The Princess' Rebirth and Revenge

Li Yuan felt an inexplicable emotion when she heard this. She knew that Lian's mother's words were full of sincerity and love. She nodded gently and said gratefully, "Thank you, Lian's mother. I will remember your words."

After saying that, Li Yuan turned around and left the villa. Her figure gradually walked away in the morning light, leaving behind a series of firm footprints. She knew that her road was still very long, but she also believed that she would be able to find her own way.

In the government hall, the candlelight flickered, illuminating the tense faces of Li Jimian and Xuan Youyan. The air was filled with a repressive atmosphere, as if a storm was about to come. Li Jimian was dressed in gorgeous official uniform, revealing an unyielding pride between his brows, while Xuan Youyan was dressed in simple scholar's clothes, with a gleam of wisdom in his eyes.

"Lord Li, you seem to have some complaints about the dispatch power of the Imperial Guards." Xuan Youlian's voice was cold and a little sarcastic. He gently stroked the pen in his hand, as if he was considering every word.

Upon hearing this, Li Jimian's face darkened and he angrily said, "Master Xuan, you are asking questions knowing the truth! The Imperial Guard is the foundation of the country, how can we easily hand it over to others? Your move undoubtedly weakens my power, how can I sit back and do nothing?"

Xuan Youlian smiled slightly and said, "Lord Li is wrong. The deployment of the Imperial Guards must be cautious. Lord Li Yequn is experienced, and it would be safer to let him take over. As court officials, you and I should put the overall situation first. How can we sacrifice public interests for personal reasons?"

"The overall situation? Humph! The overall situation you are talking about is nothing but an excuse for you to exclude dissidents and monopolize power!" Li Jimian slammed the table and stood up, furious.

A hint of coldness flashed across Xuan Youlian's eyes. He slowly stood up, looked at Li Jimian, and said in a deep voice: "Master Li, you should be careful with your words. I, Xuan Youlian, have always acted uprightly. How could I do such a despicable thing? If you continue to talk nonsense, don't blame me for being rude!"

The atmosphere between the two became increasingly tense, as if the air was about to freeze. At this moment, a guard hurried into the government hall and broke the deadlock.

"Report - Lord Li Yequn wants to see you for an urgent matter!" There was a hint of panic in the guard's voice.

Li Jimian and Xuan Youlan frowned at the same time, and after looking at each other, they both looked solemn. They knew that Li Yequn must have important business when he came here.

"Let him in." Xuan Youlan said in a deep voice.

A moment later, Li Yequn hurried into the government office, looking anxious. He looked at Li Jimian and Xuan Youlian, wanting to say something but stopping himself.

"Sir Li, what's the urgent matter? Just tell me." Xuan Youlan asked.

Li Yequn took a deep breath and said, "I just received a secret report that an unknown force was discovered outside Luoyang City and is quietly infiltrating the city. This matter concerns the safety of the country and we must be on guard!"

Upon hearing this, Li Jimian and Xuan Youlian's faces changed. They knew that the appearance of this unknown force would definitely cause a great disturbance.

"This matter must be reported to the emperor immediately!" Li Jimian said in a deep voice.

Xuan Youyan nodded and said, "That's right. I will draft a memorial immediately and present it to the emperor tomorrow morning. Lord Li, you also need to be prepared in case of any unexpected events."

Li Jimian was unwilling to hear this, but he also knew that this matter was of great importance and dared not neglect it. He nodded and said, "Okay. I will immediately mobilize manpower to strengthen the city defense."

After the three of them discussed for a while, they dispersed. Li Jimian returned to his house, but his heart was in turmoil. He knew that his position was already in jeopardy after Li Yequn took away the power of the imperial guard. Now that this unknown force has appeared, he feels an unprecedented crisis.

At this moment, Li Yuan in the courtyard was also extremely anxious. She had been locked up here for several days and knew nothing about the outside world. She was worried that the conflict between Li Jimian and Xuan Youyan would intensify, and she was even more worried about her future. She knew that she had to find a chance to contact Xu Jingyi to learn more about the situation.

In the dead of night, Li Yuan quietly got up and came to the corner of the courtyard. She looked around and after confirming that no one was there, she began to dig the soil in the corner. Soon, she dug out a small porcelain bottle from the soil. This was the signal she and Xu Jingyi had agreed on before. As long as she put the pills in the porcelain bottle into the flower pot in the courtyard, Xu Jingyi would know what she meant.

Li Yuan carefully opened the porcelain bottle and put the pills into the flowerpot. Then, she returned to the room and quietly waited for Xu Jingyi to arrive.

Time seemed to freeze, and every second was tormenting for Li Yuan. Finally, when the moon was at its zenith, the door of the courtyard was gently pushed open, and a figure walked in quietly.

"Sister Xu!" Li Yuan was delighted when she saw this and hurriedly went to greet her.

Xu Jingyi nodded and signaled Li Yuan to be quiet. She looked around and confirmed that no one was around before she whispered, "Li Yuan, why are you locked up here? What happened?"

Li Yuan burst into tears when she heard this. She told Xu Jingyi about her house arrest and the conflict between Li Jimian and Xuan Youyan. Xu Jingyi frowned and thought for a moment before saying, "This is a difficult matter. However, I will try to find out more information. You just wait patiently and don't act rashly."