Two long-eaved carriages set out for “Hualin Garden” – one carrying the maids and the dancer Lian Qinian, the other with Luo Lingyu leading her sister. After they rescued the young lord into their carriage, maid Lingyu came over from the rear carriage to help attend to the young lord.

The young lord called himself “Zhou Zibo,” over seventeen years old, having just arrived in Jianye from elsewhere. Being new to the city, Zhou Zibo was quite unfamiliar with Jianye and relied on Luo Lingyu’s guidance.

Luo Lingyu covered her mouth as she laughed, her cheeks reddening: “I’m also from elsewhere. I came from Nanyang, and have been in Jianye barely a month. I’m not very familiar with this place either.”

The young lord’s eyebrows lifted slightly, that hook-like movement, those dark concentrated eyes beneath when looking at people, and that spring breeze-like gentle bearing… all caused delight to arise in Luo Lingyu’s heart, drawing her closer to the young lord. Luo Lingyu turned her head to observe Young Lord Zhou. Since learning that the person she and her sister had rescued last time was Lu Yun, Luo Lingyu had modified her approach—

When encountering someone who needed help, even if they appeared to be a powerless and poor person, she couldn’t judge by appearances… what if they turned out to be another “Lu Sanlang”?

The current Young Lord Zhou, with eyes like warm jade, refined and agreeable, though pale-faced and seemingly not in good health… but observing his speech and manner, the possibility of him being a second “Lu Sanlang” must be quite high.

When the long-eaved carriage crossed the Qingxi Middle Bridge, the cart swayed slightly, and Luo Lingyu pushed aside her bothersome little sister, already sitting very close to Young Lord Zhou. She feigned surprise: “So neither of us is from Jianye, may I ask where the young lord is from?”

The young lord’s voice remained soft and low like sand passing the ear, rustling, stirring the burning places in the young lady’s heart: “Three-storied pavilion pressed beneath the imperial canopy.”

Luo Lingyu froze: Was this a riddle for her to solve?

Young Lord Zhou had merely spoken casually, without intending to challenge Luo Lingyu. But Luo Lingyu was quick-witted, and as soon as the riddle was given, while her sister was still frowning trying to figure out the answer, she had already guessed it, smoothly continuing Young Lord Zhou’s words in one breath: “So the young lord is from Yicheng! I’ve never been there, but I’ve heard it’s also a prosperous place… Neither of us is from Jianye, yet we unexpectedly meet at this time from such distant places. Young Lord Zhou, we must be fated.”

Fated?

The young lady’s enchanting eyes glanced softly at that young lord, like spring waters, waves surging one after another, and when she smiled again, she appeared even more young and charming, with a hint of… craftiness in her eyes.

Zhou Yangling, alias Zhou Zibo, faced with this young lady’s favor, smiled slightly—this Miss Luo, forcing connections, insisted on establishing a relationship with her, yet didn’t cause annoyance, but was rather interesting.

Indeed, the one disguised as a man, transformed into the graceful “Young Lord Zhou,” was none other than Scholar Zhou Tan’s daughter Zhou Yangling, whom Prince Chen Liu Shu had been unable to find. Prince Chen Liu Shu had sent Lu Sanlang to Yicheng to persuade Scholar Zhou Tan, hoping Zhou Tan would cooperate with Prince Chen to help commoner disciples enter official positions, balancing the current court situation dominated by mostly idle gentry sons. Since time immemorial, commoners had aspired to join the gentry, finding it as difficult as ascending to heaven, and even though Scholar Zhou Tan had traveled throughout the Southern Kingdom with three thousand disciples, Prince Chen’s conditions were attractive to him.

Moreover, to demonstrate his sincerity to the commoner faction represented by Zhou Tan, Prince Chen proactively extended an olive branch of a marriage alliance. In this era of strict division between gentry and commoners, it was extremely difficult for commoner daughters to marry into gentry or royal families. Since Prince Chen had shown such sincerity, Zhou Tan sent his daughter Zhou Yangling to stay briefly in Jianye to observe the situation. Although his daughter was physically weak, Zhou Tan believed that with his daughter’s beauty and talents, the marriage alliance between the gentry and commoners would surely proceed smoothly.

Both sides showed sincerity, yet no one had asked Zhou Yangling’s opinion. Upon arriving in Jianye and discovering Prince Chen’s people were late in coming, Zhou Yangling changed her appearance and left before they arrived.

Now Prince Chen Liu Shu’s people were searching everywhere for that exceptionally beautiful young lady, remembering only that Miss Zhou was “beautiful,” trying every means to contact young ladies who had recently entered or left Jianye. They had fallen into a mental trap, never thinking to look among the young lords—

Zhou Yangling lifted the curtain, looking out at the Qingxi scenery. Zhou Yangling sighed: “Jianye truly is a place of outstanding land and spirit, no wonder my father also yearns for this place.”

Luo Lingyu’s heart stirred: The meaning of these words must be that Young Lord Zhou’s father is an important figure.

See, she had guessed correctly, Young Lord Zhou must be some noble family’s son traveling for studies. Just like her cousin, Aunt’s son Luo Yan. This time coming to Jianye, Luo Lingyu had also brought gifts for her cousin Luo Yan. But Luo Yan hadn’t returned from his studies, even Aunt hadn’t seen him for two years… Young Lord Zhou was just like her cousin Luo Yan, both willing to travel thousands of miles, with deep family learning and personal ambition.

Luo Lingyu’s good impression of Young Lord Zhou grew stronger, and she wracked her brains to establish a connection with this young lord—”Young Lord Zhou if you have nowhere to go, why not come with me to ‘Hualin Garden’? These days they’re having the ‘Flower Goddess Selection’ there, all of Jianye’s noble young lords and ladies gather there, it’s quite interesting. I’m also participating in the selection, would Young Lord Zhou accompany me for fun?”

“Flower Goddess Selection.”

Zhou Yangling’s eyes rippled with light, thoughtful.

She had heard of this, and her arrival in Jianye at this time wasn’t without her father Zhou Tan’s pride—Scholar Zhou Tan had three thousand disciples, and Chen Xiu, who had won Jianye’s “Flower Goddess” title three years in a row, was Zhou Tan’s female disciple. If Zhou Tan’s disciple was so formidable, what must his daughter be like?

For commoners to enter the gentry world, they must show their abilities. If Zhou Yangling had been received by Prince Chen’s people at the dock that day, barring any accidents, she would now be like other noble ladies, participating in this “Flower Goddess Selection.” If successful, Zhou Yangling would automatically enter the world of gentry ladies.

Now disguised as a man, she no longer needed to compete for “Flower Goddess.” From participant to observer, it was quite interesting… Zhou Yangling smiled and nodded, accepting Luo Lingyu’s invitation: “Alright.”

Luo Lingyu was delighted, having prepared several sets of persuasive arguments, not expecting this young lord to be so easily convinced. She had only spoken one sentence, and he had… surely he must have some good feelings toward her? Luo Lingyu cast another glance at Zhou Yangling with her beautiful eyes, soft as spring waters, full of tender feelings.

Zhou Yangling: “…”

She could barely contain her amusement!

Perhaps due to her beauty, this young lady’s flirtatious little gestures weren’t annoying, but rather exceptionally attractive… she was an interesting person.

At their first meeting, both women held favorable impressions of each other.

Arriving at Hualin Garden, Luo Lingyu led Young Lord Zhou in first. Although the young lord didn’t have an invitation to enter, the garden guards took one look at his graceful bearing and naturally assumed he was a noble young lord, not attempt to stop him. Luo Yunwan watched her sister single-mindedly clinging to the rescued young lord, completely abandoning them behind… Young Lady Luo Yunwan puffed up her cheeks, blowing at her forehead hair: Indeed, still her sister.

Still favoring the rich and despising the poor today.

With her sister busy currying favor with the young lord and ignoring her, Luo Yunwan turned to run to the rear carriage, acting like a little adult, her crisp voice directing the maids to get down. Only from the rear carriage, when Lian Qinian was getting down, her body swayed slightly, steadied by Luo Yunwan who was waiting not far away. Luo Yunwan looked up at Lian Qinian’s face, which despite its rouge couldn’t hide its paleness, and was startled: “Sister Lian, what’s wrong, are you unwell?”

Lian Qinian rubbed her temples, shaking her head to clear her thoughts. Suppressing the discomfort in her abdomen, her face half-reddened as she said: “It’s nothing, just a private matter that young ladies have… Young Miss will understand when she grows up.”

Luo Yunwan nodded, half-understanding.

Lingyu, who was directing maids to carry packages behind them, heard Lian Qinian’s words and after a moment’s blank stare, worriedly watched Lian Qinian’s graceful retreating figure: If her monthly cycle had come, could she still dance… given how much importance the young lady placed on this “Flower Goddess Selection,” if Lian Qinian failed to perform, wouldn’t the young lady be furious?

At this time, Luo Lingyu was completely focused on Zhou Yangling, and with other maids behind her, she hadn’t yet noticed Lian Qinian’s condition.

…

Hualin Garden was extremely vast, and upon entering, a steward led them to guest rooms to rest. Luo Lingyu led Zhou Yangling toward the guest rooms, and along the way, the two women heard endless sounds of strings and woodwinds, continuous drum beats, with people sometimes gathering to watch in places. Luo Lingyu pointed things out to the young lord beside her—”The Flower Goddess Selection lasts five days total, today is the third day, and many young lords and ladies find it troublesome, so they’re staying here directly until the five days are over.”

“That’s my plan as well.”

“Today is all about dance and music competitions. To avoid prolonged uncertainty, I’ve scheduled my time for the Hour of the Snake. Young lord, let’s go back and prepare, then have Lian Qinian perform. You must watch my piece—both the dance and music are my compositions.”

The young lady’s voice was like an oriole’s, speaking with such grace, it was truly enjoyable. Zhou Yangling fell silent.

Luo Lingyu furrowed her brows in confusion again: “But there are so many people here, too many ladies… Are there so many participants in this year’s selection?”

She had inquired about the Flower Goddess Selection from Lady Wang, and the gentry ladies all had self-awareness, so there weren’t usually many participants each year. But this year it seemed there were groups of brightly dressed young ladies laughing and talking everywhere. Now connecting this with Second Young Master Lu’s attempts to discourage her from participating in this year’s competition a few days ago, Luo Lingyu felt slightly nervous: Was something different this year? Did Second Young Master Lu know some inside information, trying hard to persuade her but being ignored?

Zhou Yangling comforted her: “Don’t worry, Sister Luo, didn’t you say winning or losing isn’t important, as long as it’s fun?”

Luo Lingyu: “…”

She quietly, secretly glared at Young Lord Zhou: What winning or losing isn’t important, that was just her being polite. In reality, winning or losing was extremely important to her!

Suddenly Princess Pingning Liu Tang’s voice joined in: “Sister Luo, you’re here? I was just thinking it would be your turn soon, wondering why you hadn’t arrived.”

Luo Lingyu smiled: “Didn’t the Princess finish competing two days ago? How did it go?”

Liu Tang covered her thoroughly reddened cheeks, coughing once: “Quite well.” She noticed the refined young lord beside Luo Lingyu, standing out like jade, with extraordinary bearing, and immediately exclaimed in surprise: “This young lord, I don’t believe we’ve met before.”

The youth was exceedingly beautiful, already androgynous, and with Zhou Yangling’s male disguise, she remarkably possessed a gentle and refined heroic spirit in her features. The ladies who saw her male attire all found her handsome and cultured. When she said she was male, no one doubted it.

Of course, Zhou Yangling had never actually said she was male.

Luo Lingyu made introductions between the two ladies, and Zhou Yangling cupped her hands in greeting, long sleeves flying: “So it’s Her Highness the Princess, I pay my respects.”

Liu Tang’s face reddened even more, repeatedly backing away, stammering: “No, no, no need…” Usually, she interacted with familiar noble ladies and young lords, this was her first time receiving such a formal greeting. Liu Tang looked back at Luo Lingyu, thinking Sister Luo was truly impressive, wherever she went, she could encounter handsome young lords who liked her and followed her.

Princess Pingning had greatly misunderstood.

…

In the distance, Chen Xiu and her flattering maids were also strolling in the garden, occasionally joining the crowds. While others went to watch the ladies’ competitions, Chen Xiu followed Lu Sanlang. On the first day of the “Flower Goddess Selection,” when Lu Sanlang appeared and watched three competitions, they learned that one of this year’s five distinguished scholars was Lu Sanlang.

All of Jianye’s noble ladies were stirred by this!

Those who hadn’t planned to join the excitement came to look and play because of Lu Sanlang. The noble ladies were bold, and with their lives free from want, they enjoyed life and particularly loved handsome men, throwing fruit to show their love. In this era, handsome young lords shouldn’t easily walk into groups of ladies without good martial arts skills…

This created this year’s spectacular scene of shoulder-to-shoulder crowds and seas of people.

Everywhere they went there were people, everywhere young ladies throwing flowers at Lu Sanlang, making Chen Xiu’s face turn ashen. Her competition had finished on the first day, and she had endured until today just to wait for Lu Sanlang, but now… Squeezing out of the crowd, leaving the sound of music behind her, Chen Xiu spat: “Shameless! Every single one just watching Lu Sanlang, no one watching the actual competitions.”

The ladies around her naturally flattered her.

Chen Xiu’s expression improved somewhat, but as she lifted her foot to walk again, her gaze swept casually around, and she looked in one direction, her shoulders suddenly stiffening, her raised foot drawing back. The ladies flattering Chen Xiu behind her looked over to see the beautiful Luo lady walking and laughing with a graceful young lord, their clothes flying together, like dancing cranes and singing geese—

Chen Xiu hurriedly withdrew her steps, and turned her shoulders, walking in the opposite direction from Luo Lingyu, urging in a low voice: “Let’s go, go, go! Absolutely must not run into her, must not talk to her.”

Chen Xiu was still traumatized, remembering the disadvantage she had suffered at Luo Lingyu’s hands that day. Her privileged noble lady’s life had nurtured her pure innocence; she was completely unable to compete with Lu Sanlang’s cousin. The only solution was to avoid that young lady, to not appear in the same place as her.

The lady beside her tentatively said: “Miss Luo just arrived today, presumably she has her competition today. Shall we go watch, Miss Chen?”

Chen Xiu: “Of course, we must watch!”

Chen Xiu: “I want to see what abilities she has, coming to Jianye and immediately challenging me. Such a bewitching air, doing whatever she pleases…” She suddenly flushed red and closed her mouth, too ashamed to continue speaking such unseemly words.

…

Lu Sanlang stood listlessly in the crowd, appearing to concentrate intently on the competition while his mind had already wandered.

The little person in his heart yawned several times, falling fast asleep: Indeed, this kind of competition had no interest at all.

He regretted it immensely: Why had he come to participate in such a boring game just to spite Luo Lingyu?

He had to stay in this place for a full five days, while that convenient cousin of his was who knows where enjoying herself… Lu Sanlang gritted his teeth: His only motivation now was waiting for Luo Lingyu to appear, to give her a thorough lesson!

…

Prince Hengyang had also come here with Second Young Master Lu.

Recently, Prince Hengyang had been arguing endlessly with Lu Sanlang and Prince Chen at court, but after court, he was often together with Second Young Master Lu.

It was truly strange.

Liu Mu’s face was dark as he had been worn down by Lu Xian for two or three days and dragged here. He looked around, seeing the young ladies, the fierce light in his eyes growing stronger. Prince Hengyang was very impatient: “Where’s your cousin? Let her come out, I’ll see her once and leave… I warn you, stop pestering me! Even if you are the Lu family’s second young master, I’m not afraid of you! Don’t push your luck!”

Liu Mu gritted his teeth: “As long as I agree to stay here today, remember what you promised me—stay away from me in the future, don’t come to my Prince Hengyang Manor anymore!”

This was the foundation of great noble families—even royal relatives like Liu Mu wouldn’t completely dismiss Second Young Master Lu.

Lu Xian was very ashamed.

While repeatedly agreeing with Prince Hengyang verbally, Lu Xian sent someone to ask about his cousin’s competition time, wiping sweat from his brow. Though he didn’t think his cousin could win against Prince Chen’s Zhou Yangling, even if he didn’t have high hopes, he still supported his cousin. At the same time, Lu Xian felt maximizing benefits was best—even if his cousin couldn’t win “Flower Goddess,” but if her future husband saw her talents stunning everyone, and loved her more for it, wouldn’t that be good?

Since Prince Hengyang hadn’t fallen in love with Cousin Luo at first sight, it must be love growing over time.

Liu Mu still very much hoped to maintain good relations with the future emperor and empress.

It didn’t matter that he was currently making his “future emperor” very angry, that his “future emperor” didn’t like him following along.

Lu Xian smiled mysteriously at Liu Mu: “You will see Cousin Luo’s good side…”

Prince Hengyang’s face was full of irritation as he forcefully endured: “…”

I’ve already said, I don’t want to marry into your Lu family!

…

When Luo Lingyu and Zhou Yangling returned to their quarters, some maids had already gone to check their competition time, while others were busy with various preparations, such as moving the zither and getting the flute. After asking where Lian Qinian was, they entered the room with Zhou Yangling to find Lian Qinian curled up on the couch, covered with a brocade blanket, eyes closed in false sleep. Below the couch, the sensible Luo Yunwan reached out her hand, massaging the dancer’s lower abdomen.

Seeing this scene, Luo Lingyu’s expression changed slightly: “What’s going on?”

Luo Yunwan turned her head: “Sister—”

Now when Lian Qinian heard Luo Lingyu’s melodious voice, it felt like demonic sounds entering her ears, her shoulders trembling as she hurriedly rose from the couch. But as she got down, her knees weakened, and she knelt heavily on the ground, breaking out in cold sweat. Maid Lingyu had been watching worriedly for a long time, and now seeing Lian Qinian in such pain, she couldn’t help but go help her up, turning back to say to the pale-faced Luo Lingyu: “Young Lady, she, she…” Glancing at Young Lord Zhou behind Luo Lingyu, it wasn’t appropriate to speak of such things in front of a young lord, and Lingyu’s face reddened.

As soon as the maid spoke, Zhou Yangling understood what was happening.

Zhou Yangling nodded to Luo Lingyu, saying gently: “Young Lady, please handle your household matters first, I’ll step out for a look.”

After Zhou Yangling left, Lingyu spilled out Lian Qinian’s current condition like pouring beans. Her voice grew increasingly quiet, because as her words became clearer, Luo Lingyu’s gaze at them became like a sharp knife cutting flesh, as if she wanted to flay them alive. Luo Yunwan pleaded: “Sister Lian probably can’t dance, sister. Can we give up?”

Luo Lingyu said harshly: “Let Lian Qinian try first.”

Lian Qinian was helped up, but after just one spin, cold sweat had already dampened her eyes. Her body swayed, her vision darkening, and before she knew it, she had collapsed. Lian Qinian was terrified and anxious, wanting to stand up and continue dancing, while Luo Yunwan and Lingyu together supported her, trying to dissuade her. Luo Lingyu remained silent as Lian Qinian gritted her teeth, tremblingly standing up again and again, forcing a smile: “I can do it…”

Luo Yunwan: “You’ll faint… Sister Lian, forcing yourself won’t help. Sister, you…”

Turning back to see her sister’s expression, Luo Yunwan froze, the anxiety on her face easing. Though her heart was panicked, she didn’t know how to comfort her sister. Should they let Lian Qinian continue dancing? She looked back at the pitiful dancer trembling in Lingyu’s arms. Should they just give up? Looking up again to see Luo Lingyu’s expression…

Gritting her teeth, Luo Yunwan: “Let’s… let’s make some red date and white fungus porridge for Sister Lian…”

Luo Lingyu coldly watched them struggle, sitting down. They clumsily tried to persuade Lian Qinian to lie down, while Lian Qinian feared Luo Lingyu and struggled to dance, Luo Yunwan’s eyes filled with tears, and Lingyu was also about to cry. All had some resentment in their hearts, but none knew who to blame. Even in the chaos, all were waiting for Luo Lingyu to speak… Luo Lingyu said coldly: “Enough, stop struggling.”

Everyone turned their heads, mournfully: “Young Lady (Sister)—”

Luo Lingyu sat down, her back already numb. She said self-mockingly: “I prepared for fifteen days, yet can’t overcome your one day of illness. Even if I wanted to be cold and heartless, forcing you to perform, you might not care as much as I do. If something went wrong, I would still bear the responsibility.”

“So don’t be afraid. Lie down and rest first, for the competition… I’ll try to postpone the time, hopefully you can make it.”

Luo Lingyu had someone go ask about the timing, and the message came back saying they could at most adjust it to the evening. Lian Qinian lay moaning pitifully on the couch while Luo Yunwan and others kept her company talking. Luo Lingyu couldn’t bear to watch and walked out with a cold face, calling other maids to arrange matters: “Find a screen as tall as a wall, fold some flower branches…”

Her mind was in chaos, having already decided to change strategies.

While standing in the corridor directing maids to change things, Luo Lingyu’s hands and feet were numb. Though her heart was full of confusion and bewilderment, she had to force herself to endure. After the maids left, she sat on the railing and lowered her head. After a moment, tears fell drop by drop. Her palms were digging into her nails, making her palms bleed… Suddenly a hand reached out from the side, grabbed her hand, and opened it, using gentle force to make her stop hurting herself.

Luo Lingyu raised her tear-filled eyes to see Young Lord Zhou had returned.

The young lord stood gently before her, saying softly: “I was worried about you, came back to check… why are you crying?”

“Young Lord Zhou…” Luo Lingyu choked, with no one to rely on and unable to express the grievance in her heart, she haltingly told her household matters, “…if by evening Lian Qinian still can’t get up, what about my ‘Flower Goddess Selection’? Am I just going to miss it like this? I prepared for it for so long…”

Her long lashes were wet with tears: “I, I… Jianye’s noble families’ threshold is so high, I finally waited for one opportunity, I don’t want to give up…”

Zhou Yangling tilted her head, eyes flickering slightly: “Why give up? Didn’t you say you composed both the dance and music? Even if Lian Qinian learned from you for half a month, how could she be as familiar with it as you? She’s just fallen ill, yet you still have the mood to cry?”

Luo Lingyu: “…”

Her beautiful eyes widened: “Is Young Lord Zhou saying I should go myself? No, how could that work? What noble young lady would dance herself for others’ entertainment? Those who entertain others are lower class! People would look down on me.”

Zhou Yangling: “…you have quite deep prejudices against commoners and lowborn people…”

However, Luo Lingyu quickly bit her lip, realizing she had no other option… She sobbed and whimpered, feeling utterly wronged, her heart filled with indescribable sorrow. Having her dance seemed like making her suffer humiliation. The young lady was so adorable that Zhou Yangling wanted to pinch her cheeks.

Luo Lingyu was still crying: Other noble ladies critiqued dancers, yet she had to become that dancer entertaining others… No, she couldn’t let people know it was her!

Don’t let people know it was her, she would disguise herself as “Lian Qinian” and win this competition!

Prompted by Zhou Yangling, Luo Lingyu wiped away her tears, coming back to life, her mind beginning to calculate anew.

Zhou Yangling smiled: “The young lady saved my life, let me add some flour to help. When I came to Jianye, my father had me bring a complete set of restored ancient chimes. Originally it was meant to be presented to a noble person… Today, I’ll present it to Sister Luo.”

Her Sister Luo was very happy, looking up to give her a smile before gracefully walking away to call the maids to arrange the new program.

…

Unlike noble ladies who liked to travel surrounded by servants, Zhou Yangling had come out alone, leaving her servants in the rented courtyard. To fetch the chimes she had brought from Yicheng, after promising Luo Lingyu, Zhou Yangling left the quarters, hurriedly walking toward the outside of “Hualin Garden.” Although she had appeared calm while comforting Luo Lingyu, she also knew that incorporating the chimes would require her to turn the tide. She hadn’t even seen what Luo Lingyu’s composed music and dance were like yet, she needed to hurry.

Walking hurriedly with her head down, Zhou Yangling suddenly bumped into someone. She had always been physically weak, and when she bumped into the person, they didn’t move at all while she staggered back several steps. Fortunately, seeing her stumble backward, that person reached forward and pulled her up.

Zhou Yangling looked up to see a noble young lord with refined features and clear dark eyes. Zhou Yangling cupped her hands and smiled: “I bumped into you, brother because I had an urgent business, I apologize.”

Prince Chen Liu Shu quietly looked at her. He had been troubled these past days by Miss Zhou’s disappearance and had come to Hualin Garden to seek Lu Sanlang for distraction, but unexpectedly saw an unfamiliar young lord. The Prince spoke very slowly: “You, who are you? I, have not seen you before.”

I?

Zhou Yangling’s eyes flickered sensitively at this usage.

She carefully introduced herself: “This one’s surname is Zhou, given name Zibo. Just arrived in Jianye… This one came here together with Miss Luo from Nanyang. That’s why the young lord doesn’t know me.”

Came with Lu Sanlang’s cousin?

The Prince stared at her, feeling something very strange but unable to put his finger on it, and could only nod, lowering his eyes, about to let her go. Unexpectedly, just as Zhou Yangling was about to leave, a voice came from the side: “Your Highness, you came here looking for my third brother?”

Liu Shu turned his head to see Second Young Master Lu Xian and Prince Hengyang Liu Mu approaching. Following his dream impression instinctively, Lu Xian looked for someone by Prince Chen Liu Shu’s side. In the dream, the Prince had appeared together with Miss Zhou, coming to escort Miss Zhou. He caught sight of that refined young lord, and Second Young Master Lu Xian paused, surprised but then showing delight: “This must be Miss Zhou, right? Indeed… extraordinary. Your Highness Prince Chen, why did you… have Miss Zhou dress as a man?”

This strange approach made Zhou Yangling’s breath catch: “…”

Prince Chen simultaneously froze, then awkwardly said: “He is male.”

Second Young Master Lu Xian: “…?!”