After the Southern Liang envoys left, life returned to normal, and as time went by...

The weather is getting colder day by day, and the entire capital is bathed in autumn colors.

Five days later,

The weather was nice, and Shang Changge was admiring the flowers.

The princess's residence has a garden of one acre, with artificial hills and strange rocks, arched bridges and flowing water.

Every flower, every blade of grass, and every tree is arranged in a pleasing and orderly manner, resembling a precious autumn landscape painting.

Inside the red-tiled pavilion,

Shang Changge was quite relaxed, admiring the autumn colors of the garden while playing with the black iron longsword and dagger he had just acquired.

"bass--!"

The longsword unleashed a gust of wind carrying murderous intent, causing the red maple leaves not far from the pavilion to sway.

In a short while, the fiery red maple leaves fell gently onto the cobblestone path.

Shang Changge: "Not bad."

Sheathed his sword, running his fingers over the cool blade as he muttered to himself.

"But we still need to find an opportunity to try it on someone to see if it works."

The old emperor and Shang Rui haven't caused any trouble lately, and who knows what big move they're brewing up behind the scenes.

Shang Changge's mutterings were undisguised, causing the maids and servants serving in the pavilion to shudder in unison.

Fearing that the princess might get impatient and suddenly decide to test the knife on them, they were afraid that she might not be able to wait any longer.

"Princess."

Qingyao came over and reported, "The palace embroiderers have just delivered a new batch of autumn clothes. Would you like to go and take a look?"

After fiddling with the longsword, Shang Changge started fiddling with the dagger, waving it around to indicate he wasn't interested.

She had already had enough of looking at the shops' account books from last month yesterday, and today she just wanted to give her eyes a good rest.

Shang Changge: "I am so beautiful that I look good in anything I wear. There is no need to report similar things in the future."

It's casual and indifferent; the main message is confidence.

Qingyao agreed, then hesitated for a moment before asking Shang Changge, "Princess, are you still planning to invite Miss Feng to the manor as a guest?"

If Qingyao hadn't mentioned it, Shang Changge would have forgotten about it.

After thinking for a moment, he nodded, "Sending an invitation or sending someone to deliver a message will do. As for the rest, you can arrange it as you see fit."

Qingyao agreed and went down.

Invitations were sent that day, and the banquet was scheduled for noon the following day.

The next day at noon,

Feng Xiyao arrived as promised and shared a large table of delicious food with Shang Changge.

The chefs at the Princess's residence are all top-notch; every dish they prepare is a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate, making it incredibly tempting.

Although the two chefs Xiao Ji provided were slightly inferior in skill, their dishes had unique flavors and were in no way inferior in terms of taste.

Feng Xiyao enjoyed her meal.

The guests enjoyed their meal, and Shang Changge, the host, was pleased. When Feng Xiyao had almost finished eating, he put down his chopsticks and said:

"If Sister Xiyao likes the food made by those two chefs, she can take one of them back with her so that she can eat it every day."

Feng Xiyao's eyes lit up, and remembering something, she hurriedly put down her chopsticks and waved her hands repeatedly:

"No, no, that was a daughter of a subject given to the princess by the Great General, how could I..."

Feng Xiyao spoke incoherently, basically saying she didn't dare and politely declined.

That's the Great General! How could she dare accept a cook given to her by the Great General!

She loves to eat; she doesn't want to die.

Shang Changge roughly guessed what Feng Xiyao was worried about, and a smile appeared on her bright and beautiful face.

His smile was kind and approachable, making him seem very easy to get along with, but what he said was completely fabricated:

"I have already spoken to General Xiao about this matter, so Sister Xiyao can rest assured and take it back with her."

Feng Xiyao: "...Huh?"

No, how does the princess know what she's afraid of? No, that's not the important thing—the important thing is—

Feng Xiyao glanced several times at the dishes she had just devoured on the table, savoring the delicious taste of the meal.

I swallowed hard, feeling incredibly cowardly. I really wanted it, but I was too hesitant to confirm.

"R-Really? Is it really possible?"

Under Feng Xiyao's expectant gaze, Shang Changge smiled slightly and gave an affirmative answer:

"sure."

Ultimately, it was a foodie's heart and a foodie's courage that overcame her fear of Xiao Ji. Feng Xiyao beamed with joy and excitement, saying:

"Then, then this humble woman will boldly accept it!"

...

The spacious, bright, and elegant dining room fell silent for a moment after hearing that eerie remark.

Feng Xiyao belatedly realized that she had spoken her truest thoughts, and immediately covered her mouth with her hand, looking at Shang Changge with a terrified expression.

It's over, it's over.

I've heard that the princess and the general have a very good relationship. I hope the princess won't let today's meal turn into her last meal before she's beheaded...

Feng Xiyao was having a lot on her mind, but the princess still had that same smiling face.

Shang Changge had already drunk tea, rinsed her mouth, and washed her hands. At this moment, she took the handkerchief handed to her by Qingyao and wiped the remaining water droplets from her hands, which was very thoughtful.

"Don't worry, Sister Xiyao, I didn't hear anything just now."

After saying this, he invited Feng Xiyao to take a walk in the garden to enjoy the flowers and digest her food. Feng Xiyao readily agreed, nodding like a chick pecking at rice.

The garden remains as beautiful as ever.

However, before the person even arrived, a melodious pipa tune could be heard.

Shang Changge raised an eyebrow, not expecting Mi Chan to be here at this hour.

Qingyao: "Princess..."

Qingyao wanted to ask if Michan needed to leave, but before she could finish speaking, Shang Changge raised his hand to stop her, indicating that it was unnecessary.

Feng Xiyao: "Hmm?"

Feng Xiyao listened for a while and liked it more and more. She looked around and said whatever came to mind, showing her carefree and outspoken personality.

"Who's playing the pipa over there? It sounds so beautiful."

Feng Xiyao's voice was clear and bright, and the group had now stepped into the garden.

Mi Chan, who was concentrating on playing music in the pavilion, naturally noticed it, stopped, and stood up to look over.

Seeing that there were guests,

Mi Chan quickly placed the pipa she was holding on the white jade table, rose, and bowed gracefully in Shang Changge's direction, saying:

"Greetings, Princess."

After Shang Changge said "no need for formalities," Mi Chan politely thanked him before rising, then timidly looked at Feng Xiyao.

Looking unsure whether he should bow, he glanced at Shang Changge for advice.

"Princess, who is this...?"

Shang Changge gave a brief introduction to the two, and then the group sat down on the white jade benches inside the red-tiled pavilion.

Feng Xiyao seemed very interested in the pipa music that Mi Chan had just played and wanted to hear it again.

Mi Chan glanced at Shang Changge, and only dared to speak after seeing Shang Changge nod in agreement.

"Miss Feng, if you wish to hear me play, I am naturally willing to play for you. However, I have noticed that you have bruises under your eyes."

It seems you haven't been resting well lately. Why don't you close your eyes and listen to me play a calming melody for you?

Shang Changge wasn't as observant as Mi Chan, but upon closer inspection, it was indeed true, and she couldn't help but ask a question:

"But what major case has recently occurred in the capital?"

Feng Xiyao sighed, her brows furrowing. Since it wasn't something that couldn't be said, she didn't hide anything:

"The princess was right after all. A teacher at the Imperial Academy and his family of three were poisoned and murdered in their home the night before last."

The Dali Temple took over this case, but they couldn't even identify the poison, let alone catch the murderer. It was incredibly frustrating..."

Imperial Academy, Master?

Shang Changge knew nothing about these things, because she wasn't interested.

But the Imperial Academy reminded her of someone: her uncle, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, Murong Huai.