Back at Fengyi Palace, Yu Qianqian felt like she was dreaming. She stood there stiffly, watching Mu Beichen swaying back and forth in front of her, offering words of comfort one after another. His enthusiasm grew stronger with each passing moment.

Yu Qianqian's heart remained calm as ever, completely unmoved by his enthusiasm. Only after he slowly walked towards her did she finally reveal a hint of something unusual: "Your Majesty, I have just returned and feel a little tired. I'm afraid I won't be able to serve you as usual tonight..."

Seeing her expression change drastically, Mu Beichen quickly responded to her cold words, "It's alright. I know you haven't been feeling well lately. It's good to just stay by your side quietly."

Without allowing her any response, he strode forward, took her slender hand in his, and carefully held it in his palm, loosening and tightening his grip as if afraid of upsetting her.

As Yu Qianqian felt his hand, a surge of emotion welled up inside her for no apparent reason. Then, a persistent weariness appeared on her face, and her hand immediately stiffened as the coldness in his palm quickly turned to ice.

"Since Your Majesty likes to stay here so much, then so be it," Yu Qianqian said casually, not even glancing at him.

Her address of "Your Majesty" and her calm, indifferent tone made Mu Beichen gradually feel a sense of estrangement and indifference. He even realized that the distance between them was growing. The more carefully he tried to treat her, the more he felt that they were no longer as close as before.

"Qianqian..." Mu Beichen opened his mouth, but before he could finish speaking, Yu Qianqian turned around quickly and walked straight behind the screen.

Standing there bewildered, watching her disappear behind the screen, Mu Beichen didn't know whether he should leave or stay.

Although separated by a light curtain, he could still vaguely see her graceful figure, her slender body revealing perfect curves amidst the rising smoke.

Behind the screen, Yu Qianqian loosened her clothes and loosened her belt. With a gentle lift of her leg, she stepped into the bathtub that had been prepared in advance. She then calmly closed her eyes slightly and sat down. At this moment, her body from the neck down was immersed in warm water, and she was deeply immersed in meditation.

Her only purpose in returning this time was to avenge Su Ruan. Even though Mu Beichen was completely unprepared for her, she did not want to get entangled with him any longer. Now she only wanted to finish everything as soon as possible and completely sever ties with the royal family.

Before she knew it, a long time had passed. When she changed her clothes and went out again, she found that Mu Beichen was still patiently sitting outside, waiting for her.

Yu Qianqian saw that his eyelids were slightly closed, and he was resting his face on his elbow in front of the bronze mirror, as if he had fallen into a deep sleep.

She thought for a moment, but didn't say a word. She simply turned around and went back to her bedroom. Later, because Mu Beichen was there, she didn't even change her clothes before going to sleep.

Outside, beyond the gauze curtain, a palace maid's voice suddenly came: "Your Majesty, the Emperor has left. Before he left, he specifically instructed me to tell you that your health is still very weak. Remember to drink your medicine before you sleep."

As soon as she finished speaking, Yu Qianqian lifted the curtain and looked over. She saw Xiangxing holding a small bowl of bright red liquid, and she could smell the pungent smell of blood from afar.