Seeing the two benefactors, Lady Chen and her daughter, Ji Fengyao was in an even better mood. She held Shang Xiye's hand and swaggered through the streets, looking arrogant and haughty.

Officials and their wives still vividly remember the day she assaulted and injured people in the street.

Despite their deep contempt for her, none of them dared to openly provoke her.

The Empress Dowager's Cining Palace was bustling with activity at this time.

Shang Xiye and Ji Fengyao came together to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager. Both of them were dressed in fine clothes and had beautiful faces. They were an exceptionally well-matched couple.

The ladies and young women present looked on with lustful eyes and hearts.

This crude bandit must have had some good fortune from his ancestors, to have been able to obtain a figure like the Ninth Prince, who is as powerful as a dragon and as noble as a phoenix.

Princess Zhaoping was heartbroken.

Today, when they met again, her beloved Xi Ye seemed to be even more gentle and considerate towards this bandit.

If things continue like this, will she ever have a chance to win his heart?

"Your Majesty, I wish you a long and healthy life, may you live a thousand years."

When Shang Xiye and Ji Fengyao exchanged greetings and offered their birthday wishes, Princess Zhaoping pouted and lowered her head in grievance.

"Yes, all of you, please get up. You've all been very thoughtful," the Empress Dowager said with a businesslike smile, while holding Princess Zhaoping's hand beside her and gently patting the back of her hand in a silent, comforting gesture.

Seeing this, Ji Fengyao secretly curled her lip:

Princess Zhaoping must be so fragile. She's already making a fuss even before anything has happened. She needs comforting.

If something really happened, wouldn't she be suicidal all the time?

Just then, the Empress Dowager turned to Princess Zhaoping, who was bowing her head and weeping, and said, "It's still early, Zhaoping. The Emperor and the ministers are waiting for your brother Xiye to speak. There are many people today, and I won't have time to entertain them. You should accompany your sister Fengyao and take her for a stroll in the garden. We'll come back after the banquet at noon."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Princess Zhaoping bowed obediently and timidly, glancing up at Ji Fengyao.

Feng Yao, older sister?

Ji Fengyao snorted coldly. Had she ever told Zhaoping in front of the Empress Dowager that Zhaoping had to call her sister-in-law?

Now, in front of so many people, the Empress Dowager is making Zhaoping call her "elder sister," haha!

Shang Xiye's gaze was also slightly cold, and his brows were furrowed.

Just as he was about to speak, Ji Fengyao grabbed his hand, her interest piqued: "Since His Majesty and so many ministers are waiting for Your Highness, Your Highness should go ahead. I've been to the palace several times but haven't had a chance to stroll through the garden. Today is a good day to have a proper look around."

"Your Highness..." Seeing her firm gaze, Shang Xiye thought she had made up her mind and agreed, "Alright, Your Highness, please be careful and don't be naughty or jump around, lest you hurt yourself."

"Okay, goodbye Your Highness," Ji Fengyao said coquettishly, shaking Shang Xiye's hand and waving her little hand at him before letting go.

Her unrestrained demeanor and sweet, girlish words and expressions made everyone present feel nauseous.

Damn it, you shameless bandits!

Don't they know how to show off their love behind closed doors? This morning's dose of PDA is unbearable!

Ji Fengyao, seemingly oblivious to the hateful and disdainful gazes around her, and completely unaware of the envy, jealousy, and hatred in Zhaoping's eyes, smiled brightly and said, "Sister Zhaoping, let's go."

Princess Zhaoping was secretly delighted upon hearing this. Was the bandit going to acknowledge her identity?

She hummed softly with delight and followed Ji Fengyao.

She had only taken two steps when she suddenly heard Ji Fengyao ask in a loud voice, "Sister Zhaoping, have you spent all the pocket money your sister-in-law gave you last time? If you have, I'll give you some more."