Transmigrating into a book, seducing him to rise to power

Jun Zechen's trip to the border region took far longer than he had expected.

For more than a year, even though he missed Yao Yao terribly, he didn't dare to write to her directly.

His position as crown prince was not yet secure, and several princes were eyeing him covetously.

If the letter destined for the capital were to be intercepted by their people en route, Yao Yao might be in danger, and he dared not even imagine the consequences.

After resolving the barbarian affairs, Jun Zechen couldn't wait to reorganize the soldiers and return to the capital. In order to give her a surprise, he did not inform her of his return in advance.

At this moment, Jun Zechen rode majestically on his tall warhorse, followed by tens of thousands of soldiers.

Half of the soldiers had been stationed in the border regions for many years. It was only because Jun Zechen had swiftly and decisively eliminated the barbarian threat that they were able to embark on their journey home.

This is why Jun Zechen's military power is more than double what it was when he returned from the frontier in his previous life.

"Anshun, send someone to the Su residence to bring Miss Su to the Crown Prince's residence. Remember, do not let anyone notice."

Jun Zechen turned his head slightly and gave the order.

The girl is very shy these days, so let's wait until she agrees before making this public.

"Yes, Your Highness."

The guards at the city gates had received news of the Crown Prince's impending return to the capital well in advance, and the gates were opened at dawn. Everyone was on high alert, ready to welcome the Crown Prince back.

Jun Zechen, clad in armor and riding a warhorse, was greeted by the people lining the streets as soon as he entered the city.

The well-trained soldiers jogged in unison to separate the enthusiastic civilians to both sides of the road, leaving a wide passage.

Jun Zechen's face was cold and stern, his tightly pursed lips revealing a resolute determination, and his powerful aura exuded a chilling aura that kept strangers at bay.

The people were filled with awe and dared only to cautiously and secretly observe this incomparably noble Crown Prince.

I imagine that after today, there will be plenty of fascinating stories about His Highness the Crown Prince in the teahouses and restaurants of the capital.

Not long after, the person sent out by Anshun hurriedly returned with a report.

"Your Highness, Miss Su is not at the Su residence. We heard from the servants that Miss Su has made an appointment with Miss Chu to have tea at the Mofeng Pavilion."

Upon hearing this, Jun Zechen couldn't help but feel a hint of doubt in his eyes.

Miss Chu? Is that Chu Yinxue?

In their past life, Yao Yao and Chu Yinxue did not have a harmonious relationship. Could they have become friends in this life?

Jun Zechen is now certain that Yao Yao has no memories of her past life. If Yao Yao did have memories of her past life, it would be impossible for her to have any entanglement with the woman who once harmed her.

At this time, Yao Yao was still relatively naive and didn't have many tricks up her sleeve. It was unknown whether she would be deceived by Chu Yinxue.

Because of his rebirth, it seems that many things have changed.

Thinking of this, Jun Zechen's brows furrowed slightly involuntarily.

"Go to Mofeng Tower."

Afterwards, Jun Zechen entered Linlang Street at a certain corner, while the rest of the soldiers continued on the main road.

Qi Wanyin, who had been mingling in the crowd, kept her eyes on her cousin, the Crown Prince, from beginning to end.

Her cousin was riding his horse towards the Crown Prince's residence, and she followed him closely.

But to her surprise, her cousin suddenly turned and headed towards Linlang Street, which puzzled her, so she followed him.

As Jun Zechen dismounted, Qi Wanyin suddenly appeared in front of him.

"cousin."

Qi Wanyin's voice carried a hint of shyness. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes were full of anticipation, and she lowered her head slightly, not daring to look directly into Jun Zechen's eyes.

Jun Zechen looked up at her, his brows furrowing even more deeply, his eyes revealing undisguised disgust.

Jun Zechen couldn't understand his cousin's inexplicable hatred for him in his past life, but in this life, because he went to the border region, his uncle was also safe.

Qi Wanyin probably won't be thinking about going to Canglang anymore.

He just hoped she would behave herself and stop causing trouble, otherwise he wouldn't mind taking action to teach her a lesson.

Jun Zechen gave a curt "hmm" as an agreement, and then strode into the Mofeng Tower.

Qi Wanyin's eyes showed hurt because of her cousin's indifference.

She gently bit her lip, trying to comfort herself.

My cousin has been cold and aloof since childhood, treating everyone with the same indifference, not just her.

Qi Wanyin took a deep breath to calm herself down, and then followed behind Jun Zechen.

-

Princess Minghui arrived at Mofeng Tower even earlier than Qi Wanyin.

His complexion wasn't good, for no other reason than that Qi Wanyin, that bitch, had vanished without a trace!

They had agreed to come out together to choose a birthday gift for the Empress Dowager, but in the blink of an eye, she had vanished without a trace.

Without her attendants, Princess Minghui found wandering around outside rather dull.

I happened to overhear the people around me discussing the performance of the courtesan at Mofeng Tower, and a sense of curiosity and interest arose in my heart.

Going to take a look wouldn't hurt; it's just a way to pass the time and relieve boredom.

The waiter at Mofenglou, all smiles, eagerly led Princess Minghui to the second floor.

Princess Minghui immediately raised her eyebrows, her face showing displeasure, and her voice suddenly rose.

"I clearly see that your Mofeng Tower has three floors, so why have you brought me to the second floor?"

Her chin was slightly raised, and her eyes were full of arrogance.

The waiter was so frightened that he broke out in a cold sweat and hurriedly bowed to explain, "Your Highness, please calm down. Your Highness, this restaurant has always had this rule: the third floor only serves distinguished guests who spend ten thousand taels of silver annually at Mofeng Restaurant."

"Your Highness, do you have a VIP pass at Mofeng Tower? If so, I will take you to the third floor immediately."

Princess Minghui always stayed deep within the palace and rarely went out, let alone spent money at Mofeng Tower.

Her expression turned somewhat unpleasant.

"As a princess, am I really inferior to some VIP badge? Humph! If my brother, the Crown Prince, returns, I will make sure your Mofeng Tower closes down immediately!"

The waiter panicked immediately, at a loss for what to do.

"Princess, please forgive me. I will go and ask the manager to handle this matter. I am of low rank and have no authority to make the decision."

Princess Minghui nodded, indicating that he should go and ask for instructions.

The waiter felt as if he had been granted a pardon and left as fast as the wind could carry him.

Soon, the shopkeeper came running over.

"Greetings to the princess." The shopkeeper bowed respectfully.

Get up.

Princess Minghui maintained her stern expression.

"Your Highness, the rules of Mofeng Tower do indeed require an annual spending of over ten thousand taels of silver to access the third floor. I am well aware of Your Highness's noble status and that you do not often spend money outside."

"If you want to go to the third floor, that's fine as long as your daily spending exceeds three hundred taels."

The shopkeeper spoke cautiously, observing the princess's expression as he spoke.

"Do you want to go up?" the shopkeeper asked tentatively.

"Is there even a need to ask? Of course I'll go up."

She straightened her back and held her head high.

"What is my status? Do you expect me to sit with a bunch of ordinary people just to watch a performance?"

It's not like she can't come up with three hundred taels.

The shopkeeper immediately beamed and led the princess to the third floor.

At this moment, Su Jingyao and Chu Yinxue stood side by side, looking at the stage below, appearing very close.

Standing beside Su Jingyao were Si Nanyu, the heir of the Marquis of Wu'an, and Qi Yixu, the third son of the Qi family.

Si Nanyu crossed his arms over his chest, a faint smile playing on his lips, while Qi Yixu stood with his hands behind his back, his posture as upright as a pine tree.

Standing on Chu Yinxue's side were Yan Shuhan, the eldest son of the Yan family, and Wang Xiuwen, last year's third-place scholar.

Yan Shuhan's face was calm, his eyes were deep, while Wang Xiuwen held a folding fan and gently fanned himself, his expression leisurely.

Upon seeing them, Princess Minghui's already terrible mood instantly worsened, reaching its lowest point.

It's really a narrow road for enemies!

She, a princess, had just gone through a lot of trouble, being obstructed by various rules and regulations in order to get to the third floor.

Meanwhile, these young masters and ladies from prominent families were already standing leisurely on the third floor.

Since Princess Minghui formed a bond with Su Jingyao and Chu Yinxue, she has attended every banquet held by the aristocratic families for over a year. She even uses her status as a princess to blackmail other aristocratic women into not having any contact with Su Jingyao and Chu Yinxue.

But aren't these women from aristocratic families also outwardly accommodating while secretly doing one thing?

Although Princess Minghui had royal blood and an extremely noble status, she did not actually wield any real power.

Su Jingyao and Chu Yinxue represent the Su family and the Chu family respectively. In private, which woman from a prominent family wouldn't go to great lengths to flatter them?

In this capital city, only the Ye family can rival these two families.

However, Princess Minghui was naturally unaware of these things.

She walked over with her head held high.

It was Chu Yinxue who first noticed her, and then tugged at Su Jingyao's sleeve.

Su Jingyao was slightly taken aback and turned her head to look at her in confusion.

The other young men also noticed Princess Minghui's arrival, and they all composed themselves and respectfully bowed to her.

Princess Minghui's face was full of pride, and she thoroughly enjoyed their greetings.

Hmph, so what if you're rich? Status and position are what really matter.

"No need for formalities. What a coincidence, I didn't expect you all to be here." Her voice was drawn out, with a hint of sarcasm.

Princess Minghui is growing increasingly disgusted with Su Jingyao and Chu Yinxue. The Empress only has a legitimate son, and she is the Empress's only daughter. Although she was raised under the Empress's name, she was officially registered as a legitimate princess.

Before she was officially registered under her mother's name, all the princesses in the palace could bully her.

Now that she holds a high position, everyone should revolve around her.

Princess Minghui stared at Su Jingyao and Chu Yinxue with hostility.

Whenever they are around, the attention of these young masters is always drawn to them.

Princess Minghui turned to Yan Shuhan with a complicated look, seemingly hiding a burning possessiveness within her gaze.

The man she sets her sights on must become her prince consort, no matter what!

"What are you doing here, Young Master Yan?"

Princess Minghui's tone was noticeably gentler when she spoke to Yan Shuhan.

"Just wandering around aimlessly."

Yan Shuhan's answer was extremely perfunctory.

Princess Minghui's anger surged.

Why are they all acting like they've been bewitched, all circling around Su Jingyao and Chu Yinxue?

Just because they are good-looking?

Princess Minghui suppressed her dissatisfaction. Since Yan Shuhan was indifferent to her, she wouldn't try to win him over. She then forced a fake smile.

"Miss Su, when you bought the bracelet last time, I could tell you were a big spender. I suppose you booked this private room on the third floor of Mofeng Tower today. It seems Miss Chu and the other gentlemen are all benefiting from your generosity."

She narrowed her eyes slightly, her gaze revealing hostility.

"I was surprised to learn that the Su family could spend tens of thousands of taels of silver at the Mofeng Tower every year. Does Lord Su have that much in his salary?"

"Or... is this money of dubious origin?"

As Princess Minghui spoke, she glanced sideways at Su Jingyao, her expression as if she were scrutinizing a criminal.

But she wasn't wrong. What young lady could be as extravagant as Su Jingyao?

"Princess Minghui, the Su family's wealth does not solely rely on my father's salary, nor does my money come solely from the Su family."

"However, how I obtained this money is my private matter and I cannot disclose it. I suppose the princess is not the kind of person to press for details and will not ask further."

Su Jingyao remained calm and composed, looking directly at Princess Minghui with a serene gaze.

"If Princess Minghui believes that the Su family has money of dubious origin, the princess is free to report it to the Dali Temple. The Su family has nothing to hide."

Su Jingyao's voice was clear and crisp, neither humble nor arrogant.

Princess Minghui glared fiercely at Su Jingyao, approaching her step by step, each step carrying a sense of oppression.

"Miss Su, did the Su family not teach you manners? When you speak to this princess, remember to lower your eyes and speak softly."

As she spoke, she gritted her teeth, the words squeezed out from between them.

As she finished speaking, Princess Minghui walked up to Su Jingyao and whispered in her ear, her voice soft yet full of threat.

"Since you are disrespectful to this princess, then kneel down."

Su Jingyao coldly turned her head and glanced at Princess Minghui.

This was the first time she had felt angry since her rebirth.

Chu Yinxue couldn't stand Princess Minghui's arrogant and domineering behavior, so she immediately stepped in front of Su Jingyao to support her.

Su Jingyao reached out and pulled her back, shaking her head slightly and indicating with her eyes that there was no need to let this princess make a fuss over nothing.

Chu Yinxue could only glare indignantly at Princess Minghui.

Princess Minghui saw their actions and smiled disdainfully. She was a princess; what could they do to her?

Seeing that Su Jingyao remained motionless, she felt even more smug. In that case, she had a reason to punish her.

So what if she's beautiful? So what if she comes from a high-ranking family? They all have to bow their heads obediently in front of her, the princess.

"Why doesn't Miss Su kneel?"

"Why should I kneel if I did nothing wrong?"

Su Jingyao's lips curled up into a cold smile.

Before Jun Zechen left, he gave her a token representing the Crown Prince's identity. She originally did not want to expose her relationship with Jun Zechen.

But since she has powerful backers, why doesn't Su Jingyao use them? Since this world can't be reasoned with, then she'll use even greater power to suppress them.

Princess Minghui's face turned completely cold, and she raised her hand, ready to slap him hard.

With lightning speed, Yan Shuhan pulled Su Jingyao to his side with one hand and grabbed Princess Minghui's raised wrist with the other.

"Let go!"

Princess Minghui felt a surge of jealousy and resentment when she saw Yan Shuhan protecting Su Jingyao, and her eyes turned red with anger.

Yan Shuhan ignored the princess's request and instead looked at Su Jingyao with concern, "Are you alright?"

Su Jingyao shook her head silently.

As soon as Jun Zechen stepped onto the third floor, he saw this tense atmosphere.

Then he saw Yao Yao being held by the arm by a man and protected to the side. His face turned ashen instantly, and it seemed as if countless cold currents were emanating from his body.

He had just returned from beyond the Great Wall, and because Su Jingyao was at Mofeng Tower, he hadn't even changed out of his armor yet.

His powerful aura sent chills down one's spine.

"Minghui, what are you doing?"

Jun Zechen's voice was icy, but his gaze was fixed on Yan Shuhan's hand that was gripping Su Jingyao's arm.

Princess Minghui trembled upon hearing the familiar yet authoritative voice.

Everyone else turned their gazes toward the prince, who was dressed in armor and had a cold expression.

However, Su Jingyao did not look at Jun Zechen, but instead turned her gaze to Qi Wanyin behind Jun Zechen.