The secret guards were no match for the palace servants who were powerless; with a swift stroke of their blades, lives were instantly taken and blood was drawn.

Shang Chuyue was awakened by the horrific blood and the terrified screams of the other palace servants. She finally remembered that her Ninth Imperial Uncle also had the fearsome reputation of a "God of War," a ruthless god who had taken countless lives and whose word was law.

"Ninth Imperial Uncle, please forgive them! Yue'er knows she was wrong. Yue'er was confused and offended the royal family with her words." Shang Chuyue finally burst into tears, and humbly stepped forward to Shang Xiye to admit her mistake.

Princess Zhaoping was frightened when she arrived, and then she saw that Shang Xiye was actually willing to go on a killing spree in the palace for the sake of that bandit.

His unwavering protection and affection for that bandit broke her heart, and she cried along with Shang Chuyue: "Brother Xiye, you can't treat the Sixth Princess like this for the sake of others. Those people are the ones who grew up with the Sixth Princess. If they die like this, how heartbroken the Sixth Princess will be."

"You mean the person I cherish is not as important as a few palace maids?" Shang Xiye's eyes were icy.

Upon hearing this, everyone except Wuying and the guards was stunned.

What did the Ninth Prince just say?

He said...did he mean that the bandit was the apple of his eye?

Holy crap, is this world some kind of fantasy?

Ji Fengyao's heart skipped a beat, and she finally understood why those who fell into the trap of love were so foolish.

Even if it's just a casual remark, it's still incredibly sweet and seductive!

Princess Zhaoping was enveloped by Shang Xiye's icy gaze. Upon hearing his words, she felt as if the blood in her body had frozen solid, unable to flow. Her heart was so cold that her teeth chattered: "Brother Xiye...you, you..."

Shang Xiye ignored her, looking down at the little bandit in his arms who was also staring blankly at him. He smiled slightly and deliberately teased her in a soft voice: "Why is the princess looking at me like that? Are you dissatisfied with how I dealt with her?"

"Uh, ah?" Ji Fengyao was almost overwhelmed by his sudden smile and gentle words, nodding her head like a chick pecking at rice: "Ah, very, very satisfied, Your Highness, you are just too charming... um!"

Little thing, do you know how alluring it is to see you staring at me with such lustful thoughts?

Shang Xiye felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He leaned down and lightly pecked her rosy lips, his eyes sparkling like stars: "Your Highness, please don't tease me like this in front of others. I don't want to lose face in public."

Wuying rolled his eyes: "..."

It's not that your subordinates are being disrespectful and criticizing you, but do you still have any manners to lose?

The guards: "..."

The sun is so bright today, and I'm so full from eating dog food, burp!

Let's finish our work quickly and go back to our secluded spots to cool off in the grass.

Several more screams and shrieks rang out, jolting Shang Chuyue awake from her shock once more. She saw that the guards' knives were already at Xiao Luzi's neck, about to strike him down. Terrified, she rushed over to shield Xiao Luzi, crying out, "Ninth Imperial Uncle, please, spare my Xiao Luzi! He's been with me since I was three!"

"You've asked the wrong person," Shang Xiye said calmly.

He pulled his arms closer to her, straightening the little bandit girl who had been sitting crookedly in fright, so she wouldn't feel uncomfortable.

Shang Chuyue looked at Ji Fengyao, whose pretty face was flushed and who was still shyly nestled in Shang Xiye's arms, with a troubled expression. She felt unwilling and couldn't bring herself to beg for mercy.