Yingmei immediately chimed in, "Oh dear, how could we subordinates possibly concern ourselves with such matters? His Highness is currently accompanied by the gentle, considerate, and charming Miss Mu. We just need to focus on doing our own jobs. Don't you agree, Sister Zixun?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Yingmei didn't even bother to look at Zixun's face, which was twisted and contorted with rage, and half-pulled Yingzhu's arm, preparing to turn and leave.

"Hurry up, hurry up! If you don't do what His Highness ordered, be careful Shadow Lord will skin you alive!" She urged fiercely as she skillfully avoided Zi Xun and walked away quickly.

Watching the two figures walk further and further away, Zi Xun's anger burned even more fiercely.

She really wanted to rush into the room immediately and confront His Highness to ask whether what Yingmei had just said was true.

However, when the image of Shadow Lord appeared in her mind, she instantly deflated like a punctured balloon and gave up the idea.

"Damn it, where did that damned old man go? We've searched everywhere but can't find him. Even the clues about the medicine man have mysteriously vanished without a trace. Who on earth is messing with us?"

Zi Xun clenched her fists tightly, pinching her palms hard, and lowered her head in deep thought.

Yingzhu and Yingmei walked for a while before slowing down.

"Why do you say that? His Highness and Miss Mu are clearly not getting along." Yingzhu's face showed displeasure, clearly somewhat angry.

However, Yingmei remained calm: "Over the years, have you ever seen anyone who could anger His Highness to the point that he would even want to throw away gifts given to him?"

Yingzhu answered honestly, "Indeed, no. Even if His Highness were truly angry, with our keen perception, we would probably find it difficult to detect anything amiss, because His Highness is always a gentle and refined prince."

Shadow Demon pressed on, "Then, have you ever witnessed His Highness making kites by hand and meticulously carving flowers on wood, and doing so for others?"

Yingzhu frowned slightly, lost in thought. After a moment, she shook her head and said, "I have never seen it. At most, His Highness personally inscribed the plaque for the Mu residence two years ago. But to be frank, the Grand Tutor and His Highness are already as close as family. Apart from that, it seems there is no one else who can make His Highness do something personally."

Yingmei nodded in agreement, thinking to herself that this guy was quite perceptive.

"Have you ever seen His Highness so anxious about someone that he even went so far as to use his own internal energy and secretly leave the palace in the dead of night to visit them?"

"Apart from tonight, it seems there has never been such a situation before."

"That's precisely why you can't be so sure that His Highness will definitely not marry Miss Mu in the future?" Yingmei said with a smile.

Yingzhu initially wanted to refute that it was impossible, but then she came to her senses and turned to ask Yingmei, "Then, in your opinion, what makes you so sure that His Highness will definitely marry Miss Mu in the future?"

Yingmei sighed inwardly, not expecting that she hadn't been able to ensnare him this time.

"Oh dear, they say a woman's heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea, but a man's heart is like sand at the bottom of the sea—it's everywhere, yet not everywhere. Let's just do what we should do. Friendly reminder: you'd better keep this box safe and don't throw it away."

Yingzhu asked, puzzled, "Why? His Highness already said to dispose of it."

"Did His Highness instruct you on how to dispose of it?"

"No, but isn't disposing of it just throwing it away?"

"Idiot, fine, then I'll ask you again, did His Highness say when you should dispose of it?"

No, not that.

“Yes, just wait three days. If His Highness doesn’t bring it up again, then it’s not too late to deal with it. Just pretend you’ve dealt with it.” Yingmei waved her hand dismissively.

Yingzhu objected, "Isn't this just paying lip service while secretly going against orders?"

"Flattery? I'd rather be sarcastic." Shadow Demon laughed in exasperation.

Seeing that Yingzhu still looked confused, Yingmei sighed inwardly and said helplessly, "When you listened to your sister before, did you ever suffer a loss or have your sister ever tricked you?"

Yingzhu shook her head honestly again, and hesitated, "Then...then I'll talk about it tomorrow?"

Shadow nodded in satisfaction.

She slowly turned her head, her gaze fixed on the magnificent yet mysterious Xuanming Palace in the distance, and sighed softly.

This sigh seemed to carry a thousand words and endless emotions.

As the saying goes, "Those involved are often confused, while bystanders see things clearly," she thought to herself.

It is extremely worrying to see His Highness struggling in the whirlpool of emotions, yet unable to see his true inner world.

As an observer, she had already seen everything clearly, but was powerless to do anything about it.

She couldn't help but worry, when would His Highness finally realize the truth?

Why……

Another long sigh, filled with deep helplessness.

She could only pray silently, hoping that His Highness would soon find his own path to happiness and no longer be troubled by the fog.

The next day.

When Mu Zhi woke up, her eyes felt a little sore, but the thought of going to the palace to find Xuan Ming immediately cheered her up.

"Miss is awake?" Magpie, who was waiting outside the door, immediately pushed the door open and came in upon hearing the noise.

Mu Zhi slowly sat up from the bed, nodded gently, and her gaze fell on the tray that the magpie was holding, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes.

She asked softly, "What is that?"

The magpie excitedly strode to the bedside, saying as it went, "Miss, look! It's so beautiful!"

As she spoke, she had already come to the bedside and casually lifted the cloth covering the tray.

On the tray lay an exquisitely crafted and incredibly gorgeous dress.

Its colors are vibrant and eye-catching, and the fabric is soft and smooth, as if it is emitting a faint glow; the embroidery on it is even more exquisite, with every stitch and thread showing delicacy and liveliness.

Magpie happily introduced to Mu Zhi, "Miss, this was specially made by the embroiderers that Master sent to Biyun Tower last night."

Actually, the master had prepared this outfit for you some time ago, but you have been focused on your studies and have not paid attention to other things, so the outfit has been left unused.

This morning, the master hurriedly ordered someone to bring it over, saying that now it could finally be put to use.

After speaking, the magpie carefully placed the tray on the table.

Then, she added with great enthusiasm, "Miss, why don't you wear this dress to the palace today? His Highness will surely be amazed by you."