As soon as I put it on, I met a sickly man

Ding Chen slowly stepped forward, the sunlight shining on his face, revealing a frankness. "Your Highness, I indeed witnessed the entire competition. Miss Jiang did not steal the Ganoderma lucidum; she brought that piece herself from the beginning." His voice was clear and unquestionable.

Mu Yang's expression darkened instantly. His eyes swept across Ding Chen like a knife before returning to Jiang Yue. "Oh? Master Ding, are you so sure? Do you have any evidence?"

Jiang Yue watched Mu Yang favor Lin Ran. Although she was furious, she told herself to stay calm. She smiled faintly and spoke calmly, "Your Highness, Master Ding's words are the evidence. He saw it with his own eyes, how could it be false? Master Lin, on the other hand, insisted that I had stolen the Ganoderma, yet he couldn't produce any evidence."

Jiang Yue recalled the old doctor's advice: when faced with a problem, one must address its root cause. She began to reevaluate the entire situation. Ever since she entered the cooking competition, someone had been secretly targeting her. First, the ingredients were swapped, and now she was falsely accused of stealing the Ganoderma lucidum. It all seemed like a carefully orchestrated conspiracy. And the mastermind behind this was most likely Mu Yang.

Mu Yang looked at Jiang Yue deeply, his eyes complex and difficult to read. He knew Ding Chen's words were true, but he couldn't just let Jiang Yue go. He needed a reason, a reason to keep her by his side.

"Of course, I believe what Master Ding says. However, words alone are not enough to convince others." Mu Yang paused and turned his gaze to Lin Ran, "Master Lin, do you have any other evidence?"

Lin Ran's eyes rolled, and he immediately said, "Your Highness, although I didn't see Miss Jiang steal the Ganoderma lucidum with my own eyes, I can prove that the Ganoderma lucidum is indeed mine. I specially made a mark on the Ganoderma lucidum before, and you can find it if you look carefully."

Upon hearing this, Mu Yang immediately ordered someone to bring the Ganoderma lucidum for a careful inspection. Sure enough, he discovered a small scratch on the back of the Ganoderma lucidum.

Jiang Yue's heart sank. She hadn't expected Lin Ran to be so cunning, having already tampered with the Ganoderma. She was now at a loss for words and could only hope that Ding Chen could clear her name.

Ding Chen carefully observed the Ganoderma lucidum, his brows furrowed. Although he believed Jiang Yue had not stolen the Ganoderma lucidum, the presence of the mark still made him feel suspicious.

At this moment, a charming voice rang out, "Your Highness, this Miss Jiang is clearly guilty, that's why she keeps denying everything. How could a woman of unknown origin possibly possess such precious Ganoderma lucidum? Perhaps she stole Master Lin's Ganoderma lucidum and is trying to impersonate him!"

The one who spoke was Su Yao. She was dressed in red, looking charming and graceful, and her eyes were full of hostility towards Jiang Yue.

Jiang Yue glanced at Su Yao coldly, her tone icy: "Miss Su, you can eat whatever you want, but you can't say anything you want. The prince will know whether I have replaced the Ganoderma lucidum or not. But Miss Su, you are so eager to accuse me, is there any secret that you can't tell?"

Su Yao's face changed and she said angrily: "You..."

Jiang Yue stared back at her without showing any weakness, his eyes as sharp as a knife. Su Yao was intimidated by Jiang Yue's momentum and was speechless for a moment. Mu Yang looked at the two people at loggerheads, with a hint of amusement in his eyes. He coughed lightly and said, "Okay, stop arguing."

Mu Yang's tone was filled with a hint of impatience. He watched this farce with great interest, as if he was enjoying a good show. "Ms. Jiang, now that we have the witnesses and evidence, what else do you have to say?"

Jiang Yue took a deep breath, trying to suppress the anger in her heart. She knew that it was useless to say anything now. Mu Yang was clearly trying to favor Lin Ran and Su Yao. She looked around coldly, her eyes finally landing on Mu Yang. "Your Highness, if you want to accuse someone, you can always find a pretext. Since Your Highness has determined that I stole the Ganoderma Lucidum, then I have nothing to say."

Seeing Jiang Yue give in, Su Yao raised her chin proudly and said in a sarcastic tone, "Hmph, you are sensible! You don't even look at your own status. You actually want to be compared with the prince. It's just wishful thinking!"

Jiang Yue's eyes instantly became sharp, staring directly at Su Yao, his tone icy: "Miss Su, what does my identity have to do with you? Even if I am not very good, I am better than a villain like you who only knows how to stir up trouble!"

"You!" Su Yao was so angry that her face turned pale, and her finger trembled slightly as she pointed at Jiang Yue. "You are a lonely stranger. What qualifications do you have to show off here?"

Su Yao's words were like a sharp thorn, piercing Jiang Yue's heart. In this strange world, she was really alone, without relatives or friends. Only Qiu'er and the old doctor were sincere to her. Thinking of this, Jiang Yue felt a pang of sadness in her heart, and her eyes were slightly red.

Seeing the tears in Jiang Yue's eyes, Su Yao became even more proud and her tone became even more harsh: "What? Did I hit the nail on the head? Are you angry out of shame? I tell you, in this world, no one cares whether you live or die!"

"Enough!" Ding Chen couldn't bear to watch any longer. He stepped forward, blocking Jiang Yue and interrupting Su Yao with a cold tone. "Miss Su, please be careful with your words! Whether Miss Jiang stole the Ganoderma lucidum is still undetermined. You are being so aggressive, it's too much!"

Su Yao was stunned by Ding Chen's aura and was speechless for a moment. She didn't expect Ding Chen to defend Jiang Yue so much, and she felt even more jealous.

Mu Yang watched the scene unfold before him, a gloom in his eyes. He had only intended to teach Jiang Yue a lesson, to let her know her true identity, but he hadn't expected Ding Chen to intervene. He glanced at Ding Chen coldly, his tone low, "Mr. Ding, this is my family affair, and it's not your turn as an outsider to interfere."

Ding Chen met Mu Yang's gaze fearlessly, his tone firm: "Your Highness, right and wrong are in the hearts of the people. I believe in Miss Jiang's character, and I believe she would not do such a thing as stealing the Ganoderma lucidum."

Mu Yang narrowed his eyes slightly, and his tone carried a hint of warning: "Mr. Ding, are you questioning my judgment?"

Ding Chen replied calmly, "I wouldn't dare. I'm just speaking the truth. I hope Your Highness can understand this."

Jiang Yue watched Ding Chen defend herself, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart. In this strange world, having someone so willing to defend her made her feel incredibly safe. She gently tugged on Ding Chen's sleeve, signaling him to stop.

Ding Chen felt Jiang Yue's actions and felt even more distressed. He gently put his arm around Jiang Yue's shoulders and protected her behind him. The faint fragrance emanating from his body made Jiang Yue feel at ease.

Mu Yang's expression darkened as he watched the two's intimate gestures. He clenched his fists, his nails digging deep into his palms.

"Ding Chen..." Mu Yang's voice was low and dangerous.

Ding Chen exuded a light fragrance, mixed with the scent of the morning sun, which made Jiang Yue feel at ease. She leaned gently on his shoulder, feeling his warm body temperature, and the panic and grievance in her heart gradually subsided.

"Ding Chen, thank you." Jiang Yue's voice was soft, but full of gratitude.

Ding Chen patted her shoulder gently, his tone gentle but firm: "Don't be afraid, I believe you."

Mu Yang watched the two's intimate behavior, his eyes burning with jealousy, threatening to consume him. His clenched fists made a creaking sound, as if ready to explode at any moment. However, he suppressed his anger and tried to maintain a calm expression.

"Since Master Ding trusts Miss Jiang so much, I will give you a chance." Mu Yang's voice was cold and emotionless. "Miss Jiang, if you can prove your innocence, I will naturally give you justice."

Jiang Yue raised her head and met Mu Yang's gaze firmly. "Your Highness, please allow me to recheck all the ingredients and tools."

Mu Yang nodded slightly, signaling the guards to bring up all the ingredients and tools. Jiang Yue carefully inspected each item, not missing a single detail. Her movements were deft and professional, like a seasoned veteran.

As time passed, the crowd gradually lost their patience and began to whisper. Su Yao watched coldly from the side with a mocking smile on her face.

At this moment, Jiang Yue suddenly stopped what she was doing. She picked up an inconspicuous wooden spoon and looked at it carefully.

"Your Highness, I found it." Jiang Yue's voice was calm and powerful.

Upon hearing this, everyone turned their eyes to the wooden spoon in Jiang Yue's hand.

Jiang Yue pointed to a small hole in the wooden spoon and explained, "There's a small amount of drug powder left in this hole. This drug is colorless and odorless, making it extremely difficult to detect, but it can make a person lose consciousness for a short period of time."

She continued, "I suspect someone smeared this drug on the Ganoderma lucidum beforehand and then replaced it with something else. This wooden spoon was used to apply the drug."

Jiang Yue's eyes swept across the crowd, finally landing on Lin Ran, and his tone was cold: "Mr. Lin, I wonder if you have any explanation for this?"

Lin Ran's face changed drastically, and beads of sweat oozed out of his forehead. He hadn't expected Jiang Yue to be so attentive and actually discover the evidence he had carefully hidden.

"I...I don't know what you are talking about!" Lin Ran stammered in defense.

Jiang Yue sneered and continued, "Mr. Lin, there's no need to quibble. I've collected the drug powder on the wooden spoon. Once I give it to the coroner for examination, the truth will be revealed."

Lin Ran's face turned even paler, and he collapsed on the ground powerlessly. He knew that he was finished.

The judges nodded in agreement with Jiang Yue's inference. They had originally been skeptical of Jiang Yue, but now they had to admit that Jiang Yue was indeed wronged.

Jiang Yue successfully cleared herself of the charges, and she breathed a sigh of relief, a smile of relief on her face. However, at this moment, Mu Yang suddenly stood up, a mad light flashing in his eyes.

"Jiang Yue, come with me." Mu Yang's voice was low and domineering, leaving no room for doubt.

He grabbed Jiang Yue's wrist and, ignoring everyone's gazes, forcibly took her away from the scene.

Jiang Yue struggled, but couldn't break free from Mu Yang's iron grip. She looked at Mu Yang in horror, her heart filled with fear and uneasiness. She didn't know where Mu Yang was going to take her, nor did she know what he was going to do to her!

"Mu Yang, let me go!" Jiang Yue struggled, but it felt like she was being held in an iron grip, unable to move. Mu Yang's grip was incredibly strong, causing her wrist to ache. He exuded an icy aura, his eyes sinister, a stark contrast to the usually gentle and refined prince. Everyone present was in uproar, but no one dared to intervene; after all, he was the current prince.

Ding Chen tried to rush forward, but was stopped by Mu Xue. "Master Ding, this is a royal affair. You'd better not interfere," Mu Xue's tone was gentle, but it carried an undeniable warning. Ding Chen clenched his fists, looking worriedly at Jiang Yue being forcibly taken away, his heart burning with anxiety.

Mu Yang dragged Jiang Yue along, ignoring her painful moans and struggles, and walked straight through the crowd and out of the competition venue. Jiang Yue's heart sank to the bottom, and fear wrapped around her like a vine, almost suffocating her. She didn't understand why Mu Yang suddenly became like this, and the madness in his eyes made her shudder.

"Your Highness, what are you doing? You're hurting me!" Jiang Yue bit her lip, enduring the pain, and tried to reason with Mu Yang. However, Mu Yang seemed to have completely ignored her words. He continued walking, his face gloomy and terrifying.

They arrived at a secluded courtyard in the palace's backyard. The gate was locked, and guards stood thronging the area, creating a chilling atmosphere. Mu Yang pushed Jiang Yue into the courtyard and slammed the gate shut.

"What...what do you want to do?" Jiang Yue stumbled a few steps, holding onto the wall to steady herself, staring at Mu Yang warily. The yard was silent, with only the rustling of leaves in the wind, adding a touch of eerie atmosphere.

Mu Yang approached Jiang Yue step by step, his eyes filled with complex emotions: love, possession, and even more madness. "Yuer, why do you always run away from me?" His voice was low and hoarse, with a hint of suppressed pain.

Jiang Yue's heart was filled with alarm. She subconsciously stepped back, but there was nowhere to retreat. Her back pressed tightly against the cold wall. "Mu Yang, calm down. This can't happen between us."

"Impossible?" Mu Yang suddenly laughed, his laughter shrill and desperate. "You have obviously been reborn, why are you still rejecting me? Have you forgotten our past life..."

He suddenly stopped talking and just stared at Jiang Yue, his eyes burning with madness. "Yuer, you are mine, only mine!" He suddenly reached out and pulled Jiang Yue into his arms, holding her tightly.

"Let me go!" Jiang Yue struggled desperately, but couldn't move him at all. His strength was so astonishing that it seemed as if he wanted to crush her.

"Don't move, Yue'er, let me take a good look at you!" Mu Yang buried his head in Jiang Yue's neck, greedily breathing in her scent. His warm breath sprayed on Jiang Yue's neck, making her feel nauseous and terrified.

"Mu Yang, you're crazy!" Jiang Yue closed her eyes in despair, tears sliding down her face silently.

Mu Yang's hand slowly stroked Jiang Yue's long hair, his tone so gentle that it was creepy. "Yu'er, don't be afraid, I will love you well!"

He suddenly lifted Jiang Yue's chin and forced her to look him in the eye. "From now on, don't even think about going anywhere. Stay here and stay with me!" His lips slowly approached.

"Your Highness, the Emperor summons you." The voice of the guard came from outside the courtyard.