"Waaaaah, Your Highness, he stole my rouge, and after using it, he broke out in pimples all over his body. He even accused me of putting medicine in the rouge and demands compensation. Please be the judge, how can someone steal and then turn around and falsely accuse others?"

Holding a handkerchief, blowing his nose and complaining, the man was named Si Kou. He was fairly good-looking, but a bit effeminate.

If you don't like it, close this window.

"Your Highness, don't listen to his nonsense. He said it himself, that the rouge has a pleasant fragrance that lasts all day, and he even let me try it. I only applied a little, and suddenly I broke out in bumps all over my body, itchy and uncomfortable. He clearly did it on purpose, knowing that I love wearing rouge, and he even showed it off in front of me. Your Highness, he has ill intentions and is taking this opportunity to get revenge on me. Just a year ago, when you summoned him to serve you, he wasn't feeling well, and I helped him. I never expected him to turn around and harm me. Your Highness, you must severely punish such a person."

The tall, thin girl with a face full of acne is Qingshui. She usually looks alright, but now she looks awkward no matter how you look at her, which directly affects Xiangwan's mood to sleep.

Wait, isn't it late at night now?

Are they that free?

Don't they need to sleep?

With so much energy, well, we can't spoil him too much.

"Sikou, let me see your rouge."

Si Kou gave a signal with his eyes, and the servant next to him immediately presented a box of rouge that was already half used up.

It's pink and delicate, with a wonderful fragrance; it's definitely a good product.

I held it to my nose and sniffed, "Achoo!"

Si Kou was the closest, and his face was completely covered in makeup.

He was stunned by Xiang Wan's sneeze and didn't react for a long time.

Shimizu next to him laughed so hard he couldn't straighten up.

The servants couldn't help but laugh.

Xiang Wan closed the rouge box, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "Sorry, I couldn't resist for a moment. Xiao Linzi, take Master Si to the warm pool to wash up, and tomorrow we'll pick out another box of the finest rouge and deliver it to Master Si's courtyard."

Upon hearing this, Si Kou was overjoyed, forgetting even the powder on his face. He glanced at Qing Shui and left gracefully.

Shimizu was somewhat indignant. He was the one who complained to his wife, so how come Sikou benefited in the end?

"My wife..."

That pitiful look of hers was truly a pity.

"Shimizu, how long have you been at the manor?"

"It's been about three years, I think."

Shimizu was a little uneasy, not understanding why Xiang Wan had suddenly asked this question.

"He's considered an old man."

"..."

What could he say?

"If you are allergic to pollen, you should stop using rouge to avoid being taken advantage of by malicious people."

What?

Is he allergic to pollen?

How come he never knew?

"Considering the fact that you served me so diligently, from now on, no similar situation will be allowed to occur in this manor, nor will any unauthorized visits to disturb His Highness be permitted. Do you understand what I mean?"

Understand!

I totally get it!

The Second Princess is putting him in charge of, no, managing, the Princess's Palace!

He doesn't need rouge; this suits him better than managing the princess's residence!

"Yes, Your Highness, I will certainly not disappoint you."

"Hmm," Xiang Wan nodded, reached out and patted his shoulder, and whispered, "If you're going to put on an act, you have to go all the way. Use your brain more often."

Shimizu was stunned. His Highness... he knows?

Cold sweat streamed down his forehead.

Now that you know, why did you still entrust the Princess's residence to him?

When I came to my senses, Xiang Wan was nowhere to be seen.

Shimizu clenched his fists tightly for a moment, then turned around, his expression becoming sharp and resolute.

His Highness didn't object, which means he supports his actions. So, no matter how much trouble he causes, it shouldn't be a problem, right?

He slept soundly through the night and went to court early the next morning.

As the second princess, whether or not she attends court doesn't really matter much.

However, since this was Lin Wushuang's first time presiding over state affairs, she had no idea how things would turn out.

The court officials had already arrived at the side hall, and before the formal court session, they gathered in twos and threes to chat.

When Xiang Wan arrived, the court officials wanted to go up and say a few words to her, but they hesitated because yesterday's events had been too traumatic for them. Before they could finish their hesitation, it was time for court.

Lin Wushuang, dressed in a phoenix robe, sat upright beside the phoenix chair, exuding an aura of majesty that was worlds apart from her former status as a courtesan.

Seeing his imposing presence today, no one would compare him to a man from a brothel.

However, there are still many people who hold prejudices.

"Your Majesty, recently the madam of Qingping Tower has been using your name to suppress other brothels, claiming that a golden phoenix has flown out of their place and that they are the only ones in the world to have it. I thought that since it is your maternal family, I have come here specifically to ask Your Majesty how to deal with this."

The first to speak was Yang Dingfeng from the capital.

Bringing up Lin Wushuang's background is clearly an attempt to embarrass him.

Such attacks on others' identities, coming from one official's mouth and being met with indifference and even agreement from others, demonstrate the extent of corruption within the court.

With them in control of the government, it's no wonder that truly talented people have no chance to rise to prominence.

Moreover, if this matter is handled too harshly, it will inevitably give the impression that Lin Wushuang, after becoming Empress, has forgotten their past affections and is ungrateful. If it is handled too leniently, it will be seen as unfair enforcement of the law and abuse of power.

Yang Dingfeng is trying to give Lin Wushuang a hard time!

Lin Wushuang raised her eyes, taking in everyone's expressions, and said calmly, "Shouldn't the annual handsome man contest begin?"

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