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Not long after Xiao Zhongshan and Wei Changhai departed, Wen Jin arrived at the gate of the Princess’s Residence in a carriage.
The steward and a few guards approached, helping him unload the carriage and carry his belongings into the mansion. Besides a change of clothes, there were only some familiar books.
Passing through corridors and over bridges, he reached the Cloud Perch Hall and took the initiative to meet Yan Qing.
In the spacious sleeping chamber, the red wooden screen separating the inner and outer chambers had been removed, replaced by an exquisitely crafted golden cage. It stood slightly taller than an adult man, with enough length and width to accommodate a single wooden bed.
Wen Jin’s gaze paused as he stared fixedly at the sudden appearance of the cage, feeling as if his feet were heavy, unable to move forward.
“A golden cage that suits your status, Lord Wen.” Yan Qing sat on a brocade couch by the window, holding a teacup, “Do you like it?”
A visible paleness crossed Wen Jin’s face.
Involuntarily, memories of a dark period from his childhood flooded his mind, like a nightmare he couldn’t shake. His fingertips trembled, but a faint smile played on his lips, “I like it. Thank you, Your Highness.”
“If you like it, you shall live here from now on.” Yan Qing’s tone was casual, as if deciding something that pleased her, “I put effort into preparing it for you.”
Wen Jin fell silent for a moment, trying to ignore the sensation of cold creeping through his limbs. Eventually, he managed to utter a single word, “Understood.”
Yan Qing’s gaze rested on his face, beckoning him over with a wave of her hand, “Come here.”
Wen Jin quietly approached and knelt before her.
Yan Qing observed his face up close. In her final moments in her past life, she had vowed to keep her distance from him in the next life. Yet, she never imagined she would truly have the chance for a fresh start.
At this moment, Wen Jin was already the most outstanding nobleman she had nurtured. In her past life, she spent three years paving the way for him, creating opportunities for the late Emperor to see his talent and strategic abilities. Within three years, he was promoted to the position of Prime Minister against all odds – apart from his remarkable knowledge, another reason was that Wen Jin was instrumental to the late Emperor’s legacy for the new Emperor.
Holding great power and occupying a high position.
Yan Qing felt that cutting ties with him at this point would render all her efforts and thoughts in vain. Moreover, Wen Jin’s face was undeniably attractive.
Despite his regicide in her past life, despite his betrayal.
It could not be denied that his face, every feature of it, was ingrained in her memory.
With such a handsome face, it would be a pity not to see it anymore. So, why not clip his wings, blunt his claws, and have him be a well-behaved pet?
Seeing him every day would satisfy her visual enjoyment and ensure he had no chance to betray her – a perfect arrangement.
“Wen Jin.” Yan Qing rested her head on her hand, a smile playing on her lips, “I had a dream that my hand-raised pet hurt me.”
Wen Jin’s face was pale to the extreme, his gaze lowered, falling on her embroidered gold-patterned skirt that exuded a sense of nobility, “That pet deserves to die.”
“Breaking his teeth seems a bit harsh.” Yan Qing sighed, “And removing his claws would take away some of the fun. So, I thought it better to confine the pet, rendering him harmless and unable to harm anyone.”
“Understood.”
Yan Qing scrutinized his face for a while, then with a touch of melancholy, “If you were even slightly less attractive…”
She wouldn’t have bothered to keep him as a pet and would have discarded him like meat to the wolves.
Wen Jin discerned the meaning behind her words, finally relieved as he realized the significance of his appearance, grateful that it granted him this chance.
“Your Highness.” Shen Mo walked in, holding a pair of shackles. Upon seeing Wen Jin, his movements faltered momentarily, then he lowered his head, “I have brought the shackles, Your Highness.”
“Leave them.”
“Understood.”
Yan Qing looked at Wen Jin, “The shackles are also prepared for you.”
Wen Jin had calmed down, a faint and gentle curve on his lips, masking his true emotions, “Thank you, Your Highness.”
“Thank me?” Yan Qing scoffed, “I have raised you for so many years, thinking I understood you better than anyone. Yet now, whether your gratitude is sincere or just pretense, I can no longer discern. Will I trust you in the future?”
A pang hit Wen Jin’s heart. He lowered his head, his voice slightly hoarse, “I will never lie to Your Highness, never.”
“If that’s the case, put the shackles on yourself.”
“Understood.”
Wen Jin stood up and walked over, picking up the heavy dark iron shackles. Despite the overwhelming chill in his heart, he showed no sign of it on his face. His hands and feet were soon locked in place, dragging the shackles as he walked over. Handing the key to Yan Qing, he kneeled by the foot of the bed, his face displaying calm submission.
At least she was willing to keep him, bringing a sense of peace to his heart.
Yan Qing took the key and gestured.
Wen Jin then turned towards the golden cage, opening the door and stepping inside. Closing the door, he knelt at the head of the bed, his graceful and elegant posture reflecting composure. Even in this situation, he remained poised and composed, showing no signs of distress.
“Years of upbringing have not been in vain.” Yan Qing observed, “There will never be another person in this world who can wear shackles with the bearing of a gentleman. Wen Jin, this prison and shackles are truly tailored for you.”
“Understood.” Wen Jin’s tone remained docile, “Thank you, Your Highness.”
Yan Qing set down the teacup, relaxing as she leaned against the brocade couch, “Do you know what I plan to do next?”
“I dare not make presumptions.”
“I aim to have the whole realm submit to the Zhuque City.” Yan Qing smirked lightly, “I have my eyes set on the City Lord’s Mansion in Zhuque City. It has been my palace for the past two years.”
Wen Jin quietly lowered his gaze, a remarkable idea suddenly surfacing in his mind.
Located to the south of the Yong Dynasty, Zhuque City was positioned at the center of the empire’s map, a wealthy and prosperous stronghold. It served as the military center of the Yong Dynasty a century ago, strategically advantageous, making it an ideal defensive position.
After the unification of the Yong Dynasty, the city was granted to the accomplished female general of the time, bestowed the title of Zhuque Queen. The Zhuque Queen settled in the city, building up military, raised soldiers and bought horses, and passed down from generation to generation, eventually becoming a significant threat to the Yong Dynasty’s rulers.
Furthermore, the former Zhuque Queen had many courtyards in her mansion, akin to the Emperor’s harem, each uniquely designed to house her pets, with picturesque names given to the courtyards.
Yan Qing wanted the City Lord’s Mansion…
A chilling sensation enveloped Wen Jin’s heart, spreading through his limbs and leaving him speechless in its icy grip.
“Your Highness.” He spoke slowly, striving to maintain a calm composure in his voice, “Zhuque City’s military power is formidable, and the current Zhuque King is a cunning individual. It won’t be easy to seize control of Zhuque City.”
“It may not be easy indeed.” Yan Qing nonchalantly nodded, “But I don’t think it will be that difficult. The current Zhuque King, Lu Ming, is already under my influence.”
Wen Jin was taken aback. After three years away from Zhuque City and three years serving in the court, he had no idea that Zhuque City was now fully under Yan Qing’s control.
“Lu Ming is headstrong and not easily…” willingly submit to Your Highness?
“Everyone has weaknesses. Once I find his weakness, he will be vulnerable.” Yan Qing stated, “Besides, the situation in Zhuque City has changed, and Lu Ming is a clever man.”
Wen Jin pressed his lips together, keeping his eyes lowered in silence.
Yan Qing walked to the outside of the cage, observing Wen Jin’s peaceful demeanor, and remarked with a smile, “Wen Jin, you are better suited to be a quiet pet. You look so pitiable and lovable.”
Wen Jin was momentarily surprised but naturally smiled faintly, “As long as Your Highness approves, I am willing to be a pet.”
“Whether you are willing or not is no longer up to you.” Yan Qing spoke from her elevated position, her voice relaxed yet cold as snow, “From now on, behave yourself and don’t entertain inappropriate thoughts. I don’t want to be the one to destroy you.”
Wen Jin lowered his gaze, “Understood.”
“Guess how long Yan Chen can rule without attending court? If you skip court, how many days will he last?”
Wen Jin replied, “At most seven days. He will personally visit my residence.”
“Are you that certain?”
“Xiao Jinghan is imprisoned in the Princess’s residence dungeon. Xiao Zhongshan won’t rest until he sees his son. The Emperor may seek the Prince Regent’s help, but the Prince Regent isn’t one to meddle in trivial matters.” Wen Jin’s voice was pleasant, like pure and clear stream water, “The Emperor can only rely on me.”
Yan Qing nodded, “A logical assessment.”