"Then Yanran must have lost control and made inappropriate advances towards Cuiwei while drunk." The Empress's words were clearly intended to confirm Yanran's disgraceful act.

Madam Mu already looked down on the Duke's mansion. If it is confirmed that Yanran is fond of women, Madam Mu will despise the Duke's mansion even more, and the marriage between the Liu and Mu families will probably be a long way off!

Shen Yu knelt beside Liu Yu, whose fair face was flushed red. He subconsciously shifted his body away from her.

Yes, with a father who has a penchant for male lovers, a sister who is fond of women, and a selfish aunt, Liu Yu's reputation has been trampled to the point of being unpresentable.

Feeling sorry for Liu Yu, Shen Yu had no choice but to confess her crimes and fabricate a flawless excuse for Yanran:

"Your Majesty, Chenyu offended Princess Xinyue while drunk. To avoid Princess Xinyue's punishment, she hid in the artificial hill. Miss Yanran took Chenyu to Yanhong Garden. We drank peach blossom wine together. Miss Yanran and Chenyu got along well. She took out a newly bought red bellyband and gave it to Chenyu, but Chenyu forgot to take it."

Miss Yanran then tucked the undergarment into her sleeve. Presumably, Miss Yanran wanted Cuiwei to give the undergarment to Chenyu, which led to the misunderstanding.

Although Cuiwei was puzzled, her mistress was clearly biased towards Yanran, so she had no choice but to follow her mistress's wishes and repeatedly kowtowed to admit her mistake.

"This servant was unaware of Miss Yanran's feelings. This servant should not have taken the opportunity to beat Miss Yanran. Please, Miss Yanran, spare this servant..."

Seeing the case turn around, the Empress's already stern face instantly darkened. It seemed that Shen Yu was determined to follow Liu Yu. Alas! I'm afraid the Prince of Yan doesn't have that good fortune!

------

Madam Mu left the Duke's mansion with Chen Yu at dusk.

Inside the sedan chair, Madam Mu's face was dark as she glared at Chen Yu and questioned her in a deep voice, "Yu'er, you're siding with outsiders, aren't you still thinking about Liu Yu?"