"Alright, I'm done teasing you. I'll ask you one thing: can we cooperate or not?" Ye Qingcheng said.
"Let me consider it!"
Yun Fan didn't agree immediately. In fact, he didn't want to agree, but he also didn't refuse Ye Qingcheng outright.
"Waffling around, what kind of demeanor is that!"
Ye Qingcheng said impatiently, "I'm going back. Call me when you've thought it over!"
"Okay!"
Yun Fan nodded. He actually wished he could leave right away and not spend another moment with this woman.
However, on the way back, Yun Fan encountered a minor incident.
"Little brother, miss me, sister?"
Zhu Lian smiled at Yun Fan and at the same time, she reached out and patted Yun Fan's sturdy chest.
Yun Fan took a few steps back and said to her, "Sister, what happened last time wasn't my intention!"
His tone was filled with apology. Zhu Lian had gone to great lengths to help him, and because of Ye Qingcheng's appearance, many misunderstandings had arisen.
Zhu Lian smiled and said, "It's okay, but that woman is not a good person. She's usually full of tricks! Don't be misled by her!"
"That's right, I don't think she's a good person either!"
At this moment, Yun Fan naturally sided with his god-sister Zhu Lian.
"Congratulations, your plan succeeded!"
Zhu Lian congratulated Yun Fan.
Yun Fan was shocked internally. He didn't expect Zhu Lian to know. After all, only an hour had passed since then.
And within this short hour, Zhu Lian not only knew, but also appeared here accurately.
This woman is truly not simple. It seems he had underestimated Zhu Lian's abilities.
"Sister, you are truly all-powerful. How did you find out so quickly!"
Yun Fan gave an embarrassed smile.
"Nothing that happens in Jinling can escape my eyes!"
"Sister, let's go for a drink, my treat!"
Yun Fan said generously.
Usually, he wouldn't treat Zhu Lian to a drink; it was always Zhu Lian treating him. It wasn't that he was stingy, but that he couldn't hold his liquor as well as Zhu Lian.
Let alone initiating an invitation. As for why he was so agreeable this time, it was because his plan had succeeded.
He should rightfully accompany Zhu Lian for a good drink, even if it would harm his liver, as long as it didn't harm his heart.
Zhu Lian refused, "Little brother, I'm not here to drink with you today!"
"Then what is it for?"
Yun Fan asked with confusion.
"It's about what you promised me. You're not allowed to leave Jinling during this period. In two months at most, I'll need you to help me complete this matter!"
Zhu Lian reminded Yun Fan.
Yun Fan considered it a matter of course, so he assured Zhu Lian, "Sister, don't worry! I'll go through fire and water for your matter!"
"That's good. This matter is simple, it won't require you to go through fire and water, and there's no danger!"
Zhu Lian said with relief.
"Sister, can you tell me what it is?"
Yun Fan asked, puzzled.
"No! You'll know when the time comes!"
Zhu Lian directly refused.
Alright! Yun Fan didn't press further. He just needed to complete this favor when the time came.
"Cough, cough, cough, cough!"
Zhu Lian coughed inadvertently, which caught Yun Fan's attention.
"Sister, you seem to be injured!"
Yun Fan said to Zhu Lian.
Although he couldn't see it, he guessed based on his feelings, and he was likely close to the truth.
It seemed that Zhu Lian only showed her vulnerable side in front of him. This trust made Yun Fan sincerely admire her.
"I've sustained some injuries, but they're old ones. Nothing serious!"
Zhu Lian said nonchalantly.
"Sister, if you need it, I can get you a Great Returning Pill!"
Yun Fan said directly, but he didn't admit that he could refine Great Returning Pills. However, since Zhu Lian had helped him so many times,
if she truly needed it, he could refine one, though it would be a bit troublesome. This would repay her favor.
After all, he disliked owing favors the most.
"Little brother, it seems I've underestimated you!"
However, Zhu Lian said, "We don't need the Great Returning Pill. Too much medicine is not good!"
"Okay!"
At this moment, Zhu Lian said, "Little brother, although you have temporarily defeated the Crown Prince, be careful that he doesn't make a comeback, and also be careful of the four great families!"
"Hmm?"
Yun Fan was a bit confused. He knew the Crown Prince was a dangerous figure, but he didn't know the connection with the four great families.
Just then, Zhu Lian revealed more information.
"Because among the four great families, there are those who share the same goal as the Crown Prince!"
Upon hearing this, Yun Fan understood. It seemed that within the four great families, there were ambitious individuals who wanted to ascend to that position.
In his opinion, the most capable person currently was probably Ye Ji, who was as elusive as a dragon's head and tail.
"Thank you for the reminder, Sister. I will be careful!"
"That's good!"
As soon as Zhu Lian finished speaking, she suddenly felt a wave of dizziness and then fell into Yun Fan's arms.
Yun Fan quickly caught her. Suddenly, Yun Fan felt a chill emanating from Zhu Lian's body.
This chill was different from Lin Tianxin's Profound Yin constitution. Zhu Lian's chill was clearly not a bodily issue but seemed to be caused by an external force.
This led him to infer that Zhu Lian had once fought a supreme expert and was thus injured.
Yun Fan quickly tried to channel his power into Zhu Lian's body, but unfortunately, his power was insufficient to alleviate the injury.
"Got it!"
Yun Fan quickly picked up Zhu Lian and rushed back to the hotel.
At this moment, Zhu Lian had already fainted, but her injuries were worsening instead of abating.
If this continued, Zhu Lian would be in mortal danger. Therefore, Yun Fan quickly summoned Jiang Xueyan.
"You pervert, why are you disturbing my sleep? Do you want to..."
Jiang Xueyan, half-asleep, licked her lips.
However, Yun Fan quickly explained, "It's not like that!"
"Hmm?"
Just then, Jiang Xueyan looked and saw a beautiful woman lying quietly on Yun Fan's bed.
Her complexion was a little pale, which slightly diminished her beauty.
"You... you..."
Jiang Xueyan was too excited to speak for a long time.
"It's not what you think, she's my god-sister!"
Yun Fan quickly explained, but the more he explained, the more confusing it became!
Jiang Xueyan looked at Yun Fan in shock and asked, "Are you trying to say you want us both..."
Before she could finish, Yun Fan interrupted, "You're overthinking it. She's injured, and I need your Yin Jade's help!"
The Jiang family had Yin Yang Jade Pendants. The Yang Jade was on him, worn since childhood. The Yin Jade was on Jiang Xueyan.
However, it was of little use to Jiang Xueyan, merely an ornament at best. But for Zhu Lian, it could save her life.
Therefore, Yun Fan thought of borrowing Jiang Xueyan's jade pendant.
"Hmph!"
Jiang Xueyan snorted, "When did you get a god-sister?"
She was quite displeased. In this era, terms like god-sister, god-brother, god-father, and god-daughter were considered improper.
This was why she was angry. Looking at this beautiful woman, so stunning, she wouldn't believe for a second that they had a proper relationship.
Yun Fan was speechless, but to save Zhu Lian, he had to patiently explain everything, telling Jiang Xueyan about all the help Zhu Lian had given him, without any omission.
"That's between you and her. Why should I help her?"
Jiang Xueyan still didn't agree.
With time running out, Yun Fan had to say, "There's no time to explain. Helping her is helping me!"
"Then answer me one question honestly. If I'm satisfied, I'll help you!"
Jiang Xueyan was still throwing a tantrum.
"My dearest aunt, let alone one question, I'll agree to ten!"
Yun Fan urged, "Ask away!"
"Do you and she have..."
"No, absolutely not, I swear!"
Yun Fan quickly swore. Although his reputation was ruined, he even swore a poisonous oath. Therefore, Jiang Xueyan chose to believe Yun Fan.
"Here!"
Jiang Xueyan took off the Yin Jade and handed it to Yun Fan.
"I thank you on her behalf!"
Yun Fan took the Yin Jade and placed it on Zhu Lian's body. Zhu Lian's injuries seemed to be improving, but it would take some time for the effect to fully manifest.
During this period, Yun Fan continuously channeled his power into Zhu Lian, using a two-pronged approach.
At this point, Jiang Xueyan didn't disturb them further.
"Then I'll be going now!"
"Mm!"
Yun Fan nodded, but still added with concern, "Uh, don't tell my senior sisters. I'm afraid they'll overthink things!"
"Got it. If I find out you're involved with her, you're dead!"
Jiang Xueyan gave Yun Fan a glare. Yun Fan shivered instantly. For some reason, he felt guilty, as if he were doing something wrong.
After Jiang Xueyan left, Yun Fan felt that his inner energy was almost depleted. Fortunately, at this moment, Zhu Lian woke up.
"Cold, I'm so cold!"
Zhu Lian said weakly and urgently, "Little brother, hold me tight!"
"Uh..."
Yun Fan was speechless. He wanted to refuse, but at this moment, thinking of saving a life, he compromised.
Thus, he endured the cold and held Zhu Lian. Only then did Zhu Lian's condition improve slightly.
However, what puzzled Yun Fan was why Zhu Lian kept burrowing into his embrace.
After an unknown period, Zhu Lian's mind began to clear, and the weakness in her body dissipated.
She opened her eyes and found herself lying in Yun Fan's arms. She didn't leave his embrace.
Because at this moment, Yun Fan's chest was warm.
Just then, Yun Fan also woke up. Zhu Lian quickly closed her eyes, pretending to be asleep.
Then, she slowly opened her eyes.
Yun Fan was startled and quickly pushed her away.
Zhu Lian was so annoyed. This guy was a complete steel straight man!
"Sister, you're awake!"
Yun Fan breathed a sigh of relief. It was good that Zhu Lian was fine.
Zhu Lian said, "Little brother, thank you for last night. Otherwise, I might not have made it through."
"It's nothing, it's what I should have done!"
Yun Fan said awkwardly, "But the main credit doesn't go to me, but to this jade pendant. You wear it for now. My friend doesn't need it temporarily!"
"So it's the Yin Jade! It truly is a good treasure!"
Zhu Lian said, unable to put it down, "Little brother, ask your friend if she's willing to sell it? I'm willing to pay a high price!"
"She probably won't sell it!"
Yun Fan said directly. This was a family heirloom of the Jiang family, and Jiang Xueyan wasn't short of money, so he believed Jiang Xueyan wouldn't sell it.
"That's a pity!"
Zhu Lian showed a disappointed expression, then said to Yun Fan, "Little brother, please thank your friend on my behalf. In two months at most, I will return it to her!"
"Okay!"
Then, Zhu Lian sniffed and said, "The owner of this jade pendant should be a woman, right? Little brother, you are truly blessed. She's willing to lend you such a precious item. It seems your relationship is unusual!"
For some reason, Yun Fan heard a hint of jealousy, but he chose to ignore it. Could their relationship be ordinary?
It was indeed unusual, after all, he had met Jiang Xueyan several times.
"Alright, little brother, I have some things to do, so I'll be leaving now!"
Zhu Lian said, still reluctant to leave, "I'll come find you again another day!"
"Okay, Sister, walk slowly!"
Yun Fan saw Zhu Lian off from the hotel.
...
Ye Family.
Ye Qingcheng had just woken up when Ye Ji's maid arrived.
"Eldest Miss, the Family Head requests your presence!"
Upon hearing this, Ye Qingcheng showed a look of impatience. She had lost count of how many times this had happened.
She had initially thought her mother wouldn't summon her during this period, but unexpectedly, she was called again, which annoyed her greatly.
She didn't understand what was wrong with her mother recently. Her temper had become extremely explosive, and she would often discipline her for no reason.
Her mother had never disciplined her before, but recently, she had been disciplined many times.
Although she didn't want to go, she had no choice.
Not long after, she arrived at Ye Ji's room. This time, Ye Ji didn't meet her directly but was behind a screen.
"Mother, you called for me?"
Ye Qingcheng asked respectfully.
Ye Ji, behind the screen, said, "Yes! I do have something to discuss with you. You haven't snuck out recently, have you?"
Upon hearing this, Ye Qingcheng felt guilty, as she had snuck out to find Yun Fan just yesterday. However, she dared not confess.
"Mother, no, I've been locking myself in my room studying every day recently!"
Ye Qingcheng replied cautiously.
"Good! That's more like it!"
Ye Ji said, "Starting today, you will take over the Ye family completely!"
"What about you, Mother?"
Ye Qingcheng asked, confused.
Although she was nominally in charge of the Ye family, in reality, every major decision of the Ye family required Ye Ji's approval.
Unexpectedly, Ye Ji now wanted her to take over the Ye family completely. This was an immense amount of power.
Ye Ji said, "I need to go into seclusion for a while. Regardless of the outcome, I will no longer manage the Ye family. You've grown up, and now I'm handing the Ye family over to you!"
Ye Qingcheng seemed to understand what was happening, but she dared not ask. Asking would inevitably lead to her being disciplined.
"Yes, I will manage the Ye family well and not disappoint you, Mother!"
Ye Qingcheng quickly promised.
"Good, you may go."
"Yes!"
As she turned to leave, Ye Qingcheng's expression was complex. Her mother's seclusion was indeed an opportunity for her.
But at the moment, she was not ready to take that step. Once she took that step, it would mean there was no turning back.
But if she didn't take that step, she would never have freedom. Indeed, life was full of difficult choices.
...
In the blink of an eye, a month passed. During this month, Yun Fan's drama production had reached its final stages and was not far from completion.
Jinling had been remarkably peaceful during this month, but no one knew that this was the prelude to a storm.
However, for most people, these were insignificant matters, even unrelated to them.
During this month, the Crown Prince was in contemplation. Although the Heavenly Emperor had not sent anyone to monitor him, he had been very well-behaved.
He truly contemplated, not because he was honest, but because he didn't want to leave. He had become a laughingstock of the entire Jinling.
Rather than going out and being ridiculed, it was better to stay here, at least for some peace.
He thought this quiet period would continue indefinitely, with no hope.
But today, a guest arrived.
"Patriarch Ouyang, are you here to mock me?"
The Crown Prince asked coldly. The visitor was Ouyang Mingyue. Her arrival at this time could only be to kick him while he was down.
"The Crown Prince jested. You are the son of the Heavenly Emperor, high and mighty. Who dares to mock you? Even if you are in a temporary low point, you are still the son of the Heavenly Emperor!"
Ouyang Mingyue said sincerely.
"Hmph!"
The Crown Prince snorted. He didn't need others' sympathy or pity. In his opinion, it was just humble pretense.
Since he had lost, he had to face the cruel reality. However, he was unwilling in his heart. Why had he lost?
It was simply because his father was unfair, otherwise, he wouldn't have ended up in this state.
Ouyang Mingyue did not feel awkward and said to the Crown Prince, "It can be said that the Crown Prince was too careless and was thus tricked by that boy!"
"But now is a great time. The Crown Prince can completely make a comeback!"
"Make a comeback?"
The Crown Prince gave a bitter smile, "Do I still have hope?"
Ouyang Mingyue said, "Of course, there is hope. But the prerequisite is that the Crown Prince can regain his strength!"
"Others can only fail once. After one failure, there is no chance of recovery. But you are different. Because you are the Crown Prince, you still have many opportunities!"
The Crown Prince heard this but showed no improvement. Instead, he became more dejected.
"It's useless. Father has stripped me of all my authority. With what can I contend!"
Although a month had passed, the Crown Prince still showed no signs of reflection. He firmly believed that his father was unfair, which led to this tragedy.
"You indeed no longer have the full authority of a ruler, but you have the power of my three great families!"
Ouyang Mingyue said firmly, "As long as you are willing to make a comeback, our three families will support you to ascend the throne, what do you say?"
"Aren't you the four great families? When did it become only three?"
The Crown Prince asked dismissively. He remembered that during his peak glory, he had invited the four great families to help him.
But unfortunately, they had ruthlessly refused.
Therefore, he did not believe that the four great families would help him.
Ouyang Mingyue said, "Because the Ye family is not included."
"I know you are suspicious, and that's normal. After all, we refused you before. But we didn't truly refuse you; it was the Ye family that did not want us to support you!"
Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince was stunned. However, after thinking for a moment, he understood. It seemed like the four great families,
but the other three great families had to consider the Ye family's stance. Because the Ye family was not only the head of the four great families,
but also had Ye Ji, a supreme expert, presiding over it. If the other three families did not stand on the same line as the Ye family, they could not contend with the ruler.
Thus, the Crown Prince asked, "Then why do you choose to support me now?"
Ouyang Mingyue said, "Because we know that once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, he will repay us!"
"What reward do you want?"
"Our request is very simple: we hope that the Crown Prince will not suppress or trouble our three great families during his lifetime, and we will not infringe upon your interests!"
"Agreed!"
The Crown Prince outwardly agreed, but inwardly he sneered. If he could ascend the throne, the first to deal with would be the four great families.
However, he urgently needed the support of the three great families now.
As for what the Crown Prince was thinking, Ouyang Mingyue had some idea, but it didn't matter. After all, this was a relationship of mutual utilization.
"If you support me, aren't you afraid of retaliation from the Ye family?"
The Crown Prince asked doubtfully.
"Perhaps we were afraid before, but not now!"
Ouyang Mingyue said confidently, "The Ye family is currently in decline. Not only do we need to support you, but we also need your help to eliminate the Ye family together!"
This was Ouyang Mingyue's goal.
The Crown Prince laughed self-mockingly, "You really overestimate me. With me alone, I'm no match for Ye Ji!"
Although his strength was considerable, he also knew what a terrifying existence Ye Ji was.
"You don't need to face her alone; we'll face her together!"
Ouyang Mingyue reminded him.
"Even together, it's futile. Ye Ji is not as simple as you think!"
Seeing that the Crown Prince was still unmoved, Ouyang Mingyue whispered, "Ye Ji doesn't have much time left to live!"
"What?"
The Crown Prince was shocked. Someone as powerful as Ye Ji didn't have much time left to live? He couldn't believe such words. Whoever believed them would die!
Then, Ouyang Mingyue whispered a few words in the Crown Prince's ear.
"After that battle years ago, Ye Ji has been in seclusion. Over the years, she has never appeared, handing over all her assets to that brat Ye Qingcheng to manage. Therefore, we speculate that she is injured!"
Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince suddenly felt a spark of interest. If Ye Ji was truly injured, then things would be easier.
So, he asked, "Are you sure she's injured? You know, she instantly killed someone from Kunlun Xu before!"
Although he knew Ye Ji had killed someone from Kunlun Xu, he dared not confront Ye Ji.
Ouyang Mingyue said, "Most likely. If she were truly fine, given our ostentatious nature as three great families, she would have long since suppressed us. But she has been slow to act, so we conclude that not only is she injured, but she may be in a state of powerlessness!"
"What if this is just her laying a long line to catch a big fish?"
The Crown Prince was still not at ease.
"Crown Prince!"
Ouyang Mingyue said, "At this point, you have no way back. Do you want to stay here and wait for death your entire life, or do you want to use our strength to regain power until you ascend the throne?"
The Crown Prince was displeased. This guy was mocking his indecisiveness. However, what this guy said was not wrong. Currently, he indeed had no way back.
"Fine, if that's the case, I'll trust you this once. I will agree to the promises you seek!"
Ouyang Mingyue was delighted to hear this, "I knew we didn't misjudge you!"
"So, what should we do now?"
The Crown Prince asked. He wanted to know what plan the three great families had. If the plan was not good, he would not risk it with the three great families.
Ouyang Mingyue said, "Currently, the most important thing is to take down the Ye family. As long as the Ye family is not eliminated, we cannot fully commit to helping you!"
"Hmm! This plan is good!"
The Crown Prince nodded and asked, "What next?"
"Next, we will unravel it layer by layer, helping you ascend the throne while dismantling the Heavenly Emperor's power until you are completely stable!"
Ouyang Mingyue said ambitiously.
"Sigh!"
The Crown Prince sighed, "How can this be easy? My father's methods are far superior to mine!"
"However, I do have a suggestion!"
"Crown Prince, please speak freely!"
Under Ouyang Mingyue's repeated questioning, the Crown Prince said, "The Lin family is my father's right-hand man. Therefore, while dealing with the Ye family, we must also deal with the Lin family. As long as the Lin family is eliminated, we will not be so passive!"
"We'll listen to you on this matter!"
Ouyang Mingyue said.
"There is also one person. Although his strength is ordinary, his background is absolutely not simple. If he is not eliminated, he will become a major variable!"
The Crown Prince gritted his teeth and said.
"Yun Fan?"
"That's right!"
Seeing how wary the Crown Prince was of Yun Fan, Ouyang Mingyue felt a hint of disdain, "Isn't he just a country bumpkin? Why is the Crown Prince so afraid?"
"I had the same idea initially!"
The Crown Prince said coldly, "Don't underestimate him just because he's a country bumpkin. His origin is definitely beyond your imagination!"
"What is his origin? Could he be from a hidden sect?"
Ouyang Mingyue pressed. If Yun Fan was truly from a sect, it would be difficult to handle.
"No!"
The Crown Prince shook his head, "Although he is not from a hidden sect, he is the current sect leader of the Guigu Sect!"
"What?"
Ouyang Mingyue almost fell to the ground. That's right, Yun Fan was not from a hidden sect, but he was even more terrifying than someone from a hidden sect.
Therefore, Ouyang Mingyue said, "I hadn't thought of keeping this brat before. I just wanted to use him against the Ye family. Otherwise, I would have eliminated this brat long ago!"
The Crown Prince said, "At this point, this brat absolutely cannot be left alive. Even if it means offending the Guigu Sect, it doesn't matter. Can the old Heavenly Master of Guigu alone kill so many of us?"
Although he said this, Ouyang Mingyue was still a little afraid. Therefore, he said to the Crown Prince, "He must die, but it doesn't have to be us who do it!"
"You mean the Ye family?"
"Exactly!"
Ouyang Mingyue said, "Don't forget, he is an abandoned son of the Ye family. With a little more instigation, he will deal with the Ye family, and then the Ye family will kill him. In the end, even if the old Heavenly Master of Guigu seeks revenge, it won't lead back to us!"
"Excellent, let's do it!"