"Your Majesty, you're finally back!" She hadn't rested for the past two days, afraid of missing the news of Song Tangxue's return, and had persevered until now.

Song Tangxue nodded, feeling even more disheartened towards Li Zhaoxian. She wondered what kind of bewitching potion she had taken in her past life to be so devoted to a man who didn't even love her.

Fortunately, fate gave her a second chance, and she still had a chance to reconnect with the people she had missed.

"Cuixi, has anything happened these past two days?"

At the mention of this, Cui Xi gritted her teeth in anger: "His Highness clearly knew about your disappearance, yet he didn't send out a single person. Instead, the Left Prime Minister ordered the constables to search for your whereabouts everywhere. His Highness has gone too far!"

She kicked Song Tangxue to express her indignation.

Over the years, Song Tangxue has always been in love with Li Zhaoxian, but the latter has always trampled on her feelings. This time, he even refused to send troops to search for her when she was in danger, clearly not taking her seriously!

"Alright." Seeing that this girl was almost in tears, who was the one who misplaced their true feelings—himself or her? "I already guessed he would do this. Is there anything else besides this?"

If it were before, she would have hidden under the covers and cried her heart out, but now she feels more that it's not worth it.

"Nothing else, Your Majesty. By the way, where have you been these past two days?"

Song Tangxue didn't know how to explain it; Wen Sizhi's identity was special, and the fewer people who knew, the better.

"It's nothing, I'm back now, aren't I?"

At this moment, Li Zhaoxian also learned of her return, and he became even more dissatisfied. Since she had come back, she didn't even tell him. She was becoming more and more arrogant.

It seems we must teach her a lesson. If only she were as considerate as Ali.

"Your Highness." Song Tangli nestled in his arms, drawing circles on his chest. "My sister is back. That's a good thing."

Li Zhaoxian kissed Song Tangli's head: "I knew that person deliberately made me hand over ten thousand taels of gold, and now she's back safe and sound."

"Yes, my sister is very lucky, but we don't know where she's been these past two days. What if she's been having an affair with another man..."

Song Tangli didn't spell things out too clearly, but Li Zhaoxian understood what she meant.

The news that Song Tangxue had disappeared for two days had already reached the palace. If they were not given an answer, it would likely lead to unfounded speculation.

"Go and summon the Crown Princess."

When Song Tangxue was called over, she was about to go to her dorm, her face showing displeasure at being disturbed.

"Your Highness, I am very tired these past two days. Please finish what you have to say so I can go back to my room to rest."

The calming incense burning in the room made her even more drowsy, and she really didn't have the energy to fight with this despicable couple.

"I've noticed that you've become increasingly unbecoming of a Crown Princess these past few days. Not only do you stay out all night, but you're also getting entangled with the Left Prime Minister." Li Zhaoxian snorted coldly, pulling the person beside him closer.

"May I ask Your Highness, did you personally witness me having an affair with the Left Prime Minister? The Prime Minister holds a high position and wields great power; this matter should be clarified." It was obvious that this was something Song Tangli had told him.

Xie Qianzhong has served as an official for many years and is known for his integrity. Song Tangxue will not allow anything to tarnish his reputation. Even if she has such thoughts, she will not reveal her feelings until she sheds her status as the Crown Princess.

"Sister, I saw it with my own eyes, how could it be fake?"

As if to show off her favor, Song Tangli snuggled closer to Li Zhaoxian, who took her hand and played with it affectionately. She looked at Song Tangxue provocatively.

"Of course, sometimes what you see with your own eyes is not the truth. I only exchanged a few words with the Left Prime Minister. If you're going to say that everything you do with other men is illicit?"

Song Tangli's face darkened, fearing that Li Zhaoxian had misunderstood: "Your Highness, I didn't mean to..."

Lee So-hyun had a headache from this matter and didn't want to listen to their arguing anymore, so he waved his hand.

"Fine, if I hear you being intimate with the Left Prime Minister again in the future, don't blame me for being impolite. Now, leave."

After Song Tangxue left, Li Zhaoxian couldn't wait to kiss Song Tangli.

Song Tangli turned her head away, feeling sullen. No matter how Li Zhaoxian tried to coax her, it was no use. She was anxious, feeling that it was not pleasant to have such a beautiful woman in her arms but not be able to do anything about it.

"Oh, Ali, what's wrong with you?"

"It's not that I dislike you, sister, but there can be no order without rules. You clearly have a close personal relationship with Lord Xie. If His Highness doesn't punish you, perhaps he doesn't believe what I'm saying?"

Now, no matter what Song Tangli says, Li Zhaoxian goes along with her, only wanting to quickly embrace the beauty; nothing else matters.

"Since Ali is dissatisfied, then I will punish her by confining her to her quarters for three days. Is that alright?" Song Tangli knew when to stop and nodded shyly.

The following day, the Empress was furious and refused to see anyone who came to pay their respects.

"Has His Highness the Crown Prince really confined the Crown Princess to her quarters?" Song Tangxue had finally returned, and the Empress wanted to send her back to the palace, but then she heard that the Crown Prince had confined her to her quarters and she couldn't leave for the time being.

My plans can't be delayed; I must meet with Song Tangxue today to see if she's worth befriending.

The palace maid knelt respectfully on the ground: "Your Majesty, this is the order given by His Highness the Crown Prince last night."

The Empress raised her phoenix eyes and said, "In that case, I will go there myself."

Song Tangxue is much smarter than Song Tangli. Otherwise, she wouldn't have bothered to travel in the imperial carriage. She has always disliked the Crown Prince, thinking him to be a useless fool. That's why she brought Li Zhaoyun out of the temple, intending to replace Li Zhaoxian. This trip can also be a way to give him a warning.

"Call Yun'er here. I will go to the Crown Prince's residence with him."

......

Song Tangxue slept soundly and didn't take the confinement to heart. Just then, Cuixi ran over anxiously.

"Your Majesty, please prepare quickly! The Empress is here and says she wants to catch up with you!"

How could Song Tangxue not know that she had a past relationship with the Empress? The Empress was ruthless and cunning. Previously, the Emperor had a favorite concubine who drowned, and it was said that it was related to the Empress.

"Go and invite them quickly."

The Empress entered in magnificent attire, the phoenixes embroidered on her robes lifelike and exuding an air of dominance over the world. With a phoenix crown atop her head, she was helped by palace maids to the main seat, where Li Zhaoyun sat beside her.

"Your Majesty the Empress." Song Tangxue bowed, but there was no response for a long time, so she had no choice but to remain in the same position.

After about an incense stick's time, Song Tangxue swayed slightly but did not get up, remaining in her position. Only then did the Empress let her go: "Rise."

The Empress suddenly visited, but she wasn't looking for Song Tangli, which suggests that she's about to give up on Song Tangli.

"Your Highness, I heard that you went missing a few days ago, which worried me greatly. I sent people to look for you, but I don't know what happened to you?"