Prince Yu galloped on his horse, leaving Princess Xueqiong's carriage far behind.

The cries of street vendors and the sounds of children playing seemed to have nothing to do with him.

His mind was filled with the image of Sheng Xitang.

The smile on her face when she was embroidering the handkerchief, and the stubborn look in her eyes when she said that day, "I would rather marry a pig or a dog than you."

"Your Highness!" the attendant panted as he caught up. "If you abandon the princess like this, the Emperor will blame you..."

"Blame?"

Prince Yu reined in his horse and said persistently:

"I will not be a sacrifice for a marriage alliance!

The one I want to marry is Tangtang. This is my dream in modern times, and it must be realized in ancient times!

Inside the carriage, Princess Xueqiong played with the mutton-fat jade bracelet on her wrist, a sneer curling up at the corner of her lips:

"Prince Yu? He's nothing but a useless dandy."

She lifted the curtain of the carriage and looked at the towering palace walls.

"This princess will marry the Xuanwu Emperor, who can make the five continents and four seas submit."

The maid whispered, "But the Emperor seems to be..."

"As for men," Xue Qiong gently stroked her veil, "there's a saying in the Central Plains: if a woman pursues a man, it's easy for him to get away with it."

She recalled Xuan Ling's cold eyes at the banquet, and the desire to conquer her ignited in her heart. "This princess has her own way."

Noon, in Jingren Palace.

Empress Duan warmly took Xueqiong's hand and said, "Princess, you have come from afar. I am very happy to see you."

Qingdai presented the teacup, "This is Biluochun, a new tribute from Jiangnan. Princess, please try it."

Xue Qiong took a sip and asked casually, "Who is the emperor's favorite concubine?"

Qingdai glanced at the Queen and whispered, "She used to be the Consort, but now...it's still uncertain."

"Concubine Chen?" Xue Qiong raised an eyebrow. "Is she in the palace? This princess would like to visit her."