After the court session at Mingzheng Palace concluded, Cui Jinbai returned home, packed his belongings, and headed to the Bu residence.

“Cui Jinbai, what are you doing?” Bu Shulin, who was still on duty, was called back by Jin Shan.

Upon returning to his mansion, Bu Shulin saw Cui Jinbai directing his servants to move things inside, which made his face turn green with anger.

“Because of you, I lost even the position of Minister of Justice,” Cui Jinbai replied expressionlessly. “I told His Majesty in Mingzheng Palace that I would stay at the Bu residence. Wouldn’t it be deceiving the emperor if I didn’t come?”

Bu Shulin: …

Could “deceiving the emperor” be used this way?

In the end, Bu Shulin could only watch as Cui Jinbai moved all his belongings in. Fortunately, he still had some sense of propriety and didn’t move directly into Bu Shulin’s room, otherwise, Bu Shulin would have taken his sword and thrown all his things out.

Such a commotion at the Bu residence naturally drew many curious eyes. Many wondered why Minister Cui was moving to the Bu residence. After inquiring, they learned about the trouble with Cui Jinbai’s stepmother. Upon hearing this, they felt that Cui Jinbai’s stepmother wasn’t a good person and cast sympathetic glances his way, which diminished the romantic rumors between him and Bu Shulin.

When Shen Xihe heard about this, she couldn’t help but secretly praise Cui Jinbai’s calculations.

He had managed to move into the Bu residence as he wished, getting closer to his goal, while subtly tarnishing his stepmother and younger brother’s reputations.

“Youyou, you’re heartless,” Bu Shulin was more irritated seeing Shen Xihe smile. “I’ve fallen into such a predicament, and you’re still amused.”

Shen Xihe looked at Bu Shulin with pity. She wanted to tell him that sharing a horse in the city with her was probably Cui Jinbai’s deliberate plan. The Crown Prince didn’t want him to become Minister of Justice so early, but given his meritorious service and impeccable conduct, there were no flaws to exploit except his youth – no one was more suitable to be Minister of Justice than him.

To give others an excuse, he had gone to great lengths, surely delighting in both being intimate with his loved one and naturally losing the position of Minister of Justice, then using this as a pretext to move into the Bu residence openly.

Indeed, like a master, like a servant – Cui Jinbai was just as crafty as Xiao Huayong.

“Alin Crown Prince didn’t want Minister Cui to be promoted too quickly,” Shen Xihe couldn’t resist mischievously revealing this fact to Bu Shulin.

After processing this for a few moments, Bu Shulin stood up in fury: “That Cui Jinbai, how dare he use me, take advantage and still play innocent, and even dare to say his career was hindered because of me!”

The enraged Bu Shulin immediately left the Princess’s residence and rushed back to his mansion to confront Cui Jinbai.

After Bu Shulin left, Shen Xihe took her homemade hundred-flower cakes to the palace.

Watching Xiao Huayong enjoy her cooking, Shen Xihe’s thoughts wandered: “Your Highness, why didn’t you tell Minister Cui that World Son Bu is female?”

“He’s just my subordinate. If he’s too foolish to see it himself, why should I point it out?” Xiao Huayong smiled with mischief. “Doesn’t Youyou think… watching him act this way is quite entertaining?”

Heaven above, Shen Xihe prayed that in the future, she wouldn’t fall for a woman disguised as a man without recognizing her, otherwise, she too would become His Majesty’s source of amusement.

Amitabha, poor Minister Cui.

“I also think…” Shen Xihe agreed with Xiao Huayong for the first time, and told him, “Just before I entered the palace, I told Alin about Your Highness not wanting Minister Cui to be promoted.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Huayong immediately burst into joyful laughter: “Hahahahaha…”

This was the first time she had shown such a cunning side to him, revealing that she too could play tricks on people. This made Xiao Huayong even happier – they truly were of one mind, teasing the same couple.

Shen Xihe picked up a piece of hundred-flower cake and stuffed it into Xiao Huayong’s mouth: “I’ve told you not to laugh so heartily in the Eastern Palace.”

Xiao Huayong’s eyes still sparkled with starlight as he slowly chewed and swallowed the cake, finally licking his lips: “I take Youyou’s words to heart, but when I see you, I can’t help but be joyful. I used to think there were no emotions I couldn’t fake or control. Meeting you made me understand the meaning of being unable to resist one’s feelings.”

Falling for you was irresistible, experiencing all emotions – joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness – with you was irresistible.

Provoked by him again, Shen Xihe slowly averted her gaze, avoiding eye contact. She appeared to be casually adjusting her hair, but this revealed her awkwardness.

The smile in Xiao Huayong’s eyes was like overflowing water. Her attitude toward him had changed significantly – at least when faced with his affectionate self, she was no longer as indifferent as before.

She was like a flower bud about to bloom, making him both delighted and protective. Instead of pursuing the matter as usual, he changed the subject: “Peach and apricot blossoms compete in beauty, the daylight is brilliant – it’s the best time of the year. Would Youyou like to go on an outing with me?”

Spring outings were the most beloved entertainment for young men and women in the capital, especially during the Double Third Festival when the capital would be empty as everyone went out for excursions and feasts.

“Yes,” Shen Xihe agreed without hesitation. “Where will Your Highness take me?”

“Qu River is too crowded. I’ll take you somewhere quiet and elegant, where few people go,” Xiao Huayong said gently.

In previous years, there would have been the scholar’s feast, but this year’s civil service examination fraud case had exposed many scandals. Under Emperor Youning’s investigation, one thing led to another uncontrollably, resulting in even the retests being suspended. This year’s spring examinations were postponed to next year, so naturally, there was no scholar’s feast.

In the palace, the Imperial Astronomers had set a date for the Crown Prince’s wedding. After discussing it with the Empress Dowager, Emperor Youning set it for early next spring.

At this time, all the princes except the Crown Prince and three-year-old Xiao Changhong were summoned by the Empress Dowager. In front of Emperor Youning, the Empress Dowager said: “You’re all grown up now. I won’t let your mothers make decisions for you. At the spring feast, all the young ladies have shown their faces. In my old age, I only hope you all find someone you like. If you fancy any young lady, just tell me and your father.”

They looked at each other, and Third Prince Duke Wang Xiao Changtai stepped forward first: “Grandmother, your grandson already has a wife and doesn’t wish to take any consorts.”

The Empress Dowager lifted her eyelids slightly and slowly put down her teacup: “Third Son, Grandmother isn’t insisting you have children. The Xiao family has many sons – even if you have no heir, the line won’t end. But as someone who has lived through it all, I must say something unpleasant. Some people can’t be warmed up even after ten years – they probably have no heart. Persisting will only hurt yourself and others…”

As she spoke, she cast a meaningful glance at the submissive Xiao Changqin.

“Grandmother’s advice, grandson will keep it in mind,” Xiao Changtai answered respectfully.

“Keep it in mind, yet have no intention of acting on it,” the Empress Dowager smiled.