Mu Ruoyan smiled slightly, his tone tinged with amusement: "Then I thank you for your kind offer, brother. I will certainly be there on time for the flower viewing banquet tomorrow."
Although Lin Xihe kept her head down, she heard the entire conversation between the two. Her heart was filled with mixed feelings, and she tightened her grip on the teacup slightly, but she still did not look up.
Ji Zhuo naturally heard it too, and felt extremely annoyed.
Mu Ruoyan forcibly kept Lin Xihe by his side, yet he did not appreciate it.
Even though he had no choice but to back down that day, he thought that if Lin Xihe were really taken away by Mu Ruoyan, how could she compete for favor in the harem with her personality? She probably wouldn't be able to stand the rules of the palace and would soon wither away.
Xiao Yugan spoke to Mu Ruoyan again, but Lin Xihe deliberately avoided listening. Soon, the sounds of singing and dancing filled the hall; the melodious music and graceful movements could not dispel the vexation in her heart.
Ji Zhuo noticed Lin Xihe's discomfort and suggested in a low voice, "Xi'er, you can't drink alcohol. Let me go for a walk with you."
Lin Xihe nodded and agreed softly.
With Ji Zhuo's help, she slowly got up and left the noisy hall.
Mu Ruoyan's gaze followed her figure imperceptibly, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes, but he quickly returned to normal.
He picked up his wine glass and drank it all in one gulp, secretly sneering to himself: Lin Xihe, do you think you can escape?
Ji Zhuo accompanied Lin Xihe on a stroll outside the palace. The cool night breeze dispelled the oppressive atmosphere inside. Lin Xihe remained silent, and Ji Zhuo did not force her, simply staying by her side to offer her a moment of peace.
Soon after, a eunuch rushed over and said respectfully, "Lord Ji, His Majesty summons you back."
Ji Zhuo nodded and said softly to Lin Xihe, "Let's go back."
The two returned to the palace. As soon as Ji Zhuo sat down, Xiao Yugan smiled and teased Mu Ruoyan, "This Changqing has been following me since he was a teenager. He's good at everything, but he loses his mind as soon as he sees Miss Lin. You young people are truly enviable."
Upon hearing this, Ji Zhuo's face flashed with embarrassment. He could only stand up, cup his hands, and say, "Your Majesty is too kind. Xi'er is not a good drinker, and I was just accompanying her for a walk."
Upon hearing this, a flash of coldness crossed Mu Ruoyan's eyes. She then picked up her wine cup and said indifferently, "This gentleman is quite considerate."
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