was just an appetizer."

Jiang Bingning looked up.

"The Lin family's counterattack will come soon." Ji Ling's voice was calm. "That old fox Lin Wei is best at stabbing people in the back."

"He has already colluded with people in the Censorate to prepare to impeach the Prince Xin's Mansion."

Jiang Bingning put down the silver chopsticks in her hand.

"Impeach me?"

"Yes." Ji Ling nodded, a cold glint in his eyes. "The charge is 'allowing a mistress to interfere in state affairs'."

This label is both huge and malicious.

"You are now a flag that the Dowager Consort has personally erected," Ji Ling said incisively. "To remove you would be to slap the face of the Prince Xin's Mansion. The Dowager Consort's prestige would also plummet as a result."

He took a folded piece of paper from his sleeve and pushed it in front of Jiang Bingning.

"This is the list of Lin Wei's cronies planted in the Censorate. They will definitely make a move within three days."

Jiang Bingning's gaze swept over those names; they were all well-known upright officials in the court.

She didn't look at the list; instead, she turned her gaze back to Ji Ling's face.

Her eyes were clear and direct, with a hint of inquiry.

"Lord Ji."

"Um?"

Why did you go to such lengths to help me?

She thought about this question for a long time.

He repeatedly offered his help during her northern tour, and after returning to Beijing, he helped her resolve Wang Kun's farce; he did so much.

It's far more than what an ally should be allowed to do.

Upon hearing this, Ji Ling chuckled softly.

"I've said it before, our reputations are already intertwined."

He picked up his teacup, as if mentioning it casually.

"Besides..."

He paused, then looked up.

In that instant, all the usual playfulness and nonchalance in his eyes vanished.

"I can't stand it when people use such filthy words to throw dirty water on you."

The man's voice was not loud, but every word was clear, and the private room fell silent instantly.

Jiang Bingning felt her heart skip a beat, and a surge of heat uncontrollably spread from her neck to her ears.

She lowered her eyes instinctively.

"..."

She didn't know how to respond.

Ji Ling seemed to sense the subtle atmosphere as well, and he coughed lightly, breaking the silence.

He took a small, exquisite token made of black iron from his waist and handed it over.

"This is an emergency communication order from the Wolf Guard. Seeing this order is like seeing me."

"If there is any danger, we can mobilize any of the Wolf Guard's hidden agents in the city at any time."

Jiang Bingning knew the significance of this token.

She didn't refuse and took it. The cold touch of the token calmed her chaotic thoughts slightly.

Thank you.

There's no need for thanks between us.

The meal ended in a strange atmosphere.

As they parted, the two stood side by side under the eaves of the Evening Breeze Pavilion.

Ji Ling looked at the painted boats on the moat and spoke as if casually.

"The cherry meat here tastes pretty good."

"Would you like to try it again next time you have a day off?"

His tone was relaxed, as if he were asking about tomorrow's weather.

Jiang Bingning was silent for a moment, then softly hummed in agreement.

The sound was very soft, yet it reached Ji Ling's ears clearly.

A smile spread across the man's lips in the night.

***

Xinwangfu.

Ji Yunhan, covered in dust from his journey, went directly to the Dowager Consort's courtyard.

"Mother."

He lifted the hem of his robe and knelt down properly.

The Dowager Empress was startled by what she saw.

"What are you doing? Get up!"

Ji Yunhan shook his head, his expression more resolute than ever before.

"Mother, I would like to request that you issue an imperial decree to grant me and Jingyi a marriage."

The Dowager Empress paused in her beaded string, then sighed.

"Yunhan, I understand your feelings."

"Jingyi is a quiet and unassuming child. I've seen it all, and she's definitely a good one."

"But..." she changed the subject, her face showing difficulty, "but she is still engaged to Jiang Chengxuan. Although the divorce papers have been signed, it is still not legally valid."

"If this matter gets out, there will probably be gossip in Bei Di's official circles."

"I don't care what gossip is going on!" Ji Yunhan suddenly looked up, his eyes full of stubbornness.

"In the first half of his life, my son has already missed his chance and let her down once! This time, he absolutely cannot let go again!"

His voice was firm and resounding.

"I've already had someone choose an auspicious day. With all the formalities of marriage—the three letters, the six rites, and the eight-bearer sedan chair—my son will welcome her with the honors due to a princess!"

"Yunhan! You mustn't be so reckless!" The Dowager Princess was shocked by his attitude.

"This matter requires careful consideration!"

"There's no time for further deliberation!" Ji Yunhan's voice held a hint of pain. "Mother, your son can't wait any longer!"

Just as the two were locked in a stalemate, a servant's urgent announcement came from outside.

"Your Highness, His Highness Prince Xin, someone from the palace has arrived!"

"His Majesty summons Prince Xin to the palace for an audience immediately!"

***

Inside the Imperial Study, the air was thick with the scent of ambergris.

Emperor Ji Chong, dressed in a bright yellow casual robe, was reviewing memorials.

Seeing Ji Yunhan enter, he put down his vermilion brush and pointed to the embroidered stool opposite him.

"The Prince of Xin has arrived. Please have a seat."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

With the formalities between ruler and subject completed, the atmosphere between the brothers became much more relaxed.

"I've heard that the Imperial Concubine is in good spirits lately?"

"Thanks to Your Majesty, my mother is well."

After a few pleasantries, Ji Chong got down to business.

"The reports that have recently arrived from the North are quite vague in their wording."

"I am somewhat uneasy."

Ji Yunhan felt a chill run down his spine.

"I've heard that you've been paying close attention to court affairs lately?" The emperor's gaze fell on him, with a hint of scrutiny.

"What are your thoughts on this, Your Highness?"

Ji Yunhan immediately stood up, bowed, and said, "It is my duty to share the burdens of His Majesty and Bei Di. I have no profound insights to speak of."

Ji Chong smiled and gestured for him to sit down.

"King Xin need not be overly modest."

"What I mean is, why don't you go out and take a look around and see if the Northern Di kingdom is really as stable as described in the memorials?"

Is this... to appoint him to a military post?

Ji Yunhan's heart skipped a beat.

He suppressed the turmoil in his heart and his expression became solemn.

"Your Majesty, your younger brother has a request."

"Oh?" The emperor raised an eyebrow. "Speak freely."

"My younger brother has found his beloved and wishes to marry Lady Liu Jingyi as his princess consort. I humbly beg Your Majesty to grant his request!"

The Imperial Study was silent for a moment.

Ji Chong's fingers tapped lightly on the dragon table.

"I recall that their engagement did not appear to have been formally dissolved."

"That's why I humbly request Your Majesty's assistance," Ji Yunhan said earnestly. "I am willing to travel to the northern border for Your Majesty, braving fire and water, without hesitation! I only ask that Your Majesty grant me this wish and allow me to marry Jingyi as my consort!"

The emperor looked at him, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

His younger brother wasted the first half of his life, never getting involved in politics.

Now that he finally has ambition, it's all for a woman.

So be it.

As long as he is willing to serve the court, what harm is there in giving him a woman's title?

"Convey my decree and send it to the Zhou embassy."

The emperor's voice rang out again.

"I am very pleased to hear that Prince Xin, Ji Yunhan, and Lady Liu are in love."

"I have granted permission for Lady Liu and Jiang Chengxuan to divorce."

"Effective immediately, Ms. Liu is now free to marry as she sees fit, and no one may interfere!"

An imperial decree is an inviolable law.

Ji Yunhan's eyes welled up with tears, and he knelt down again.

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness!"