Xi Ningchang felt a pang of bitterness and resentment in her heart. She never expected that the prince would show such favor to this bandit!

Thinking of Shang Xiye's peerless face and his triumphant and majestic appearance every time he returned victorious, Xi Ningchang's expression became more and more distorted with each cabinet she opened and each box she lifted.

Even if it was just an act to save face for the Emperor, the Prince went a bit too far with his performance, giving this bandit so many good things!

What right does that crude and brutal bandit have?

Fueled by this twisted jealousy, Xi Ningchang even suppressed some of her fear. After checking the room, she didn't kneel down to beg for mercy. Instead, she held her breath and whispered, "Sister, Ningchang checked carefully. There was no one else in the room, and nothing seemed amiss."

Upon hearing this, Yingzhu's expression changed drastically: How could that be? She saw Wei Shu enter the inner courtyard of Hui Nuan Pavilion with her own eyes!

Could it be that Wei Shu drank too much and went to the wrong room?

Ji Fengyao's gaze swept over the crowd and landed on Ying Zhu, whose expression was uncertain.

This must be the gossipy girl who told tales.

"Since you are so certain that someone entered my courtyard while drunk, just in case, I must also investigate carefully to prevent any malicious people from taking advantage of the situation and causing gossip later." Ji Fengyao called out softly, "Someone, search this courtyard inside and out for me."

"No need!"

Shang Xiye's voice came from outside the courtyard, and Wuying and Wuhen pushed him in.

Ji Fengyao and Xi Ningshang hurriedly went down the steps to greet Your Highness, and together with everyone present, they bowed and said, "Your Majesty, we, your humble servants, greet you."

Ji Fengyao was not yet familiar with the etiquette of Dazhao, and her bowing was unsteady.

Shang Xiye quickly supported her with one hand, his gaze sweeping over her spotless, clean and delicate face, then landing on her damp hair. He frowned and said, "Even though it's summer, Your Highness shouldn't be so careless. If you catch a chill, you'll have a headache tonight."

These words were spoken so gently and tenderly, in a voice clearer and more melodious than ever before, that they made one's bones feel soft and yielding.

Is he just putting on an act?

Ji Fengyao's heart skipped a beat as she felt several jealous gazes. With his gentle help, she gracefully rose, adopting the charming and innocent demeanor of a young girl. She then tugged at his hand and shook it coquettishly, saying, "A headache is a small matter; my reputation is of utmost importance. Your Highness, look how many of them have come to my courtyard looking for a drunken man. Even if I am bullied, I dare not be negligent, otherwise wouldn't I be tarnishing your reputation?"

The ladies in the courtyard were completely dumbfounded. What kind of divine operation was this?

Is she publicly accusing someone of something bad?

Logically speaking, shouldn't you do things like tattling in bed or away from others? She's breaking the rules!

Shang Xiye wholeheartedly agreed with her explanation.

They forced her to come out and lash out with her hair all wet; she must have been bullied terribly.

Lin Shuang was perceptive; upon hearing Shang Xiye mention Ji Fengyao's wet hair, she quickly went to fetch a dry handkerchief and ordered someone to bring over a chair.

She was about to step forward to dry Ji Fengyao's hair when she saw Shang Xiye reach out to her: "Give it to me."

Lin Shuang: "..."

Two concubines and three mistresses: "!"

The ladies present were all bewildered: "???"

Wu Ying calmly stepped forward and moved the chairs that the maids had brought out to Shang Xiye's wheelchair. Lin Shuang quickly bowed her head and stepped forward, offering the handkerchief to Shang Xiye with both hands.

"Your Highness..." Realizing what he was about to do, Ji Fengyao hesitated.

She really wanted him to show her some favoritism, to show his "affection," so that these women would have some restraint and wouldn't be so unscrupulous in dealing with her.

But this guy wants to dry her hair in public. This isn't affection; it's clearly setting her up for trouble!