Luo Lingzhang whipped his head around, his eyes as sharp as a knife, glaring at the guard as if he were about to devour him alive. The guard trembled with fear, stammering, "It was…Sister Liuli who told us to…inform the Master!"

Liuli, standing nearby, had already turned pale, watching the scene in front of her with trepidation. Her lips trembled slightly, wanting to explain something, but she didn't know where to begin. Finally, she mustered the courage to speak, "You...don't accuse me of this! I haven't even seen you today!"

However, facing Liuli's explanation, the guard was shocked and confused, opening his mouth but unable to utter a word.

Seeing this, Luo Lingzhang's anger burned even more fiercely. He gritted his teeth and squeezed out a sentence: "Go and accept the punishment yourself!" The voice was extremely cold, with unquestionable majesty.

Luo Lingyue's clear and pleasant voice came slowly from the house: "Third brother, take care. I won't see you off~" The voice was like a breeze, floating into everyone's ears.

At the same time, in the courtyard across the wall, Xiao Jinghan stood quietly, his lips curled up slightly, he shook his head gently, and then chuckled. He thought to himself: This Luo Lingyue is really an interesting person!

At this moment, Emperor Wen, far away in the palace, had just finished listening to the guard's story. He was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter: "Hahahahahahahaha... My son-in-law actually suffered a loss at the hands of Xiao Jinghan! This is extremely funny! Funny! Funny!" The laughter echoed throughout the palace, lingering for a long time.

Under the deep and tranquil night sky, everything is silent, as if the whole world is immersed in peace. However, behind this seemingly calm appearance, a thrilling action is hidden.

At this moment, Luo Lingyue was transforming into the mysterious Dark Moon Fairy. With her superb disguise skills, she cleverly avoided all eyes and quietly sneaked into the backyard of Zhang's mansion.

Chu Caiwei, Meixiang, and Huixiang were anxiously waiting in the room. When they saw the ghostly Dark Moon Fairy appear, they couldn't help but feel excited.

Chu Caiwei, in particular, could hardly contain her excitement and eagerly said to Dark Moon Fairy, "I've long expected you to come tonight. Tomorrow is Li Jingshu's coming-of-age ceremony. What should I do next?"

Dark Moon Fairy gently lifted Chu Caiwei's sleeve. At a glance, she saw that her once delicate, fair arm was now covered in scars from being whipped. The bruises and bloodstains intertwined, a shocking sight.

Dark Moon Fairy raised her eyebrows and chuckled: "Is your whole body like this?"

Chu Caiwei gritted her teeth and nodded, her eyes gleaming with determination as she replied, "Pavilion Master Dark Moon, the pill you gave me is truly miraculous! Although my entire body is now covered in whip marks, only my face remains intact."

Dark Moon Fairy smiled slightly and whispered to Chu Caiwei, "You don't have to worry, just wait here quietly. Tonight, I will take these two maids out first." After that, she turned her gaze to Meixiang and Huixiang beside her and continued to instruct, "When the emperor arrives at the coming-of-age ceremony tomorrow, you two don't have to be afraid, just rush straight forward and tell them this..." As her voice gradually became lower, Dark Moon Fairy's speech speed became slower and slower.

Chu Caiwei and the two maids listened attentively. When Dark Moon Fairy finished speaking, the three of them looked at each other, secretly amazed at how brilliant this plan was!

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the entire room. Li Jingshu rose early and dressed meticulously. She wore a gorgeous long dress, its hem as colorful as a blooming flower. Her hair was tied into an exquisite bun, adorned with dazzling jewels, making it sparkle.

Today is Li Jingshu's Jiji ceremony, a significant ceremony marking her transition from girlhood to adulthood. Also known as "Shangtou" or "Shangtou Li," the Jiji ceremony is particularly solemn for women of the nobility. Traditionally held at age fifteen, it signifies a woman's maturity and readiness for marriage. Once the Jiji ceremony is complete, they officially enter married life.

However, the rites for coming of age also varied in level. Ordinary families might simply eat a bowl of longevity noodles, comb their hair, and insert a hairpin, and that was it. Wealthier families would add more formalities, but the truly elaborate ones were the wealthy and powerful. The more elaborate the rites, the more elaborate the banquets, and the more tiring it became for both the host and the guests, as well as the person coming of age.

Therefore, a young lady like Li Jingshu, born into a distinguished family, naturally deserved a grand and solemn coming-of-age ceremony. To celebrate this occasion, the Prime Minister's residence specially invited numerous friends and family to witness this beautiful occasion. Everyone dressed in their finest attire, and the atmosphere was incredibly lively. Everyone was eager to witness this beautiful young woman as she entered this new stage of her life.

The sun was shining brightly, the wind was gentle, and today was destined to be an extraordinary day! The news that the Prime Minister's daughter, a prominent official, would become the future Crown Princess after her coming-of-age ceremony had spread throughout Shangjing. Immediately, officials and noble ladies from aristocratic families flocked to offer their most sincere blessings to this favored daughter.

The streets were festooned with lights and streamers, a festive atmosphere abounding; traffic and people bustled in front of the palace. Nearly every prominent figure in the capital had gathered, creating a bustling scene. Everyone knew that Emperor Wen, the Empress, and the Crown Prince would be in attendance to witness this grand event. For these dignitaries, this was undoubtedly a rare opportunity to showcase their talents before the Emperor and Empress, earning their favor and attention.

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