Xiao, Xiao Huaijin?

Shen Yunjiao turned her gaze to the elegant and noble figure sitting to the east of the emperor's throne.

He wore a purple brocade robe embroidered with python patterns, a red and gold crown inlaid with jewels on his head, and a leather belt decorated with gold and jade around his waist. His handsome face was full of gentle warmth.

He probably won't see himself, right?

Shen Yunjiao realized that she hadn't had a chance to reveal her true identity to Xiao Huaijin yet.

She quickly lowered her head, trying to hide her presence as much as possible.

Fortunately, Xiao Huaijin was sitting at least fifteen meters away from her.

I probably can't see myself.

She moved slightly closer to Pei Zhixuan, trying to use his large frame to shield herself.

Pei Zhixuan felt Shen Yunjiao suddenly squeeze closer to him, and turned his head coldly, saying, "Get out of my way, stay away from me."

He was much taller than Shen Yunjiao, so he had to lower his head slightly to look at her.

From a distance, the two looked as intimate as mandarin ducks with their necks intertwined.

This intimate scene was witnessed by Xiao Huaijin.

A hint of gloom crept into Xiao Huaijin's eyes.

After the emperor, his concubine, and the crown prince took their seats, the ministers bowed and returned to their places.

"My dear subjects, let's treat today as a family banquet, so please relax and enjoy yourselves."

After Pei Zhixuan sat down, he noticed that Shen Yunjiao had moved closer to his side.

He really couldn't understand why Shen Yunjiao, who had just been arguing about not going home, was now actively clinging to him.

Do you think it's fun to toy with him?

Pei Zhixuan lowered his head, intending to say something sarcastic, but unintentionally met Shen Yunjiao's clear, spring-like eyes.

Her hair was jet black and soft, her skin was so white it was dazzling, and her eyes were as bright as stars.

Pei Zhixuan was speechless.

He only heard Shen Yunjiao glance at him before lowering her head and saying, "I didn't run into you, what's there to be afraid of?"

Yeah, what is he afraid of?

Pei Zhixuan threatened in a low voice, "You better not try any tricks like before, or I definitely won't let you off the hook!"

"The male lead in these abusive novels is a complete idiot!" Shen Yunjiao rolled her eyes in exasperation.

If I weren't afraid of making eye contact with Xiao Huaijin, do you think I would want to?

Really!

With Xiao Huaijin and Pei Zhixuan present, Shen Yunjiao ate with extreme caution and trepidation, not daring to raise her head throughout the entire banquet.

Fortunately, in the latter half, the emperor allowed everyone to tour the garden at their own pace.

Jiang Rong pulled her and Xiao Anle away from the East Garden and flew kites in the large forest area within the garden.

Pei Zhixuan naturally dared not stop the princess, but simply gave Shen Yunjiao a few words of advice, telling her to make sure she returned to the banquet as soon as possible.

Shen Yunjiao ignored his words and only wanted to leave as soon as possible.

—

In April, the grass grows lush and the birds fly; even the wind blowing is warm.

Shen Yunjiao had never flown a kite before, so she volunteered to give it a try.

As a result, the round-headed, round-winged kite managed to float in the air for a while with the wind before it drifted down.

"Hahahaha." Jiang Rong couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Sister-in-law, you don't even know how to fly a kite?"

Shen Yunjiao disliked it most when people said she was incompetent, especially since she was just a greenhorn.

She retorted defiantly, "Who says I can't do it?"

She handed the kite to Jiang Rong, saying, "Can you hold this for me?"

Then she took a deep breath, grabbed the spool of thread, and started jogging against the wind.

The kite trembled and slowly floated into the sky from Jiang Rong's hand.

Shen Yunjiao excitedly ran and turned back to Jiang Rong, saying, "Rong'er, look, my kite is flying!"

Jiang Rong was initially excited, but then suddenly saw something and said in a panic, "Sister-in-law, be careful—"

Shen Yunjiao turned around in confusion, only to bump into a chest.

A refreshing, crisp scent wafted towards me, and before me stood a purple robe, its fabric smooth and silky.

Shen Yunjiao looked up and met a pair of warm eyes.

Her breath hitched.

Your Highness the Crown Prince?

What should I do? Should I pretend I don't know him?

"Miss Chen?" Xiao Huaijin's voice came from above.

Shen Yunjiao realized she was being held tightly in his arms in a very intimate position, and suddenly thought of that night—

Her face flushed instantly, turning a delicate pinkish-red.

In her haste, Shen Yunjiao pushed Xiao Huaijin away, saying, "You...you've mistaken me for someone else."

Seeing Shen Yunjiao's face as beautiful as a sunset, his previously gloomy mood instantly brightened.

The orchid-like fragrance became more pronounced, causing Xiao Huaijin's Adam's apple to bob involuntarily.

It smelled so good; he missed it so much.

Fortunately, Xiao Huaijin still had self-control. After seeing the two people following behind, he consciously distanced himself from Shen Yunjiao.

"I apologize for my rudeness, young lady."

Xiao Huaijin answered calmly.

young lady?

Shen Yunjiao looked up in surprise, only to see a fleeting hint of mockery in Xiao Huaijin's eyes.

He...he clearly knows himself, but he's pretending not to recognize him?

Shen Yunjiao was both embarrassed and annoyed. She glared at Xiao Huaijin with her bright, watery eyes and said, "It seems Your Highness's eye ailment has not yet healed!"

Seeing this, Xiao Huaijin found it even more amusing. Wasn't it she who said she didn't recognize him first? Why is she angry again?

Princess Anle then approached and said to Xiao Huaijin with utmost restraint, "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Jiang Rong followed behind her, also looking timid.

Seeing this, Xiao Huaijin put his hands behind his back and smiled gently, "You guys continue playing, I won't disturb you."

He strolled away, giving Shen Yunjiao a meaningful look before he left.

"Yun Jiao, what were you talking about with His Highness the Crown Prince just now?" Jiang Rong asked.

Shen Yunjiao paused slightly, "It's nothing, just a misunderstanding."

After watching the purple-clad figure fade from sight, Xiao Anle breathed a sigh of relief and whispered, "It's been more than half a month since I last saw my brother."

Xiao Anle and Xiao Huaijin are not siblings and grew up in different places, so their relationship is not particularly close.

Although Xiao Huaijin always appeared to be an easy-going older brother, Xiao Anle always felt that beneath this gentle exterior lay disdain and aloofness towards others.

Shen Yunjiao was still immersed in the look Xiao Huaijin had given her earlier, but Jiang Rong pouted at her and said provocatively, "Your kite has fallen again, cousin-in-law."

Shen Yunjiao gritted her teeth, "You wait, I will definitely make it fly today."

They were having a great time outside, completely unaware of what was happening inside the palace.

After several rounds of drinks, Emperor Zhaowu was quite drunk. His hazy gaze swept across the hall below, where his trusted minister, Chancellor Shen, and his son were sitting to his right.

Emperor Zhaowu leaned to the side of Consort Shu and sighed softly, "Prime Minister Shen seems to have aged a lot."

Consort Shu paused for a moment, then a serene smile appeared on her beautiful face. "Prime Minister Shen works tirelessly day and night; he is indeed very hardworking."

Emperor Zhaowu, intoxicated by the wine, was filled with a myriad of emotions.

Shen Zhizhang had been by his side ever since he ascended the throne.

Emperor Zhaowu was thinking about what to do to reward Shen Zhizhang today.

A high-ranking official naturally lacks nothing.

He suddenly remembered that Prime Minister Shen had a son-in-law who had just returned to the capital from Jiangnan.

Emperor Zhaowu asked in a loud voice, "Is Prince Pei of the Duke of Dingguo's mansion also present today?"

Pei Zhixuan had been absent-minded ever since Shen Yunjiao left. When he heard the emperor call his name, he immediately stepped forward and knelt on the ground, saying, "Your humble servant greets Your Majesty."

"I have heard that you have done a good job in controlling the floods. Now that the general election is scheduled for April, I would like to promote you to the rank of Imperial Censor of the second rank."

Emperor Zhaowu waved his hand and looked at Prime Minister Shen with a smile, "What does Prime Minister Shen think?"

"Your Highness's talent is evident, and it is your good fortune to serve His Majesty," Shen Zhizhang replied respectfully, standing up, but then cast a sharp glance at Pei Zhixuan. "However—"