The prince had told them to keep it a secret and not say much, but seeing how affectionate the prince and the empress were today, he was no longer so sure.

Just to be on the safe side, he figured he should ask a few more questions.

“Of course.” Upon mentioning Su Wanyan, Yu Nanqing’s fierce aura subsided. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but then pursed his lips: “Never mind, I will talk to her. You don’t need to worry about it.”

This way, I can have more topics to talk about with Yan'er.

Thinking about it this way, I couldn't help but smile.

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhang could only bow respectfully and say, "Yes, this old servant understands."

As if remembering something, he said, "Your Highness, there is one more thing."

"What?"

"I just received a visiting card from the Lady of Yuanning Marquis to Your Highness." Wang Zhang took the visiting card out of his bosom and handed it over.

Yu Nanqing took it, opened it, and immediately frowned.

Normally, a visiting card only states the time of the visit, but this one not only says that the Lady of Yuanning Marquis will be visiting Prince Gong's Mansion the next day, but also explains the reason.

Upon hearing the news that the renowned physician and master of Baiyou Valley had arrived in the capital, Su Wanyan was instructed to take the master of Baiyou Valley to the Marquis of Yuanning's residence.

The text above says that Marquis Yuanning has been feeling unwell these days, and the Valley Master of Baiyou Valley has been asked to examine him.

It's obvious that Su Muqing has gone mad, and this news spread like wildfire after she returned from the hunting grounds.

The claim that Marquis Yuanning was unwell was nothing more than a pretext to deceive people.

Yu Nanqing's face visibly darkened. It seemed that all sorts of nobodies were sending him visiting cards.

Thinking of Su Wanyan's exhausted expression when facing Qiu Nanyan, Yu Nanqing closed the invitation card, his deep pupils devoid of any life, and slowly said, "Compile a list of eligible men in the capital."

Wang Zhang immediately understood Yu Nanqing's meaning: "Yes."

"And one more thing," Yu Nanqing said, his gaze falling on the topographical map, "have the carriage ready first thing tomorrow morning, as I am going to court."

Wang Zhang was taken aback for a moment before he finally reacted: "Yes."

The next day, at dawn.

Yu Nanqing got up very early.

The bed that was ordered to be changed was arranged yesterday afternoon. It was made of sandalwood and had a roof with carvings on it. It was divided into three layers, each layer carved with cloud patterns, qilin, and other motifs.

There are soft chairs on both sides of the bed, at the head and foot of the bed, and the bed frame is decorated with gilded decorations, making it rich and luxurious. Even the surface of the bed sheets and quilts is embroidered with gold silk.

Su Wanyan slept inside, with her back to Yu Nanqing.

Yu Nanqing smiled and looked at Su Wanyan's back, feeling that all of this was unreal.

Before this, Su Wanyan had been sleeping in a separate room from him. But in just one day, the two were able to share a bed. He never imagined that what he had longed for would be obtained so easily.

Yu Nanqing gently reached out and stroked her cheek, his eyes full of affection.

Su Wanyan sleeps very quietly, just as she said. She never moves around or talks in her sleep; at most, she just turns over.

Yu Nanqing was somewhat disappointed. He had hoped that Su Wanyan would be more boisterous, so that he would have an excuse to get closer to her.

Su Wanyan frowned and raised her hand: "Don't do that."

Yu Nanqing quickly withdrew his hand, leaned closer to Su Wanyan, noticed her slightly furrowed brows, and softly apologized, "Did I wake you up?"

Su Wanyan didn't reply to Yu Nanqing. She rubbed her eyes and looked at the sky outside through the window paper: "Why are you up so early?"

He closed his eyes again right after saying that.

"Take advantage of the morning court session and go to the palace."

"Oh." Su Wanyan asked sleepily, "When are you coming back?"

"Come back after you've said what you need to say."

“I’m also going out of the manor later to go to the commoners’ area. I want to see the people I helped before. There are so many rumors going around in the city now, we have to do something to get the people on our side.”

They don't need all their people to speak for them; just a small portion of their influence is enough.

Su Wanyan closed her eyes and murmured something.

"Okay, I'll come find you if I get back early." Yu Nanqing smiled, finding Su Wanyan's appearance quite adorable.

Su Wanyan pulled the blanket tighter and continued murmuring, "No need... Let's have lunch at Fubaolou. Whoever gets there first gets to wait..."

"Okay." Yu Nanqing's voice was gentle, and he couldn't help but lower his eyes, his thin lips lightly touching her cheek.

Su Wanyan raised her hand to cover the wetness on her cheek, slowly opened her eyes and looked at him: "Okay, you've woken me up."

Yu Nanqing looked like he had just eaten candy, still wanting more. He reached out and covered her eyes, coaxing her with a smile, "It's my fault, close your eyes and sleep for a while longer."

He knew that as long as Su Wanyan felt sleepy, she would fall asleep quickly.

Sure enough, Su Wanyan fell asleep again after only a short while.

For the morning court session, officials were required to rise at dawn and arrive at the palace as the sky began to lighten, no later than 7 AM.

Emperor Yuanhe would enter the palace at 1:15 AM.

The morning court session consisted of officials reporting on their respective duties, which was essentially a work report.

Most of this information would be written in the memorials submitted to the emperor. Some officials would also possess important information and report it to Emperor Yuanhe as firsthand news in order to gain merit.

The capital city was filled with official duties, so the morning court session usually took one or two hours to finish. If some officials made a big deal out of minor matters, the time could be even longer due to disputes.

Yu Nanqing wasn't in a hurry. The reason he got up at 5 a.m. was to prepare Su Wanyan's breakfast.

I recently learned how to make Eight Treasures Cake from a chef, and I've prepared the ingredients for several days. Today is the perfect day to try it out.

Su Wanyan's favorite food is custard, and if it's made now, it can be ready before dawn.

Yu Nanqing was brainstorming breakfast recipes as she walked toward the small kitchen.

Yu Nanqing currently has neither military power nor real authority. Even though his leg ailment has healed, Emperor Yuanhe has no intention of giving him a position. Therefore, Yu Nanqing is now just an idle prince in the capital.

Since he was a prince with no official duties, it didn't seem that important for Yu Nanqing to attend court or not.

However, when he appeared in the Golden Palace, Emperor Yuanhe and his ministers were still slightly surprised.

The surprise stemmed from the fact that Emperor Yuanhe had never mentioned Yu Nanqing's attendance at court, and given that Yu Nanqing was a prince, it was only natural for him to share the burdens of the country.

However, to the crowd, this action seemed as if he was trying to share power with Emperor Yuanhe.

All the ministers thought so, not to mention Emperor Yuanhe.

A hint of disgust flashed in his already dark eyes. Why would Yu Nanqing appear in the court for no reason?

What does he want to do?

It was 3:45 AM, and coincidentally, the topic of discussion in the hall was the Valley Master of Hundred Nether Valley.

Yu Nanqing remained calm and composed. Amidst the soft murmurs of the officials, he walked to the center and bowed to Emperor Yuanhe: "Your subject greets Your Majesty."

After performing the ceremony, without waiting for Emperor Yuanhe to speak, he took his place at the head of the left side of the main hall.

Prime Minister Liu was originally standing there, but upon seeing this, he had no choice but to step back.