Upon hearing this, the Empress's face darkened, and her eyes flickered with emotion.

He gripped the bird teaser tightly in his hand.

News from outside the palace suggests that the Imperial Advisor seems to have taken a particular liking to that pair of prostitutes.

What kind of person has divine assistance and a noble destiny?

That's just the National Preceptor's opinion.

I'm afraid it's not divine intervention, but rather the assistance of the imperial advisor!

That big guy is so alluring, could it be that he hooked up with the Imperial Advisor just because of his looks?

Hmph, he was once a prince, but now he has to rely on seducing men to survive.

It's laughable just thinking about it!

If it weren't for his father...

I'm afraid he's still the high and mighty prince.

Hmph, who told you to have such a father? You deserve to suffer!

Hopefully, those two brothers know nothing. If they do... then the only solution is to kill them to silence them.

Driven by murderous intent, she forcefully snapped the bird-teasing stick in her hand.

The second prince saw this.

Doubt appeared in his eyes.

"Mother, you..."

The Queen smiled and said.

Nothing happened.

Imperial Preceptor's Mansion

Ning Qing saw Jia Lan walking gracefully towards her again, carrying an exquisitely carved food box.

I silently prayed: Please don't make osmanthus cake! Please don't make osmanthus cake!

Jialan saw Ning Qing staring intently at the food box in his hand.

A faint smile appeared on her lips.

Are you hungry?

As he spoke, he placed the food box on the table.

They opened it and took out a plate of white osmanthus cake.

Ningqing...

Raise your hand to your forehead!

My wife made osmanthus cake by hand. Should I eat it myself, or should I eat it?

A hint of worry flashed in Jialan's eyes.

"Sir, are you feeling unwell?"

Ningqing...

Only then did he realize that his palm was still resting on his forehead.

He knew his wife had misunderstood.

His gaze shifted.

He looked up at Jialan.

"Wife, could you rub it for me?"

Upon hearing this, Jialan quickly sat down on the small couch.

Ning Qing smiled and rested her head on his lap.

Jialan raised her hand and gently massaged Ningqing's temples.

Ning Qing rested his head on his wife's lap, a satisfied smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

A moment later, Jialan's gentle voice came from above.

"My lord, are you feeling better? Should I go and fetch the imperial physician to take a look?"

Ning Qing quickly shook her head.

"No need, I'm much more comfortable now."

Jialan nodded.

"Okay, then I'll continue kneading."

I glanced at the pastries on the table.

Recalling how Ning Qing had stared intently at the food box when she first entered, she couldn't help but ask.

"Sir, would you like to have some pastries to fill your stomach first?"

Ningqing...

So even if you pretend to be sick, you can't escape the fate of eating osmanthus cake, can you?

He quickly shook his head.

"I don't want to eat right now, I'll eat later."

Garan nodded and continued what he was doing.

One looked down, the other looked up, their eyes met in the air, and the two smiled at each other with a tacit understanding.

Unexpectedly, a gasp broke the heartwarming moment.

"Brother, sir, what are you two doing?"

Ning Qing and Jia Lan both looked toward the source of the sound.

Jiaqian stood not far away, looking at them with surprise and uncertainty.

Jialan recognized him as his younger brother.

A hint of embarrassment appeared on her face.

He hadn't figured out how to tell his younger brother about their relationship.

After all, not everyone can accept two men being together.

Although some people may keep a few male lovers in private, they do so in an extremely secretive manner, for fear of being discovered by others.

The phrase "male concubine" immediately came to mind.