Her fawning manner was practically a blatant declaration written on her forehead: "I need your help."

Shang Xiye felt both helpless and amused, and couldn't help but smile: "You think the progress of collecting medicinal herbs is too slow? Do you want me to speed things up?"

"Tsk! Look, this is the tacit understanding between us, our invincible allies. Your Highness, I must give you a hundred and twenty thumbs up for your comprehension!" Ji Fengyao shamelessly flattered Shang Xiye, but didn't forget her ultimate goal at the end: "Could you speed up your collection of medicinal herbs just a little bit?"

Shang Xiye remained silent for a moment.

It can be done quickly, but I'm afraid that making too big of a move will cause all sorts of people to speculate wildly and create a lot of trouble.

But her intense effort in collecting medicinal herbs must be for a very important purpose.

As for her claim that she would die in four years, Shang Xiye didn't believe a word of it. Although he didn't understand medicine, he could still tell a person's vitality and complexion.

If someone as vibrant as her were to die young, wouldn't no one in this world be able to live a long life?

"Your Highness, please speed things up just a little bit, considering how diligently I've cooperated all this time, okay?" Ji Fengyao said in a coquettish voice, clinging to Shang Xiye's arm.

The young female bandit pressed her soft body against him, her unique sweet scent wafting towards him.

Coupled with her deliberately coquettish and melodious voice, it was simply too alluring.

Shang Xiye trembled and almost lost control on the spot when she was pushed and rubbed, but quickly steadied herself: "Stop messing around."

Even in just two short words, the journey has been incredibly difficult.

I wanted to use a stronger tone to remind her to be mindful of her boundaries, but I couldn't bring myself to say it, so I suddenly lowered my voice, making it completely intimidating.

When Ji Fengyao saw his reaction, she thought to herself that there was a chance, and was immediately overjoyed.

She clung even tighter to his arm, unleashing her full power—a combination of coquetry, flattery, and enticement: "If Your Highness can help me gather more medicinal herbs as soon as possible, I will cooperate with you even more wholeheartedly in the future. With Your Highness's wisdom and might, and with my cooperation, those audacious individuals who dare to harm Your Highness will surely be dealt with quickly!"

The three maids had prepared the water for Ji Fengyao's bath and were about to come and call her.

When Lin Shuang and Bai Lu saw that Ji Fengyao was practically clinging to Shang Xiye, they blushed with embarrassment.

The princess still acts with the same bold and unrestrained style.

Xi Que, however, didn't take it to heart and walked over casually, saying, "Miss, why are you begging the young master like this? If the young master won't give you something, the head of the household and the eldest young master will definitely give it to you. Just go back and tell them."

Shang Xiye: "..."

Having such in-laws is truly a headache.

He has to seize every second to pamper his wife; if he's even a step too slow, he'll miss his chance to show his love!

"Alright, I agree, but..." Shang Xiye quickly gave his answer to prevent the little bandit girl's attention from being completely drawn away by Xique's words.

"But what? Your Highness, please tell me, and I will do my best to cooperate." Ji Fengyao's eyes shone brightly, and she was almost completely focused on getting an answer, ignoring Xi Que's words.

If her father and elder brother had the same access to medicinal herbs as the Ninth Prince, she wouldn't have needed to go down to Vulture Village in the first place.

Shang Xiye coldly swept his gaze over the few onlookers in the room.

Wuhen was the first to silently turn around, and before leaving, he also picked up the unaware magpie.