The Empress's face, which had been clouded with worry, suddenly brightened. She looked at Xiao Lingshou in surprise, and after the surprise, she was so relieved and excited that she almost burst into tears.

"Ling'er, you've finally come to your senses and haven't let your mother down," she said, rising to walk up to Xiao Lingshou, her eyes reddening. She held Xiao Lingshou's arms and instructed him, "Go in peace. Don't be afraid of anything. You are now the only prince, and no one will dare to say anything to you. Even if your father doesn't like you, a tiger won't eat its cubs, and he won't do anything to you."

Hearing these words, Xiao Lingshou frowned slightly, a hint of impatience flashing across his face.

The Empress, however, was completely oblivious and continued to ramble on, saying, "You are currently weak and alone. The most important thing right now is to win over various forces and use them for your own purposes. Only then can you secure your position as Crown Prince and Emperor in the future."

Xiao Lingshou didn't want to argue with her, so he forced a smile and said perfunctorily, "I understand, but since we're going to a birthday banquet, we need to prepare a gift. I'll go and prepare it now."

The Empress nodded. She had a lot more to say to Xiao Lingshou, her eyes filled with relief and joy, but preparing a congratulatory gift was indeed the most important thing at the moment.

After all, Xiao Lingshou always stayed at home and refused all social engagements. He was like a hermit in the deep palace, never to be seen. So, his uninvited visit this time meant that his gift had to be sincere and not abrupt.

That Deputy General Lu is Meng Yuxiu's capable man. If we can befriend him, there will only be benefits and no harm.

"Very well," the Empress rarely smiled. "You should prepare this gift carefully. Your mother will not disturb you while you are on your business. My Ling'er has grown up."

As she spoke, the Empress got up and walked towards the door, her face beaming with undisguised joy.

After the Empress left, Xiao Lingshou's expression darkened slightly, but when he saw the small corner of the thin letters peeking out from under the chessboard, a faint yet warm smile appeared on his lips.

"Lanlan," he called out.

Lanlan strode into the hall and bowed, saying, "Your Highness."

“I remember that a foreign country once presented me with a jade bracelet. It was of superior quality and would keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. Go and find it,” Xiao Lingshou said, rubbing his forehead as he tried to think.

Lanlan looked puzzled, then left in response.

Xiao Lingshou used to be oblivious to worldly affairs and never interested in these tributes. However, a few days ago, when summer began, Lanlan gave him these things hoping they would keep him cool in the summer heat, but Xiao Lingshou let her take them. Today, however, he brought them up for some reason.

She handed the jade bracelet in her hand to Xiao Lingshou. The jade itself was not of the highest quality, but it had acquired spiritual energy due to its age, and there seemed to be blood flowing inside.

"It really is a good thing." Xiao Lingshou held the bracelet in his hand and weighed it, a faint smile appearing in his eyes, like ice and snow melting and spring flowers blooming.

Lanlan knew he definitely didn't wear it for her sake. Xiao Lingshou only cared about one person now, and the thought of it made her furious.

"Find a box and pack it properly," Xiao Lingshou handed the jade bracelet back to her, then seemed to remember something and said, "Oh, right, find some finely crafted jewelry made of high-quality materials and pack it properly. It's Vice General Lu's daughter's birthday banquet in a few days, so bring it along as a congratulatory gift."

“Then this bracelet…” Lanlan hesitated.

Xiao Lingshou quickly said, "Put the jade bracelet away separately and give it to me."

He looked at the thin, neatly arranged letters and thought to himself, "She'll definitely be at my good friend's birthday party."

Hu Pin was living a miserable life at this time. Not only had he lost his right-hand man Zheng Xuan, but he had also failed to kill Chang Lili three times. Xiao Shu'er could no longer hide her emotions. After throwing a tantrum, she turned him away.

He had a hard time during this period, living a meager existence, and feeling distressed about the large number of subordinates he had lost.

He felt bad for disappointing Xiao Shuer time and time again, thinking that he had let her down.

Little did they know that Xiao Shu'er discarded him like a worn-out shoe, throwing him away as if he were a useless chess piece.

“Master, the dead cannot be brought back to life. You can’t just not eat. Food is essential for life. Please eat something,” Hu Pin’s subordinate said sincerely.

Although Hu Ping was physically strong but simple-minded, he was very loyal and always shared weal and woe with his subordinates. As a result, his former subordinates followed him wholeheartedly.

He had bluish stubble on his chin, looking decadent and slovenly, and reeking of alcohol.

"Do you think I'm a good-for-nothing?" he asked his subordinate with a wry smile.

"Of course not! You've just fallen into the enemy's trap. You must pull yourself together and avenge our fallen brothers!" his subordinate said passionately.

Upon hearing this, Hu Pin blinked, and his unfocused pupils suddenly flashed with a fierce light.

"You're right, you're right! I can't let myself be so dejected, otherwise who will avenge me? And there's my cousin Shu'er, as long as I kill that bitch, she'll definitely change her mind!" He thought, a look of joy on his face.

After saying that, he threw down the wine jar in his hand, grabbed the bowl and chopsticks, and began to shovel rice into his mouth.

Inside the Scarlet Smoke Palace, Xiao Shu'er looked worried. After her outburst of rage some time ago, the palace maids and eunuchs remained silent for a long time, not daring to utter a sound.

At this moment, Xiao Shu'er was sitting by the window, seemingly taking a nap. Her mood had been unpredictable lately, making her intimidating to behold.

Bai Mei tiptoed over and called out in the gentlest of voices, "Princess?"

Xiao Shu'er frowned, closed her eyes, propped her forehead with one hand, and said weakly, "Get out!"

"Princess, I have something important to report," Bai Mei said obsequiously.

Xiao Shu'er's tone immediately turned angry: "Don't tell me it's that good-for-nothing Hu Pin bothering me again."

"Of course not!" Bai Mei said in an incredulous tone, "Princess, this servant has found out important information. That little slut is probably going out soon."

Xiao Shu'er suddenly opened her eyes and asked in surprise, "You mean, Chang Lili is going to leave the forbidden area?"

Bai Mei nodded with delight: "Princess, haven't you heard? One of the General's subordinates has been promoted to deputy general..."

She was only halfway through her sentence when Xiao Shuer's face fell, and she impatiently interrupted, "Don't mention that person to me."

Bai Mei immediately changed her tune, saying, "That man was promoted to deputy general. This deputy general has a daughter named Lu Ming, who is very close to Chang Lili. Lu Ming's birthday is coming up soon, and her father is going to throw her a birthday banquet, inviting many people."

"You mean, Chang Lili will be going to the birthday banquet?" Xiao Shu'er opened her eyes and raised an eyebrow, her eyes flashing slightly, but many ideas were popping into her mind. "A birthday banquet...that's really nice. With so many people around, who knows what might happen?"

Seeing the sinister smile on Xiao Shuer's face, Bai Mei quickly stepped forward and said with a smile, "Princess, have you come up with a plan? This servant will go and prepare it right away!"

Xiao Shu'er closed her eyes again, but the worry between her brows was gone. She said calmly, "No rush. Go and prepare a congratulatory gift for me first."