Qiao Qiu simply smiled and didn't say anything.

Before long, the dishes and wine were served. The waiter poured the wine for them, set out the bowls and chopsticks, and then stepped aside.

The aroma filled the entire room, and the Second Prince couldn't help but swallow, his stomach rumbling with hunger and cravings.

"Brother, I won't stand on ceremony."

"Eat up." Qiao Qiu picked up the wine glass in front of her, took a small sip, and a rich aroma filled her mouth. It was a little spicy at first, but went down smoothly. This wine was wonderful, worth the money.

Dongfang Wuye's appetite was also greatly tempted, but he did not eat first. Instead, he put some beef on Qiao Qiu's plate.

"Brother, drinking on an empty stomach is bad for your health. Please eat some food."

"Hmm," Qiao Qiu replied casually, her gaze fixed on the view outside the window. She loved the window seat because she enjoyed watching stories and live performances.

The Second Prince ate heartily, like a starving ghost, completely disregarding etiquette.

Dongfang Wuye stared in astonishment, his mouth agape. He could hardly believe that this was the elegant and refined second prince he usually saw.

Noticing his gaze, the Second Prince swallowed the food in his mouth and looked at Dongfang Wuye, "What are you looking at? This isn't the palace, there aren't that many historians watching us."

The meaning is clear: seize the opportunity to be yourself!

After listening, Dongfang Wuye fell into deep thought, never expecting that his elder brother would have such insights.

Seize the opportunity to be yourself—can he really be himself? Can he? Dongfang Wuye was confused. Dongfang Wusheng's eating posture was just a matter of choice, but what about him? That was a huge issue of sexual orientation!

If he dares to expose himself, he will have absolutely no chance of ascending the throne again.

Dongfang Wuye dared not even imagine how disappointed his elder brother would be. He was terrified of seeing the look of disappointment on his brother's face.

Upon hearing the Second Prince's words, Qiao Qiu clapped her hands and laughed, "Well said."

Dongfang Wuye's eyes lit up, but then dimmed again in an instant.

No, he can't gamble; it's a losing proposition. He can't gamble.

The Second Prince's eyes lit up, and he laughed happily, "Brother, so you think so too."

“Perhaps there are some differences,” Qiao Qiu said.

"What's different?" the Second Prince asked curiously.

“I can be fearless of the historians, but you can’t,” Qiao Qiu laughed. This is also why only Dongfang Wuye was able to reveal Dongfang Wuche’s fondness for men to the world, while the historians, despite recording it for so long, never let it get out.

Dongfang Wuche's power far exceeded everyone's imagination. He could tear up the historical records at will, and he could find them no matter where they were hidden.

Even the historian had a string of wives and servants, all of whom were subordinates of Dongfang Wuche.

Dongfang Wuche, a powerful and ruthless figure, was defeated by love.

It was heartbreaking. The Second Prince clutched his chest, feeling deeply distressed. "Brother..."

"Keep eating, I'll pay." Qiao Qiu said, turning her head to look at the street and the scenery.

The Second Prince, filled with grief and indignation, buried himself in his food and ate voraciously, determined to unleash the appetite he had cultivated over the years.

Dongfang Wuye ate his food half-heartedly, drank his wine absentmindedly, but his eyes were consciously and secretly glancing at Qiao Qiu.

Dongfang Wuche is very manly and handsome, exuding masculinity from head to toe. He is like a general who has been through many battles, or a strategist who is knowledgeable in astronomy and geography. In short, there is nothing about him that is not outstanding.

Even just a side view can make someone blush and their heart race.

Dongfang Wuye used an immense amount of self-control to prevent himself from making a fool of himself.

Suddenly, Qiao Qiu's eyes widened, and she became extremely interested. "Wu Ye, look down there."

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Wuye obediently continued watching.

On the bustling street, a girl appeared performing. She was fair-skinned and beautiful, but she was dressed in simple clothes and looked a bit shabby. Half of her long hair was tied into a crescent shape, with long little pearl tassels hanging from the tips of the crescents on both sides. A small teardrop-shaped jade bead hung on her forehead, making her so beautiful that people couldn't take their eyes off her.

Holding a pipa in her hands, she addressed the crowd: "Ladies and gentlemen, I am Murong Qing. My family has suffered a calamity; both my parents have passed away, and my younger brother is missing. I need money for his travel expenses so that I may have the opportunity to search for him. Today, I will play a tune on the pipa. If you think I play well, please give me some money."

After speaking, Murong Qing's slender fingers fell, the first note began, and then another note followed quickly. It was neither fast nor slow, the rhythm was very well controlled, as clear as moonlight, with a touch of coolness, seemingly sad, yet not overly so.

More and more people stopped to listen to the music, but no one was willing to throw a single coin into the bowl beside her.

Those who had been whispering earlier stopped and listened quietly after hearing this piece.

Upon hearing the music, Dongfang Wuye nodded. "Not bad. It would be even more perfect if there were a zither to accompany it."

"She not only needs harmony, but also needs kind-hearted people to help her," Qiao Qiu said meaningfully.

Dongfang Wuye glanced at Qiao Qiu, who seemed to be hinting that he should help the girl. He turned back to look at Dongfang Wusheng, who was completely absorbed in eating, and understood. "I understand, Your Majesty. I'll go right away."

After saying that, Dongfang Wuye got up and walked outside.

It wasn't until the door slammed shut that the Second Prince reacted. He looked at the door, then looked up at Qiao Qiu, who was still there. He turned around and wondered, "Where did the Third Prince go?"

"Eldest brother, where did Wuye go?"

Qiao Qiu pointed with her folding fan, a slight smile on her face, and said, "Isn't it right down there?"

The Second Prince moved to a spot by the window and looked down. He saw a very pretty girl in the crowd; she must be performing for money.

"Eldest brother, you're being unfair! You gave such a good opportunity to Wuye! No way, I'm going down too! I can't believe the third prince can beat me!" The second prince wiped his hands with a handkerchief, rolled up his sleeves, and stepped onto a stool, ready to jump down.

Qiao Qiu reached out and pressed her folding fan against his shoulder. "Wu Sheng, you already have several concubines, but Wu Ye has always been bullied by people in the palace. Let alone concubines, he doesn't even like any of the women. You are the older brother, so what's wrong with giving in just this once?"

The Second Prince thought for a moment and said, "Alright, I'll let him have his way this time. Next time I meet a beauty, I definitely won't let him."

A glint flashed in Qiao Qiu's eyes. She had sent people to keep an eye on Murong Qing earlier, but she hadn't expected her to arrive in Jincheng so soon. Since that was the case, it was best to pair them up as soon as possible.

Dongfang Wuye always thought he was being discreet when he looked at her, but she could actually sense it all; she was just pretending not to notice.

On the street, Murong Qing had just finished her performance. The surroundings were silent. Her heart skipped a beat. Did she play badly and not meet their standards?