Xiao Xuan gently closed the door, where Chen Dechang was already waiting respectfully.

He had just witnessed Xiao Xuan carrying a woman toward Zhaoyang Palace, so he quickly ordered his disciple to stew ginger soup and prepare various late-night snacks.

He knew that today was the anniversary of Empress Yao's death, and in previous years Xiao Xuan would not return to the East Palace until noon the next day.

Unexpectedly, Xiao Xuan returned in less than an hour.

He had followed Xiao Xuan for many years and knew all too well that one should not speculate too much about one's master's affairs; if one's master was willing to speak, then so be it.

As long as he does his job well and serves his master well, he can ensure his lifelong wealth and honor. Soon, his apprentice came over with two bowls of ginger soup.

Xiao Xuan glanced at Chen Dechang and inexplicably felt that the old guy was indeed very reliable, so he gave him a satisfied look.

The young eunuch bowed to Xiao Xuan, and Chen Dechang picked up one of the bowls and handed it to Ziyuan beside him, instructing, "Take it in to the master inside."

"Your Highness, please drink this bowl to warm yourself up. I have already instructed someone to prepare hot water in Changxin Palace. You can take a bath after you finish drinking. Also, the snacks from the kitchen will be delivered shortly."

Chen Dechang handed the ginger soup to Xiao Xuan with both hands. Xiao Xuan took it, turned around and looked through the crack in the door. He saw Ning Yin inside drinking it obediently, and couldn't help but smile slightly. Then he also finished drinking it in a few gulps.

The ginger soup had brown sugar added, making it sweet and warming Xiao Xuan's heart.

Now that he has revealed his identity to Ning Yin, he no longer needs to hide it or interact with her as Li Xuan.

He could bring Ningyin directly into the East Palace, so he could see her every day thereafter.

Thinking of this, Xiao Xuan smiled from the bottom of his heart.

"Chen Dechang, well done. I'll go take a bath first. Have Qingying and Li Chengyan wait in the main hall."

He put the empty bowl back on the tray and patted Chen Dechang on the shoulder to encourage him.

Chen Dechang felt inexplicably flattered. In fact, he usually served His Highness in the same way, but His Highness seemed different today.

Your Highness has learned to praise yourself.

Xiao Xuan strode towards Changxin Palace, with Chen Dechang following closely behind, his eyes glistening with tears of excitement.

After Xiao Xuan finished bathing and changed into comfortable clothes, Li Chengyan and Qingying both looked at him with extremely gossipy eyes.

"Jingyuan, tonight... this celestial beauty... how could she be here?"

Li Chengyan stroked his chin, and before he could finish speaking, he heard Xiao Xuan order Qingying, "Bring that slut here to me!"

Qingying was stunned for a moment, but quickly realized what was happening, clasped her hands in greeting, and prepared to leave.

Xiao Xuan added, "Fifty strokes of the cane, then throw him into the slave camp!"

"Yes, Your Highness!"

After Qingying left, Li Chengyan narrowed his peach blossom eyes, a wicked smile playing on his lips, looking like he was watching a show.

“Jingyuan, fifty strokes of the cane, that woman will probably be crippled if she doesn’t die. Aren’t you afraid that Marquis Wuding will resort to desperate measures?”

"Hmph, Marquis Wuding? No one can protect her now!"

"By the way, make sure to send someone to guard the East Palace tonight. Now that A-Ning's identity has been exposed, I'm worried that some people will start to get restless!"

Xiao Xuan lifted his robe and sat down, took a sip of hot tea, and continued, "You will stay in the East Palace for the next few days. If I am not here, you must protect her."

"Don't worry, I won't go anywhere until I get to attend your wedding."

"By the way, my men just reported that Xiao Ling has been recruiting soldiers on a large scale in his fiefdom. Regardless of age or gender, anyone over the age of sixteen must join the army. He really will stop at nothing to get the throne."

"The last time so many soldiers in the camp suffered from food poisoning, it was also the work of his spies. However, all the traitors have now been found and executed on the spot. Princess Chongning's methods are indeed extraordinary."

Listening to Li Chengyan's report, Xiao Xuanying's eyebrows furrowed slightly, then he chuckled softly, as if he had thought of a plan.

He leaned close to Li Chengyan's ear and whispered a few words. Li Chengyan slapped his thigh and smiled.

"Jingyuan, you truly deserve to be called the future emperor. No one can rival your cunning and shrewdness."

Li Chengyan clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, and the two discussed the matter for a while. Xiao Xuan then prepared to go see Ning Yin and sent Li Chengyan off to rest.

When Xiao Xuan pushed open the door of Zhaoyang Palace, Ning Yin was sitting at the table, eating a late-night snack in small bites.

Upon hearing the arrival of the person, she hurriedly stood up and glanced over. She saw that Xiao Xuan was wearing a sky-blue robe with a beautiful drape, and a butterfly sachet that she had embroidered was tied around his waist.

His black hair was tied up with a wooden hairpin, making him look less sharp and more gentle and approachable than usual.

This was similar to the Li Xuan he had first met, only times had changed. The wealthy merchant of that time had transformed into the master of this Eastern Palace, and also the future master of the Great Qi.

Unlike the previous times when they wore masks, this time both of them revealed their identities without any concealment.

As Ning Yin pondered, Xiao Xuan had already walked up to her side. She hurriedly bowed, wanting to greet him, but Xiao Xuan held her shoulder.

He gently pressed her back into her seat, then lifted his robe and sat down next to Ningyin. Seeing that there wasn't much chicken soup left in her bowl, he picked up the bowl and ladled her a full bowl.

“Ah Ning, from now on, there are no outsiders present. We don’t need to be so formal, and you don’t need to call me Your Highness. We can still be the same as before.”

As he spoke, he handed the bowl of chicken soup to Ning Yin, his well-defined knuckles supporting his chin as if he were admiring an extremely precious piece of jade.

The woman's delicate face was slightly flushed, and every feature was extremely beautiful. Ning Yin was not used to being stared at like this, and couldn't help but swallow, her fair neck moving up and down.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!