Inside a side hall of Qiwu Palace, a charcoal fire burned brightly. Xi Lingche curled up on a soft couch by the window, facing a sheet of Xuan paper, yet unable to put pen to paper for a long time. Fine snowflakes drifted outside the window, adding to the chill.

Since moving here, he had gained a moment of peace, but his fear, like that of a frightened bird, had not dissipated. His father's wrath and Lianxing's venomous gaze still haunted him, and he dared not even step out of the palace gates, for fear of encountering Lianxing again and angering his father.

"Your Highness, it's time for lunch." Yun Shu, the head maid of Qiwu Palace, entered carrying a food box, her voice gentle.

Xi Lingche absentmindedly responded. Just then, a charming laugh came from the corridor outside the palace, accompanied by the clear sound of tinkling jade pendants.

The voice was like a spell, instantly freezing Xi Lingche's body and turning his face deathly pale!

Lianxing appeared at the palace gate, wearing a fiery red fox fur cloak that accentuated her snow-white skin. With a smile as bright as a flower, she seemed oblivious to the guards blocking her way and walked straight in: "I heard that Your Highness is painting here, so I came here to learn from you. I hope Your Highness won't find it offensive?" Her eyes sparkled as she stared intently at Xi Lingche, her gaze undisguisedly provocative.

Xi Lingche was so frightened that he took a step back and almost knocked over the inkstone on the table!

"Madam, please wait!" Yun Shu stepped forward to block Xi Lingche's path. Her small frame carried an undeniable aura. She bowed slightly and said in a respectful yet firm tone, "His Highness is here to study painting at the behest of the Princess and is not in a position to receive guests. If you have any advice, Madam, please inform the Princess first."

Lianxing's smile faltered slightly. Her gaze swept over Yun Shu's calm and expressionless face, then looked at Xi Lingche's panicked and frightened appearance, like a startled rabbit. A hint of boredom and disdain flashed in her eyes.

She chuckled softly, her red lips slightly parted: "Heh...so be it. Since Your Highness is busy practicing painting, I'll come and bother you another day." She gave Xi Lingche a meaningful glance, turned around, and swayed away gracefully, leaving behind only a rich, suffocating fragrance.

Watching the glaring red disappear at the end of the corridor, Xi Lingche slumped onto the soft couch as if all his strength had been drained, his inner clothes soaked with cold sweat.

Lianxing returned to Lanyue Pavilion, dismissed everyone around her, and her delicate face was devoid of any charm, only cold calculation and impatience remained.

"Useless!" she muttered under her breath, whether she was cursing Xi Lingche's cowardice or her own miscalculation.

That old bastard Xi Linghao, barely holding on with those potent drugs, how long can he keep her interested? Xi Lingche is a hopeless case! Next target...who should we look for?

Xiao Chengkang? That exceptionally handsome face and unwavering, mountain-like demeanor instantly flashed into her mind. Lianxing felt a surge of warmth in her heart, but then she remembered Empress Lin's furious words, that even the most domineering "Hehuan Zui" (a type of intoxicating potion) couldn't subdue him!

A honey trap? Even a beauty like Lü Yi couldn't get close to him! This man is like a rock that can't be warmed! Lianxing shook her head in frustration and gave up on the idea.

She walked to the window, pushed it open a crack, and the cold wind blew in, carrying snowflakes. Her gaze swept aimlessly across the palace gardens, finally settling on a group of guards patrolling the palace walls in the distance, braving the wind and snow.

The leader was tall and robust, wearing heavy armor. His steps were steady and powerful, and even in the wind and snow, his back remained straight, like a sharp blade drawn from its sheath.

It was him, the commander of the guards—Zhao Zheng!