On the bustling South Street, brilliant sunlight spills across the green-tiled roofs and red walls that are everywhere you look.

Loud and clear hawking cries, shop signs and flags fluttering high, a steady stream of carriages and horses, a constant flow of people, and serene and contented smiles—all these elements highlight the extraordinary nature of this great nation.

After Liu Youlin lost his son, Liu Xuening successfully became the legitimate daughter of the Minister's Mansion and moved into the courtyard that Liu Ruyan had once lived in.

But it seemed as if fate was against her. The whole city knew that the Regent was about to marry Yan An, the daughter of General Yan, and Liu Xuening was no exception.

Upon hearing the news, Liu Xuening smashed everything in the house, but that didn't quell her anger. That's why she dressed up specially, hoping to attract Yue Xiyuan's attention.

Today, Liu Xuening wore a white strapless top embroidered with light pink lotus flowers, a long skirt with a hundred flowers tied around her waist, and a light misty green trailing gauze shawl. Just by looking at her, she exuded an elegant and noble temperament that was captivating.

A horse-drawn carriage sped down the street, startling passersby who hurriedly scattered.

"Get out of the way! The horse is spooked! Get out of the way!"

"Miss, watch out!" The startled carriage sped toward Liu Xuening and her servant.

A man moved with lightning speed, leaping and bounding, pulling Liu Xuening into his arms. He then threw a punch, slamming it into the carriage. His fist, imbued with internal force, sent the startled horse flying several meters away, shattering the carriage. The two landed steadily on the ground.

"Go and dispose of the carriage. Take the driver back and give him twenty strokes of the cane."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"I am deeply grateful to Prince Xiao for saving my life today." Liu Xuening bowed slightly and thanked Yue Zhixiao.

"Miss Liu, there's no need for such formalities. It's fortunate that we met today. Miss Liu, you've been frightened. We two are indeed destined to meet. How about I take this opportunity to invite you for a drink, as a way to calm your nerves?"

Liu Xuening looked at Yue Zhixiao, who had a half-smile on his face, and couldn't tell what he was thinking. But she knew that Yue Zhixiao was on the same path as her, ruthless and cunning. And one day when she became the Regent's Consort, she would be Yue Zhixiao's enemy. She didn't want to have much interaction with Yue Zhixiao.

"Thank you for your kindness, Prince Xiao. However, I was indeed frightened and am afraid I cannot repay your life-saving grace today. I will visit you in person another day to express my gratitude."

Yue Zhixiao's lips curled into a smile, and he chuckled softly.

"It seems Miss Liu has no objections to Fourth Brother's marriage?"

Liu Xuening's breath hitched. When did he find out?

She clenched her fists tightly, looked up at Yue Zhixiao, and a hint of embarrassment flashed across her face. She really was one of them.

"Would Miss Liu do me the honor of having the pleasure of being here now?"

Yue Zhixiao stared at Liu Xuening, no one had ever refused him so openly before, showing him no respect whatsoever, and revealed a sinister smile.

"I dare not. I was just a little frightened and spoke without thinking. I am much better now. I hope that Your Highness will not blame me. I hope that Your Highness will give me a chance to apologize and thank you for saving my life."

"Miss Liu, you flatter me. It is a great pleasure for me to have such a beautiful companion. How could I possibly blame you? The Drunken Moon Pavilion is not far ahead. What do you think, Miss Liu?"

Zuiyuelou and Yuelaike are roughly equal in size in the capital. However, Zuiyuelou is owned by Yue Zhixiao, while Yuelaike belongs to Yue Xiyuan. He and Liu Xuening's design was definitely to be done on their own territory.

"Your Highness, you are too kind. Xue Ning is honored."

The two went to Yue Zhixiao's private room, which was filled with brocade adorned with gold flowers. A glass lamp hung from the ceiling, and a fine mahogany table, exquisitely crafted by skilled artisans, was painted with tiger patterns and inlaid with white jade decorations, making it both beautiful and luxurious.

"Zebin, go and order some of Miss Liu's signature dishes." Yue Zhixiao turned around, sat in the seat of honor, and gestured to Liu Xuening.

"Miss Liu, please have a seat."

"Thank you, Prince Xiao."

"I wonder if Miss Liu is aware that my fourth brother is getting married soon?"

Yue Zhixiao picked up a cup of tea and drank it down in one gulp. Liu Xuening's resentful eyes were completely reflected in Yue Zhixiao's gaze.

Liu Xuening clenched her fists under the table, wishing she could tear the person in front of her to pieces: Yue Zhixiao was clearly asking a question he already knew the answer to, and he had just used this matter to lure her here, and now he was putting on an act.

Xue Ning knew about the Regent's wedding. The Regent and Princess An were a match made in heaven and were very well-matched.

Liu Xuening's face was extremely pale at this moment, and she tried her best to control her anger.

"Does Miss Liu really think so? Why does Miss Liu look a little unwell?" Yue Zhixiao, not one to shy away from stirring things up, drank another cup of tea.

"I don't know what Your Highness means by these words. I'm not feeling well today, so I can't stay with you any longer. I apologize for any offense. I'll take my leave now."

Liu Xuening didn't want to stay in this place any longer; she wanted to leave.

She had to find a way to stop the Regent from marrying Yan An. She wanted to ruin Yan An's reputation and then deal with this disgusting person after she became the Regent's wife.

"Miss Liu, please don't be anxious. Don't you want to know if I have any way to help you?"

Yue Zhixiao pursed his lips slightly, a playful smile appearing on his lips.

“Miss Liu, if you want to be the Regent's Consort of the Moon Kingdom, this kind of demeanor is not enough.”

That day in the main hall, he thought Liu Xuening was someone important, but he didn't expect her to be so petty.

Hearing Yue Zhixiao's mockery, Liu Xuening turned around and sat back down.

"Xue Ning was too impatient. Please enlighten me, Your Highness."

"Fourteen years ago, Venerable Bai Qing took Yan Cheng's daughter, Yan An, as his disciple, claiming that she had the destiny of a phoenix. I'm sure Miss Liu knows the difficulties I face in the court. My elder brother and fourth brother both see me as a thorn in their side. I'm in a tough spot."

Liu Xuening secretly scoffed in her heart. He was the one who regarded the Regent as a thorn in his side, and the Regent's repeated murders were probably also related to him. Yet now he was complaining.

I have to say Liu Xuening is right...

"I wonder what it is that Xue Ning can do to ease Prince Xiao's worries? Xue Ning will certainly serve Prince Xiao wholeheartedly."

"I want Yan An, I want her to become my queen."

After Yue Zhixiao had a reaction that time, she tried many more times, but it still didn't work. It seems that only Yan An can help her.

Therefore, he wanted to possess her, he wanted her to bear him a prince, otherwise what use would it be even if he obtained the throne?

"Your Highness is joking again. Princess An is the Regent's future queen, and she is yours..."

"So what? Miss Liu doesn't want Yan An to become my fourth brother's wife either. Why don't we cooperate? Then I will be the ruler of this country, and Miss Liu's marriage to Yue Xiyuan will just be a royal decree."

Liu Xuening's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and she revealed a cold smile. "Prince Xiao is indeed a good strategist, but Prince Xiao has chosen the wrong person. Xuening likes the Regent, but she will not cooperate with Prince Xiao. Although Xuening is a young lady, she understands the interests involved in the relationship between Prince Xiao and the Regent. I'm afraid that when the time comes, Xuening will even lose her life, let alone spend her life with the Regent."