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

Chapter 147 Sending You a Group of Beauties

One month later, on the streets of Jiankang.

The ten-mile-long street was bustling with activity, with crowds of people and vehicles coming and going in an endless stream, and pedestrians of all kinds jostling shoulder to shoulder.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, a beautifully decorated carriage moved through the city streets, followed closely by a magnificent convoy. Within the convoy, approximately two hundred soldiers stood tall and imposing, clad in armor and wielding swords and spears. They were escorting dozens of heavy crates, drawing the attention of passersby.

As the carriage curtain was gently lifted, a middle-aged scholar slowly peeked out. He was about forty years old, with a round face, short beard, and a solemn and deep expression.

The middle-aged scholar was named Ruan Dianfu, an advisor to Liu Huan, the Prince of Xiangyang. As the carriage slowly passed the Mianyue Pavilion, he couldn't help but turn his head to peek inside, secretly sighing to himself: The powerful and wealthy people of Jiankang City truly have a knack for playing the game of pleasure with ease; it's quite a unique experience.

Ruan Dianfu should have been enjoying a peaceful and stable life in Xiangyang. However, life is like a game of chess, with each turn bringing new developments. After Liu Kun ascended the throne, he quickly made arrangements, appointing the ruthless He Songzhi as Minister of Justice. A storm of power-reduction targeting the regional princes then swept across the country.

In this political storm, Ruan Dianfu's fate also underwent a dramatic change. He was unexpectedly promoted by Liu Kun to be the governor of Xiangyang. Meanwhile, his former master, Liu Huan, unfortunately fell into Liu Kun's hands and was mockingly imprisoned in a pigsty, where he was given an absurd title—"Pig King."

This unexpected turn of events forced Ruan Dianfu, who had been firmly established in Xiangyang, to reluctantly take over the chaotic affairs left behind by Liu Huan, transforming him into the head of local military and political affairs.

However, Ruan Dianfu carried far more than just the tedious and heavy responsibility of governing the region. He also bore a heavy mission—to scour the bustling city of Xiangyang for rare treasures, gold and silver jewelry, and beautiful women, pack them into boxes, and transport them to Jiankang under the cover of a caravan, all to curry favor with Liu Kun.

It was those seemingly ordinary yet secretly significant large boxes in the convoy that carried Ruan Dianfu's endless flattery and bribes to Liu Kun...

An hour later, in the Qianyang Hall of the Great Song Dynasty court.

Outside the gate, a row of imperial guards stood tall and straight as pines. Suddenly, one of them strode in and reported, "Your Majesty, the Prefect of Xiangyang, Ruan Dianfu, has come from afar from Xiangyang and has now arrived outside the palace gates. He has come specifically to request an audience with Your Majesty."

Upon hearing this news, Liu Kun's brows involuntarily lit up with a hint of pleasure. He chuckled inwardly, thinking, "This Ruan Dianfu must be bringing me a treasure to congratulate me." With that thought, he smiled slightly and ordered, "Summon Ruan Dianfu, the Prefect of Xiangyang, to an audience!"

Upon hearing this, the guard immediately turned around, facing the door, and loudly conveyed the emperor's decree: "His Majesty commands that Prefect Ruan Dianfu of Xiangyang be summoned to the palace immediately!"

After a while, a figure dressed in plain clothes and wearing a felt hat slowly entered the main hall. It was Ruan Dianfu.

His steps were heavy, and only when he reached the center of the hall did he prostrate himself on the ground in an extremely humble manner: "Your humble servant, Ruan Dianfu, the Prefect of Xiangyang, pays his respects to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Looking at this scene, Liu Kun couldn't help but smile smugly: "My dear minister, please rise."

Upon receiving this decree, Ruan Dianfu slowly straightened up, his expression still respectful.

Liu Kun's gaze fell on Ruan Dianfu, his tone filled with curiosity and anticipation: "My dear minister, have you brought me any rare treasures from your long journey to Jiankang?"

Upon hearing this, Ruan Dianfu hurriedly bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, on this trip to Jiankang, I have prepared a small gift: ten boxes of jewels containing five million taels each of gold and silver, fifty carefully selected fine horses, and one hundred beauties chosen from among the best. I humbly request Your Majesty's permission to send people to inventory and store them in the treasury."

Upon hearing this, Liu Kun was overjoyed and said to Ruan Dianfu with a smile, "Hehe, my dear minister, you are so thoughtful. I am very relieved and gratified."

Seeing this, Ruan Dianfu felt relieved and quickly said, "It is my honor to be able to share Your Majesty's worries. I will do my duty without hesitation, even at the cost of my life."

At this point, Ruan Dianfu hesitated slightly, as if he had something to say, but finally mustered his courage and continued, "Your Majesty, I have another wish in my heart, I wonder if I may have it granted..."

Before he could finish speaking, he seemed hesitant, his words slightly stammering.

Seeing this, Liu Kun asked curiously, "Oh? My dear minister, please speak freely. What is your wish?"

Ruan Dianfu then mustered his courage and slowly said, "Your humble servant dares to request an audience with the 'Pig King,' and hopes Your Majesty will grant me permission."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan, who was standing quietly to the side, pondered to himself: Hmm? Ruan Dianfu wants to see Liu Huan? Could it be that his true intention in traveling all the way to Jiankang... is actually to see Liu Huan? It seems that this person still has an unyielding loyalty to Liu Huan.

Just then, Liu Kun's face darkened, his dissatisfaction overflowing. Finally, unable to contain himself any longer, he roared at Ruan Dianfu, "Ruan Dianfu! You still cling to your former master, where do you place me? This is outrageous! Could it be that you traveled all the way to Jiankang to pay tribute merely to visit that Liu Huan who deserves to die?"

Upon witnessing this scene, Ruan Dianfu turned deathly pale in an instant. He knelt down in a panic, tears streaming down his face. His voice trembled with deep fear as he pleaded with Liu Kun, "Your Majesty, I am utterly wronged! My heart is as clear as the sun and moon; I have absolutely no intention of disloyalty to Your Majesty, absolutely not!"

“In the past, I was momentarily confused and went astray, unfortunately serving the wrong lord, and almost squandered my life’s achievements. Fortunately, Your Majesty is compassionate and magnanimous, and not only did you not blame me, but you also entrusted me with the important task of Prefect of Xiangyang. I am deeply grateful for this kindness, and I think about it day and night, hoping to find a good opportunity to repay Your Majesty’s kindness. How could I possibly have the slightest thought of betraying Your Majesty?”

Liu Kun's gaze was piercing, and his tone carried an undeniable authority: "Since you have sworn to be loyal to me to the death, why did you secretly meet with that so-called 'Pig King'?"

Ruan Dianfu's expression changed slightly, but he remained calm and slowly said, "As for the 'Pig King,' although he is cowardly and incompetent, acts absurdly, and is ambitious but unrealistic, he is unlikely to achieve great things. However, back in Xiangyang, he once did me a favor. If I were to forget the kindness of my former master simply because I follow a wise ruler, wouldn't I become an ungrateful person? Your Majesty, please see this clearly!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Kun's anger not only did not subside, but intensified. His tone was sharp, and every word was like a knife: "Hmph! If you dare to harbor any disloyalty towards me, I swear to throw you and that 'Pig King' into a vat of boiling oil and turn you to ashes, as a warning to others!"

Upon hearing this, Ruan Dianfu's face turned deathly pale, and his heart pounded with anxiety.

In a moment of quick thinking, he turned to Liu Kun, his voice tinged with urgency and determination: "Your Majesty, my loyalty to you is as clear and flawless as the bright moon in the sky, witnessed by heaven and earth, and I have no other intentions!"

"Wait a moment, Your Majesty," he seemed to suddenly remember something, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, "Your Majesty, I have prepared a special gift for you—a hundred stunning beauties, yes, Your Majesty, a hundred women, each with their own unique charm! Among them are gentle and graceful beauties from Jiangnan, exotic beauties from the Western Regions, and even more stunning beauties from Yunnan and Sichuan. Each one is captivating and unique, sure to broaden Your Majesty's horizons and satisfy your heart!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Kun's spirits lifted instantly. His eyes widened, and a glistening drop of saliva involuntarily appeared at the corner of his mouth. He sprang up from the dragon-carved throne, his voice trembling slightly with excitement, and urgently ordered Ruan Dianfu, "Oh? Since they are so beautiful, why not quickly lead them into the palace so that I can admire them closely and feast my eyes!"

Upon hearing this, Ruan Dianfu immediately bowed and then turned around, loudly proclaiming towards the outside of the hall, "Summon them into the hall!"

Just then, a melodious and solemn symphony suddenly resounded outside the hall, its tune carrying a hint of mystery and anticipation. As the music played, two groups of beautiful women gracefully entered. Dressed in magnificent gowns and exquisitely made-up, their steps light and elegant, they were like the most vibrant flowers in spring, blooming in competition. Shoulder to shoulder, they moved with captivating grace, each step and sway exuding charm, adding a touch of gentleness and allure to this solemn place.

In the imperial court, the civil and military officials witnessed this scene and reacted in various ways. Some stood there dumbfounded, their hearts surging with emotion, marveling that this scene was not of this world, but rather like a fairyland descending upon them, breathtaking yet unbelievable in its reality; others were utterly astonished, their mouths agape, their minds racing. After all, this was the solemn imperial court of the Song Dynasty, not Liu Kun's private residence or harem, much less a brothel. How could such a sight exist?

In short, the entire court was filled with gasps of amazement and astonishment.

Xiao Jinyan stood to the side, secretly thinking: Hey, this Ruan Dianfu is indeed quite capable! He has clearly done in-depth research on Liu Kun, knows his weaknesses well, and is adept at striking at the heart of the matter with perfect judgment. You see, once the situation becomes slightly unfavorable, he doesn't hesitate to "open the door wide for him," truly a remarkable move.

Upon witnessing this scene, Liu Kun's soul instantly soared to the heavens, his eyes sparkling with starlight, lost in a dreamlike reverie. He couldn't wait to leap down from the dragon throne, his steps light and quick as he traversed the hall, as if instantly immersed in this boundless feast of springtime beauty.

At this moment, Liu Kun was overwhelmed by the dazzling array of beauties before him, unable to make a choice. He secretly wished he could transform into a legendary god and conquer them all with his own power, embracing all this springtime beauty and staging an unprecedented "grand feast of beauties".

So Liu Kun began his "stroll through the flower garden," "appreciating each one one by one"...

"You are exactly to my liking!"

"And you, too, are my beloved!"

……

Finally, Liu Kun selected a dozen or so "outstanding" beauties from among the hundred women, and, full of pride and enthusiasm, declared to the crowd: "Court adjourned, I'm going to my bedchamber, I'm going to play with women!"

Ruan Dianfu seized the opportunity and reported to Liu Kun: "Your Majesty, regarding my wish to visit the 'Pig King'..."

Upon hearing this, Liu Kun's face instantly flashed with disdain, his impatience with Ruan Dianfu evident: "Go, go! Get out of here, don't get in my way!"

At this moment, Liu Kun's mind was completely occupied by women, and he was lost in thought, having no time to care about these trivial matters.

Seeing that Liu Kun's words, though insolent, implied tacit approval, Ruan Dianfu was overjoyed and quickly bowed, saying, "Your humble servant thanks Your Majesty for your great favor!"

Liu Kun, however, was already impatient, his thoughts already drifting to the harem.