"Of course I like it, but no matter how beautiful the scenery is, it can't dispel the melancholy in Xixue's heart." Song Tangxue lowered her head with a sad face, which aroused Li Zhaoxian's pity and made Song Tangli even more dissatisfied.

"I wonder what troubles Xue'er. If there is anything I can do, I will do my best to help."

For some reason, Li Zhaoxian has suddenly fallen in love with Song Tangxue recently. He clearly disliked him in every way before, but Song Tangxue will not waste this opportunity. She will definitely let Song Tangli see what it feels like for her beloved to be nice to other women in front of her and thus neglect her.

"The weather is getting colder and colder now, and I don't know if those people can survive this winter."

Li Zhaoxian scoffed at this: "They're just a few lowly commoners. Xue'er doesn't need to worry about them. I've noticed that Yuxiu Workshop has produced a few new outfits. How about I get some for Xue'er?"

In Li Zhaoxian's eyes, those common people were not worth mentioning at all, not even as much as a single hair on his head. They were born poor and lowly, destined to be the lowest of the low for their entire lives, while he, as the crown prince, was destined from the moment of his birth to have a more noble bloodline than them.

A hint of coldness flashed in Song Tangxue's eyes: "Xue'er has some things she wants to say to Your Highness alone. May Your Highness ask that all bystanders leave?"

The so-called "unrelated people" were naturally Song Tangli. It's true what they say, the wheel of fortune turns, and now it's her turn to say those words. In her past life, Song Tangli had arrogantly appeared before Song Tangxue, throwing a marriage certificate in her face and repeatedly shouting:

"His Highness the Crown Prince is now in love with me, and this marriage certificate lists my name as the Crown Princess. Who do you think you are?"

Now it's time for her to experience this feeling.

"Alright, then Ah Li, you should go back to the manor first. Xue'er and I have some things to discuss." Song Tangli's bright eyes widened in disbelief that His Highness the Crown Prince would ask her to leave. It was clearly not like this before.

This Song Tangxue is indeed a menace; we must get rid of her as soon as possible!

After returning to the Crown Prince's residence, Song Tangli summoned Fang Jing. Now that he was back by her side, she was determined to make good use of him. How could someone from the Dark Gate be unable to handle even a woman?

Everyone says that the people of the Dark Gate are powerful, but she doesn't think so. They are all useless, and none of them can solve her worries!

Fang Jing was wearing a cloak, which made his appearance quite inconvenient in the Crown Prince's residence, so he dressed as a scholar in a black robe every day. When His Highness the Crown Prince came, Song Tangli would ask him to leave to avoid a direct confrontation.

"Fang, you are the only one I can rely on now. His Highness the Crown Prince is not fond of me either. Could you please introduce me to that official again?"

Song Tangli was dressed in a pink dress that accentuated her graceful figure. Any man who saw her would be captivated, and she refused to believe that Fang Jing would still refuse her request.

"That lord has ordered that Song Tangxue not be dealt with, so I'm afraid I can't do anything about it," Fang Jing said with his eyes closed.

"I just want to see that lord. I don't want to deal with my sister anymore. If you can help me with this, consider it repayment for saving my life!"

Fang Jing pondered for a long time before gritting his teeth and agreeing. He had to repay this life-saving grace, which was of great importance to the Dark Gate. He only hoped that Zhan Ming would not blame him after learning about this.

"Actually, we've known each other for quite a while now, and I have feelings for you. I wonder what your opinion of me is?"

Fang Jing's heartstrings fluttered slightly. He had to admit that Song Tangli was stunningly beautiful, like a snow lotus on a high mountain, sacred and untouchable. He had been deeply attracted to the woman before him at first sight. If he had the chance to be with her...

Song Tangli slowly took off her outer garment, took the initiative to hook her arms around his neck, and her eyes shone brightly as she looked directly into Fang Jing's mind.

"Why don't we just enjoy this night?"

...

After all the turmoil had passed, Song Tangli nestled in Fang Jing's arms.

"Fang Jing, we're in this together now, you have to help me."

Fang Jing nodded hesitantly. Since making that decision last night, he was destined to give up some things of his own. He only hoped that their affair would not be discovered.

They arrived at the secret door early in the morning. Zhan Ming was still playing an ancient zither and wearing a strange mask. As soon as Song Tangli saw him, she couldn't help but take a few steps back. After all, what happened last time was still fresh in her mind, and she still felt a bit of pain in her chest from being kicked.

"What wind blew the Crown Princess here?"

Zhan Ming was not surprised by her arrival, and didn't even lift his eyelids.

"Your Majesty." Song Tangli bowed respectfully, something no one other than the current emperor and empress dowager had ever asked her to do.

"So, what brings you here this time?"

Zhan Ming stopped what he was doing, slowly stood up, and stood by the window. A gentle breeze ruffled his hair, adding to his mystique.

"Please, Your Highness, allow me to join the Dark Gate!"

Not to mention Zhan Ming, even Fang Jing was surprised by Song Tangli's astonishing words.

This secret gate has always only admitted male disciples, and there has never been a precedent for women to enter. Song Tangli is a stupid woman with little strength, so Zhan Ming naturally wouldn't consider her.

"As a high-ranking Crown Princess, why would you condescend to come to my humble secret passage? I really can't understand it."

"To be honest, I have my reasons for coming to this secret place. However, the fact that the secret place has remained hidden in the capital for years without anyone discovering its true location is something I now know. If I were to tell others about this..."

Are you threatening me?

This woman is really bold. The last person who dared to threaten Zhan Ming has already benefited greatly. Last time, he was clearly kicked out by him, but she still has the courage to come here this time. It's really quite interesting.

However, he had already partnered with Song Tangxue. If it weren't for that relationship, he might have considered Song Tangli instead.

"Alright, my Dark Sect does not accept female disciples. You should leave now." Zhan Ming sat back down at the table and began to play the zither. The melodious music flowed slowly from his hands, but it could not ease Song Tangli's anxiety.

"My lord, please give me a chance. If you don't trust my abilities, I can act as your spy in the capital and inform you of any news immediately!"

Song Tangli really didn't want to give up. No one in the entire Crown Prince's residence was on her side anymore. Only by relying on the secret door could she turn things around.

"Don't think you can threaten me just because you know where the secret door is. I could kill you right now!"

Zhan Ming suddenly appeared in front of her, his left hand gripping her neck tightly, as if he might snap it at any moment.

Song Tangli felt a sense of crisis once again, both times from the same man—a murderous intent born from years of mingling with corpses, something she, the pampered Crown Princess, could never comprehend.