"It's probably just a bluff!"

The group nodded in agreement, exchanging glances as they spoke, the meaning of which was self-evident.

At that moment, a young eunuch hurriedly ran to Gu Jingchun's side.

It instantly caught the attention of the female protagonists.

The young eunuch seemed to say something respectfully to Gu Jingchun, and then Gu Jingchun left.

This took on a different meaning in the eyes of others.

Where did she go?

"That little eunuch looks familiar; he seems to be from the Crown Prince's palace."

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately recalled the incident of the previous bride-snatching.

"What do you think the Crown Prince wanted her to do there?"

"Hmph, what else can they do?"

"He must have made some mistake!"

"Do you really think the Crown Prince would be interested in an orphan with a child?"

"That's true."

Everyone nodded and breathed a sigh of relief.

Today's banquet is supposed to be a flower appreciation feast, but in this cold winter month, where are there many flowers to admire?

In fact, the Empress Dowager used the banquet as a pretext to give the sons and daughters of various high-ranking officials a chance to meet.

All those present were women of marriageable age, waiting for a suitable man.

The Crown Prince had always been their dream marriage partner.

However, over the years, the Crown Prince has remained aloof from women, so they have had no opportunity to get close to him.

Now that they saw Gu Jingchun being summoned by the Crown Prince, they were naturally on high alert.

The group exchanged glances, and finally a woman in yellow snorted coldly.

"Don't worry, even if the Crown Prince gets married, it won't be her turn as a widow. Miss Situ is here for you."

Upon hearing this, everyone turned to look at Situ Mingji.

Long ago, everyone was saying that Situ Mingji was the future Crown Princess, but there has been no news for so long.

It wasn't until His Majesty inadvertently brought up the matter again that the Situ family was finally awakened.

Last time, Situ Mingji almost lost himself because of everyone's adulation, but now he is much more composed.

Facing the gazes of the crowd, she became much calmer and remained unaffected.

However, the hand hidden in the sleeve also clenched.

Early this morning, her father took her to his study alone and gave her detailed instructions on the matter, saying that it was the Emperor's intention to make her the Crown Princess.

I secretly inquired about her opinion.

Situ Mingji was naturally delighted.

When she saw that Gu Jingchun had been summoned by the Crown Prince, she only glanced at him and didn't take it to heart.

She's just an ordinary widow, and now that she's lost the support of her maternal family, what kind of trouble can she possibly cause?

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Palace...

Gu Jingchun was led by the eunuch to the entrance of a magnificent courtyard.

Gu Jingchun didn't want to come.

Her actions at the banquet were far too obvious, and she didn't want to become the target of everyone's criticism.

However, the little eunuch said...

"His Highness the Crown Prince has already instructed that if you do not go, he will come to summon you personally, and things will be much more complicated then."

Upon hearing this, Gu Jingchun felt utterly overwhelmed and, disregarding everything else, could only follow the young eunuch over.

She slowly pushed open the courtyard gate.

Unexpectedly, as soon as it was opened, I saw a yard full of flowers.

They were colorful and extremely beautiful; the varieties were even more beautiful than the flowers at today's banquet.

Especially the largest few snowflakes.

Like a waterfall of flowers, it is extremely eye-catching.

In such a cold season, to see a yard full of flowers like this is something that money alone cannot buy.

Environment, temperature, and meticulous care are all indispensable.

This shows how much Shen Hechuan cared.

Gu Jingchun walked slowly into the courtyard, as if she were in a sea of ​​flowers, which was extremely beautiful.

She looked around the courtyard and finally followed the path paved with flower petals to one of the main halls.

A spray of snowflakes was stuck in the door of the main hall.

Gu Jingchun curled his lips and slowly pushed open the palace door, only to find a beautiful scene inside.

It was daytime, but the entire hall was shrouded in darkness.

The moment she pushed open the door, the candlelight flickered on like stars.

The path on the ground was paved with silver foil, which trembled slightly as she opened the door, like the Milky Way falling to earth.

Shen Hechuan stands on the opposite bank of the "Milky Way".

He was dressed in a white robe embroidered with silver threads, holding a jade flute, a smile on his face, his eyes fixed on her.

Gu Jingchun's gaze was also drawn to him. She slowly moved forward, and the palace door behind her closed behind her.

Gu Jingchun has never been able to resist Shen Hechuan's good looks.

Back then, at the inn, their first time was caused by Gu Jingchun drugging them.

However, every time after that, it was Shen Hechuan who did it on purpose.

Each time, Shen Hechuan would make various gestures in front of her, such as smiling, casually touching her, or whispering in her ear, constantly tempting her.

And each time she couldn't resist the temptation, she would fall into his tiger's mouth like a lamb to the slaughter.

Just like now.

She watched as the noble and handsome Shen Hechuan slowly walked towards him, stepping on the scattered silver fragments on the ground.

Her skirt brushed against the glass lanterns on either side, the light and shadow flowing between her eyebrows and eyes.

Shen Hechuan just stared at her like that.

Then, he slowly raised his head and held the jade flute to his lips. Immediately afterward, an elegant melody flowed from his mouth.

The flute music was melodious and pleasant to listen to.

Gu Jingchun stopped in the middle, and suddenly fireflies flew out from his sleeve.

The specks of green light wove into a butterfly array in the darkness, eventually transforming into a few words.

"Happy birthday, Qingqing."

Gu Jingchun paused, his eyes stinging, before he remembered.

Today is actually her birthday.

It was her birthday back when she was Liu Qingqing.

Unexpectedly, Shen Hechuan still remembered.

Since his rebirth, Gu Jingchun has had several names, several identities, and several birthdays.

But she never knew when her real birthday was.

She had long forgotten her birthday when she was Liu Qingqing.

The song ended.

Shen Hechuan slowly walked up to Gu Jingchun and stood still.

Fireflies fluttered around them.

Gu Jingchun looked up at Shen Hechuan.

Shen Hechuan lowered his eyes slightly, and his deep, gentle words fell into her ear.

"Happy birthday, Qingqing."

Gu Jingchun nodded, feeling a sweet warmth seeping into her heart, slowly eroding her reason.

But Shen Hechuan continued, "Gu Jingchun, tell me the truth, do you prefer the flowers I gave you or the ones Luo Ziqian gave you?"

Gu Jingchun, who was deeply moved: ...

Why does she suddenly want to leave?

Seeing Gu Jingchun's expression change slightly, Shen Hechuan stopped joking with her and stepped forward to pull her into his arms.