The servants laid out cushions along the stream bank, and the young men, who had already taken their seats on the opposite bank, watched with great interest as the noble ladies gracefully approached.

The most eye-catching was naturally the second daughter of the Duke of Shen. She was tall and had extremely fair skin, making her stand out at a glance. Her slender, white hands were folded in front of her lower abdomen, and her graceful figure moved with a slender gait, like a beautiful peach blossom painting, captivating all who saw her.

Prince Chen, Xue Zhan, gazed at Shen Youying with infatuation, his eyes lingering on her beautiful face and delicate hands. Thinking about the arrangements to come, he couldn't help but feel his blood boiling.

Those around him, unaware of his intentions, noticed him staring intently at Shen Youying. Knowing his temperament, the young man couldn't help but tease, "How does this second daughter of the Shen family compare to the beauty of Prince Chen?"

Xue Zhan pressed his tongue against the roof of his mouth, squinted his eyes and smiled, saying, "How would I know if I haven't tried it?"

His words were frivolous, but now that the Shen family had lost power, Shen Youying was no longer a noble lady to be respected. If the Shen family fell, a criminal like Shen Youying would be nothing more than a plaything in the brothel. Who would risk offending Prince Chen to speak up for Shen Youying?

The crowd burst into laughter, and many ambiguous glances were cast at Shen Youying.

"What kind of joke are you all making? Laughing so heartily, let me hear it too." A sinister voice suddenly broke in, like a sharp knife, shattering the harmonious atmosphere of the banquet.

Xue Shen seemed oblivious. He sat in a large rosewood wheelchair, leaning his upper body against the armrest, his chin resting on one hand, as he was slowly pushed in by the guards.

The young men were startled when they suddenly saw him and quickly rose to their feet to pay their respects. Secretly, however, they exchanged glances, wondering who had invited this menacing figure.

"No need to guess, I came uninvited." Xue Shen smiled as he swept his gaze over the group of quail-like young men, then looked at the noble ladies on the opposite bank who looked terrified, seemingly enjoying their fearful expressions: "Today I went to the Xiangguo Temple to draw a fortune stick. The head monk of the temple said that my love star was shining brightly today, and I should travel west. As I was traveling west, I suddenly heard laughter and commotion here, so I came out of curiosity to take a look."

"I didn't expect Prince Chen to be here as well. I hope I haven't disturbed your enjoyment."