He couldn't understand why He Changdi would suddenly appear when his plan was flawless. Moreover, why did he appear at such a timely time?

It was as if he had known beforehand and hid, waiting for him to set a trap for him.

Xiao Bojian gritted his teeth and a dark look flashed through his eyes. He stared coldly at He Changdi, wanting nothing more than to cut this man into pieces!

However, He Sanlang wasn't someone to be trifled with. He was completely indifferent to Xiao Bojian's murderous glare.

The two of them stared at each other in the air, sparks seemingly about to fly from the point of contact.

From time to time, footsteps could be heard from afar.

Only now did Chu Lian secretly let out a sigh of relief. It seemed that the Princess of Wei had sent someone to find them.

Xiao Bojian's expression was extremely ugly. Wei Jia slowly retreated to Xiao Bojian's side and whispered something in his ear. Then, he shielded Xiao Bojian behind him.

Xiao Bojian understood that today's plan was for naught. He had already lost his best opportunity.

He no longer looked at He Changdi who had angered him. Instead, his gaze fell on Chu Lian's solemn face.

Before he left, he said, "Lian 'er, I still keep my word. As long as you come find me, I will tell you the truth."

After saying this, he didn't linger any longer. Under the protection of Wei Jia, he quickly disappeared from this remote corner of the palace.

He Changdi did not chase after Wei Jia. Although he was highly skilled in martial arts, if they were to really fight, he would barely be able to fight Wei Jia to a draw. However, Wei Jia was a specially trained death warrior, so he would definitely have other secret methods. If the two sides really fell out at this time, He Changdi would most likely be the one to suffer.

Moreover, he still had to protect Chu Lian. He couldn't risk the safety of the couple.

Xiao Bojian seemed to have guessed He Changdi's thoughts, so he left under the protection of Wei Jia. He didn't have any intention of continuing the fight.

The messy footsteps in the distance were getting closer and closer. Occasionally, there were voices mixed in. Chu Lian glanced at He Changdi who was still standing beside her and worriedly said, "You should leave quickly. If someone finds out that you are in the harem, they will convict you."

The imperial harem wasn't a place where men could casually enter. Even the princes had to go out and open their own mansions when they came of age, let alone an outsider.

He Changdi was not an imperial guard who could enter and leave the harem at will.

He Sanlang pulled his wife closer to him and suddenly pulled Chu Lian into his embrace. Chu Lian could feel his soft kisses on her hair by her ear.

Even Chu Lian didn't know how worried and nervous He Changdi was when he was hiding in the dark.

He was afraid that Chu Lian would really agree to leave with Xiao Bojian. He was afraid that his beloved wife would really agree to leave with Xiao Bojian.

He didn't know when it started, but Chu Lian had occupied such an important position in his heart. Once she left, his heart felt empty.

Chu Lian did not know that He Changdi, who was' meticulous' and emotionally 'sensitive', had already thought so much. She pushed He Changdi's strong and hard chest with her two small hands. "He Changdi, let go of me. The people from the palace will be here soon!"

"I'm not letting go." He Sanlang was actually making a fuss at this time. Chu Lian was about to die from anger.

She suppressed her voice and said angrily, "Then what do you want!"

Damn it, how is this a new husband? It's clearly a retarded overage son.

"Promise me one thing and I'll let you go." He Changdi took the opportunity to make a request.

Chu Lian was about to go crazy as she stared at the intersection. At this time, how could she care about what he said? She hurriedly agreed, "Alright, alright, I'll satisfy you. I beg you, hurry and leave!"

When that group of people turned the last corner, He Changdi flashed into the shadows at the last second while Chu Lian was trembling in fear.

Chu Lian cursed in her heart. If her heart wasn't good, she would have been scared sick.

Adjusting her breathing, Chu Lian turned in the direction of the crowd.

At the very front were two palace maids in light purple robes. Behind them were four or five eunuchs.

Wenlan and Lan mama walked on either side. Before the two of them even got close, they were anxiously looking in her direction.

When they saw Wenqing lying on the ground, Wenlan's eyes widened in shock. She hurriedly quickened her steps.

Lan mama walked in front of Chu Lian and held her hand. "How is Xiangjun?

Are you hurt? "

Wenlan immediately squatted down to check on Wenqing's injuries. When she found that Wenqing had only been knocked unconscious, Wenlan's worried heart quietly relaxed.

Chu Lian shook her head. "I'm fine. Mama, have someone take a look at my maid. She was in front of me just now, so I wasn't threatened."

The palace maid in purple immediately asked Chu Lian what was going on.

After Lan mama explained, Chu Lian learned that the palace maids in purple were specialized guards in the palace. They were trained to protect the empresses, princes, and princesses.

Their martial arts were no worse than those specially trained imperial guards.

The young eunuchs following behind were also used.

Chu Lian knew that these people were sent by Princess Wei, so she told the story in front of Lan mama. However, she didn't mention He Changdi.

Lan mama frowned and hurriedly led her people into the hall.

At this time, Chu Lian was not sure if Commandery Princess Duanjia was inside, but no matter whether she was inside or not, it was better to confirm it first. Nanny Lan was Princess Wei's servant, so she was the most suitable person to handle this matter.

Not long after, Lan mama found the unconscious Princess Duanjia and Jinxiu, who had been moved to a dark corner and knocked unconscious.

The maids that Lan mama brought along were all skilled in medicine. After checking and finding that Princess Duanjia had only been knocked unconscious, Lan mama let out a long sigh.

At this time, Princess Duanjia and Jinxiu had both woken up. Lan mama couldn't help but scold Jinxiu, who was standing at the side with her head down. "What kind of maid are you? You didn't even stop the princess from running around."

Princess Duanjia hurriedly stopped Lan mama. "Mama, it's my fault. Don't blame Jinxiu."

Lan mama understood Junzhu Duanjia's temper and could only sigh a few times. "It's a good thing that the township ruler saw you come out and promptly sent someone to inform Wang Fei. Otherwise, if something happened to Junzhu, Wang Fei would die of grief."

Princess Duanjia's eyes lit up when she heard Lan mama mention Chu Lian. She hurriedly asked, "Chu Liu is here?"

Lan mama nodded helplessly. "The township ruler is in the outer room."

When Lan mama finished speaking, Princess Duanjia was about to jump out of bed. Lan mama hurriedly stopped her, "Princess, you just smelled the sleeping incense and your body is still weak. You can't get out of bed immediately."

"Then mama, quickly call Chu Liu in for me."

Lan mama had no choice but to go out and inform Chu Lian.

A short while later, Chu Lian entered the inner room.

Princess Duanjia's legs were covered with a thin blanket as she leaned against the long couch. When she saw Chu Lian come in, her eyes lit up and she hurriedly waved at the palace maids serving her in the inner room. When Chu Lian sat down on the long couch, only Princess Duanjia and Chu Lian were left in the inner room.

Before Chu Lian could speak, Princess Duanjia grabbed her hand, "Chu Liu, accompany me out."

Chu Lian, "Ah?"

She didn't understand what was going on with Princess Duanjia. What was she up to? Her body was still weak!

After being drugged by the sleeping incense and then smelling the antidote, a normal person would feel weak for a while and their legs would feel like they were floating when they walked.

Where could Princess Duanjia go at this time?

"Princess, you must be joking!" Chu Lian glared at her.

"Chu Liu, I'm not joking. Are you going to accompany me or not?" With that, Princess Duanjia put her hands on her hips and got up from the long couch, ignoring Chu Lian's objections.

Chu Lian saw that Princess Duanjia was full of energy and didn't feel weak at all. She asked in surprise, "Princess, are you alright?"

Princess Duanjia nodded and pulled Chu Lian over to the window.

When Chu Lian saw her softly open the window, she stuck her body out to look outside.

"Princess, what are you doing?!"

Princess Duanjia pulled Chu Lian to the side and shook her arm, "Alright, Chu Liu, keep an eye on her for me. I'll go out for a while, okay?"

Chu Lian frowned and stared at Princess Duanjia.

Her eyes were so clear that Princess Ruanjia was too ashamed to show her face. Her face was burning up.

"Alright, alright, Chu Liu, I won't hide it from you. I'm going out to check on He Changjue. I'll be back in a while. Keep an eye on him for me, okay?"

Chu Lian was speechless when she heard this.

What?!

Princess Duanjia was going to look for He Erlang!

He … When did the two of them become so close?

Chu Lian's mind spun quickly, "Princess, did you … lured someone to this deserted palace because of Second Brother?"

Princess Duanjia's face turned even redder, but she nodded and didn't deny it.

With Princess Duanjia's admission, Chu Lian understood that something must have happened to He Erlang. She immediately became worried, "Is Second Brother alright?"

Princess Duanjia thought of He Changjue and felt awkward. She quickly shook her head, "Chu Liu, don't worry. He's fine. The wet nurse brought him here in a hurry. I had a few things to tell him but didn't have time."

Although Chu Lian already knew that Princess Duanjia had feelings for He Changjue, she didn't expect that the two of them had unknowingly developed to this stage. This wasn't much in the current era. At most, they were boyfriend and girlfriend, and a very pure one at that. But in the Great Wu Dynasty, an era where men and women were strictly guarded against each other, the two of them could be considered to be in cahoots …

One was a princess while the other was an imperial bodyguard. The two of them actually didn't have much time to meet.

Chu Lian couldn't bear to not let the other speak at a time like this.

Under Princess Duanjia's pleading, she could only nod and agree to help her deal with Wet Nurse Lan outside.

When Princess Duanjia jumped out of the window, Chu Lian specially reminded her to be quick.

Princess Duanjia promised repeatedly.

Princess Duanjia carefully approached the side room in the side hall.

She had just discussed with He Erlang that she would pretend to be unconscious and he would hide in the side room.

Princess Duanjia slowed her steps. Suddenly, she heard a man's suppressed breathing. She froze and tried to discern it carefully. The first thing she recognized was He Changjue's voice.

Her face instantly flushed and she muttered to herself, What is this man doing!

Princess Duanjia walked briskly into the side room. She lifted the curtain and saw a scene that she would never forget for the rest of her life.

A tall man was sitting on the narrow couch next to the bed. The silvery moonlight outside shone in through the half-open window, illuminating He Changjue's movements clearly.

His large palm reached under the nimble hem of the Flying Fish Robe, and the hem of his robe would occasionally move up and down. His resolute face was covered in a thin layer of sweat, and he slightly pursed his lips, suppressing his heavy breathing.

Perhaps because he suddenly heard a noise, he turned his head and looked in Princess Duanjia's direction.

He Changjue's entire body instantly froze …

For a moment, He Erlang wanted to find a hole to hide in. This was too f * cking embarrassing. His self-defilement had been seen by the woman he liked … he couldn't live anymore …

He Erlang's expression was extremely ugly. His intestines were turning green with regret.

If a brick was thrown at him at this moment, he would smash himself to death.

Princess Duanjia was also stunned. She had only wanted to say a few words to He Changjue and hadn't expected to see such a scene.

Although she was an unmarried young lady, she was born in the imperial family and naturally knew some things she should know.

She naturally knew what He Erlang was doing when she saw his movements just now.

"You …" Princess Duanjia swallowed nervously. She only managed to say one word before her face burned.

He Erlang tilted his body aggrievedly and tried to use his back to block Princess Duanjia's view. Then, he silently took out his Miss Five Fingers. If Miss Five Fingers could speak, she would definitely be crying at this moment.

However, because he had inhaled some of the special fragrance earlier, He Erlang was still full of energy and didn't show any signs of fatigue.

He Erlang: …

Princess Duanjia's mind spun quickly. She knew that He Changjue was usually clean and didn't have many desires. There was only one reason for this embarrassing situation.

She suppressed the nervousness in her heart. She didn't know why, but a strange sense of excitement rose from the depths of her heart.

She gathered her courage and took two steps forward. Then, she asked in a soft voice, "Is it because of that incense?"

He Changjue was in his most embarrassing state and didn't notice Princess Duanjia's actions. His ears were red, and even his neck was not spared. He softly replied with a "Mm."

It made one's heart ache to see an older man in such an embarrassing state.

Princess Duanjia stared at He Changjue's chiseled face and actually felt sympathy …

By the time He Changjue reacted, Princess Duanjia was already sitting next to him …

He Changjue was tall and had long legs. His arms and thighs were well-developed and muscular. He was the type of man with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. Princess Duanjia's figure was similar to Chu Lian's. She was petite and exquisite. At this moment, she looked like a half-grown child sitting next to He Changjue.

However, this was only what she looked like on the surface.

If you noticed the expressions on the two's faces, no one would think this way.

Princess Duanjia moved closer and closer to the tall and strong He Changjue. However, He Changjue was like a frightened rabbit, constantly retreating into a corner and trying his best to curl himself into a ball …

The expression on He Erlang's face was very interesting. It was dark and red at the same time. He reached out to hold Princess Duanjia's slender shoulders, but when he remembered what the girl had just done to his right hand, he quickly retracted his hands.

He used one hand to stop Princess Duanjia from approaching him, but because she was a delicate girl, he didn't dare to use too much force. He could only say to her helplessly, "Princess, I'm fine. You should go back now, or else the Princess Consort will be worried!"

He Erlang's face was bright red. He really was fine. As long as his girl helped him vent a few times, the effects of the incense would pass.

However, Princess Duanjia didn't want to follow his script.

Princess Duanjia raised her eyebrows. There was a firmness and dominance on her face that was rarely seen on women.

"No, I'm not leaving. He Erlang, I want to help you!"

He Changjue was speechless.

Motherf * cker, was this woman doing this on purpose?

He Erlang didn't know what to do. Both his body and mind were being tormented … He wanted to put on a stern face and scare Princess Duanjia away, but he didn't expect that Princess Duanjia wouldn't play by the rules.

Just as he was thinking about how to get rid of this extremely "stubborn" woman, the next second, his little brother under the lower hem of the Flying Fish Suit was caught …

He Changjue: …

The veins on his forehead bulged. Motherf * cker, did this woman want him dead …

Chu Lian became more and more anxious as she waited. It had already been three quarters of an hour.

She anxiously glanced at the window from time to time. Outside, Mama Lan had already sent someone to ask, but Chu Lian had sent Wenlan to brush it off.

If Princess Duanjia didn't return soon, even she wouldn't be able to keep it a secret.

Just as Chu Lian was about to send Wenlan to look for her, three rhythmic sounds suddenly came from the window.

Chu Lian's heart finally relaxed. She strode to the window, opened it halfway, and jumped in with Princess Duanjia.

Chu Lian immediately saw Princess Duanjia's crimson face. "Is it very cold outside?

Your face is red from the wind. Have Jinxiu find a cloak for Princess Duanjia later. "

Princess Duanjia lowered her head and made a sound of acknowledgement. She coughed to hide her embarrassment. In front of Chu Lian, she didn't have the face to tell her the real reason for her blushing.

Just as Chu Lian had predicted, Royal Princess Ruanjia had just returned when Nanny Lan came in with her people.

"Princess, Lord, let's go. If we leave the banquet for too long, Her Majesty the Empress and Her Majesty the Empress will question us."

Chu Lian and Princess Duanjia returned to the banquet together.

When Chu Lian sat down at the banquet table, she felt an unfriendly and cold gaze fall on her.

She raised her head and met that resentful gaze.

Chu Lian was slightly startled. She already knew who the owner of this gaze was.

Princess Leyao …

She hadn't entered the palace for a long time and had almost forgotten about this princess …

Princess Leyao was Imperial Consort Wei's only daughter. She used to dote on this youngest daughter the most.

However, ever since the last time she came to the palace, Princess Leyao had been grounded by Emperor Chengping. Later on, it was said that she was being disciplined by Great Elder Princess. Later on, it was said that this princess was not as favored as before. She didn't know if it was true or not.

In short, it was true that Princess Leyao had not left the palace again. Because of her grounding, Shengjing City had a period of peace and quiet.

At this moment, she was sitting next to Imperial Consort Wei. She was drinking a cup of sweet wine and looking at her with a venomous gaze.

Perhaps sensing that her daughter's gaze was strange, Imperial Consort Wei also looked over.

Concubine Wei's gaze met with Chu Lian's. Suddenly, she smiled mysteriously at Chu Lian. Chu Lian was baffled by her smile.

What was wrong with everyone today? Xiao Bojian, Princess Duanjia, and now Imperial Consort Wei were here to join in the fun. Why did they all look at her like they were hiding a secret from her? She ate her fill, wore her clothes, and had He Sanlang warm her bed. She really wasn't interested in their secrets …

Chu Lian felt that the people she met around her were all abnormal. They were sick, and they were all crazy.

She smiled at Imperial Consort Wei in response, which almost made Imperial Consort Wei vomit to death.

If she could, Imperial Consort Wei would definitely angrily come up and slap Chu Lian's silly smiling face.

You said that I was mocking you, but you still smiled so happily. Is there something wrong with you …

In the end, Princess Leyao was still young and wasn't as tolerant as her mother. She angrily stood up from her seat and wanted to fight Chu Lian, but Imperial Consort Wei pressed her down.

The banquet for the noblewomen, imperial daughters, and noble ladies in the Imperial Garden came to an end in this strange atmosphere.

Originally, the Empress Dowager wanted to prolong the banquet, but a female official hurriedly ran over and whispered something into the Empress Dowager and Empress's ears. Immediately, the expressions of the two women with the highest status in the world changed.

The Empress Dowager and Empress's expressions fell into everyone's eyes. However, everyone present was a knowledgeable noblewoman, so they chose to remain calm.

Thus, the Empress Dowager and Empress were no longer in the mood to continue the banquet.

The Empress Dowager announced the end of the banquet. Female officials had already arranged for these noble ladies to leave the inner palace.

Chu Lian supported her mother-in-law, Countess Jing 'an, as well as Duchess Zheng and Madam Yang.

Before they left, Chu Lian saw from the corner of her eye that Consort Xian, who was being supported by palace maids, had suddenly fainted after listening to a palace maid's report. This caused a commotion.

Thinking of the Empress Dowager and Empress's expressions at the end of the banquet, Chu Lian's heart skipped a beat.

Could it be that something had happened at Emperor Chengping's Wanmin Palace?

Consort Xian was the birth mother of the Second Prince, the current Crown Prince. Empress Shen had no children, and the most favored Imperial Consort Wei only had one daughter, Princess Leyao.

The rest were the Third Prince, Fourth Prince, Fifth Prince, and Sixth Prince.

The Third Prince had died at a young age. The Fourth Prince was Prince Jin, who had moved out of the palace. The Fifth Prince was born weak and his mother had died young.

The rest was the Sixth Prince, who was only fifteen years old.

Since the Empress Dowager and Empress were concerned about him, it had to be the Crown Prince.

Consort Xian had fainted. Could it be that something had happened to the Crown Prince?

No, that wasn't necessarily the case. Prince Jin had grown up by Consort Xian's side. It was said that Consort Xian treated Prince Jin even better than her own son, the Crown Prince.

Could it be that something had happened to Prince Jin?

He Changdi and Prince Jin were best buddies. If something had happened to Prince Jin, then He Changdi would also be implicated.

Chu Lian felt a chill run down her spine when she thought of this.

Her hands, which were supporting Countess Jing 'an, instantly lost their warmth.

Too many things had happened tonight. Chu Lian's nerves were stretched taut. She couldn't help but quicken her pace.

After a while, even Countess Jing 'an could sense her impatience.

"Lian 'er, Lian' er?" Countess Jing 'an called Chu Lian a few times before she came back to her senses.

Chu Lian turned around and apologized, "Mother, I'm sorry. I was distracted."

Countess Jing 'an looked at her helplessly. "Child, what were you thinking about?"

As she spoke, Countess Jing 'an pulled out her arm and patted Chu Lian's hand to comfort her. "The palace is a place of trouble. We just need to follow the rules. You don't need to think too much. Look, your father and San Lang are here to pick us up."

Chu Lian raised her head. Sure enough, she saw the tall and strong eunuch, Count Jing 'an, and the tall and cold He Changdi standing at the foot of the white marble steps in the distance.

He Changdi's deep, phoenix-like eyes seemed to shine with the brilliance of the stars. At this moment, he looked very reassuring.