Best friends dressed up in ancient times to become mistresses? You run, I run too!

On the official road, a carriage was slowly traveling.

Shen Ningzhu stared blankly at the handsome man opposite her.

After so long, the man was as handsome as ever, his captivating peach blossom eyes gently tracing Shen Ningzhu's features.

It's unbearable to sink in.

Anyone who didn't know better would think that the person who had just been holding a cold dagger to her neck with a cold face wasn't him at all.

Seeing that he hadn't spoken for so long, Shen Ningzhu broke the silence first.

"Why were I arrested this time?"

Jiang Yanche wore a gentle smile, a jade crown on his head, and his black hair cascaded down his shoulders. He was dressed in a brand-new moon-white brocade robe, with delicate cloud patterns simply embroidered in silver thread on the chest and cuffs. The light and shadow flickered as he moved, understated yet luxurious.

As graceful as a frightened bird, as graceful as a dragon swimming.

Upon hearing this, a slight smile appeared on her lips.

With a hint of slyness in his voice, he said, "Guess."

Shen Ningzhu almost rolled her eyes, her tone full of sarcasm, "Your Highness Prince Chen kidnapped me, surely you won't miss me?"

The man was taken aback for a moment, then burst out laughing.

"Zhuzhu is so clever, you guessed it all? That's right, I really did miss you. A day apart feels like three autumns. That's why I've traveled all the way to the capital to find you."

Shen Ningzhu's lips twitched slightly.

Listen to me thank you.

I used to think he was just a male scheming womanizer, but I never imagined he was so glib and smooth-talking.

"Speaking of which, you kidnapped someone and then brazenly took the official road? And you even had the carriage driven so slowly, what, were you afraid that others wouldn't be able to catch up?"

"you guess."

Shen Ningzhu finally lost her patience, her face turned cold, and she turned her head away, refusing to say another word to the fool.

Jiang Yanche pressed his lips to his lips and chuckled softly, seemingly in a very good mood, his chest vibrating with laughter.

Seeing that Shen Ningzhu wouldn't even glance at him, he had no choice but to lower his head and coax her gently, his voice as warm as when they first met.

"Alright, don't be angry anymore. It's all my fault. I swear I'll never tease you again, okay?"

Why is he using such a doting tone?

Shen Ningzhu was somewhat confused by this fickle man. She saw him lean lazily against the car wall, his smile unrestrained and arrogant, his tone nonchalant as he said...

“I know that Jiang Xuan Yan is at the banquet, and I also know that when he hears that you have been kidnapped, he will rush here without hesitation.”

"Therefore, I have laid a tight net along the way."

Every so often, hundreds of assassins would wait for him. This time, he refused to believe he couldn't kill Jiang Xuan Yan.

As soon as Jiang Xuanyan dies, the world will soon be back in his hands.

Shen Ningzhu smiled faintly.

"Are you so sure he would risk his own safety for me?"

The man shrugged, feigning helplessness.

"Alas, love makes people blind. I admit that Jiang Xuan Yan is indeed very smart and resourceful, but unfortunately, he is a love-struck person who acts on impulse."

Shen Ningzhu pursed her lips.

The autumn wind is bleak, and the leaves on both sides of the official road are golden, a breathtaking sight.

Shen Ningzhu relaxed and stopped talking. With her slender white fingers, she gently lifted a corner of the curtain and began to appreciate the scenery along the way.

A man's soft voice sounded from above, beside him.

"Don't waste your time, you can't escape."

Shen Ningzhu turned around with amusement, "Why would I run away?"

Jiang Yanche laughed, "I'm not that stupid Jiang Xuanyan. I won't be fooled by you again and again, and I won't be so foolish as to believe your nonsense about wanting to escape from Jiang Xuanyan's side."

Shen Ningzhu ignored him.

She definitely won't run away.

This trip to Yu County, even if it meant the death of either him or Jiang Xuan Yan, would have been worth it.

However, she hoped that the one who died would be Jiang Yanche. Jiang Xuanyan was the children's biological father, and he had no heir. Even if he were alive, he could not shake her son Nian'er's position as crown prince.

As long as Jinxiu remains a princess, Huanian remains a crown prince, and Song Hanchuan remains a prime minister, then the people she cares about can live well and without being coerced.

In this way, even if this trip to Yu County would cost her her life, she would have no regrets.

The carriage swayed and rattled for half a day before finally arriving in Yu County. After entering the city, it stopped in front of the Yu County government office.

Shen Ningzhu then realized that the magistrate of Yu County was actually Jiang Yanche's man.

He frowned immediately.

She hoped that Jiang Xuan Yan wouldn't act impulsively and would really come here alone; otherwise, he would be walking into a trap.

Jiang Yanche led her into the county government office, then summoned a maid to take Shen Ningzhu back to the backyard, where he had people serve her to wash up and have a meal.

Shen Ningzhu allowed the maids to help her bathe, change clothes, and redo her makeup before sitting back down at the table.

Just when they were at their wits' end, the sound of arguing came from the doorway.

"Miss, you can't go in here."

"You wretched maid, open your dog eyes and see who your master is. Have you forgotten that I am the legitimate daughter of the county magistrate? Do I need anyone else's permission to enter my own courtyard?"

"This... Miss, please forgive me. Master has instructed that this is a place for distinguished guests, and no one is allowed to enter and disturb them."

"What if I insist on going in?"

"Get out of the way. I'll take responsibility if anything happens."

The maid was so frightened that she trembled all over and immediately knelt on the ground, but she didn't say a word and blocked the way.

The young woman was furious.

Shen Ningzhu's eyes darted around, and she called out, "Who's at the door? Let her in."

Upon hearing the clear, crisp female voice, the woman could no longer contain herself. She kicked aside the maid blocking her way and rushed in. When she saw the graceful Shen Ningzhu, she froze for a moment.

Soon, their gazes were drawn to the ancient-patterned double-disc cloud-shaped skirt worn by Shen Ningzhu, and their eyes widened in fury.

"You slut, who gave you permission to wear this dress?"

She had begged her father for a long time to get this dress. Her father always cherished her and would try his best to fulfill her every wish. So, he went to great lengths to get it for her.

A few days ago, they said there was a sudden accident and they couldn't give her the dress for the time being.

She cried and made a scene for a long time, but to no avail. She had thought something serious had happened.

If it weren't for her maidservant inadvertently seeing another maid carrying a gorgeous dress towards them, she wouldn't have known that the dress she had been longing for was already being worn by this wretched woman.

And this courtyard.

This is the best-located courtyard in the county government office, with the most spacious and luxurious rooms.

Previously, she had begged her father for a long time, but he refused to give her the house, saying that he had a use for it. Today, however, he allowed some unknown lowly woman to move in.

Why?

How could she possibly swallow this insult?

Li Jiaojiao's eyes blazed with fury, her chest heaving violently, wishing she could devour Shen Ningzhu's flesh and blood and tear her to pieces.

"Men, strip this vile woman of her ancient double-disc cloud-patterned skirt."

The maids behind rushed up to stop them.