The prince is fierce: Who dares to steal my woman?

Chapter 150 Testing Ruan Dianfu

Xiao Jinyan inwardly scoffed. This Ruan Dianfu was certainly sweet-talking, but he wondered when he would get to the point. He remained outwardly calm, feigning cheerfulness, and said, "Prefect Ruan, you flatter me. Since we are sincere in our friendship, we should be frank. Prefect, your presence today must indicate you have important matters to discuss. Let us be frank, skip the formalities, and get straight to the point, shall we?"

Ruan Dianfu smiled obsequiously and said softly, "Commander Xiao, I will be frank with you. I have two great passions in life: one is to make friends with heroes and valiant men from all over the world, and the other is to collect rare and powerful weapons. Commander Xiao, you are a man of great spirit and superb martial arts skills. You are like a towering pillar of our Great Song Dynasty, supporting the peace of this land. You are truly one of the most outstanding heroes of our time."

"As for the 'Xuanming Sword' in your hand, it is a legendary ancient artifact, with its sharp edge and chilling light, truly a peerless weapon in the world. It is precisely because of this that I could not suppress my desire and came to the Duke of Qi's mansion, just to see the general's demeanor, and I also hope to have the honor of borrowing the 'Xuanming Sword' to examine it carefully for a few days, to fulfill my lifelong wish."

Xiao Jinyan slowly said, "Prefect Ruan, do you know that the 'Xuanming Sword' in my hand was bestowed upon me by the late Emperor? Through the years, it has always been by my side, never leaving my side for a single day."

Upon hearing this, Ruan Dianfu's expression became respectful: "General Xiao, it is precisely because of the sword's noble origin that I dare not harbor any improper thoughts or presumptuously hope that the General will part with it. What I ask for is merely to borrow it for a few days to feast my eyes on it. The General can rest assured that I will personally return it when the time comes, without fail. Furthermore, I will certainly not let the General suffer any loss in this loan. In the future, if the General has any orders, I will be willing to go through fire and water without hesitation."

Xiao Jinyan smiled knowingly and said slowly, "Prefect Ruan, you wish to borrow my 'Xuanming Sword.' Could it be that you are already planning to go to Langya Pavilion to ask Mr. Su Changmei for a brilliant plan?"

Upon hearing this, Ruan Dianfu's heart sank, and he knew something was wrong. Xiao Jin's words clearly showed that he knew everything about the "Xuanming Sword in exchange for wisdom," and it seemed that he had seen through his thoughts completely!

At this point, any attempt to conceal it was futile. Ruan Dianfu knew that Xiao Jinyan was already fully aware of his actions, and that nothing he did could escape his watchful eye. So be it; only by being honest could he hope for a turn of events. If he continued to hide the truth, he feared he would only be branded as disloyal and dishonest.

Therefore, Ruan Dianfu secretly made up his mind to be frank with Xiao Jinyan. After all, the truth would come out sooner or later, so why not face it sooner?

Then, Ruan Dianfu slowly dropped his pretense, his gaze frank and urgent: "General, as you think, I do indeed intend to borrow your 'Xuanming Sword' to seek the wisdom of Langya Pavilion. At this time, a tyrannical ruler is running rampant, and the people are suffering terribly. As the backbone of the Song Dynasty, how can we sit idly by and watch this land turn to ashes in the hands of a mediocre emperor? I dare to speak frankly, and earnestly request that you, General, generously bestow the 'Xuanming Sword' upon me. I will personally go to Langya Pavilion, vowing to find a good plan to save the people from their misery. When I succeed, I, Ruan Dianfu, on behalf of all living beings, swear to remember your boundless kindness forever!"

Xiao Jinyan pondered to himself that Ruan Dianfu's words always carried a hint of falsehood. He kept talking about "saving the country and the people" and "the common people," but upon closer examination, wasn't this righteous rhetoric concealing nothing more than his ambition to seize the throne for his master, Liu Huan? In the end, it was nothing more than a grand and righteous rebellion... It was truly astonishing that Ruan Dianfu could make this plot sound so open and aboveboard.

Admittedly, Ruan Dianfu harbors ill intentions towards Liu Kun, a sentiment that coincides with his own. The two share the common goal of bringing down Liu Kun, and perhaps they can join hands and embark on this turbulent journey together.

However, the key question remains: how sincere is Nguyen Tien Phu's treasonous intention? Even... even on this path of shared hatred against a common enemy, we must be wary of his ulterior motives and hidden schemes.

If Ruan Dianfu is merely a delusional and mediocre person, what is the value of working with him? If he is just a burden, a stumbling block in everything, and unable to achieve great things together, why don't I set sail alone and find another way?

The world is treacherous. While true villains like Liu Kun are certainly frightening, hypocrites are even more insidious and difficult to guard against. Their smiles conceal daggers, making them far more troublesome than overt evil. However, there is something even more terrifying—the "trusted confidants" around us, those "traitors" who can betray even our closest relatives!

A true villain, because of his blatant evil deeds, can still arouse people's vigilance and make them cautious in their dealings with him; but a hypocrite is different. He wears a friendly mask, making him difficult to distinguish and impossible to guard against.

Now, let's talk about this Prefect Ruan. Is he a cunning and virtuous hypocrite, or a troublemaker among his own people? Is he a dragon soaring in the heavens, a worm lurking in the mud, or a repulsive maggot? Let me test him myself to find out the truth!

Thinking of this, Xiao Jinyan was extremely anxious. He suddenly drew the chilling Xuanming Sword from his waist, lightly rested the tip of the sword on Ruan Dianfu's shoulder, and asked in a deep voice with feigned ruthlessness, "Ruan Dianfu, do you have a death wish?"

Upon seeing this, Ruan Dianfu's face turned as white as paper, and he asked in a trembling voice, "General, what... what are you talking about?"

Xiao Jinyan snorted coldly, his gaze sharp: "Ruan Dianfu, this general truly did not expect that you would harbor such treacherous intentions and attempt such wicked deeds..."

Ruan Dianfu was overwhelmed with mixed emotions; disappointment, frustration, and fear intertwined, forming a tight, impenetrable net that bound him firmly. He was secretly filled with remorse, regretting his past actions. He had been blind to have trusted such a disloyal and unjust person as Xiao Jinyan. He had thought Xiao Jinyan was a responsible man, but unexpectedly, he was nothing more than Liu Kun's sycophantic lackey!

What should be done in this situation? Ruan Dianfu pondered for a moment, then made up his mind. Well, it seems he can only try his best with his silver tongue to see if he can pull Xiao Jinyan back from the wrong path. If he still has a shred of conscience, a trace of humanity left, he will do everything in his power to awaken his dormant heart!

So, Ruan Dianfu suppressed his displeasure, put on a sincere expression, and said to Xiao Jin, "Commander Xiao, do you know that Liu Kun is a complete tyrant! He murdered his brother to seize the throne, disregarded human relations, corrupted the court, and committed all sorts of evil deeds. Why would you risk your life for such an unrighteous, disloyal, and unfilial person? I hope you will think it over!"

Xiao Jinyan smiled calmly and said, "I, Xiao Jinyan, am devoted to the Holy One and unwavering in my loyalty. What can I do about it?"

Ruan Dianfu's face was gloomy, and a ruthless glint flashed in his eyes: "Liu Kun is a man who has committed many evils and will surely be punished by heaven. His end is not far away. Why don't you open your eyes wide, understand the situation, distinguish between loyalty and treachery, and join me in this great undertaking to support the Prince of Xiangyang and overthrow this tyrannical and incompetent ruler!"

Xiao Jinyan was secretly delighted, but remained outwardly calm, thinking: This Ruan Dianfu's rebellious intentions are obvious. However, I still need to test his capabilities and courage further.

Then he slowly opened his mouth, his tone tinged with amusement: "Ruan Dianfu, which emperor in this world has not stained his hands with blood, and which one can truly be pure of heart and free from desires? If you would rebel for these reasons, wouldn't that be too disloyal?"

Ruan Dianfu sighed softly, his words carrying a profound meaning: "You are mistaken. It is not disloyalty, but in fact loyalty to the people and concern for their well-being."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's lips curled into a cold smile, his eyes flashing with a chilling light: "Bah! You traitorous villains, listen to me! I swear to defend His Majesty with my life, and this will never change! As for you, today is your end. I will surely use the Xuanming Sword to cut off your head as a gift of loyalty to His Majesty!"

After saying that, he suddenly raised the Xuanming Sword in his hand high above his head. The tip of the sword flashed, and the cold light pointed directly at Ruan Dianfu. At that moment, the cold sword light swept across Ruan Dianfu's face, like frost and snow.

Upon seeing this, Ruan Dianfu's face turned ashen, his terror evident in his eyes. He cried out in a trembling voice, "Late Emperor, why don't you open your eyes and see that there are such blindly loyal people in this world! Xiao Jinyan, he has confused right and wrong, willingly becoming a henchman of treacherous officials, as foolish as a pig, it is truly lamentable! And now, he even wants to frame me and take my life. Late Emperor, I fear that I will soon leave this world and follow you to the netherworld."

After speaking, Ruan Dianfu slowly closed his eyes, his face contorted with terror, beads of sweat dripping down his forehead, as if the flame of his life was about to be extinguished, awaiting the final judgment.

At this critical moment, Xiao Jinyan's sword suddenly paused, and then, accompanied by a crisp and melodious metallic clang, the Xuanming Sword miraculously returned to its sheath, unharmed.

Ruan Dianfu opened his eyes, his gaze filled with astonishment, and asked in a trembling voice, "Commander Xiao, you... you actually showed mercy and didn't take my head?"

Xiao Jinyan sighed softly, his tone tinged with apology: "Prefect Ruan, I have been quite abrupt this time, but it was truly a helpless act. The world is vast and unpredictable, and the hearts of men are as deep as the sea, so I have no choice but to be more cautious. I hope you will forgive me. Your unwavering loyalty to the country and your heroic spirit of risking your life are clearly visible to me, and I admire you greatly. This 'Xuanming Sword,' although bestowed by the late emperor, is like a pearl cast before swine in my hands, useless and only adding to my regret... If you need it, you might as well take this sword with you; perhaps it can be put to good use."

After speaking, Xiao Jinyan slowly stretched out her hands and solemnly handed the chilling Xuanming Sword to Ruan Dianfu.

Upon seeing this, Ruan Dianfu was overwhelmed with an indescribable sense of surprise and joy, and for a moment, he was at a loss for words. This unexpected gift was undoubtedly the greatest affirmation of his loyalty and courage. He gazed at the sword, his eyes flashing with complex emotions, and thought to himself, how could he easily betray such a profound trust and entrustment?

Ruan Dianfu thought to himself that Xiao Jinyan's actions just now were actually a test, which was truly breathtaking! Fortunately, he managed to withstand the pressure and pass Xiao Jinyan's test.

At this moment, the Xuanming Sword was already firmly in his hand. Time was of the essence, and he needed to set off immediately for Langya Pavilion on Qixia Mountain to have a chat with Su Changmei.

Thinking of this, Ruan Dianfu smiled and said, "It's alright, it's alright. Protector Xiao's noble character is truly admirable. When my prince ascends the throne, he will surely remember the general's great kindness and never forget it!"

But in Xiao Jinyan's heart, only one thought lingered: he silently warned himself, "Liu Huan, don't think that the country will ultimately be yours. You're just holding it for me for now! I, Xiao Jinyan, am the ultimate winner!"