Zhao Xi, who was lying on the couch, was stunned for a moment, a trace of astonishment crossing his face. Then, he couldn't help but chuckle.
Her smile is as beautiful as a flower, making her already fair face even more charming. Her every move exudes a fresh and elegant temperament.
She was already lying on her side in the soft sleeper, and with this gentle laugh, her delicate body trembled and curled up, a few strands of black hair falling from her forehead, messy yet elegant, and her thin dress could barely contain her graceful and voluptuous figure. She leaned back slightly, and beneath the hem of her skirt, her crystal-clear toes were slightly tense, her fingertips curled, a breathtaking beauty.
It is snow-white and dazzling, and its elusive appearance makes it a stunning sight that is unforgettable.
After a brief chuckle, Zhao Xi raised her eyes and gazed at Lin Jiangnian with a smile: "I didn't expect that Your Highness is quite honest... Could it be that Your Highness isn't afraid that I will complain?"
"Complain?"
Zhao Xi blinked at Lin Jiangnian, half smiling, "Your Highness, aren't you curious as to why I invited you into my mansion?"
"Ms. Zhao, please speak."
Zhao Xi looked at Lin Jiangnian with a half-smile, her fair face tinged with red, delicate and moving. "After meeting His Highness, I think I understand why that woman Li Piaomiao didn't want to mention His Highness to me..."
She suddenly remembered the look on Li Piaomiao's face when she asked about the appearance of Prince Lin last time.
So, is that so?
Lin Jiangnian's eyes narrowed slightly. "Miss Zhao, do you know the eldest princess?"
"More than just knowing each other?"
Zhao Xi's eyes danced with joy as she chuckled softly, "She and I are very close sisters."
After these words were spoken, Lin Jiangnian was stunned for a moment.
A bit unexpected!
The Miss Zhao in front of me is actually a good sister of the eldest princess?!
This is unheard of.
Looking at Miss Zhao's lazy and elegant expression, with a hint of excitement and playfulness, Lin Jiangnian was silent for a moment, then quickly accepted it.
That's right. Miss Zhao has lived in seclusion in the capital for many years, rarely showing up in public. She seems quite similar to the eldest princess in some ways. Given their respective identities, it's not surprising that they knew each other.
As for being able to become good sisters?
Lin Jiangnian couldn't help but look at Zhao Xi a few more times. This was a little surprising.
Can they become good sisters?
"Your Highness, are you surprised?"
"It's not a surprise..."
Lin Jiangnian paused and glanced at her: "Since Miss Zhao and the Princess are good friends, the purpose of Miss Zhao asking me to meet today..."
"I've long heard of the name of His Highness, the Crown Prince of Lin. I'm curious and want to see his presence. To see if my good sister's fiancé is any different from what's been rumored."
Zhao Xi smiled and winked at Lin Jiangnian with her delicate eyes.
Something seemed to be entangled between her eyebrows and eyes. She curled up lazily on the soft couch, her body naturally charming.
Lin Jiangnian was calm and unmoved.
There is a problem!
This Miss Zhao seems to be a little too enthusiastic.
It gives people the illusion that she wants to steal her good sister's boyfriend!
"So, Miss Zhao, did you see anything?"
Lin Jiangnian's expression remained unchanged.
"I guess so."
Zhao Xi raised an eyebrow. "At least in terms of appearance, Your Highness has exceeded my expectations. He is quite a good match for Piaomiao."
"As for the others, I haven't figured it out yet..."
As Zhao Xi spoke, his gaze lingered on Lin Jiangnian, as if wanting to get a clearer look at him. Such a direct gaze made Lin Jiangnian even more wary.
Is this Miss Zhao really a good sister of the eldest princess?
They don't look like real sisters!
"It is fate that I can meet Miss Zhao today. If Miss Zhao has nothing else to do, I will take my leave first."
Realizing that there was something wrong with Zhao Xi in front of him, Lin Jiangnian didn't plan to stay here any longer.
Lin Jiangnian was nominally engaged to the eldest princess, and this Miss Zhao claimed to be a good sister of the princess, but she was actually seducing her sister's fiancé...
If it were someone else, Lin Jiangnian might not be polite!
If something comes to your door, don’t refuse it.
When a beautiful woman throws herself at him, it is not his style as the prince of Lin to refuse her.
But the Miss Zhao in front of him is the daughter of the current Prime Minister Zhao. Her status is so noble that he cannot be provoked casually.
It's a trap!
This is not acceptable!
Seeing Lin Jiangnian stand up and prepare to leave, Zhao Xi's expression stiffened slightly and his smile gradually disappeared.
"Your Highness, are you in such a hurry to leave?"
A few traces of resentment emerged: "Does His Royal Highness hate me so much?"
"Miss Zhao misunderstood."
Lin Jiangnian's expression remained unchanged: "It's true that I have urgent matters to attend to at home. Next time I have the chance, I will definitely visit Miss Zhao in person!"
"What urgent matter could there be at your Highness's home?"
"My second uncle's youngest son molested a decent woman in the street, and she came to my house to cause trouble. I have to go back and teach that kid a lesson and bring him to my house to apologize!"
Lin Jiangnian spoke without blushing or beating his heart.
Zhao Xi chuckled softly, looking at Lin Jiangnian's serious yet nonsense look, and couldn't help laughing.
Lin Jiangnian’s second uncle?
Isn’t that Jiang Ningkang?
Jiang Ningkang did have a son named Jiang Shaoan. However, Jiang Shaoan was still young, and although he often hung out with the playboys in Beijing, he didn't seem to have the guts to molest decent women.
This Prince Lin is indeed quite interesting!
Vulgar, hypocritical, yet... very honest?
After a while, Zhao Xi's voice came faintly: "Your Highness, if you don't like me, just speak frankly. Why lie?"
"Miss Zhao has misunderstood. This is absolutely not the case!"
"hypocritical!"
Zhao Xi stared at Lin Jiangnian's face for a while before uttering these two words.
But then, she chuckled again, showing a pretty look. "However, considering that His Royal Highness is handsome, I won't bother with you."
As she spoke, she leaned back slightly, reclining on the couch and finding a comfortable position. Her long black hair fell casually, obscuring her profile. The casual posture seemed a bit indecent, but it also added a touch of charm.
I have to say, this woman looks attractive in every way.
Maybe it’s because I’m not wearing enough.
"In fact, the reason I invited His Highness here today is not only because I want to meet His Highness, but also because I want to ask His Highness for help with something."
Now comes the real business!
Lin Jiangnian remained calm: "Miss Zhao, please speak."
Zhao Xi glanced at Lin Jiangnian, a startling glance that was filled with allure. "I heard that His Highness got into trouble at the Lu family's wedding today?"
What happened at the Lu family wedding today couldn't be concealed in public. If nothing unexpected happened, it would have spread throughout the capital.
Zhao Xi looked at Lin Jiangnian with interest: "Your Highness, do you know who is framing you?"
Lin Jiangnian asked back, "Miss Zhao, do you understand?"
“I don’t know.”
Zhao Xi shook his head slightly, a hint of a smile. "But, Your Highness should be very clear about this, right?"
Lin Jiangnian sighed and was about to speak when he saw Zhao Xi curl his lips again: "Your Highness, why do you have to lie to me again?"
"There are many people in the capital who have grudges against Your Highness, but not many who are as mortal enemies as you..."
Zhao Xi smiled faintly, "Zhou Huiguang is at least a well-known playboy in the capital, and his father is an official in one of the six ministries. Although his position is not high, he has considerable influence behind him. Killing the family members of an official from one of the six ministries is not something that ordinary people would have the courage to do..."
"What do you mean, Miss Zhao?"
Zhao Xi sighed softly: "What I mean is... Your Highness might be in trouble!"
"Although Zhou Yao holds a low position, he has some influence in the capital, and Zhou Huiguang is his only son. Now that his son has been murdered, how can he let it go? Furthermore, today's incident has caused a lot of uproar, and all the unfavorable clues point to Your Highness..."
"I'm afraid that Your Highness will soon become the target of public criticism in the capital. Those officials in the court and those members of the aristocratic families will not let Your Highness off easily... They are the best at kicking someone when they're down, especially since Your Highness's father once offended them."
Zhao Xi blinked: "Your Highness, have you thought of a countermeasure?"
"No."
Lin Jiangnian shook his head.
"Then Your Highness isn't worried?"
"Worrying is useful?"
Lin Jiangnian said calmly, "I didn't kill Zhou Huiguang."
"Who can prove it?"
Zhao Xi smiled faintly and said, "Your Highness doesn't seem so naive, does he?"
"Since he was able to frame you, he'll naturally find a way to pin the crime on you... Do you believe that the Secret Service will not be able to find any problems?"
"Even if you didn't kill Zhou Huiguang, it would definitely be you who killed him in the end?"
"letter."
Lin Jiangnian sighed.
He had realized this a long time ago.
It doesn’t matter who killed Zhou Huiguang. What matters is that everyone now thinks it was Lin Jiangnian who killed him.
And the truth...
Who cares?
"Your Highness has just arrived in the capital and has already run into such trouble. If this matter is not handled properly, it will probably be a heavy blow to Your Highness and the entire Linwang Mansion, right?"
"Your Lin family already has a bad reputation in the capital. After this incident, it's inevitable that someone will use it to attack you... They might even take the opportunity to place you under house arrest in the capital and threaten your father."
Zhao Xi looked at Lin Jiangnian with high spirits and spoke.
Lin Jiangnian met her eyes and asked, "Then why did Miss Zhao remind me of this?"
"Because I can help you!"
Zhao Xi spoke as a matter of course. She sat up, stood up, and her pair of white and flawless feet lightly stepped on the soft blanket, and slowly walked to Lin Jiangnian.
She took light steps, leaned closer, half-closed her eyes, and smiled: "I can help you find out who is behind this, help you suppress Zhou Yao's revenge, and eliminate the influence of the capital on you..."
"How about letting His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Lin get through this crisis safely and without being affected in any way?"
When Zhao Xi came closer, her flawless face was clearly visible. Her skin was snow-white and without any makeup, there was not a single flaw. Her lips were cherry red and her eyes were bright.
She was chuckling, with a look of temptation, tempting Lin Jiangnian to step into her trap step by step.
There was a faint scent of rouge coming from the woman, elegant and fresh, mixed with a scent like gardenia, which was refreshing when you smelled it.
On her slender, snow-white neck, the skin was so delicate and exquisite that one could almost see the blood spreading beneath the thin skin. She was wearing a plain long dress that perfectly outlined her amazingly undulating body curves. Although it was clearly plain clothing, the graceful curves of her body gave off a hint of charm and temptation.
Especially when bending over slightly, the tight parts are outlined more fuller.
Young ladies from wealthy families are not lacking in nutrition, so they develop well...
Lin Jiangnian avoided Zhao Xi's scorching gaze, his expression still calm: "Miss Zhao, why are you helping me?"
"Because I need your help!"
Zhao Xi chuckled sweetly, her beautiful eyes moving with a hint of charm: "I hope Your Highness can help me with something!"
"What is it?"
Zhao Xi stared at Lin Jiangnian, her face still smiling. She whispered softly and slowly said, "Help me kill someone!"
“…”
There was still a faint smile on Zhao Xi's face, looking harmless.
It seemed that killing someone was just a trivial matter for her.
Lin Jiangnian knew very well that things might not be that simple.
"Who is the person Miss Zhao wants to kill?"
"Chen Zhao!"
"Chen Zhao?"
Lin Jiangnian's expression slightly condensed.
Zhao Xi noticed the change on Lin Jiangnian's face: "Your Highness, do you know this person?"
Lin Jiangnian stared at her, as if wanting to get a clearer picture of Zhao Xi. "Why did Miss Zhao want to kill him?"
"Does killing require a reason?"
"need!"
"But I don't want to tell you!"
Zhao Xi blinked.
Lin Jiangnian was silent for a moment, then shook his head gently: "I can't kill him."
"Why?"
"Miss Zhao should be very clear about Chen Zhao's identity, right?" Lin Jiangnian glanced at her.
"nature."
"Since you know that, you should also know how difficult it is to kill him, right?"
Lin Jiangnian had no expression on his face.
"But it's difficult for a eunuch?"
Lin Jiangnian chuckled: "Chen Zhao is different..."
"He is the most favored eunuch of the current emperor!"
Chen Zhao is the old eunuch who is known as the evildoer in the eyes of the common people in the capital and the troublemaker and powerful man in the eyes of the officials in the court!
Chen Zhao was originally a trusted and favored minister of the current emperor. Although he was only an eunuch, he held considerable influence within the court. As the emperor's seclusion increased in recent years, many palace affairs were handed over to Chen Zhao, and his power gradually grew.
Especially after the emperor handed over the power of the Secret Department to Chen Zhao, and Chen Zhao completely controlled the Secret Department, he used the Secret Department to eliminate dissidents in the court and place his confidants. His power in the court had reached its peak, and he was powerful in both the government and the country.
Even the current Crown Prince would be a little wary!
This shows the extent of Chen Zhao's power. If something happened to the current emperor, the consequences for the Daning Dynasty would be disastrous.
And now...
Zhao Xi actually asked him to kill Chen Zhao?
Lin Jiangnian narrowed his eyes and looked at Zhao Xi in front of him.
Zhao Xi's eyes were bright, and he also looked at Lin Jiangnian and blinked.
"Chen Zhao has enormous influence in the capital. Killing him would be as difficult as ascending to heaven!"
Lin Jiangnian shook his head.
"That's why I came to ask His Royal Highness for help!"
Zhao Xi narrowed his eyes and smiled: "I believe that Your Highness has this ability."
"Miss Zhao overestimates me."
Lin Jiangnian shook his head. He would not be fooled.
Although Chen Zhao was just a eunuch, he had the ability to cause chaos in the court. Countless people wanted to kill him, but he remained safe and sound. This naturally speaks volumes.
Lin Jiangnian, whose strength is less than that of the fifth rank, wants to kill Chen Zhao?
It's like a dream!
"Your Highness, don't underestimate yourself."
Zhao Xi didn't give up. "To kill someone, you don't need absolute strength. Outsmarting them is also a good way..."
"I believe that Your Highness has this ability."
Lin Jiangnian ignored her nonsense and asked, "Why did Miss Zhao come to see me?"
He looked at Zhao Xi and chuckled, "With Miss Zhao's abilities, I imagine she's surrounded by experts, right?"
"If I can find the right person, why would I come to ask Your Highness for help?"
Zhao Xi sighed softly, "If I want to kill him, I first need to be able to enter the palace smoothly. After entering the palace, I still need to find the right time to kill him... Such a person is not easy to find!"
"And Your Highness is the best candidate."
Lin Jiangnian shook his head: "I am the son of a vassal king and cannot enter the palace at will."
"When His Majesty summons Your Highness to the palace, Chen Zhao will certainly be at His Majesty's side. That way, Your Highness will have the opportunity to get close to him, won't he?"
Zhao Xi said firmly, "You and Chen Zhaosu have never met, and there is no enmity between you and me. I don't think he would have thought that Your Highness had murderous intentions towards him..."
"You are the Crown Prince of Lin. Even if you kill Chen Zhao, the Emperor will probably not punish you too severely..."
Lin Jiangnian said nothing, but just looked at the young lady of the Zhao family in front of him, who was beaming with joy and excitement.
So this was her idea?
You know what, this plan is indeed feasible!
Perhaps this is her real purpose?
but……
"Miss Zhao overestimated me..."
Lin Jiangnian shook his head lightly and sighed, "I've never killed anyone... I'm afraid I'll disappoint Miss Zhao."
Although this plan is feasible, Lin Jiangnian does not intend to agree to it.
Firstly, this plan was too risky. Killing people in the imperial city, especially the emperor's favorite, would have serious consequences.
Chen Zhao was extremely powerful and had many experts under his command. Even if someone could kill Chen Zhao, it was not certain that they could escape unscathed.
Secondly, Lin Jiangnian did not completely trust Miss Zhao.
Worried that she is cheating!
After much deliberation, Lin Jiangnian chose to refuse.
Zhao Xi didn't seem surprised by this answer. She smiled gently at Lin Jiangnian and said, "Your Highness, there's no need to rush to refuse. Think about it carefully..."
"Miss Zhao really overestimates me. This prince really doesn't have this ability."
Lin Jiangnian shook his head.
He doesn't intend to get involved in this mess.
Zhao Xi didn't give up. He raised his eyebrows and chuckled, "As long as Your Highness agrees to help me kill him, I can solve all of Your Highness's troubles today... And, if Your Highness encounters any trouble in the capital in the future, I can help Your Highness deal with it..."
"how?"
It was a very tempting condition. Zhao Xi was the daughter of Prime Minister Zhao, who held great power and prestige in the court. With her words, Lin Jiangnian would have an additional reliable backer in the capital.
However, Lin Jiangnian remained unmoved.
"Is Your Highness so hard-hearted?"
Zhao Xi sighed in a deep voice, looking at him with a slightly resentful look. Meeting those eyes, Lin Jiangnian actually felt a moment of turmoil in his heart.
He avoided Zhao Xi's gaze and said calmly, "I really have no power..."
Zhao Xi took another step closer, almost reaching Lin Jiangnian. The warm breath lingered in his ears, with a bit of gentleness, making Lin Jiangnian's body slightly numb.
"If Your Highness agrees, I will consider agreeing to all of Your Highness's requests..."
"how?"
Okay, okay, let’s play it this way, ok?
Lin Jiangnian stood up and took a step back without leaving a trace. "Miss Zhao, please respect yourself."
"This prince is a serious person!"
“…”
