“Young Master Yan truly understands my heart,” Yuwen Yao said calmly, without any compromise.

Meanwhile, several people watched the verbal exchange between the Crown Prince and Young Master Yan...

Those in the know understand that this is clearly a war of words between the two.

Those unaware of the situation might think Xie Lingqin was flattering the Crown Prince and trying to curry favor with him.

For example, the Fifth Princess.

"Yan She, you don't need to flatter my Crown Prince brother, he doesn't like to use it."

The Fifth Princess said in a low voice.

Xie Lingqin smiled and stepped back.

I was cursing him in my mind, thinking, "Damn it, I didn't even try to please him."

Yuwen Yao, you better remember this.

"Lord Huo, Fourth Young Master Qin, are my words not enough?"

Yuwen Yao's voice turned deep again.

Qin Xun immediately stepped forward, untied the ropes, and led Nie Zuier outside.

"Your Highness, my daughter can't bear your high regard. Don't joke with me just to spite the Fifth Princess."

Nie Zuier was very clever; she didn't want the fire to spread to her side, so she subtly shifted the focus with a smile and a soft whisper.

so……

oh!

Those words were meant to provoke the Fifth Princess.

"Fifth Princess, Young Master Xu, since that's the case, let's go too." Xie Lingqin said, then cupped her hands to Lord Huo, "Lord Huo, I'll take my leave." She then looked at Yuwen Yao, "Crown Prince, farewell." Her expression was calm, but she was indignant inside.

"I am leaving too."

Yuwen Yao flicked his sleeve and strode ahead of Xie Lingqin.

It might not seem like anything, but only the two of them knew the tense atmosphere between them.

Damn it, what makes you so arrogant?

Damn it!

Xie Lingqin remained outwardly calm, but inwardly she was so angry she felt like a plain of earth had been burned to the ground.

Doing nothing would be torture.

"Young Master Xu, you've finally found some free time, how about we go for a drink?"

In the dimly lit corridor of the prison, Xie Lingqin looked at Xu Yiran and extended a warm invitation.

Before Xu Yiran could respond, the Crown Prince instructed Tingfeng, "Tingfeng, go and invite Miss Xie from the General's Mansion back. Tell her that I have some free time today and will help her investigate the case."

"……yes."

Tingfeng swallowed hard, then secretly glanced at Xie Lingqin, who was dressed as a man and standing with Xu Yiran not far away. He knew he had no choice but to make a trip to the General's Mansion.

Xie Lingqin was secretly annoyed.

That fellow is truly hateful. Hearing that she was going out for drinks, he sent Tingfeng to invite her to come and investigate the case.

"Young Master Yan, I'll go with you."

“Princess, I apologize. How could your princess body be suitable for this… Besides, I need to return to Elder Dong’s residence.”

"It's alright, I can go to Elder Dong's residence with you."

The Fifth Princess looked at Xie Lingqin with bright eyes.

That look in his eyes...

It's obvious that he's taken a liking to her.

"Princess, I apologize, but I have urgent business to attend to."

Xie Lingqin took her leave immediately, refusing to return to the General's Mansion. Who would she ask for help from Tingfeng?

The Fifth Princess was quite disappointed, but under Yuwen Yao's somber expression, she dared not chase after him.

At this moment, a message arrived in the capital and entered the palace via express courier.

In a small county town north of Beirong, torrential rains fell for several days, destroying fields and collapsing houses. Refugees flocked to the area, and the emperor immediately ordered the allocation of people and grain for relief, and summoned officials to discuss effective strategies.

This book was first published by Xiaoxiang Academy; please do not reproduce it!