The four of them sat down, and Ningyin poured wine for everyone.

Chongning took the cup and smelled it; a fruity aroma wafted up.

With a subtle hint of alcohol, it makes you want to take a sip.

It has a perfect balance of sweet and sour, and a refreshing taste that goes down the throat. It's even better than the tribute that the emperor bestowed upon him.

After downing a cup of wine, Chongning picked up his chopsticks and tasted the stir-fried snails with perilla leaves.

This was her first time trying this, and she was surprised to find that the flavor was not only unique but also very chewy. It was absolutely delicious with the orange juice.

“Miss Ning, you are right to say you will not remarry. Women should have their own lives. Only by being self-sufficient like you can you live a carefree life.”

"Yes, I won't get married either. I'll stay with our young lady for the rest of my life."

Su Xin took a sip of wine, her cheeks flushed, and she became more talkative.

He then recommended his signature dish to the group: stewed loach with tofu.

The four of them ate and chatted, creating an exceptionally harmonious atmosphere.

Before I knew it, I had drunk a whole pot of orange wine.

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Palace, Xiao Xuan was still at his desk dealing with memorials.

The emperor was old and his eyesight was not good, so Xiao Xuan had been handling the situation.

Recently, the henchmen of the Second Prince Xiao Ling have begun to stir, and Xiao Xuan is so busy that he has no time to go to Ning Yin's place.

From day to night, Xiao Xuan reviewed more than ten kilograms of memorials and met with several trusted confidants.

They were almost done with their work by the time the moon was high in the sky.

Looking up at the empty and desolate palace, Ning Yin's face reappeared in his mind.

"Qingying, how's the furniture, jewelry, and clothing coming along?"

"Your Highness, everything has been prepared," Qingying replied respectfully.

Xiao Xuan hummed in agreement, feeling an unbearable itch all over his body, and couldn't help but touch himself.

"Your Highness, shall I scratch your head for you?"

Qingying took a few steps closer, intending to reach out, but Xiao Xuan slapped her hand away.

"Get out of here and prepare to take a bath."

Ningyin had told him last time that soaking in this medicinal bath would cause a detoxification reaction.

You will get this rash, but you just need to drain the blood and apply some ointment.

But he didn't want the eunuchs and Qingying to scratch his back, so he inevitably suffered some pain.

He couldn't wait to go to Ningyin's place tomorrow...