Quick Transmigration: Forced Into A Forced Love Affair With The Villain - Chapter 6

Yan Jingxuan was followed by two generals who rode half a length behind him on their own stallions, looking impressively grand. The city was filled with citizens who had come to welcome them, their faces flushed with excitement as they cheered and shouted.

Cheng Wei sat on his horse, waving enthusiastically to the crowd on both sides. His silver armor refracted the sunlight, and his swarthy face was full of high spirits. “General—ah, no, now that we have entered the city, I should call you Regent. Your Highness, look at how enthusiastic the people are! I have never been looked at by so many people in my life. And look, there are beautiful ladies watching us from the balconies! The people of the capital surely know how to show their appreciation!”

The other general, Zhao Ran, kept a face as calm as water, but even his stern expression could not hide a hint of pride. He gripped his reins tightly, his back ramrod straight, showcasing the ruggedness and heroism of a soldier. He shot Cheng Wei a look of disgust. “Look at you, appearing so unrefined, grinning until your gums are showing. You have no dignity. Once we receive our titles and rewards, you can have whatever beauty you want. Is it really necessary to grin so lecherously at every woman you see on the street?”

Cheng Wei flushed red with anger. “You talk nonsense! When have I ever looked lecherous? I am simply appreciating beauty!”

Seeing them about to bicker again, Yan Jingxuan barked: “Enough! Save the arguing for later. There are so many people watching; aren’t you two embarrassed?”

Cheng Wei and Zhao Ran fell silent, though they continued to glare at each other in defiance.

Lin Zili stood atop the palace walls, watching the distant spectacle with his teeth clenched. Filled with resentment and frustration, he thought that with Yan Jingxuan entering the capital with such fanfare and receiving such adoration from the people, the power struggle in the court would become even harder to control.

A young eunuch beside him bowed and whispered: “Gonggong, let us return. His Majesty will be looking for you soon.”

Lin Zili snorted coldly and flicked his sleeves before walking away.

The palace banquet was magnificently arranged. Carved sandalwood tables were lined up neatly, laden with all manner of rare delicacies. Palace lanterns hung high, casting a soft, warm glow. Princes and ministers entered one by one, all whispering their admiration at the grandeur of the scene. In the center of the hall, dancers dressed in sheer, vibrant silks and adorned with sparkling jewelry danced gracefully to the accompaniment of zithers.

The little Emperor arrived in full ceremonial dress and took his place on the dragon throne. Lin Zili followed behind him and stood at his side. As they appeared, the dancers bowed and withdrew, and the music ceased.

The ministers stood and bowed to Yan Jingzhi: “May His Majesty be blessed.”

The little Emperor waved his hand slightly and said calmly: “You may all rise.” The ministers rose slowly.

Yan Jingzhi said: “Since all the ministers have arrived, summon the Regent to appear.”

The eunuch’s announcement echoed outside. Soon, steady, rhythmic footsteps approached the hall. Regent Yan Jingxuan wore a black robe with dark patterns embroidered in gold thread that shimmered as he moved, signifying a low-key luxury and extraordinary authority. He stepped into the hall with a composed gait, followed by generals Cheng Wei and Zhao Ran. All three stood tall and imposing.

After entering, they clasped their hands in a salute. Yan Jingxuan walked to the center of the hall, bowed slightly, and spoke loudly: “Your Majesty, we have arrived late. I ask for your forgiveness.”

His voice was deep and powerful, echoing through the palace. Though these were words of apology, they held no hint of nervousness or subservience; instead, they carried an air of undeniable self-assurance.

The little Emperor sat on the dragon throne, gazing at the man who was his uncle in name. He tried his best to maintain his composure, but his clenched fists betrayed his inner tension. He paused before saying: “Uncle, please rise. There is no need for such formalities at today’s banquet.”

This was the first time Lin Zili had seen the Great Villain. He did not feel astonished; instead, he frowned. Lin Zili called out to the system internally: “Don’t you think this Regent looks familiar?”

The system scanned Yan Jingxuan: “Data is perfectly normal. What do you find wrong?”

Lin Zili: “I just think he looks familiar. He resembles my damned ex-boyfriend by thirty percent.”

System: “I have checked; he is not him. His data has no bugs. If you think there is a resemblance, the world is large and full of coincidences; there are plenty of people who look two parts similar. Do not worry about it—he will kill you with a sword in a few days anyway, and your mission will be complete.”

Lin Zili decided that was sound logic. Whether or not he was that wretched man, his task was nearly over. However, he truly disliked that face.

Yan Jingxuan suddenly felt a surge of malice. He looked up and saw the eunuch beside his nephew—or at least, he assumed he was a eunuch. If he were not a eunuch, he would not be standing so close to the Emperor. At first glance, Lin Zili’s exquisite beauty stunned him. He had not expected the rumored treacherous villain to possess such an incredibly alluring, stunningly beautiful appearance.

Lin Zili stood by the little Emperor’s side, his position high and haughty. He looked at the ministers below with a careless, mocking, and contemptuous gaze, even daring to look at him with disrespect. Yan Jingxuan found him truly seductive, making him want to pull him down and deal with him harshly.

Suddenly, he frowned. Why had he suddenly thought of that? He did not consider himself a lecherous man and never had such filthy thoughts just because of someone’s good looks. Why had he developed such dirty fantasies after one glance?

Yan Jingxuan’s brows knitted, a dark look flashing across his eyes: It seems the rumors of this man bringing ruin upon the country are not unfounded.

Lin Zili noticed his gaze and offered a hypocritical, low smile, a flicker of disgust passing through his eyes.

Yan Jingxuan felt both annoyed and amused. He had not done anything to provoke him; why did he dislike him so much for no reason?

After the salutations, the three men took their seats, and the banquet officially began. Once seated, Yan Jingxuan could not take his eyes off Lin Zili. He watched him sit beside the little Emperor, whispering softly while serving him food, and he frowned. A eunuch sitting beside the Emperor—how audacious and unruly.

After several rounds of wine, a few ministers exchanged glances, and Zhao Gongxian took the lead in offering a toast. He rose, held up his wine cup respectfully toward Yan Jingxuan, and said: “I, along with my fellow ministers, offer this toast to you, Your Highness, to thank you for your brave resistance against the enemy over these past few years. Now that you have returned triumphantly to the capital, we feel as though we have finally found our backbone. This cup is to honor your legendary military achievements and your steadfast loyalty.” With that, Zhao Gongxian raised his cup higher and bowed slightly toward Yan Jingxuan.

The other ministers hurriedly rose, holding their cups, and echoed in unison: “Indeed! Your Highness’s contribution is immense. We toast to you!” For a moment, everyone in the hall focused their attention on Yan Jingxuan.