Jian Yang whispered in the emperor's ear, "Your Majesty, I am feeling a bit tipsy and would like to go to the Imperial Garden for some fresh air."

The emperor nodded: "Go."

Having received approval, Jian Yang immediately left the banquet and headed straight for the Imperial Garden.

Her headdress alone weighed at least ten pounds today, and she had to sit upright, so her whole body ached from sitting for so long.

Arriving at the Imperial Garden at this moment, admiring the exotic flowers and plants, and breathing in the fresh air, is truly refreshing for both body and mind!

Taking advantage of the fact that everyone was in the main hall today, she finally sat on the swing she had been longing for.

Normally, she had to act dignified and proper because of her status as empress.

She couldn't do anything that would compromise her status, which was driving her crazy!

Just as she was enjoying herself, a clear male voice suddenly rang out from behind her—

The voice was very pleasant to hear, as warm and gentle as jade.

But the words she said almost made Jian Yang fall off the swing!

"Empress, I advise you to give up on this idea. I've said it before: no matter how hard you try, I will never like you. Don't waste your energy."

Oh my god!

Who on earth is so audacious as to say such things to her, a dignified empress?

Jian Yang was quite shocked.

She stopped swinging, stood up, and looked back.

Upon seeing that face, Jian Yang instantly recalled many memories that did not belong to her.

Oh, it's Xiahou Riyue.

That is, the former Minister of the Court of Judicial Review who had previously begged and pleaded for love.

No wonder they dare to "speak so arrogantly," they have the credentials to back it up.

It must be said that Xiahou Riyue is really handsome, even surpassing Zhou Jing'an.

But this handsome guy is clearly too prejudiced against her?

"Lord Xiahou, I was just swinging on a swing. Please put away your paranoia!"

If it weren't for the fact that he's a handsome guy, Jian Yang would definitely have spat in his face.

Xiahou Riyue flicked his sleeves and snorted coldly, "The Empress followed me closely to the back garden and even deliberately swung on the swing here, clearly trying to attract my attention!"

He stared intently at Jian Yang with a look that said, "Don't bother explaining, I've already seen right through you," leaving her both amused and exasperated.

Well, it's no wonder this handsome guy is overconfident.

The original owner's actions were truly outrageous, leaving him with indelible psychological trauma.

That's true...

excusable.

The one who tied the knot must untie it; Jian Yang decided to let all the misunderstandings disappear today.

She walked up to Xiahou Riyue and smiled, "Lord Xiahou, I was indeed confused before and I am truly sorry for causing you trouble. However, I have now deeply realized my mistake and only want to wholeheartedly assist the Emperor. I have no interest in anyone else!"

Inside the main hall.

The palace maid whispered something in Consort Yu's ear.

Upon hearing this, Consort Yu's eyes lit up. She first looked at the emperor's side, then turned to look at the officials, as if searching for something.

A moment later, she showed a delighted expression!

Even God is on her side!

Yu Fei's mind raced, and she quickly stood up and walked to the emperor's side, lowering her voice, "Your Majesty, I have something important to report."

"What is it?"

Consort Yu deliberately spoke in a loud but not too loud voice, "My maid said that just now she saw Her Majesty the Empress and Lord Xiahou behaving intimately and chatting intimately in the Imperial Garden. I think this is a matter of great importance and dare not hide it from His Majesty, so I have come to report it!"

These words caused an uproar.

Although the royal family suppressed the fact that the Empress openly flirted with Xiahou Riyue and professed her love, many people still know about this past event.

Upon hearing what Consort Yu said, everyone's gossip spirit was immediately ignited.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Jingzhi subconsciously looked at Xiahou Riyue's seat, which was indeed empty.

His face suddenly turned ashen!

It turns out that the Empress's claim of being unable to hold her liquor was actually a pretext to meet Xiahou Riyue in the Imperial Garden.

Just as he was burning with anger, Zhou Jing'an suddenly spoke up.

"Your Majesty, I believe that Her Majesty the Empress is not so confused as to be guilty based on just a few words."

Consort Yu smiled and glanced at Zhou Jing'an, then chimed in, "Your Majesty, the Second Prince is right. Seeing is believing, hearing is deceiving. You'd better go and see for yourself."

The reason she dared to say this was because she was certain that Jian Yang still harbored ulterior motives towards Xiahou Riyue, and that the emperor would personally catch them in the act.

The emperor's mind, which had been nearly clouded by rage, gradually cleared.

He nodded to the Second Prince: "Your Majesty is right. I will go and see for myself."

He wanted to see it for himself, no matter what.

The entourage followed the emperor to the Imperial Garden.

Upon seeing two familiar figures in the distance, Zhou Jingzhi instantly felt murderous intent.

Fortunately, reason prevailed and he restrained his actions.

He tiptoed closer to the two of them.

"Lord Xiahou, my patience is finite!" Jian Yang said in a fit of frustration. "I've told you countless times, I was young and ignorant before, but I don't like you anymore, understand?"

Zhou Jingzhi stopped in his tracks, and the gloom between his brows gradually dissipated.

Does she really no longer like Xiahou Riyue?

Xiahou Riyue sneered: "Empress, I also advise you to stop playing hard to get."

Jian Yang completely broke down.

Does he think people are stupid just because they don't get angry?

Jian Yang took a deep breath and said, "The Emperor is taller, more handsome, richer, more powerful, and has a higher status than you. He treats me incredibly well, giving me everything I want, from the stars to the moon. I'm head over heels in love with him right now. Who has time to pay attention to you? Stop being so narcissistic!"

Xiahou Riyue: "..."

The Second Prince and Consort Yu, who arrived right after the Emperor, were dumbfounded!

Their original intention was to have the emperor personally catch them in the act of adultery.

But this...

What happened?!

The emperor couldn't suppress the corners of his mouth from turning up, and strode toward the two of them.

"Lord Xiahou, if you continue to act so unreasonably, I will immediately have the Embroidered Uniform Guard arrest you and throw you in jail. Don't think I won't do it!"

Jian Yang had her back to the emperor and did not see him walking towards her.

Xiahou Riyue, however, had sharp eyes and immediately knelt down to pay his respects: "Your humble servant greets Your Majesty!"

"Are you crazy? I only mentioned the Emperor once, I didn't ask you to kneel." Jian Yang was so angry that she lost her mind, and rolled up her sleeves, ready to start cursing.

But the next moment, her back pressed against a broad chest.

"emperor?!"

She froze in fright.

The emperor put his arm around her waist and said with a smile, "Empress, please don't get angry anymore. Anger damages the liver and will harm your health. It will break my heart."

Jian Yang instantly got goosebumps from the cheesy sentimentality!

"I said long ago that we must not judge the Empress's character based on just a few words. Fortunately, Your Majesty has arrived, otherwise there would have been a great misunderstanding."

The second prince stepped forward, revealing his signature gloomy smile.

The emperor nodded: "Second brother is right."

Consort Yu stepped forward tremblingly, "Your Majesty, I will certainly deal with that gossipy little hussy when I get back!"

Jian Yang raised an eyebrow, watching the Second Prince and Consort Yu sing in unison, and suddenly understood something.