Forcing herself to stay awake, she had the imperial chef prepare a table of delicacies. With Shang Xiye present, the Empress Dowager couldn't go too far. She simply expressed her goodwill towards Ji Fengyao again, then had people carry Princess Zhaoping and personally escorted Ji Fengyao out of the palace, letting her go.

After leaving the palace, Ji Fengyao patted her chest and let out a long sigh of relief.

She was increasingly grateful that she hadn't transmigrated into the palace, that man-eating birdcage, or she would have suffocated to death.

Song Huiru waited idly at the palace gate, and finally saw Shang Xiye and Ji Fengyao come out of the palace hand in hand.

Even when Shang Xiye was in a wheelchair and wearing a mask, he still exuded an extraordinary and eye-catching aura. Now, he walks freely, and with the mask off, he appears even more handsome and dashing, captivating all who see him.

The little female bandit beside Shang Xiye was even more graceful and delicate.

She walked beside Shang Xiye with light steps and a smile on her face.

The two of them are a sight to behold wherever they go; the scene is truly beautiful and pleasing to the eye.

Seeing this, Chanyu Heye's eyes filled with relief and blessing:

The princess was so intelligent, quick-witted, beautiful, and lovely; only a celestial being like the prince could be worthy of her.

A hint of envy flashed across Qian Yingying's eyes, but she quickly concealed it.

She grew up in hardship and understands the principle of "don't force what you can't reach." It's always better to cling to someone's coattails than to fight them head-on; you can't win against someone's strength.

Song Huiru and Xi Ningshang felt a pang of jealousy watching this.

Song Huiru, in particular, was furious: How could a lowly, vulgar bandit like her win the favor of such an outstanding man as the Ninth Prince!

No matter how smug this bandit is today, one day she will make him just as dejected!

When Shang Xiye and Ji Fengyao arrived at the door, Shan Yuheye and the others bowed in unison to greet them according to etiquette.

"This concubine greets Your Highness and the two Princesses."

Ji Fengyao glanced at Shanyu Heye with a smile, then casually slid her to her side: Oh wow, during the time she was away from the capital, Song Huiru must have had a lot of nerve, daring to glare at her with such an arrogant look, her eyes almost popped out!

Even when she noticed Ji Fengyao looking at her, Song Huiru didn't immediately look away.

She's a Spirit Gathering cultivator now, why would she be afraid of a mere bandit!

Shang Xiye paid no attention to the women around him, casually said "Let's go back to the manor," and then led Ji Fengyao to the carriage.

Ji Fengyao gently pulled him back and asked with a smile, "Song Huiru, do you have an eye disease?"

Song Huiru: "!!!"

You damned bandit, you're the one with an eye disease! Your whole family has an eye disease!

But now is not the time for her to rise to power, so she cannot lose her temper.

She could only suppress her anger, lowering her eyelids to hide her surging fury, and replied in a less-than-respectful manner, "Your Highness, no."

"Then you did it on purpose." Ji Fengyao released Shang Xiye's hand and rolled up her sleeves.

Hearing these familiar words and seeing this seemingly familiar scene, Xi Ningshang couldn't help but shudder and silently took a few steps back, distancing herself from Song Huiru.

Qian Yingying and Shanyu Heye also subtly walked away a few steps apart.

Lost in her self-inflated ego, Song Huiru failed to notice the reactions of the women around her. Instead, she defiantly raised her eyes, looked directly into Ji Fengyao's eyes, and asked with a cold smile, "What are you doing on purpose?"

"You're deliberately glaring at me, showing disrespect!" Ji Fengyao said coldly. She raised her hand to slap him, but Song Huiru grabbed her wrist midway.