Feng Yuan seemed to have his earlobes scorched by the young woman’s unrestrained gaze, and finally turned his face slightly to meet Xiaoying’s eyes.

When he turned, his high, straight nose nearly touched Xiaoying, and only then did she realize that staring at someone so intently might be inappropriate.

But Yan Xiaoying didn’t want to withdraw her gaze and lose her momentum, so she boldly asked: “Why are your earlobes so red?”

Feng Yuan didn’t know why either.

He only felt that he was carrying a soft, fragrant, warm bundle of cotton on his back, pressed against his spine.

The nape of his neck was continuously warmed by fragrant breath.

His thoughts pulled in different directions, and he became uncharacteristically distracted, inevitably recalling the intimate embrace they had shared while pretending earlier. Yet the very instigator was now asking why his earlobes were red?

Looking at the young woman’s feigned innocent face, Feng Yuan didn’t awkwardly avert his gaze as she had hoped.

Observing her eyes that always sparkled when she was being mischievous, Feng Yuan asked calmly: “Do you… Enjoy teasing people like this?”

Xiaoying had indeed been mischievous since childhood.

But previously, her uncles and elders treated her like a child, knowing her playful nature, and would only twirl their mustaches and laugh when she teased them, letting the matter drop.

As for young men, some were captivated by her appearance and wanted to become close to her.

Unfortunately, Xiaoying’s heart had never been stirred romantically. She was fine with treating them as brothers, but if anyone dared to annoy her, they would have to answer to her blade.

The nickname “Little King of Hell” wasn’t earned without reason, and eventually, no one dared to provoke her.

Even after entering the palace, apart from Emperor Chunde, no one was spared. From the old Madam Tang and Mu Hanjiang at the top, down to the princes, palace maids, and eunuchs, all had been teased by Xiaoying.

No one had ever seriously asked her why she enjoyed teasing people.

But being gazed at this way by a handsome young man, Xiaoying finally felt a rare sense of impropriety.

Feng Yuan’s thoughts ran too deep; once provoked, there was always a feeling that one couldn’t escape.

In the end, it was Xiaoying who first withdrew her gaze, muttering softly: “Fine, I won’t look at you. How petty!”

…

Mu Hanjiang stood in the distance, squinting at the tall man carrying the young woman.

The Grand Prince wasn’t walking particularly fast, and was even whispering in the young woman’s ear as they went, appearing as sweet as a couple in love.

He realized he might not understand his childhood playmate as well as he thought.

Feng Yuan had only been in Jiangzhe for a few days—how had he already found a kindred spirit?

A woman who embraced men so unreservedly couldn’t be from a respectable family.

But seeing how the usually cold-faced Feng Yuan treated her with such fondness, the woman didn’t seem to be a songstress or dancer.

High Qi, standing nearby, couldn’t help muttering: “The Grand Prince has caught the human spirit; he’s indulging in female company…”

Mu Hanjiang shot him an icy glance, indicating that High Qi should not speak rashly about the prince’s private affairs.

As for Yan Xiaoying, her drunken stupor had been startled away by Mu Hanjiang’s sudden arrival.

While changing clothes, she naturally seized the opportunity to coordinate their stories with Feng Yuan.

“You came to the garden for romance, but what should I say? Was I also being romantic? Will he believe that? The rumors in the palace all say the Crown Prince favors men—Mu Hanjiang, better not think too obscenely!”

Feng Yuan sat upright outside the screen, curling his lips into a smile: “Mu Qin is a gentleman; he won’t question you in detail about intimate matters.”

Xiaoying, tying her waistband, emerged from behind the screen and adjusted her crown in front of the bronze mirror, almost as if talking to herself: “Ah, what a pity. Mu Qin’s impression of me had just improved somewhat. I hope he doesn’t misunderstand too deeply…”

She had been unusually diligent, showing a broad perspective in front of Mu Hanjiang, helping Elder Teng examine accounts, and demonstrating a sage-like demeanor.

She wondered if, after today, with her newly acquired reputation for romantic affairs, she could still maintain the Crown Prince’s image of virtue and wisdom, coaxing Mu Hanjiang to help her willingly.

After speaking, Xiaoying looked at herself in the mirror with satisfaction.

This gold-embroidered, silver-sprinkled long robe wasn’t bad either. Paired with shoulder pads and high-soled boots, it made her appear graceful and refined—a dashing young gentleman with a golden crown and jade belt.

“Let’s go, Grand Prince.”

She was so absorbed in admiring herself in the mirror that she didn’t notice how the smile on the man’s face seemed to fade somewhat after hearing her “what a pity” remark.

As she passed by, Feng Yuan, while playing with a rouge box on the dressing table, asked as if casually: “What? Do you care so much about Mu Hanjiang’s opinion?”

Xiaoying replied reflexively: “Of course. Not everyone can earn the appreciation of the graceful and elegant Lord Mu.”

How proud a person Young Master Mu was! Lofty in character, only willing to associate with upright and talented individuals.

Feng Yuan was his childhood friend—didn’t he know this?

The tall man finally stood up, looking down at Xiaoying, and extended a long finger to wipe at the corner of her mouth…

“Ah!”

Before Xiaoying could retreat or dodge, Feng Yuan looked at her with satisfaction: “There, now he’ll believe it.”

Xiaoying turned to look in the bronze mirror and was shocked—this scoundrel had mischievously smeared a large patch of rouge on the corner of her mouth.

How lustful would the Crown Prince have to be to have such a large smear of rouge?

She thought it looked too ugly and hurriedly tried to wipe it off, resulting in her chin becoming completely red, which she couldn’t remove at all!

The graceful, beautiful youth had suddenly become an ugly character with a red chin!

Xiaoying wanted to wash her face, but Feng Yuan, using the excuse that there wasn’t enough time, grabbed her and strode toward the garden exit.

Damn it! Xiaoying was furious and grabbed the vise-like hand holding her, just like she had done in the carriage, and bit down hard…

Mu Hanjiang had been waiting outside Xin Xin Garden for quite a while before the two princes finally appeared at the garden entrance, one after another.

The Crown Prince walked in front.

The young heir apparent seemed to have not enjoyed himself, appearing somewhat displeased, covering his mouth and nose with his sleeve, stomping forward angrily.

His naturally fair face displayed a blush that wouldn’t fade, and he seemed discontented, unusually puffed up with anger.

This kind of anger had appeared on the youth’s face only once before—after the failed cliff jump.

When Mu Hanjiang approached to pay his respects to the Crown Prince, his sharp eyes noticed that the youth’s mouth and chin were bright red, seemingly… stained with a woman’s rouge…

Mu Hanjiang’s expression slightly froze: it seemed the Crown Prince, just like the Grand Prince, had come to this remote countryside to engage in brothel-like activities!

However, judging by the appearance, the young Crown Prince had been romantic with a woman, rather than…

Mu Hanjiang felt a mix of emotions, unsure whether to be relieved or disdainful.

Seeing Mu Hanjiang looking his way, the Crown Prince uncomfortably covered his mouth and glared at him: “What are you looking at?”

With that, the slender youth angrily got into the carriage.

Before Mu Hanjiang could think further, Feng Yuan came before him, timely blocking his view of the Crown Prince.

“I request Lord Mu to keep the Crown Prince’s and my whereabouts these past few days confidential. If there is a next time, I also ask Lord Mu not to trouble himself searching for us. I will always take good care of the Crown Prince.”

Hearing the phrase “next time,” Mu Hanjiang couldn’t help but frown, saying coldly, “He is the heir apparent, different from other princes. How can you lead him to such impropriety?”

Feng Yuan smiled, with a somewhat meaningful tone: “If he weren’t, would it be acceptable then?”

Mu Hanjiang’s eyes darkened momentarily, not even bothering with honorifics, calling out as he had in childhood, emphasizing each word: “A’Yuan!”

Feng Yuan glanced at the Crown Prince—the youth had already entered the nearby carriage. He slowly returned his gaze, a cold smile curling his lips: “So… he is your favored candidate for heir apparent?”

Mu Hanjiang felt that Feng Yuan was being rather confrontational today.

The topic of the heir apparent was overstepping boundaries. If it reached the ears of people with ulterior motives, it would cause major trouble.

Mu Hanjiang could only remind Feng Yuan: “Regardless of who becomes the heir apparent in the future, as long as they are of the legitimate Feng lineage, we sons of the Mu family will naturally support them with all our effort…”

Saying this, Mu Hanjiang looked up at Feng Yuan.

If he had always remained clear-minded and sound, wouldn’t he have been the best candidate for heir apparent?

In his youth, Feng Yuan’s intelligence and quick wit had made Mu Hanjiang, who had never encountered a rival, secretly jealous.

In Xiao Tianyang’s words, how could ordinary people compare to Exhibition’s child?

Even though Mu Hanjiang was jealous that Feng Yuan could learn the Xiao family’s supreme skills and receive comprehensive instruction from the Imperial Tutor, he had to carefully conceal his thoughts.

Because Feng Yuan was not only his young friend but also the goal he strived to catch up with. But Feng Yuan’s background was so disgraceful, and then he had gone completely mad.

This made Mu Hanjiang lament heaven’s unfairness; it seemed that Feng Yuan had been created too perfectly, so heaven had to add some inescapable suffering.

But now, Feng Yuan had cleared the cloud of suspicion over his bloodline and had emerged from the desolate palace, deliberately getting close to the Crown Prince with whom he wasn’t particularly familiar…

Mu Hanjiang knew Feng Yuan too well; behind his madness was an intelligence that others envied.

If he wasn’t having an episode, what was his intention in deliberately approaching the Crown Prince?

Could it be that Feng Yuan, like the Second Prince, intended to corrupt and contaminate the young heir apparent before plotting to replace him?

Four years ago, Mu Hanjiang could have asked himself to turn a blind eye, letting the strong prey on the weak, allowing the already unqualified Crown Prince to fend for himself.

But now…

Mu Hanjiang took a deep breath and finally sensibly refrained from interfering in the princes’ daily pleasures, closing his mouth and escorting the two princes back.

However… earlier he had been so focused on admonishing that he forgot to mention—the Grand Prince’s hand had a clear row of tooth marks, slightly bloodied, with smears of rouge.

Could it be that the woman by the stream was a fox spirit? After failing to enchant the prince and seeing him about to leave, had she bitten him in anger?

When the carriage returned to the relay station, Feng Yuan dismounted first and went to the carriage to help the Crown Prince down.

At that moment, Jin Zhong ran over in a flash, tears streaming down his face as he expressed his longing for the Crown Prince.

Influenced by Jian Hu, Jin Zhong had recently been shedding tears whenever he expressed loyalty, determined to outdo others.

Xiaoying walked toward the second-floor room, smilingly listening and scanning Jin Zhong’s shoes with her eyes, asking as if casually: “Who has been flattering my little Jin Zhong?”

The shoes looked ordinary, just a common style, but Xiaoying’s sharp eyes immediately recognized the auspicious cloud mark of the old Jiangzhe brand Zheng Rongsheng on the heel.

These shoes had soles made of mature cowhide, had to be custom-made, and cost ten taels of silver per pair.

Only local officials’ families could afford to buy them.

Jin Zhong had no idea that the seemingly ordinary shoes on his feet had such significance.

When he heard the Crown Prince’s inquiry, he was startled, and once they entered the room, he immediately knelt: “Your Highness is truly wise; nothing escapes your eyes. That Shang Youdao sent a steward with some gifts for… for this humble servant. I will return them immediately!”

Xiaoying smiled and said, “Since he’s willing to give, you should accept. If he gives more in the future, accept it all! I won’t blame you.”

Jin Zhong was somewhat dumbfounded, not expecting the prince to be so magnanimous, and couldn’t help shedding a genuine tear of gratitude.

“Your Highness… you are truly the first-of-its-kind good master since the beginning of time. My loyalty to Your Highness is like the waters of the Lian River flowing before the door, never to run dry…”

Xiaoying sighed softly: “In a few days, the Lian River will enter its dry period…”

Jin Zhong was dumbfounded again and was preparing to rephrase when Xiaoying said, “But whatever Shang Youdao’s people told you, you must tell me in detail.”

“They didn’t ask much, just wanted me to inform them of the Crown Prince’s schedule. I heard Magistrate Shang wants to prepare a proper reception for Your Highness to make up for last time’s shortcomings!”

Xiaoying heard this and smiled coldly. After being embarrassed at the post station last time and then having his accounts investigated by Elder Teng, Shang Youdao was reportedly in a sorry state, only able to blame his subordinates for negligence and having to disgorge a considerable amount of embezzled salt and grain.

Magistrate Shang had probably heard that it was the Crown Prince who personally examined his accounts!

It seemed that her conflict with Magistrate Shang was growing increasingly severe!

A proper reception? Most people couldn’t survive Magistrate Shang’s kind of “reception”!

This Shang Youdao had never been a law-abiding person since his youth. He used to run gambling houses and brothels in the countryside, dealing with both legitimate and illegitimate business, but as the Shang family rose to prominence, he also ascended accordingly.

So when the control of Jiangzhe’s salt and grain passed from the Tang family to the Shang family, from the Emperor’s perspective, it weakened the Tang family’s influence.

But for the common people, it was merely a change in name but not in nature, and the harsh governance was even worse than before.

It was said that Shang Youdao had gathered many capable individuals, not only bandits impersonating the Little King of Hell but also some assassins specifically for eliminating people. He had even colluded with numerous fugitives from Wei Country west of the Lian River, having them cross the river to plunder the people and engage in all manner of despicable activities.

But Shang Youdao’s good days seemed to be numbered.

His troubles weren’t limited to salt and grain; Mu Hanjiang was also investigating him closely.

Although it was said that the person connected to Zhao Sheng had been cleaned up when the Tian Dong village case broke, preventing any link to Magistrate Shang.

Shang Youdao was probably hoping to accomplish some meritorious deeds to divert attention, improve relations with Lord Mu, and get out of trouble sooner.

Thinking of this, Xiaoying smiled contentedly and beckoned Jin Zhong to come closer, giving him detailed instructions before saying: “Tell Magistrate Shang that you overheard a secret conversation between me and the Grand Prince. He must bring people to arrive at that precise time. Whether he can seize this rare opportunity for merit depends on his ability to grasp it, understand?”

Jin Zhong nodded repeatedly, once again expressing his unwavering loyalty to the Crown Prince.

After saying this, she waved for Jin Zhong to leave, then stood alone by the window, looking at the Lian River outside the relay station.

The new chess game had been laid out, but this time there were many chess pieces, and none of them could be easily manipulated or controlled.

This was good—she would play a chaotic game and see if she could extract the chestnuts from the fire and relieve her adoptive father’s siege!

No matter what, at least the two pleasure-seeking princes had been found, giving Mu Hanjiang an explanation for General Chen and Elder Teng.

After delivering the Crown Prince to the relay station, Mu Hanjiang needed to escort the Grand Prince back to the military camp.

Originally, the Crown Prince didn’t need to go, but upon hearing the words “military camp,” his eyes lit up, and he clamored to see the world.

“I am the Imperial Censor appointed by His Majesty. Am I not allowed to enter a mere military camp?”

Mu Hanjiang now only wanted to complete his duty quickly.

He had recently been investigating clues about the fake “Little King of Hell” with considerable success, and soon traced it back to Shang Youdao.

This Shang Youdao was quite bold, killing and silencing people, cleaning up neatly and thoroughly. But it was precisely this thoroughness that provoked Mu Hanjiang’s competitive spirit.

So, after delivering the two princes, Mu Hanjiang wanted to free up his time to deal with Shang Youdao.

He was too lazy to argue with the Crown Prince. Since the Crown Prince wanted to accompany the Grand Prince for a while, as a subject, he couldn’t well stop him—it was just a matter of crossing a river.

Xiaoying had previously heard that General Chen was neglecting Feng Yuan.

But it wasn’t until they reached the military camp that she finally experienced the authority of Chen Nuo, a chief minister of the court.

When the two princes entered the camp, soldiers who had violated military rules were being disciplined.

Four men in military officer uniforms were held down on the ground, being flogged with military canes. The flying droplets of blood even splattered onto Xiaoying’s shoes.

Amidst the howls and wails, General Chen sat in the main seat, composed, using a dagger to cut pieces of meat from a plate, dipping them in coarse salt to eat, not even raising his eyelids once.

It was said that these four men, being beaten, were sons of noble families from the capital, sent to the military to go through the motions, to temper themselves.

But Chen Nuo was strict in military discipline, and in the commander’s tent, his word was law. Those who violated military rules were punished regardless of their family background.

Looking at the general with his murderous aura, Xiaoying was certain that this man was far more wicked than Shang Youdao.

So she sensibly kept quiet, not flaunting the Crown Prince’s authority, merely standing aside as an observer.

Only when Mu Hanjiang entered the camp did General Chen put down his knife, as if only then noticing that people had entered the tent. Smiling, he wiped his oily hands on a nearby guard’s collar and went to meet Mu Hanjiang, saying: “Lord Mu, you’ve finally arrived. I heard His Majesty has appointed you as an Educational Official to assist me. Chen is overjoyed.”

After some pleasantries, General Chen pretended to have just noticed the Crown Prince and Grand Prince, who had long since entered the commander’s tent.

Chen Nuo was still polite to the Crown Prince, feigning ignorance, complaining that his subordinates had not announced them, causing him to be unaware of the Crown Prince’s esteemed arrival.

But when it came to Feng Yuan, he showed some disdain: “I heard the Grand Prince was injured and should be resting well. Why have you returned to the military camp?”

Feng Yuan lowered his eyes and said, “Educational Official Mu said General Chen was looking for me, so I returned.”

Chen Nuo acted as if he had just remembered, slapping his forehead: “Right, a large batch of new horse feed has arrived and needs to be properly managed to prevent war horses from lacking food in winter. Grand Prince, since you’re in charge of the military’s stable supervision, lead some men to inventory the horse feed. This small task surely won’t tire Your Highness’s noble body—you must not be negligent!”

These words were quite impolite, causing even Mu Hanjiang to slightly furrow his brow.

After giving instructions about the stable duties, Chen Nuo waved his hand: “If there’s nothing else, would the two princes please leave? I have military matters to discuss with Educational Official Mu.”

This level of contempt, completely disregarding the heir apparent and prince, was typical of Chen Nuo’s style.

Like Ye Zhong and the others, he had come from the Eastern Palace with Emperor Chunde and had the capital to be proud of his achievements.

Moreover, neither of these princes was His Majesty’s intended successor.

Chen Nuo, as one of His Majesty’s trusted confidants, naturally knew this.

Mu Hanjiang couldn’t help but look at Feng Yuan, fearing he might be provoked by Chen Nuo and start hitting people without a word.

However, although Feng Yuan heard Chen Nuo’s dismissal, he persisted: “I wonder if General Chen has reviewed my advice? Do you have any instructions?”

Chen Nuo laughed: “The Grand Prince has stayed in the palace too long and wants to establish merits as soon as he leaves the capital? Do I need to read out your ignorant and presumptuous words to amuse everyone?”

With that, he waved his hand, as if driving away children, dismissing Feng Yuan.

Feng Yuan took a deep breath and finally turned to leave the tent.

Xiaoying followed Feng Yuan out and accompanied him to the stables to check the fodder, taking the opportunity to ask: “What advice did you offer? Was it about leading troops into Mount Ding?”

Feng Yuan smiled, looking toward the northwest, and said softly: “Those people at Mount Ding happened to have a Little King of Hell who knows how to use troops, creating an impression of being worth a hundred men. How could Jiangzhe’s biggest hidden danger be this rabble?”

Hearing these words, Xiaoying raised an eyebrow, feeling that his mixed praise and insult was quite improper.