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

Chapter 155: Borrowing a Knife to Kill

Ruan Dianfu frowned slightly, a mixture of curiosity and unease in his eyes: "Who is this person?"

Chu Liangchen paused abruptly, his words ringing out firmly: "Duke of Qin, Wei Wuji!"

Upon hearing this, Ruan Dianfu's expression became complicated, with doubt and unease creeping onto his brow.

In fact, this was Xiao Jinyan's explanation. Liu Huan's life or death was not a concern, since he was just a tool anyway. If Liu Huan was gone, someone else could be made emperor. Wei Wuji was the biggest threat to Xiao Jinyan at the moment.

Chu Liangchen's face was ashen, his eyes filled with unwavering resolve. He turned to Ruan Dianfu and said in a steady tone, "This man is Liu Kun's trusted strategist, cunning and unpredictable. Liu Kun has complete faith in his plans and follows his advice without question. His wisdom is as profound as that of a hundred thousand soldiers. If we can eliminate this great threat, it will be tantamount to cutting off one of Liu Kun's powerful arms, greatly diminishing his strength!"

Upon hearing this, Ruan Dianfu nodded slightly, a hint of solemnity flashing across his face: "What Minister Chu said is extremely pertinent! However, Wei Wuji is Liu Kun's confidant and holds an important position in the court, the head of all officials, wielding immense power. To eliminate this traitor is no less difficult than pulling teeth from a tiger's mouth!"

Chu Liangchen's lips curled into a cold smile as he slowly said, "If everything were so easy, why would I, Chu Liangchen, need to take action personally?"

Upon hearing this, Ruan Dianfu was overjoyed, thinking to himself: "Brilliant! Judging from Chu Liangchen's words and demeanor, he must already have a plan in mind! This important matter will surely be accomplished smoothly!"

So he smiled broadly and said, "Minister Chu is indeed a man of unparalleled wisdom! But if I may be so bold as to ask, how does Your Excellency intend to get rid of that treacherous Wei Wuji?"

Chu Liangchen's eyes flashed, and he uttered words as cold as ice: "A scheme to kill with a borrowed knife!"

Ruan Dianfu looked slightly suspicious and asked, "Oh? But I wonder whose hand the Vice Minister wishes to use?"

Chu Liangchen pursed his lips and uttered a name: "Duke of Chu, Yu Jin".

Ruan Dianfu frowned, looking puzzled: "Minister Chu, am I hearing things? Yu Jin is a corrupt official who forms cliques, embezzles public funds, and has a long list of misdeeds. He is simply the number one villain in the Song Dynasty court!"

Chu Liangchen's lips curled into a cold smile as he slowly said, "Treacherous and wicked people have their own unique uses. Imagine if the current ruler were a wise and virtuous monarch, skilled in both civil and military affairs, with a heart for the common people, comparable to the ancient sages and worthies. In that case, treacherous ministers like Yu Jin would naturally be parasites on the country, and it would be only natural to get rid of them as soon as possible. However, if the one sitting on the throne is a muddle-headed, incompetent, and debauched tyrant like Liu Kun, wouldn't the evil deeds of people like Yu Jin become a catalyst for accelerating the collapse of this corrupt dynasty? Their existence, in this chaotic world, also has its own delicate balance."

Ruan Dianfu nodded slightly and said approvingly, "Minister Chu's remarks were truly insightful and to the point."

Chu Liangchen chuckled and continued, "Consider Zhao Gao of the Qin Dynasty. Though he bears the infamy of a treacherous minister, he was one of the masterminds behind the widespread uprisings and the downfall of the Qin Dynasty. From another perspective, he also contributed to the course of history. Thus, times create heroes and choices. In this era of dramatic change, people like Wei Wuji, seemingly loyal to Liu Kun, are actually potential parasites on the foundation of the Song Dynasty. This man is a major concern for us; the sooner we eliminate him, the more secure we can be for the sake of our nation!"

Upon hearing this, Ruan Dianfu felt a sudden sense of enlightenment and quickly cupped his hands, saying, "Oh, Minister Chu, your insights are truly invaluable and hit the nail on the head! Listening to your words is better than years of hard study. However, if we borrow Yu Jin's help, can we really bring down that cunning and treacherous Wei Wuji?"

Chu Liangchen smiled slightly, confidently saying, "Currently, Wei Wuji is the chief prime minister, wielding immense power, while Yu Jin, though second in rank, must harbor resentment. Sooner or later, a rift will develop between them, like ice and charcoal. I only need to cleverly sow discord between them, and in time, I will be able to use Yu Jin to eliminate Wei Wuji, this major threat, in one fell swoop!"

Ruan Dianfu's face was filled with undisguised joy, and he said repeatedly, "Minister Chu's plan is truly a stroke of genius, wonderful beyond words! It shows that you are exceptionally intelligent and decisive, and I admire you greatly! However, I still have a question. I wonder how you intend to cleverly arrange things and use Yu Jin to carry out your plan?"

Upon hearing this, Chu Liangchen quickly smiled modestly and said, "Liangchen plans to implement a scheme. On the surface, I will feign compliance and join Yu Jin's ranks, pretending to be his strategist and offering advice. However, in secret, I will subtly sow discord, inducing Yu Jin to exert influence on Liu Kun, making him even more muddle-headed and tyrannical. More importantly, Liangchen will seize the opportunity to cleverly utilize Yu Jin's power to quietly eliminate Wei Wuji, this major threat."

Upon hearing this, Ruan Dianfu praised him highly: "Minister Chu is truly a peerless national talent, possessing both wisdom and courage! In the future, our dynasty will need to rely heavily on your brilliant strategies and strong support for important matters!"

Upon hearing this, Chu Liangchen's expression turned solemn, and he looked intently at Ruan Dianfu. He slowly said, "Prefect Ruan, unless there is something extremely urgent, it would be best if we reduced our meetings to prevent the leakage of secrets and the failure of our efforts. If we need to exchange information, we can go to Yan Daoxiu, who is thirty miles north of Jiankang City, on the night of the full moon."

Ruan Dianfu was taken aback upon hearing this, a hint of doubt flashing between his brows: "Yan Daoxiu? Could it be that Yan Daoxiu, the Yellow Gate Attendant?"

Chu Liangchen nodded slightly, confirming Ruan Dianfu's guess: "That's right."

Ruan Dianfu was even more surprised: "Minister Chu, Yan Daoxiu is a very popular figure in Liu Kun's harem. Could it be... that she is also our ally?"

Chu Liangchen nodded again with unwavering certainty: "It is indeed Yan Daoxiu. She is not only one of our people, but also an indispensable part of this plan."

Ruan Dianfu's eyes gleamed with barely suppressed excitement as he murmured, "That's wonderful! If the Prince of Xiangyang gets this help, it will be like adding wings to a tiger."

After speaking, he gently tapped his clenched fist on the table, as if to pour out all the lofty ambitions in his heart.

Upon hearing this, Chu Liangchen smiled knowingly. He slowly stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the pitch-black night sky outside. He said softly, "Don't worry, Yan Daoxiu has long been fed up with Liu Kun's debauched behavior. He has privately expressed his willingness to submit to the Prince of Xiangyang and work together for a great cause."

Upon hearing this, Ruan Dianfu's eyes shone even brighter, but this was quickly replaced by a trace of worry. He asked anxiously, "That's wonderful, but when exactly will we be able to rescue the Prince of Xiangyang from that dark and hopeless prison? Every day that passes brings more torment to my heart."

Chu Liangchen turned around, his eyes sharp, his tone firm and steady: "This matter must not be rushed, and we must not act rashly! Liu Kun is still very difficult to shake, especially Wei Wuji, who is cunning and treacherous. We must wait patiently until I have carefully planned and found a way to eliminate this major threat, Wei Wuji, before we can carry out the rescue. Only then can we ensure that everything goes smoothly."

Upon hearing this, Ruan Dianfu's expression turned solemn and dignified. He slowly walked up to Chu Liangchen, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and spoke with boundless respect and expectation: "Minister Chu, the safety of the Prince of Xiangyang is not only a matter of his personal honor and disgrace, but also concerns the fate of the Song Dynasty and the well-being and happiness of countless people. All of this rests on your shoulders. We hope that you can strategize and win battles from afar, leading us to depose the tyrannical emperor and restore order to the nation."

Chu Liangchen's voice was firm and deep: "A scholar will die for one who understands him. I, Chu Liangchen, am willing to give my all to help the Prince of Xiangyang overthrow this corrupt and tyrannical regime, work together for a great cause, and bring peace back to this chaotic world."

Upon hearing this, Ruan Dianfu's eyes flashed with approval. He slowly stepped forward, patted Chu Liangchen's shoulder, and said with a mixture of emotion and trust, "Good, Liangchen, with your words, a great weight has been lifted from my heart. Go ahead and do it without any worries. When the Prince of Xiangyang cuts the shackles of the tyrant and ascends to the throne, he will surely remember your meritorious service. At that time, you will surely rise to the highest position in the Song Dynasty, becoming a pillar of the state, second only to the emperor, and enjoy all the riches and honors."

However, Chu Liangchen's face showed no desire for power. He gently shook his head, his tone resolute and unwavering: "Prefect Ruan, I, Chu Liangchen, do not desire high-ranking official positions or worldly fame and fortune. My only wish is for the people of the Song Dynasty to break free from the shackles of the tyrant and regain their freedom; I only wish that the world can be restored to its former glory, allowing the common people to live in peace and prosperity and share in a golden age."

Upon hearing this, Ruan Dianfu's expression became complicated: "I heard that Vice Minister Chu's wife was taken by Liu Kun and later died in the palace. Don't be too sad, there are plenty of fish in the sea."

Chu Liangchen's eyes were deep and persistent.

"I, Chu Liangchen, wish only to spend my life with the princess, and I vow to dedicate my heart to her without reservation. My heart, beating in my chest, can only hold the image of the princess, and no other woman."

Upon hearing this, Ruan Dianfu couldn't help but sigh softly, a complex look flashing in his eyes.

"Liangchen, your love affair with the princess was truly earth-shattering and heart-wrenching, leaving people both amazed and heartbroken. That Liu Kun is a heartless bastard; he not only cruelly tore you two apart, but also inhumanely took the princess's life. This is an outrage against heaven and earth, and he will surely get his comeuppance!"

Chu Liangchen gently closed his eyes, a bitter smile playing on his lips: "Prefect Ruan, that's all I have to say. Liangchen needs to pack his bags and set off immediately for Jiankang to pay a visit to Yu Jin. On this journey, I bear a heavy responsibility, not only to seek justice for the princess, but also to fulfill our shared mission."

Ruan Dianfu looked at his close friend, his eyes filled with reluctance and worry.

"Liangchen, your journey is long and uncertain. We brothers may never meet again. Life is short, so why not take advantage of this beautiful time to drink and ease our hearts?"

Upon hearing this, Chu Liangchen's eyes flashed with a hint of resonance: "Good! Liangchen also had the same idea and is willing to embark on this intoxicating journey with Brother Tianfu."

Before he could finish speaking, Ruan Dianfu had already stood up impatiently and grabbed Chu Liangchen's hand.

That day, the moon hung high in the sky, its silvery light bathing the earth. Chu Liangchen and Ruan Dianfu found a quiet little tavern, where candlelight flickered and the aroma of wine filled the air. The two sat facing each other, several large bowls of strong liquor on the table, just like their hearts boiling with excitement.

They clinked their glasses together, the sound crisp and clear. Bowl after bowl, the wine trickling down their throats like a gentle stream, igniting a fire in their hearts. Until night fell, the stars twinkled, and the two were completely drunk, unconscious, slumped on the table, a satisfied smile still on their lips, as if continuing their unfinished ambitions in their dreams.