The Crown Prince couldn't refuse Suo'etu's request, so he agreed to have dinner at Suo'etu's residence.

The Crown Prince instructed He Zhu to send someone to tell He Xue that he would be at Yuqing Palace later.

When the Crown Prince accompanied Suo'etu to the dining hall, he saw a figure busy inside. He assumed it was Suo'etu's wife and didn't pay much attention.

After the Crown Prince entered the dining hall, the woman turned around and gave him a graceful bow, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness!"

"What is she doing here?" the Crown Prince asked, looking at Xu Yan. He had momentarily forgotten Xu Yan's name, but he still remembered what she had done.

Suo'etu was also taken aback to see Xu Yan there.

Xu Yan explained, "Your Highness, my adoptive mother is unwell, so she sent me to entertain you!"

"I don't need your hospitality, you may leave!" the Crown Prince said impatiently.

Seeing this, Suo'etu had no choice but to let Xu Yan leave.

Xu Yan walked out with dissatisfaction. She said to He Zhu, who was guarding the door, "Eunuch He, you've worked hard. I've prepared some food for you. Please come with me!"

He Zhu remained unmoved and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Miss Xu. This servant will wait here, in case His Highness the Crown Prince has any instructions!"

He Zhu knew that Xu Yan harbored ill intentions towards the Crown Prince, so he could not leave. He had to protect the Crown Prince for the sake of the Crown Princess.

No matter what Xu Yan said, He Zhu wouldn't leave, so Xu Yan had no choice but to leave with a dark expression.

The Crown Prince had not originally intended to stay at Suo'etu's residence for a meal. He only stayed to give Suo'etu face. So, after drinking a few cups of wine, the Crown Prince prepared to get up and leave.

Seeing that the Crown Prince was about to leave, Songgotu got up to see him off. Just as he reached the door, Xu Yan rushed over, saying, "Father, Mother isn't feeling well and would like you to come and see her!"

"If you're not feeling well, go see a doctor. I'm not a doctor, why are you looking for me!" Soetu said impatiently.

"Prime Minister Suo, let's go and see him! There's no need to see me off!" the Crown Prince said.

"Godfather, let your daughter escort His Highness the Crown Prince!" Xu Yan said with a smile.

"Very well then!" Soetu said to the Crown Prince, "Your Highness, this servant must take his leave!"

The crown prince nodded and walked forward.

The prince noticed there were very few lights on the road, making it difficult to see clearly. [Is Suo'etu's household really that poor?]

Xu Yan walked behind the Crown Prince, constantly getting closer to him.

Upon seeing this, He Zhu immediately took a few steps forward and stopped Xu Yan.

Xu Yan glared at He Zhu indignantly. She looked past He Zhu at the Crown Prince, who showed no signs of distress and continued walking forward. Xu Yan became anxious, as the Crown Prince would soon leave the palace.

The Crown Prince suddenly felt unwell; a burning sensation in his lower abdomen quickly spread throughout his body. He immediately knew what was happening. [Could it be that Suo'etu dared to drug me?]

"He Zhu!" the Crown Prince called out.

When Xu Yan saw the Crown Prince stop, she knew what was going on. This was her only chance, and she had to seize it.

Xu Yan quickly walked past He Zhu to the Crown Prince. "Your Highness, what's wrong? Let me help you to rest!"

"Get out, don't touch me!" The Crown Prince forcefully shook off Xu Yan's arm. He knew that today's events were mostly related to Xu Yan.

Thinking of this, the Crown Prince mustered all his strength and kicked Xu Yan with all his might.

Xu Yan tried to help the Crown Prince up, but unexpectedly he kicked her. Caught off guard, she was kicked and rolled backward several times. A metallic taste rose in her mouth, and she spat out a mouthful of blood.