After Ningshuang left, Ji Xiaofu turned his attention to administrative affairs.

　　He neither blamed Qin Sisi nor accepted her feelings, treating her just as he had before.

　　During Ji Xiaofu’s moments of sorrow and melancholy, Li Ruru appeared by his side, offering companionship and soothing his wounded heart. Ji Xiaofu regarded her as a confidante.

　　Qin Sisi watched this unfold with a heavy heart, aware that Li Ruru also had feelings for Ji Xiaofu.

　　Two sisters falling for the same man—what were they to do?

　　Thus, Sisi and Ruru made a pact: they would compete for Ji Xiaofu’s affection fairly, and no matter whom he chose, their friendship would remain unaffected.

　　Qin Sisi and Li Ruru went to great lengths to win Ji Xiaofu’s love, creating a sensation throughout the capital.

　　Everyone was curious: would Ji Xiaofu prefer the "Capital’s Most Beautiful Woman" or the "Capital’s Most Talented Woman"?

　　Ji Xiaofu became renowned as the "Romantic Genius" of the capital. His friends nicknamed him the "Love Guru," and he was also elegantly referred to as Lord Yiqing.

　　One day, after finishing his official duties, Ji Xiaofu was on his way home when he was suddenly blocked by a group of rough men at a street corner.

　　"Ji Xiaofu! Come with us!"

　　"Who are you? Where are you taking me?" Ji Xiaofu asked.

　　"Take him away!"

　　Without another word, the leader ordered his subordinates to seize Ji Xiaofu.

　　"Let me go!" Ji Xiaofu struggled and shouted.

　　This was the capital, after all.

　　Regardless of anything, Ji Xiaofu was a government official.

　　Openly kidnapping a government official was a serious crime!

　　How dare they commit such an act right under the nose of the emperor!

　　Ji Xiaofu struggled and tried to speak, but then it occurred to him that since they knew his name, they must be aware of his identity.

　　If they dared to intercept him openly, they clearly had no fear.

　　Ji Xiaofu silently pondered their intentions. For now, he could only play along and wait for an opportunity, so he remained quiet.

　　After a while, they brought him to a secluded yet exquisitely decorated villa.

　　"Master, we’ve brought Ji Xiaofu!" the leader reported proactively.

　　"Bring him in!" a woman’s languid voice came from behind the curtain.

　　Though soft, her voice carried a sharp edge that commanded respect.

　　She waved her hand, and the leader immediately withdrew, leaving only Ji Xiaofu behind.

　　Ji Xiaofu looked up and saw the silhouette of a woman behind the curtain.

　　She reclined by the bedside, slowly rising.

　　Though her face was not fully visible, it was clear she was a beauty.

　　Her enchanting figure was captivating.

　　Ji Xiaofu quickly lowered his head.

　　Suddenly, a sharp female voice rang out again.

　　"Look up!"

　　By then, the woman had stepped out from behind the curtain and reached out to lift Ji Xiaofu’s chin.

　　"Ji Xiaofu, the wealthiest man in Luzhou, the most talented scholar in Jiangnan. Indeed, you are extraordinary."

　　"No wonder you’ve charmed Qin Sisi and Li Ruru into such a frenzy."

　　The woman laughed coldly, scrutinizing Ji Xiaofu closely.

　　She looked at him with a faint, ambiguous smile—seductive yet chilling to the bone.

　　Ji Xiaofu took a closer look: she was dressed luxuriously, exquisitely adorned, coldly enchanting, and breathtakingly beautiful—yet intimidating enough to make people shrink back.

　　Ji Xiaofu glanced at her and, for some reason, felt a chill run down his spine, filled with fear.

　　To conceal his timidity, Ji Xiaofu immediately averted his gaze.

　　"Thank you for your praise, Princess. Ji Xiaofu pays his respects to you. If I have offended you in any way, I hope you will be magnanimous."

　　Ji Xiaofu bowed respectfully to Yan Anning.

　　"You know who I am?" Yan Anning asked in surprise.

　　They had never met before.

　　Yan Anning had not revealed her identity as a princess, and her attendants had not disclosed it either. How did Ji Xiaofu know who she was?

　　"I have long heard of Princess Anning’s peerless elegance and extraordinary talent, a woman who rivals even the most exceptional men. Seeing you today, I find the rumors true! How could Ji Xiaofu not know?"

　　Yan Anning was startled.

　　After a moment’s thought, she said, "Since you know my identity, why are you opposing me?"

　　She glared at Ji Xiaofu fiercely.

　　Ji Xiaofu did not understand Yan Anning’s meaning and was trying to decipher her intentions.

　　Yan Anning saw through his thoughts and said, "Lately, you’ve been impeaching my people. What are you trying to achieve?"

　　With these words, Ji Xiaofu suddenly understood.

　　Although Ji Xiaofu had become bolder in his actions since Ningshuang’s departure, he still knew his limits.

　　The capital’s factions were complex and intertwined—how could he act recklessly?

　　Who the Yan father and daughter were, how could Ji Xiaofu not know?

　　Opposing them was like an egg striking a rock—it would only lead to unnecessary sacrifice!

　　The officials Ji Xiaofu had impeached were merely minor local functionaries, not key figures, and the accusations were all factual, without any falsehood.

　　This impeachment was merely Ji Xiaofu’s way of testing the waters.

　　What surprised him was that it had attracted Yan Anning’s attention, indicating that her influence had already penetrated deep into local regions.

　　At this thought, Ji Xiaofu couldn’t help but shudder.

　　"Princess, how would I dare oppose you? I will be more cautious in my words and actions from now on. I beg you to calm your anger."

　　Ji Xiaofu hurriedly apologized.

　　Yan Anning glanced at him coldly, her eyes filled with disdain.

　　"Take him away and punish him severely!" Yan Anning said expressionlessly.

　　She made a gesture, and her subordinates immediately rushed in and dragged Ji Xiaofu away.

　　Seeing Yan Anning’s disdain, Ji Xiaofu knew that begging for mercy would be useless. Yan Anning was famously ruthless.

　　Indeed, she was a princess with immense power. Too many people had kowtowed and begged for mercy before her—why would she show any softness?

　　Initially, she had held some respect for Ji Xiaofu, but now her eyes held only contempt.

　　Recalling her earlier words and actions, Ji Xiaofu immediately straightened up.

　　"Wait!" Ji Xiaofu mustered his courage and shouted.

　　"Princess Anning, I have long heard that you value talent above all and despise despicable scoundrels. I was merely fulfilling my duties. By acting this way, are you willing to tarnish your reputation for the sake of a few vile individuals?"

　　Ji Xiaofu stood tall, his gaze fixed firmly on Yan Anning, showing no trace of fear.

　　Yan Anning was stunned. Ji Xiaofu’s imposing demeanor momentarily left her speechless.

　　Ji Xiaofu looked at Yan Anning again. She wore exquisite makeup, with every detail meticulously attended to.

　　It seemed she was someone who deeply cherished beauty.

　　Ji Xiaofu stared intently at her, wearing a faint, ambiguous smile as if admiring a beautiful work of art—somewhat disdainful yet somewhat frivolous.

　　"Ji Xiaofu, how dare you! How dare you look at me like this?"

　　Yan Anning scolded angrily.

　　She was exceptionally furious, raising her voice as if only that could suppress Ji Xiaofu’s presence.

　　In all these years, no man had ever dared to offend her like this.

　　People who saw her always felt fear and instinctively avoided her gaze, even though she was a peerless beauty.

　　Ji Xiaofu observed Yan Anning secretly. Though she appeared exceptionally angry, deep down, there was a hint of concealed pride.

　　Thus, he smiled mischievously and admired her beauty even more boldly.

　　"Why shouldn’t I look?"

　　"Your beauty is unparalleled under heaven. To catch a glimpse of your elegance, even death would be worth it for Ji Xiaofu."

　　Ji Xiaofu stared fixedly at Yan Anning, his gaze growing even more unrestrained, directly sweeping to her chest, peeking at her perfect bosom.

　　"Fine!"

　　"Very well!"

　　"Ji Xiaofu, if you dare to be so insolent again, believe me, I will run you through with my sword!"

　　No sooner said than done, Yan Anning swiftly drew her sword and thrust it toward Ji Xiaofu.

　　By the time Ji Xiaofu reacted, the sword was already pointed at his neck, the tip touching his skin but not harming him in the slightest.

　　Ji Xiaofu broke out in a cold sweat from fear, but he maintained his composure.

　　"Princess, you won’t kill me," Ji Xiaofu said calmly, slowly moving the sword away.

　　"Is that so?" Yan Anning sneered.

　　Though she appeared calm on the surface, she was extremely flustered inside.

　　In fact, Ji Xiaofu was right. That thrust just now was merely Yan Anning’s attempt to intimidate him, a warning against challenging her authority.

　　If she had truly intended to stab him, why would she have stopped?

　　Yet Ji Xiaofu’s reaction was to remain completely still.

　　According to human instinct, one would evade danger unless one was already prepared.

　　Ji Xiaofu saw through Yan Anning’s thoughts at a glance, leaving her extremely unsettled.

　　Yan Anning laughed coldly, exuding an air of arrogance.

　　Ji Xiaofu looked at her and replied firmly, "Yes. Princess, you will not kill me."

　　"Why?"

　　"Because you do not wish to lose an opponent so soon."

　　"Interesting!"

　　"This is getting more and more interesting!"

　　"Ji Xiaofu, I’d like to hear—what makes you qualified to be my opponent?"

　　Yan Anning sheathed her sword.

　　"Princess, let’s play a game of chess!"

　　Ji Xiaofu took the initiative to invite her。

　　Yan Anning heard this but did not respond.

　　Suddenly, she drew her sword again and thrust it toward Ji Xiaofu.

　　"Ah!"

　　Ji Xiaofu cried out in pain.

　　By the time he reacted, Yan Anning’s sword had already pierced his chest and was quickly withdrawn.

　　In an instant, Ji Xiaofu’s blood spilled onto the ground.

　　Ji Xiaofu reached out and tightly clutched his wound.

　　"Does it hurt?" Yan Anning walked over and tapped Ji Xiaofu’s wound with the hilt of her sword.

　　Ji Xiaofu stared straight at her without answering.

　　He endured the pain with all his might, not even furrowing his brow.

　　Facing a powerful enemy, he was like a resolute child—powerless yet unwilling to bow.

　　Yan Anning looked at him coldly, so arrogant and condescending.

　　"You’re right. I won’t kill you so easily!"

　　As she spoke, Yan Anning reached out and stroked Ji Xiaofu’s chin, toying with it freely.

　　Then, she leaned close to his ear and whispered, "Ji Xiaofu, they say you are romantic and reckless, bold and unruly. But it seems to me you’re nothing but an overrated fraud."

　　"Let’s go!" Yan Anning smiled mischievously, then made a gesture and led her subordinates away.