He looked at Shen Jintang intently again, remained silent for a moment, seemingly lost in thought, then snorted coldly, turned around and called out, "Someone! Go get some food!"

Not long after, within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, someone brought over a bowl of warm minced meat porridge.

The rice grains in the porridge are soft and the minced meat is delicate, making it perfect for eating after a long period of fasting. It can warm and nourish the spleen and stomach without putting too much burden on the digestive system.

Gu Zhixing originally wanted Shen Jintang to get up and drink the porridge by herself, but seeing her curled up on the ground, her face as white as paper and her body still trembling slightly, he knew that she simply didn't have the strength.

He felt a surge of irritation, but he still sighed helplessly and personally brought the porridge to her.

"Open your mouth." He scooped up a spoonful of porridge and brought it to her lips, his tone tinged with impatience yet also revealing a hint of helplessness.

Shen Jintang knew in her heart that with her current physical condition, she probably wouldn't be able to drink this bowl of porridge tonight if she relied on herself alone.

There's no need for her to be so hard on herself; after all, staying alive is the most important thing.

"Thank you for your trouble, Your Highness." She raised her head slightly, her voice so soft it was almost inaudible, but her tone remained calm.

The warmth of the porridge slid down her throat, and Shen Jintang finally felt a warmth in her stomach, which also slightly lessened the stinging pain caused by hunger.

While feeding her, Gu Zhixing couldn't help but sneer, "I bought you to serve me, but it's unbelievable that in the end, I'm the one serving you. Who's the master here, you or me?"

Shen Jintang lowered her eyes, took a small sip of porridge, and let the aroma of rice spread between her lips and teeth. She said softly, "Naturally, Your Highness is my master."

After finishing a spoonful, Shen Jintang slightly raised her head, her eyes appearing somewhat hazy in the dim light, yet revealing a hint of stubbornness.

She secretly observed Gu Zhixing's expression and noticed that although he still had a stern face, the anger in his eyes had disappeared.

Shen Jintang's heart skipped a beat, knowing this was an opportunity. So, with a hint of caution in her voice, she tentatively said, "This servant should be helping His Highness the Crown Prince, but this servant is truly foolish and does not know why His Highness is so angry today."

She paused, her voice lowering as if she were talking to herself: "Your Highness, could you please give me some pointers? I will be able to correct my mistakes and help you resolve your troubles."

Gu Zhixing stared at Shen Jintang, his eyes filled with scrutiny.

Perhaps it was because her words were pleasing to the ear, or perhaps it was because her frail appearance made him unable to bear making things difficult for her, but in the end he did not argue with her anymore.

Gu Zhixing gently stirred the porridge with the spoon in his hand, the spoon making small circles in the bowl, producing a soft "gurgling" sound.

His gaze fell on the porridge, but his voice carried a hint of self-mockery: "What was the result of the advice you gave me? I was whipped thirty times and was in so much pain that I could barely stand; Grand Tutor Shen was dismissed from court and all the officials avoided him; Shen Huaixu was demoted three ranks and the Shen family was in a state of panic. Only you, a slave girl, were transformed into a cousin of the Shen family, living in the Grand Tutor's mansion, and your food, clothing and daily necessities are so much better than before."

He leaned down slightly, his gaze as sharp as a knife, staring directly at Shen Jintang's face, as if trying to see through her. His voice carried a hint of coldness: "Tell me, should I overthink this? Should I assume you're trying to climb over me to get ahead?"

Shen Jintang lowered her eyelashes, the long lashes casting a shadow on her eyelids, obscuring the complex emotions in her eyes.

She didn't speak, but pursed her lips slightly, her fingers unconsciously clenching the hem of her clothes, as if trying to restrain herself.

I see.

So someone was instigating it!

She could have easily explained, but her lips moved, and she ultimately remained silent.

She knew that no matter how well she explained, Gu Zhixing would still be suspicious.

The truth is something you only truly believe when you discover it for yourself.

"Hmph!" Gu Zhixing was waiting for Shen Jintang to explain, but all he got was silence.

He thought he had figured out her thoughts, and that she would be speechless and unable to say anything.

His gaze gradually turned cold, and the sneer at the corner of his mouth became more pronounced: "Looks like you have nothing to say?"

He gave a cold laugh, a bitter feeling rising in his heart.

It's ridiculous that he still harbored a sliver of hope, thinking there might be some hidden story behind this.

But now it seems that he was just being presumptuous; they were only using him as a stepping stone.

The room was completely silent, save for the soft clinking of the spoon against the bowl, as if telling a story of the awkward silence.

Shen Jintang's breathing became slightly rapid. She could feel Gu Zhixing's gaze piercing her back, but in the end, she didn't say anything.

The next day, at the Shen family residence.

"Thump—"

As soon as Shen Huaixu stepped into the study, he heard a soft sound and a cup of tea flew towards him.

He turned slightly to the side, the tea splashed across his forehead and landed on the ground with a crisp "plop".

"waste!"

Grand Tutor Shen sat behind his desk, his face gloomy and his eyes full of dissatisfaction.

He was already in a bad mood after being dismissed from court, and when he saw Shen Huaixu come in, he became even angrier.

“Anger is bad for your health, Father, please calm down.”

Shen Huaixu stood to the side, head bowed, but his back was straight, his voice gentle and respectful.

"Not only have the scourge not been eliminated, but I have also been dismissed from court by His Highness. Is this your brilliant plan?" Grand Tutor Shen's tone was angry and urgent, clearly indicating that he was extremely annoyed.

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