After Guo Wanqiu left, Jiang Wan belatedly realized Pei Xuan's emotions.

The person sitting across the stone table had a sullen face, his thin lips pressed into a straight line, his expression cold and stern, and he did not utter a word.

It's hard for anyone not to notice.

Jiang Wan asked, "Is Your Highness angry because you were deceived?"

Pei Xuan raised his eyes to look at her.

The woman before me had a beautiful face, eyebrows like a crescent moon, and black hair like a waterfall.

Jiang Wan usually dresses simply, but now she is wearing a second-rank imperial robe adorned with pearls and jade, and it doesn't look out of place at all; it only makes her eyebrows and eyes look even more beautiful.

Her beautiful eyes were clear and bright, but now they held a hint of doubt.

Pei Xuan said, "I helped you obtain an imperial title, and you, on the contrary, have learned to deceive me with the Empress Dowager."

Jiang Wan apologized and then explained, "Her Majesty the Empress did it for His Highness's own good, and judging from the results, His Highness did not make a wasted trip."

"You and Miss Guo had a very pleasant conversation; perhaps the Crown Prince's Palace will soon have a new mistress."

Pei Xuan's expression turned cold.

"It can't be her, the Crown Princess."

Jiang Wan gave an "oh," seemingly unconcerned about the matter; she only wanted to return to her residence as soon as possible.

There was little to do at the military camp today, so Song Yu rarely returned home for dinner. Jiang Wan promised to make him crab meat lion's head meatballs, a dish that takes the most time to prepare.

"There are many eligible young ladies in the tea house. Your Highness, please make yourselves at home."

As she was about to get up, Pei Xuan stretched out his long arm and stopped her.

"You have deceived me today, but I will not hold it against you, as long as you answer one question."

Before Jiang Wan could respond, Pei Xuan spoke, his voice calm yet making her heart clench.

"Liu San Niang of Xiapi Mountain is exceptionally intelligent and perceptive. I wonder what kind of face lies beneath her mask?"

Jiang Wan suddenly looked up.

"The Mountain Bandit Liu San Niang" is a collection of anecdotes from a rare ancient book. It tells the story of Liu San Niang, a singer who, after being murdered by her relatives, disguises herself as a mountain bandit, plots for many years, and finally kills her enemies.

That year, Pei Xuan was recuperating at Linglong Pavilion. In his spare time, he read this collection of anecdotes and even joked that she wore a mask all day long, perhaps like Liu San Niang, carrying a deep-seated blood feud.

Pei Xuan wouldn't bring it up without a reason.

When she met his deep gaze, Jiang Wan's heart skipped a beat, and she could only pretend to be calm and say, "What did Your Highness say? I don't understand."

A cool spring breeze brushed against Pei Xuan's dark hair. His eyes were deep and sharp, as if they could see through any disguise.

Just as Jiang Wan was about to give up, a voice suddenly came from behind: "Xuan'er".

The Empress has arrived.

Seeing the awkward silence between the two, she quickly walked up to the pavilion and pulled Jiang Wan behind her.

"It was I who asked Awan to call you here. If you're angry, don't take it out on her."

The Empress sighed and looked at Jiang Wan apologetically: "Are you alright?"

"Your Highness was just having a few casual words with me, it's nothing," Jiang Wan said. "Since Your Majesty has arrived, I shall take my leave now."

She turned and left the pavilion, and only after walking a long way did she realize that the scrutinizing gaze behind her had disappeared.

"Where has Madam gone? I've been looking for you for so long."

Biluo ran over and was startled when she got closer.

"What's wrong? You look so pale."

Jiang Wan's face was expressionless, but her lips were slightly pale.

Pei Xuan was always cautious. If he dared to probe, even without concrete evidence, he would have a pretty good idea of ​​what was going on.

Did she make some oversight that he discovered?

In the pavilion.

When the topic of taking a concubine came up, the Empress gave Pei Xuan a long and earnest plea, but he remained indifferent, clearly not having listened to a word she said, only replying, "Your subject knows what to do."

The Empress was puzzled.

"The Guo family's daughter is both beautiful and talented, so what is it about her that doesn't suit your taste?"

“We disagree on everything,” Pei Xuan said.

The Empress sighed helplessly, “What’s wrong with Miss Guo? I chose her based on your preferences. Even A-Wan agreed, saying that you two are a perfect match.”

Pei Xuan was about to leave, but upon hearing this, he turned back, looking somewhat displeased.

"Don't mention these things to her again."

"I'm only doing this for your own good. I want to find you a suitable Crown Princess so that you and your husband won't have any problems in the future." The Empress sighed softly. "Just like A-Wan, she's so pitiful to look at."

Pei Xuan stopped in his tracks: "What happened to her?"

The Empress expressed her concerns about Jiang Wan in one breath, and then added at the end.

“A-Wan’s life must be difficult. I’ve heard that General Chengping mistreated his first wife. You know him, do you have any ideas?”

Yes, there are.

The empress looked at him expectantly.

“One dose of poison will suffice,” Pei Xuan said coldly. “With Song Ziyu dead, everything will naturally be fine.”

The Empress was slightly taken aback. Before she could finish her scolding, Pei Xuan had already walked away.

“Look at him, what is he saying?”

She said angrily to the old woman beside her.

"None of them give me any peace of mind."

Inside the general's mansion.

At dinner time, Song Yu, who had returned home, enjoyed a steaming hot crab meat lion's head.

The final martial arts exam is scheduled for half a month later. Recently, he has been teaching the Chenxing Sword Technique in the army and has gained considerable experience, which has greatly improved his martial arts skills.

Halfway through the meal, Cai Die rushed in to report.

"Madam, something has happened in Concubine Ru's courtyard."

"What's wrong?"

"When Song Lin heard that it wasn't him who entered Chongwen Hall, he became enraged and stormed into Aunt Ru's courtyard, pushing her to the ground."