Inside Anhe Courtyard.

At this moment, Jialan and Jiaqian were sitting at the table, facing each other.

Jiaqian's eyes held a complex expression as she stared at Jialan, who sat opposite her, seemingly wanting to speak but holding back.

Jialan took a sip of tea and put down the teacup.

Only then did he look up and smile slightly at the person sitting opposite him.

"Xiao Qian".

Jiaqian looked at Jialan with a complicated expression and asked.

"Brother, did you submit to the Imperial Preceptor so that we could escape Yan Honglou?"

Jialan's face froze for a moment.

However, this brief moment of stiffness did not escape Jiaqian's eyes.

Suddenly he stood up, walked over, and grabbed Jialan's hand.

“Brother, let’s go. Even if we go back to Yan Hong Lou, I don’t need you to do this for me…”

He couldn't bring himself to say the rest.

Her eyes were red, but she stubbornly held back her tears, refusing to let them fall.

Jialan gently patted Jiaqian's hand that was holding him.

"Xiaoqian, don't rush, sit down first, let's talk slowly."

"Jiaqian said urgently."

"What's there to talk about? What's there to talk about? I don't need you to make yourself suffer like this for me."

I sniffed.

"elder brother……".

Jialan spoke with a slight smile.

"Xiaoqian, don't rush, sit down and let's talk slowly. It's not what you think, silly child."

Jiaqian sat down in the chair next to Jialan.

"Brother, tell me what exactly happened?"

Jialan took a sip of tea before speaking.

“I admit that I initially approached him to use him to get us out of Yan Honglou, but after spending this time together, I seem to…”

As he said this, a hint of joy appeared in his eyes, and the corners of his lips turned up.

"I think I've fallen for him too!"

Jiaqian looked on incredulously.

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something but unable to utter a word.

Finally, he picked up the teacup on the table, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp.

That calmed things down a bit.

"Brother, but you're all men!"

Jialan nodded.

"I know, but when you really like someone, it's not something you can control."

Jiaqian's face showed worry.

"Let's put aside your genders for now. Marriage is about matching social status and bringing together two families. Your current social standing is worlds apart, so you two are simply not a good match."

Jiaqian held Jialan's hand tightly and earnestly advised him.

"Brother, you should break up with him as soon as possible. After... we've avenged you, I'll find you a suitable marriage, a wife, and children. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Jialan burst out laughing.

She raised her hand and ruffled his hair.

His eyes were filled with doting affection.

"You want to marry and have children for me? Do you know how old you are? Don't worry, I know what I'm doing, you don't need to worry about me."

Jiaqian panicked.

"You know in your heart that you've fallen for a man? And the high and mighty Imperial Advisor at that? Do you know what people will think of you and what they'll say if word gets out about your relationship?"

At this point, he suddenly stood up, his voice rising abruptly with excitement.

"Others will only accuse you of being restless and seducing the high and mighty, untainted imperial advisor."

"As for him, he remains the aloof and untainted Grand Preceptor. People will only say that he was temporarily bewitched by you and committed such a foolish and frivolous act. If the two of you are together, you will be the one who bears the infamy."