Chapter 8, Heartfelt and Bewildered

Mu Chenhong was momentarily taken aback. Just now, the four women at the table all showed signs of inebriation after drinking, so he naturally assumed that Gong Qing had a low tolerance for alcohol

He: "... ..."

You may withdraw and go to Minghua Palace to check on the situation of those individuals.

He felt a sinking sensation in his heart and said calmly, "If one were to eat the flower cake and then drink wine, wouldn't that negate the effects of the aphrodisiac?"

A Jiu sighed in disappointment and said, "But I am afraid he will agree to someone else."

When it comes to subordinates, it is essential to understand the thoughts of the leaders

Everyone drinks together to toast the blessings bestowed by the Flower God. Ajiu raised his cup and took the lead in drinking, followed by the others who lifted their cups and drank it all in one go

A Jiu scoffed with a smile, thinking to himself that only in Yangxin Garden could the flowers be coaxed to bloom early, thus providing the conditions to collect petals for making flower cakes. At this moment, in Huzhou, the weather was so cold that even a dogtail grass probably had yet to sprout.

Gong Qing: `` ... ... ''

I

In the Imperial Garden, Shen Zui Shi spent his days like years accompanying A Jiu to admire the blossoms on the flowering trees, yet his mind was occupied with thoughts of how Gong Qing was faring at that moment. He clearly remembered the last time they dined at the palace, when Madam Gong and Gong Qing also shared a drink. At that time, he recalled vividly that Gong Qing remained composed, evidently a single cup of wine was insufficient to intoxicate her. What could be the reason? Could it be that the wine stored in the palace had aged and thus had a stronger potency? Or was A Jiu deliberately trying to embarrass her? However, it was not just her who was drunk; Xiang Wan Yu and others were also intoxicated, which seemed to suggest that A Jiu was not the one causing the trouble.

Upon hearing Xue Linfu say this, he immediately replied with a serious expression: "Why don't you take my pulse and see?"

The remnants of the palace maid's consciousness have become blurred, and it is not just her who is intoxicated

Li Wanfú thought to himself: The Emperor is wise, no wonder he has had His Highness the Crown Prince practice martial arts since childhood

Xue Linfu examined the flower cake carefully, held it to his nose to smell, then crumbled the pastry and placed it in a puddle of water. He then dipped a silver needle in the water and inserted it into the wine

A Jiu glanced at her, hesitated to speak, and after a while pouted and said: "Father Emperor is really annoying, always dragging things out and wanting to wait and see."

Dugu Duo stood in place, recalling the face of Gong Qing, as beautiful as a flower and as delicate as jade, her pink, moist cherry lips, and her graceful, slender waist, feeling a stir in his heart, a surge of wicked desire suddenly igniting within him

A Jiu looked at the four intoxicated beauties at the banquet and feigned surprise as he said to Mu Chenhong: "Your Majesty, their tolerance for alcohol is quite poor, isn't it? It's just a cup of rosy red wine."

Only then did she remember the matter of being drunk, and immediately sat up to apologize, "I have been disrespectful, please forgive me, Your Highness"

The pavilion is arranged in a comfortable and warm manner, with a bronze beast censer in the center burning red charcoal. The flames flicker and dance, yet there is not a trace of smoke.

Xue Jiachao walked towards the Minghua Palace, but halfway there, a thought suddenly flashed through her mind. She immediately turned around and headed towards the warm pavilion. Through a cluster of forsythia, she saw Li Wanfeng standing at a distance that was neither too far nor too close from the warm pavilion, while the eunuchs who usually served at the door were also quite far from the warm pavilion. At that moment, she understood.

A Jiu is most skilled at finding a scapegoat, lifting a stone to crush others' feet, and thus a gaze filled with hatred crosses over the Xiefang Pavilion, only to strike at the front of the high platform

I have troubled Your Highness for a long time, and I am extremely anxious. Thank you very much for your concern.

Gong Qing held a full cup of wine in his mouth, set down the empty cup, and then, taking the opportunity to wipe the corners of his lips with a handkerchief, quietly spat the wine into the handkerchief.

She is no longer concerned about Miss Gong's life; she is worried about Miss Gong's chastity

She rested her head on her arm, with a blooming jade hibiscus embroidered on her spring garment just pressing against her cheek. Her rosy cheeks, delicate lips, and naturally darkened brows formed an unparalleled beauty, a visage that seemed to have gathered three thousand favors from heaven.

Mu Chenhong looked at the delicate face before him, as radiant as a begonia, and asked with a smile, "What do you want?"

Madam An said again: "The Flower God has not yet bestowed the wine."

Mu Chenhong and Shen Zuishi both turned their gazes towards one person

Gong Qing stood far behind the crowd, as low-key as possible, wishing she could become invisible. The moment Shen Zui Shi appeared, she had a bad premonition.

That hand hesitated for a moment, then complied with her wishes

Mu Chenhong could not help but laugh

Well, there is now an opportunity for you to marry her. Do you want to?

He looked at her with a smile, implying, what do you think otherwise?

No

She was actually lying in his warm chamber, while he sat upright at the writing desk, holding a book in his hand, yet his gaze was fixed on her, a smile that was neither fully a smile nor devoid of warmth, tender and ambiguous

What is going on

Just now, after you got drunk, your hand actually ended up here. He patted his own chest, her crime scene

Compared to those three beauties, her appearance did not seem intoxicated; with her eyes slightly squinted and her gaze flowing, her alluring and languid posture was even more breathtaking than usual, captivating and enchanting.

Hearing these words, Du Gu Duo felt a slight sense of comfort in his otherwise dejected heart. After much difficulty in making the decision to cook rice, he found that the rice in the pot had disappeared, a feeling that was truly frustrating.

Mu Chenhong smiled and replied with a good, then stood up and walked out of the Xiefang Pavilion. A Jiu followed, while Shen Zuishi had no choice but to brace himself and accompany them, with the other beauties streaming out in succession

Xue Jiadao: "Princess, I will go check on how those sisters are doing"

Indeed, once the raw rice is cooked into a meal, she has no choice but to accept her fate and marry him. In the end, he may only receive a scolding from the queen, but compared to a lifetime of being embraced by a beauty, what does that matter

She asked in a dazed manner: "Who are you?"

What a terrible idea, so unreliable! She huffed disdainfully, ignoring it. At that moment, she felt even hotter and more restless, waves of heat enveloping her, longing for a cool place. Her hands moved unconsciously, as if they had found a cool spot, which was his neck. She felt a sense of triumph, her small hands gliding along his neck, probing deeper, downward, such a smooth piece of jade, she simply pressed her palm against it to rub.

Youlan paused for a moment and asked, "Aren't we returning to Minghua Palace?"

The wine lingered in my mouth for only a moment, yet its fragrant sweetness seemed to remain between my lips and tongue

A Jiu was with his beloved, initially filled with enthusiasm, but after a while, he felt something was amiss. Why was this person so absent-minded and distracted? It was not like they were enjoying a stroll in the garden; rather, it seemed as if they were in a state of somnambulism.

Xue Jia seriously asked: "Second Brother, do you like Gong Qing?"

Who exactly is it

The palace attendant still retained a trace of clarity, yet her body was so weak that she had almost no strength, feeling as if she could float away. Everything before her was resplendent and colorful, blurred and enchanting, as if she had entered a fairyland, finding everything around her to be wonderfully intriguing.

Shen Zui Shi greeted A Jiu with the same meticulous formality, handling matters with strict professionalism and keeping others at a distance.

At that moment, she heard a soft laugh beside her

Upon seeing His Highness the Crown Prince standing before her, Youlan hurriedly offered her apologies

Dugu Duo was provoked by the method of incitement, and the flow of blood within his body seemed to quicken all at once, with his heartbeat pounding audibly

The beautiful ladies wished to laugh yet dared not to, while some secretly rejoiced in their hearts, for among this group of beauties, the most outstanding palace maid and Xu Jinge surprisingly had such poor tolerance for alcohol, it seemed they were about to embarrass themselves in public

She said unhappily, "Imperial Brother, Lord Shen, let us take a stroll in the Imperial Garden."

Based on her understanding of this cousin, nothing is ever as simple as it appears on the surface. So, is his assistance to Gong Qing this time truly because he likes her, or is it a deliberate act to make himself and others believe that he likes her? Is he using Gong Qing as a shield to protect his true beloved in his heart?

Upon hearing Xue Jia's words, You Lan naturally desired it greatly. She was petite and could only support Gong Qing, eagerly wishing to go to the nearby Hua Chun Pavilion.

Why not personally serve as the antidote for her

Xue Jiamei raised her eyebrows slightly and said, "What, are you afraid?"

Her fingers gently moved to his lips, and suddenly she extended her tongue to lick his fingertips. He immediately felt a current surge from his fingertips, an uncontrollable impulse that was truly a test of one's self-control

Madam An immediately instructed several palace maids to assist the four intoxicated young ladies and escort them back to Minghua Palace

The palace attendant took a bite, and the flower cake was indeed pleasantly light in flavor, with the fragrance of fresh flowers, the softness of glutinous rice, and a hint of unusual sweetness

Madam An said: "Bring forth the flower cakes bestowed by the Empress and distribute them to everyone"

She turned her head to avoid his hand, but he stubbornly would not let her go, and pinched her nose again. Thus, she had no choice but to utter two words: "Crown Prince"

This is indeed a good idea; one can be fully aware of any slight changes or disturbances.

Immediately afterward, the wave of heat seemed to explode, spreading to every limb of the body. The feeling of dizziness grew stronger, and the cup in front of me appeared to have a halo around it, fluctuating in distance as if it were floating on the surface of the water

She busily lifted her head, no longer looking at the wine glass, but the scenery before her seemed to shimmer with a halo, flickering and enchanting. A wave of heat surged up from her feet, gradually warming her eyes, making them watery and on the verge of tears

When A Jiu spoke, the beauties picked up the flower cakes and brought them to their lips to taste. In front of the Crown Prince, demeanor and etiquette were of utmost importance, so naturally, they took the smallest possible bite. A few of the beauties, with their refined skills, managed to take bites of the cakes that were hardly larger than what an ant would bite.

After Xue Linfu took the pulse, he inquired, "Miss Gong, what did you eat just now?"

He really has left!

Gong Qing simply thought that the cloud was exceptionally beautiful, and if she did not touch it soon, it would drift away.

He took a deep breath, lifted her head, and placed it in the crook of his arm. She murmured softly, "It's so hot"

Gong Qing was completely unaware of who was holding her hand, and she shook it off while playfully scolding, "Let go of me"

The person is not present

His smile was half sincere and half feigned: "You told me, I will inform him, so that he will be less annoying in the future"

Is that so? She huffed, "He has teased me time and again."

A certain individual who was assaulted on the chest, their waist stiffened, caught in a struggle between heaven and man

The cup of wine on the kang table was right beside him; drinking it would alleviate the effects of the aphrodisiac. He picked up the wine glass, then set it down again

This year is somewhat different; the appreciation of the red flowers, which was originally carried out by a group of palace maids, has now been completed solely by a palace official. Furthermore, the deity of flowers has also changed, and is no longer Princess Ajiu.

Why

Your Highness, please speak

A hand timely grasped her

A Jiu felt quite unsatisfied; they had not yet had the chance to make Shen Zui Shi see Gong Qing's embarrassment, yet she was sent back.

A Jiu's poised and dignified demeanor instantly shattered, and a small flame of frustration ignited within her heart. Why is it that every time she is mentioned, it feels as warm as spring, yet every time I see her, it feels as desolate as autumn?

The Emperor, having great affection for the Princess, naturally wishes to carefully observe the character of Lord Shen

A person who is drunk, yet possesses extraordinary strength

Xue Jia stepped forward and said to You Lan: "You assist Miss Gong to the Huachun Pavilion"

Xue Jia stuck out her tongue and said, "So spicy." Then she picked up a flower cake and took another bite, smiling sweetly at Gong Qing, "Sister is afraid of spicy food, so she eats flower cake to ease it."

There was a peculiar flush of crimson on the cheeks of Miss Gongqing. Xue Linfu twisted his longevity eyebrow and remarked, "Your Highness, from what I observe, Miss Gong's symptoms do not appear to be those of intoxication."

To be a gentleman or to be a petty person? It is indeed a difficult choice. In the end, that hand decided to temporarily be a gentleman, as there will always be opportunities to be a petty person later.

"If there are flowers to be picked, pick them right away; do not wait until there are no flowers and only empty branches to break. I will go and send away that palace maid; whether you want her or not, you decide for yourself. If you are a man, do not regret it." Xue Jia threw down a few words and turned to leave.

Of course. Is there even a need to ask that

In the corridor at the corner, a palace lantern hangs, illuminated by the sunlight, resembling a drifting red cloud, shimmering with reflected light, and she could not help but reach out to touch it

Dugu Duo was taken aback, "This is in the palace"

He gritted his teeth, tapped his palm with the book, and looked down...

The flower scattering concluded, and everyone congratulated the Flower Goddess for her blessings. Qiao Wanfang stepped down from the high platform and, together with the beautiful ladies, entered the Xiefang Pavilion to pay their respects to the Crown Prince and Princess.

Indeed, a master of feigning ignorance

Soon, she will give him a surprise, allowing him to see what that court official truly is. Compared to her, it is naturally a world of difference, as distinct as heaven and earth.

He gently wiped her cherry lips with his fingertip and coaxed softly, "Tell me, why do you dislike him?"

She gestured for him to continue, but the fourth pearl was precariously perched on her towering height

Mu Chenhong furrowed his brows. The flower cake was prepared by the imperial kitchen at the queen's request, and the wine was from the palace's private stock. Who would have the opportunity to tamper with it? Or rather, who would have the chance to do so? A Jiu? Xue Jia? Madam An? Or perhaps the Empress Mother?

The beautiful ladies, while enamored by his graceful demeanor and charming voice, simultaneously lament his lack of romantic understanding. This feeling of being able to see yet not partake is truly exasperating.

Dugu Duo had been waiting in the bamboo forest outside the garden for half an hour when he saw Xue Jia hurriedly approaching, and he went to greet her

After taking a dozen steps, Mu Chenhong suddenly seemed to remember something. He stopped and said to Ajiu: "Let Lord Shen accompany you for a stroll, I have something to attend to, so I will go ahead first"

He raised an eyebrow: "Miss Gong means that I am lying?"

A Jiu immediately said: "You go ahead." The extent of Gong Qing's drunken disgrace is yet to be reported by Xue Jia later.

Madam An said softly: "Your Highness, please do not be angry. Lord Shen has previously focused on the imperial examinations and has not paid much attention to matters of love and affection, hence he is somewhat dull. Moreover, as a noble daughter of the royal family, perhaps Lord Shen has never dared to think too much about it."

Xue Jia watched as You Lan supported Gong Qing, turning onto the path leading to the Warm Spring Pavilion, and then hurriedly walked towards the outside of the Imperial Garden

She stood on tiptoe, lifted her sleeve with a flick, and Youlan hurried to embrace her waist. However, she possessed immense strength, and with a sudden twist of her body, she propelled Youlan forward a step. With a loud bang, Youlan's forehead collided with the pillar, and her vision went dark, causing her to instinctively loosen her grip. The palace attendant in her hand immediately went limp, and it seemed she was about to fall.

Madam An thought to herself: This indifferent and emotionally detached demeanor truly rivals that of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince; they are indeed a match made in the same nest of rulers and subjects

A Jiu gracefully took her seat. Although she would not be participating in the Flower Goddess program today, she had put in extra effort to dress up for her meeting with Shen Zui Shi. She adorned her forehead with a dot of Shouyang Princess plum blossom makeup, her eyebrows were shaped like flying swallows skimming the water, and her lips were painted a bright orange, giving her a fresh and radiant appearance. Her delicate and exquisite little hands were tucked into the warm sleeves of white mink fur, presenting a demure and virtuous image. This was the impression she wished to leave on Shen Zui Shi.

It is him. She let out a soft hum, unwilling to pay him any attention, only wanting to close her eyes and sleep

She blinked her eyes and murmured, "You and he look very similar."

He looked at her with a smile, "After you got drunk, you wouldn't let go of me and insisted that I take you to the warm room"

The usually composed and dignified Xiang Wanyu has lost her composure and started to laugh, while Xu Jinge has become even more nonsensical, saying, "What is this, a vortex?" Her voice is not loud, yet it is crisp and exceptionally melodious.

Well

Is it true that without any witnesses, it is not recognized

If he were to let go of her hand, she would likely soar away on the wind

She drifted between half-consciousness and half-drunkenness, always feeling as if she were wrapped in a cloud of fire, too hot and stifling. Unconsciously, her hand moved to her neck, attempting to unfasten the pearl button at her collar.

Gong Qing's heart raced wildly with a sudden thump, but she immediately resolutely denied it: "This is impossible"

After changing four silver needles back and forth, Xue Linfu said: "Your Highness, this flower cake contains several aphrodisiac substances. The wine also contains two types of drugs, one is an antidote to the aphrodisiac, and the other is a nerve numbing agent"

Yet among the crowd, the figure deliberately hidden behind Wan Yu captivates the gaze even more, making it impossible to look away

Xu Jinge, who is sitting opposite, also appears somewhat unusual, laughing out loud. She, who is usually dignified, bright, and elegantly beautiful, at this moment resembles Yang Yuhuan, the favored concubine, inebriated and enchanting.

The palace maid paid him no mind, merely extending her hand to reach for that red cloud, her tipsy figure swaying lightly, dancing gracefully, like a swallow in the palm of her hand

The palace maids presented the flower cakes, which are exquisite pastries made from the petals and flour from the Yangxin Garden. They are crafted in extremely delicate shapes, featuring designs such as plum blossoms, peach blossoms, and apricot blossoms.

For everyone, this is the last opportunity to have a close encounter with the Crown Prince. Soon, everyone will leave the palace and return to their respective homes. Yet, even in this final moment of interaction, His Highness the Crown Prince remains stingy with his elegant smile, gentle gaze, and melodious voice, walking with his hands behind his back, as if carried by a light breeze and floating clouds, showing no signs of affection towards anyone, treating that beautiful lady with the same indifference. Even the flower goddess he personally selected, Qiao Wanfang, did not receive a second glance from him.

She, suffering from the unbearable heat, waited half a day without a hint of coolness. Unable to contain her displeasure, she raised her gaze, and layers of autumn waves rippled up, like a spring that one could easily become immersed in. Before her was a vaguely familiar handsome face, with a smile that seemed inexplicably familiar.

Du Gu Duo felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over his head, instantly freezing all the excitement and ripples throughout his body

She felt surprised in her heart. After a moment, Dugu Duo strode over and, upon seeing Xue Jia standing outside, joyfully said: "Has that palace maid been sent away?"

Strange, he just said he had something to attend to and left ahead of time, so where did he go

This is the flower cake bestowed by Her Majesty, everyone please have a taste

He chuckled and said, "Then you should tease him as well"

Xiang Wanyu, with a hazy gaze, held up her wine glass and smiled sweetly, saying, "It's delicious, bring me another glass."

Yesterday, she deliberately informed Mu Chenhong about the matter of A Jiu punishing Gong Qing and rewarding Hong, intending to gauge whether he has feelings for Gong Qing. If he were indifferent, he would certainly not involve himself in this matter. However, even if he is willing to help, it does not necessarily mean he likes her. For instance, when selecting the Flower God, he chose Qiao Wanfang, which seemed to indicate a special regard, yet in recent days, he has shown no signs of affection towards Qiao Wanfang. On the contrary, during the last visit to Yangxin Garden with Xu Jinge and others, he was even more gentle and concerned towards Xu Jinge.

Because she bit her cherry-red lips but refused to continue speaking

As soon as Youlan saw her reaching for the palace lantern, she was so frightened that she desperately grabbed her hand, "Miss Gong, please don't move, I can't hold you up any longer"

He approached, slightly bending forward, with a warm and handsome smile, his tone caring and considerate: "Miss Gong, are you feeling unwell?"

Since the departure of His Highness the Crown Prince, the various beauties, like Lord Shen, have long been preoccupied. Having received the decree from A Jiu, they naturally dispersed.

Dugu Duo said: "It is not that I am afraid, but that I fear she will hate me in the future"

The warm room was quiet, with only a wisp of smoke gently swirling in the air, as Mu Chenhong leaned down to gaze at the beauty beneath him

Xue Jiaying smiled and said: "She has eaten Linjiang Xian, and is now painting Chun Ge. Go and turn the raw rice into cooked rice, and she will be yours."

A Jiu looked at his back, stomping his feet in anger

Xue Jia let out a laugh: "Are you still a man?"

Youlan was taken aback and tactfully took her leave

Du Gu Duo's face flushed red from her provocative tone, his excitement mixed with hesitation and timidity

In an instant, her face flushed with heat, and she quickly turned her body to the side, putting on her shoes with the intention of escaping from the place of trouble.

The princess said that both she and Miss Xiang were drunk, and it would likely cause a commotion if they stayed in the same room. It would be better to send Miss Gong to the Huachun Pavilion, as it is also nearby

Mu Chenhong embraced Gong Qing horizontally and walked out of the Imperial Garden

He could not help but reach out to caress that skin like凝脂, the touch beneath his fingertips was warm and smooth, as if his soft heart was about to melt.

She furrowed her brows, contemplating back and forth, yet still found it difficult to be certain. Nevertheless, the possibility that Gong Qing was the one she held dear in her heart was exceedingly high

She murmured with her eyes closed: "Why should I tell you?"

Isn't this distance too close? At this moment, if I were to stand up and put on my shoes, I would bump into his chin... She had no choice but to subtly tilt her head back a little and awkwardly ask: "How could a humble servant be here?"

He gently pinched her rosy cheeks

She hurriedly said: "This humble servant does not dare. Perhaps Your Highness is tired from reading and has developed an illusion. This humble servant would never dare to offend Your Highness, even when intoxicated, I still hold great respect for Your Highness and would never act in such a manner."

Xue Jia squinted her eyes and smiled confidently: "Second brother, there is nothing difficult in this world, only those who lack determination. As long as you desire it and have the courage to pursue it, I will definitely help you."

He is truly a heartless man

Yet, there was no trace of disdain in Shen Zui's gaze; instead, a sense of concern was palpable, following Gong Qing as she exited the Xiefang Pavilion. That gaze felt as if a needle had pierced her heart.

The elegant and resplendent Xu Jinge, the graceful and charming Qiao Wanfang, the lovely and adorable Xue Jia, each of them possesses beauty that is both striking and extraordinary. A Jiu feels that her choice of attire today, which is simple and refined, is indeed the right one. Such gaudy and ostentatious adornments only serve to dazzle the eyes, while she aims to triumph with her noble demeanor

He used the book he was holding upside down to block her and said seriously: "Miss Gong, there is something I would like to discuss with you"

The palace maid bowed and said: "Please allow me to take my leave." As she reached the door, she turned back and smiled: "Your Highness, reading for too long can be quite tiring"

It is precisely because we are in the palace that such an opportunity arises. Have you not been longing for her? Now the opportunity is right before your eyes

Shen Zui Shi did not understand what Du Gu Hou's true intentions were. As a man, he had no connection to the Flower Festival at all. Was he here just to experience what it meant to feel awkward and lonely?

If the princess is not at ease, she can borrow someone from the Crown Prince's secret camp to stay at the Shen residence. If there is any matter concerning Lord Shen, the princess will naturally be informed.

Strangely, the Crown Prince was not at all angry; he simply smiled and said, "I will help her, you may go down now."

She quietly turned around, unknowingly biting her lip. As she had guessed, just when she was about to call her second brother, Gong Qing was not going to paint the Spring Pavilion; instead, she was stopped by Mu Chenhong and brought here

It seemed that someone had already helped her to untie it, and as the collar opened, a refreshing and relaxing sensation washed over her. She let out a sigh, grasped that hand, and wished to continue further down

It is impossible, Your Highness. Even if I were to get drunk, I would not be so irrational.

He smiled and leaned in closer

Mu Chenhong said: "Madam An, please assist these young ladies back to rest quickly. Mingyu, go and ask the imperial kitchen to prepare a few bowls of hangover soup to send over."

Mu Chenhong looked at the high platform with a smile. The Flower Goddess Qiao Wanfang stood on the high platform, her jade belt fluttering in the wind, her skirt flowing gracefully. The colorful paper flowers in her hand spread out in the breeze, amidst the endless rain of flowers. Her beauty was striking, indeed an allure that was hard to ignore.

A Jiu naturally desired it immensely, while the other beauties were left heartbroken.

Shen Zui Shi immediately felt as if he had been granted a great pardon and promptly took his leave

You have just sobered up, so do not rush to leave, otherwise you may feel dizzy

A platform approximately ten feet high was erected in front of the Xiefang Pavilion, surrounded by colorful silk. The platform was covered with embroidered felt. According to the customs of the Flower Festival in the palace, after admiring the blossoms, the Flower Deity scattered flowers from the platform, and everyone paid their respects to the Flower Deity, who then bestowed wine and blessings.

With Shen Zui Shi absent, there is no point in wandering around this garden. A Jiu immediately coldly addressed the group of flirtatious ladies behind him, saying: "You all may disperse now"

He gently asked, "With whom?"

Li Wanfú immediately followed Xue Linfu out, thoughtfully closing the door for His Royal Highness. He then waved his hand to the eunuchs waiting by the window in the corridor, signaling them to retreat to a suitable distance to avoid hearing any inappropriate sounds from the warm chamber

As soon as the beautiful ladies took their seats, the hall instantly brightened, adorned with a profusion of flowers and boundless beauty

That hand hesitated again, and she said discontentedly, "Hurry up."

Indeed. However, I can assure you that Miss Gong has been affected by an aphrodisiac, rather than being intoxicated

Is there any need to mention this?

Mu Chenhong smiled faintly and said, "No need for formalities, please take a seat."

She must take a stroll in the Imperial Garden, carefully checking if there are any flowers or trees she has missed appreciating. It is essential to severely punish the palace officials. Today, even though she was made to appear foolish while drunk, it still did not bring satisfaction, for her drunken state was not only not ugly, but rather astonishingly beautiful, like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. The vibrant colors and brilliance that were usually wrapped up suddenly burst forth, leaving people in awe and shock, utterly beyond the capacity of words to describe. Today, even though she was made to appear foolish while drunk, it still did not bring satisfaction, for her drunken state was not only not ugly, but rather astonishingly beautiful, like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. The vibrant colors and brilliance that were usually wrapped up suddenly burst forth, leaving people in awe and shock, utterly beyond the capacity of words to describe.

Xue Linfu was summoned, and upon hearing that he was to prepare a bowl of hangover soup for Miss Gong, he felt disdain in his heart, thinking that such a trivial matter required an old man like him; it was truly overkill to use a sledgehammer to crack a nut

"In response to the princess's words, Your Highness went to the imperial garden"

She avoided his burning gaze and was astonished to discover that the book in his hand was actually being held upside down

His heart trembled, and he immediately felt his body stiffen

This humble servant is unaware, perhaps he has not drunk

Are you saying that she did not drink alcohol

The palace was silent with no one around, and A Jiu called over a eunuch and asked, "Where is His Highness the Crown Prince?"

Xue Jia furrowed her brows and thought for a moment, "You go back first, and we will talk about it later"

Xue Jia hurriedly arrived at the Hua Chun Pavilion, only to find that Gong Qing was not inside, nor was the palace maid You Lan.

Your Highness, were you really reading just now? Were you pretending to read to disguise the fact that you have been looking at me all along?

Ajiu entered the Xiefang Pavilion surrounded by a group of palace maids

The luxurious and elegant decor of the warm chamber, with the heated kang burning vigorously, warms the plum blossoms in the jade vase, releasing a subtle fragrance. As the palace maid lies down, a satisfied sigh escapes her lips, her lazy and charming demeanor resembling that of a lovely little cat

Mu Chenhong raised his hand to take down the palace lantern and handed it to her, "Do you want this?"

Gong Qing reached out to catch it, only to find it heavy and burdensome, "It's not a cloud." She pouted her lips and casually tossed it away with a graceful and beautiful gesture. With a loud crash, the glass lamp shattered on the jade steps.

Have you not returned all this time

Gong Qing drowsily opened her eyes, momentarily thinking she was still asleep, and instinctively stretched her body. However, as her gaze flickered, it caught sight of a graceful and dignified figure, causing her stretching motion to abruptly halt, nearly resulting in a back injury.

"Let go." She cast him a sidelong glance, her eyes charming and silky, with a gentle and alluring gaze, yet she appeared innocent and naive.

Xue Jia took a bite of the flower cake and said with a smile, "This is really delicious. I have never had such tasty pastries in Huzhou"

My sister asked me to wait here, but for what purpose

Even Li Wanfeng, who was following behind him, couldn't help but secretly rejoice. This young lady from the palace, with her innocent and adorable demeanor, is irresistible to any man

Regardless of what Xue Jia's true intentions are, and regardless of whether there is actually any drug in this wine, since Xue Jia has stated it, it is better to believe that there is something rather than nothing

Madam An intentionally allowed only one maid, Youlan, to assist the palace minister, while the other three intoxicated beauties were being supported by two or three maids and had already moved ahead

But she clearly did not drink alcohol, what is going on

Mu Chenhong propped his chin up with one hand, looking at Shen Zuishi with a smile that was not quite a smile, and said: "This Flower Festival is clearly a matter for the girls, yet the Empress insists on having us participate, which is rather spoiling the mood"

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince arrived late, accompanied by Shen Zuishi. Both of them were as beautiful as the spring water's clear waves, and as pure as the cold ice's bright glow, being rare handsome men in the world

He chuckled again, "Do you dislike him?"

Do you not recognize me

Xue Jia cast him a sidelong glance and said in a tone of sarcastic disdain: "As long as you make her yours, there will be plenty of time to coax her slowly in the future. Just occupy her body first. With your soft and weak temperament, let alone Miss Gong, I wouldn't even look at you. You really don't resemble a man at all."

Du Gu Duo felt both lost and anxious, unwillingly asking: "Will there be another chance in the future?"

Mu Chenhong nodded slightly to Li Wanfú, and Li Wanfú immediately presented a piece of flower cake and a cup of wine.

The heart of the orchid is also burdened with a sense of impending shattering, does this not constitute a grave act of disrespect towards the Crown Prince? Miss, do you not value your life?

This is nature, and A Jiu went straight to the Qinzhen Hall to find Mu Chenhong

Madam An smiled again and said, "Princess, do not worry. Apart from the fairies in the sky, among the women in the world, you are the first. Unless he is a fool, how could he possibly not like the princess"

Gong Qing smiled and took a small bite. Suddenly, she felt a surge in her head, as if a wave of heat was rushing up from her spine, directly hitting the top of her head

Qiao Wanfang gracefully rose, picked up a pot of fine wine that had long been prepared, and poured a cup for each of the beautiful ladies, which was then served to their tables by the palace maids

Indeed, Mu Chenhong's intentions are deeply concealed

A Jiu was suddenly filled with an inexplicable anger, and the proud little peacock raised its sharp little chin, huffily saying: "Since Lord Shen has no interest in watching, then please take your leave."

Did the Emperor not give a hint to Lord Jiang?

A Jiu remained silent, feeling too embarrassed to speak. Nevertheless, he still felt uneasy in his heart.

Xue Jia quickly caught up with Gong Qing and the others

Li Chongming seemed to be the most intoxicated, staggering to his feet, and with a lurch, he knocked the flower cake and wine cup off the table, then burst into laughter, "What a lovely tune, what piece is this"