Princess Rui'an snorted coldly, "This Qingzhou has finally arrived. I was so worried about his exams, and after he finished, he didn't even come to let me know he was safe. He went to a party yesterday, and this morning he went to some social event. In the Southern Chu Kingdom, only this little rascal would dare to stand me up, right?"

Despite the scolding, the tone was more one of indulgence.

This kind of pampering is different from that shown to male concubines; it is the pampering that elders show to younger generations.

Prince Jin glanced at Chen Mianmian, then asked, "Is Your Highness very familiar with them?"

"Yes, you haven't been in the capital all these years, so you may not know. I've found a few playmates of similar age, and my best friend is Lady Ding, the wife of the Marquis of Anning. Bai Qingzhou is Lady Ding's only son, and I've watched him grow up. In my eyes, he's like half a son."

And Lingyu, do you know why I like Qingzhou so much? That child looks a bit like you… Of course, I'm talking about the you from before; you've changed a lot in recent years.”

Sleeping sound—two or three parts similar? No, no, now it's at least eight or nine parts similar!

Prince Jin's handsome face slightly lowered, and the smile on his lips was only polite, without any warmth. "I see. I saw Prince Bai yesterday."

Princess Ryan was taken aback. "You saw Qingzhou? Where is she?"

"Yesterday's gathering of literary figures was hosted by Scholar Ma."

"I see," Princess Ryan said, understanding dawning on her.

Scholar Ma was Prince Jin's mentor and served as Grand Tutor for three years. After leaving the Imperial Study, he maintained frequent contact with Prince Jin.

It was normal for Prince Jin to attend the gathering he was holding after returning to the capital and learning about it.

As the group was talking, Bai Qingzhou and Guanshui entered Xuanyue Residence, led by a maid.

When Bai Qingzhou saw the Prince of Jin standing beside the princess, he was taken aback.

At the same time, Prince Jin nodded slightly to Prince Bai. Although they had met before, he did not show much enthusiasm.

Princess Ryan, however, exclaimed in surprise, "Qingzhou? You're Qingzhou? How have you changed?"

Then, she turned to look at Prince Jin beside her in astonishment, and then at Prince Bai, "What... what's going on with you two? You used to look alike, but after three years and four months apart, you've become exactly the same. Did you two plan this yesterday to wear human skin masks and play a trick on me today?"

Sleepyhead—well, Your Highness's imagination is quite boundless.

Bai Qingzhou led Guan Shui to pay their respects to the princess and Prince Jin, and to greet Prince Ruyue.

Guan Shui looked at Liu Xiangning nervously. Xiangning noticed him, turned her head and glared at him—what do you mean?

Guan Shui quickly lowered his head—it didn't mean anything.

Guan Shui was a member of the Princess's residence and would return to report to her on time. Even if he didn't have close relationships with anyone, over time he would still hear some of the gossip circulating about the Princess's residence.

He knew that the princess liked to find some ladies of the same age to play with, and many ladies came to play with the princess in order to curry favor with her.

The princess didn't care much about ordinary playmates; she could just play with them casually.

However, if someone is particularly fond of someone and intends to develop a deeper relationship with them, they will use their male companions as a test to see whether those companions value friends more or men more.

Lady Anning was also tested. Of course, it wasn't Young Master Ruyue who tested her back then, since that was ten years ago when Young Master Ruyue was still young and hadn't yet entered the manor.

Since Prince Ruyue entered the palace three years ago, the princess has not had any new playmates.

The reason is simple—no woman can resist the charm of Prince Ruyue.

Guan Shui was worried, and Xiang Ning couldn't resist either...

Liu Xiangning knew exactly what Guan Shui was thinking. She glared at him fiercely a few more times, gritting her teeth—Guan Shui, who do you think you are? Wait until we get back to the Marquis's mansion, and I'll see how I deal with you!

Prince Jin laughed, "Your Majesty is joking. Who would dare to tease Your Majesty? If Your Majesty doesn't believe me, come and pinch our cheeks."

Princess Ryan was in shock and said to Ying Gu, "Ying, quickly have someone bring Xuan here! Let's see what's going on."

"Yes, Your Highness." Ying Gu was also shocked and hurriedly sent her maid to fetch someone.

Princess Ryan then asked Prince Ruyue, "Ruyue, do they look alike?"

Ruyue carefully compared them, and then respectfully said, "Your Highness, the Prince and the Crown Prince are seven or eight parts similar."

"Seven or eight points? I think they're exactly the same!" Princess Rui'an exclaimed excitedly. "Qingzhou, come here and stand with Prince Jin so I can have a good look at you."

Bai Qingzhou obediently stepped forward, and Prince Jin also had no choice but to get up, waiting to be compared with Bai Shizi.

As she stood up, she saw the young prince walking over, and the woman's gaze followed him the whole time. Even with a man as beautiful as the moon, and a prince who looked seven or eight parts like the young prince, the woman still didn't take him seriously.

A moment later, Bai Qingzhou and Jin Wang stood together.

Princess Ryan carefully observed the two men. "Comparing them, there are some differences. Prince Jin is taller than Qingzhou, and his features are more defined."

Shen Mianmian also took the opportunity to compare the two, thinking to herself - Fengchu has become like this in just four months, and who knows if it will continue to change in the future, or if it will become even more like the two in the future.

Liu Xiangning gently touched it, "Master."

"Hmm?" Shen Mianmian looked away, puzzled.

Liu Xiangning lowered her head and whispered, "That Prince Jin kept glancing at you with a seemingly casual look in his eyes. I feel that there's something wrong with his gaze."

Shen Mianmian understood and replied softly, "Maybe it's because my face is too beautiful?"

"It's possible. This servant is worried that Prince Jin might have feelings for Master."

"This... surely not? To like someone after just one meeting? Love at first sight? Although I am indeed very beautiful, with Prince Jin's status, how could he not have seen many beautiful women? He shouldn't be so easily swayed as to like every pretty girl he sees."

"That's hard to say. Didn't the Marquis also fall in love with the Madam at first sight?"

"Tsk."

Princess Ryan noticed the two whispering to each other and asked, "What are you two talking about? The entire princess's residence combined doesn't have as many schemes as the two of you. Are you perhaps comparing who is more handsome, Prince Jin or the Crown Prince? Tell me, who is more handsome?"

Taking advantage of the situation, they set a trap for the two of them.

The two said in unison, "The princess is the most beautiful."

"..." The crowd.

Princess Ryan's lips twitched. "I knew it. You can't expect anything good to come out of a dog's mouth."

Prince Jin looked at the two stunningly beautiful women and couldn't help but chuckle.

Princess Rui'an smiled at Prince Jin and said, "These two are quite interesting. Their stories are more interesting than any storybook. If you want to hear them, I will tell you."

Prince Jin was naturally eager to hear it, "Then I'll trouble you, Your Majesty."

Bai Qingzhou looked at the man who resembled her, his greedy eyes constantly glancing at Mianmian. She pursed her lips, her mood extremely displeased.