Lynn's heart skipped a beat, fearing that His Majesty would punish him. He was about to tell the truth when he saw that An Honghan did not continue to question him.

The other palace maids and eunuchs all thought the same thing... Miss Xi is really courting death! She actually dared to commit the crime of deceiving the emperor! That's a capital offense!

An Honghan slowly turned around, his gaze fixed on Xi Xizhi, but he never exposed her lie.

The more he remained silent, the more frightened Xi Xizhi became, and her small hands behind her back clenched tightly together.

"You must be tired after discussing things with the ministers for so long. Let me give you a shoulder massage." Whether out of guilt or something else, Xi Xizhi blurted out these words without thinking.

Regardless of the reason, An Honghan was taken aback upon hearing these words.

It's rare for a child to be willing to serve him, so how could An Honghan possibly pass up this opportunity?

“Perfect timing, my shoulders are a bit sore.” An Honghan sat down in the chair, glanced at Xi Xizhi, and gestured for her to massage them.

Whenever Xi Xizhi slacked off and failed to complete her calligraphy practice, An Honghan would punish her even more severely.

In order to suffer less this time, Xi Xizhi tried even harder to please him.

Xi Xizhi's small hands were already soft, and she used all her strength to massage An Honghan's shoulders so that he would feel comfortable.

Having finally received such service, An Honghan couldn't help but close his eyes.

Seeing An Honghan's unusually relaxed expression, Xi Xizhi couldn't help but be stunned for a moment.

In the past, An Honghan would never relax his guard in the presence of other people, and he rarely looked like this now.

Gradually, Xi Xizhi couldn't tell whether she was massaging his shoulders to reduce his punishment or simply to see him relax.

Seeing the harmonious atmosphere between the two, Lynn secretly waved to the crowd, signaling all the palace maids and eunuchs to leave Panlong Hall.

The hall was completely silent.

Time seemed to stand still at this moment, making this scene a permanent snapshot.

"What? Why are you trying so hard to please me today? Have you been neglecting your calligraphy practice?" Seeing that the time was right, An Honghan asked.

Before Xi Xizhi could react, she saw An Honghan's dark eyes open, and she almost blurted out, "I only said that because you looked tired..."

Upon hearing this, Xi Xizhi was slightly taken aback.

Yes.

Although she initially had ulterior motives, she genuinely started massaging An Honghan's shoulders because she saw he was too tired.

An Honghan's obsidian-like eyes flickered, as if he had caught something, and a slight smile appeared on his lips. "Still saying you didn't try to please me?"

"No!" Xi Xizhi retorted. She had already dismissed the idea without realizing it. She only continued to massage his shoulders because she saw his comfortable expression. She had no other intentions.

"Really? It seems you've finally developed a conscience, little one." An Honghan nodded meaningfully, a remark that made the surrounding eunuchs and palace maids laugh.

Xi Xizhi blushed with embarrassment. When did she become heartless?

Her clear, bright eyes widened as she stared at An Honghan with obvious dissatisfaction.

However, what Xi Xizhi considered a rather dignified look, An Honghan perceived as having a hint of coquettishness.

Instead of showing any restraint, he turned to Lynn and asked, "Lynn, tell me, was there anything nonsensical in what I just said?"

Lynn was already chuckling to himself, his shoulders trembling, when he heard His Majesty suddenly call his name, he was so startled that he immediately stood up straight.

"Your Majesty, what you say is correct."

Even if you gave Lynn ten times the courage, he wouldn't dare to contradict His Majesty, would he?

The scene before us clearly shows that His Majesty is trying to tease Miss Xi.

Lynn turned to look at Xi Xizhi, and upon recalling His Majesty's words, he found them quite reasonable.

Miss Xi eats and sleeps all day long, and has not done a single important thing since entering the palace.

His Majesty is keeping her, though it is voluntary and without any reason. But wouldn't a person develop feelings about this over a long period of time?

If it were Lynn himself, he would definitely feel guilty.

Although living a comfortable life by eating and drinking for free will always make people uncomfortable.

Xi Xizhi gritted her teeth, seemingly having also considered this point, and was unable to refute it.

And that was indeed the case. An Honghan always treated her well, providing her with good food and drink, and cared for her even more than he cared for his own family, while Xi Xizhi never did anything at all.

But... isn't she An Honghan's pet? Shouldn't pets be kept by their owners?

Just then, An Honghan looked over with his pure black eyes.

That one glance made Xi Xizhi feel a little guilty!

Others may treat her like a plaything, but she herself should never see herself that way!

He's been eating and drinking with An Honghan every day, so he should at least put in some effort.

"Who...who said I have no conscience? Look..." Xi Xizhi pointed to her pounding heart, "Isn't my conscience right here?"

After letting out two soft hums, Xi Xizhi, probably feeling guilty, immediately turned her head away, not daring to look An Honghan in the eye.

An Honghan looked at Xi Xizhi's innocent and charming appearance, and a faint smile inadvertently appeared on his lips.

"Is that so? Let me see clearly." An Honghan wouldn't let Xi Xizhi back down. He grabbed her arm and pulled the little girl into his arms.

Xi Xizhi had long been accustomed to his warm embrace and did not resist at all.

However, once she met An Honghan's obsidian-like eyes, for some reason, her heart started pounding.

Xi Xizhi had never experienced this feeling before, and her small hand slowly moved to her heart.

I wondered if I was sick? Otherwise, why would my heart be beating so fast?

Now that Old Man Xu is not here, and although there are veterinarians in the palace, they cannot compare to Old Man Xu's medical skills, so Xi Xizhi does not dare to completely trust the veterinarian.

Noticing Xi Xizhi's unusual behavior, An Honghan's gaze sharpened, and he asked, "What's wrong?"

Xi Xizhi's heart pounded even harder, and she hurriedly shook her head, "No...it's nothing."

Her little face flushed red instantly, and Xi Xizhi squirmed restlessly in An Honghan's arms, trying to jump out.

An Honghan wasn't about to let her get away with it. What he loved most was seeing a child blush and pretend not to know anything. An Honghan raised his hand and placed it on Xi Xizhi's forehead. "Why is your forehead so hot? Did you catch a cold?"

Xi Xizhi buried her face in his chest, not wanting An Honghan to see her like this.

He replied in a muffled voice, "No...no."

She was simply blushing with embarrassment!