After giving birth to twins, the princess became pregnant again, and the royal uncle took care of he

Night Hawk bowed his head and replied, "Thank you, Your Highness."

Although he had doubts in his mind, he dared not investigate further.

He only dared to mutter to himself, "Why is His Highness so happy today?"

As he hesitated, a cold voice broke the silence once again:

"Pass down the order: from today onwards, the monthly allowance for everyone in the War King's Mansion will be doubled."

Upon hearing this, Night Hawk was so startled that he almost jumped up. Doubts arose in his mind, and he even suspected that his lord had been replaced.

Without further hesitation, he lifted the curtain to investigate.

However, when his gaze met Jun Jiuxiao's sharp, knife-like eyes, he immediately realized his recklessness.

Jun Jiuxiao's lips curled slightly, his voice devoid of any warmth: "Run ten laps around the Prince's mansion in a bit."

Night Hawk's face paled; he knew his curiosity had brought trouble upon him.

He quickly lowered his head, his voice trembling slightly: "Yes, Your subordinate obeys."

Night Hawk returned to the manor and relayed Prince Jun Jiuxiao's instructions.

In an instant, the entire mansion erupted in jubilation, with laughter and cheers rising and falling.

Night Hawk was the only one who couldn't laugh, because he still had to run ten laps.

Looking at his jubilant colleagues, he couldn't help but feel a pang of bitterness. The joy of doubling his monthly salary seemed to be out of his reach.

Nighthawk changed into light clothing and began his running journey.

As he ran, he muttered to himself:

"What's wrong with Your Highness today? Did something good happen at the morning court session?"

"Or has His Highness finally come to his senses and realized he should treat his subordinates better?"

As he ran, he suddenly heard the servants in the mansion whispering among themselves:

"Tell me, why is Brother Night Hawk so unlucky today? He was rewarded with gold this morning, and now he has to run ten laps tonight."

Another servant laughed:

"You don't understand. The prince is testing Brother Night Hawk."

"Look, the prince is so happy today, there must be something good going on. Brother Night Hawk has been chosen to celebrate."

Upon hearing this, Night Hawk stumbled and nearly fell. He smiled bitterly to himself.

"Here, take this way of celebrating, do you want it?"

After running ten laps, Night Hawk returned to Jun Jiuxiao's study, panting heavily.

Night Hawk stood in Jun Jiuxiao's study, sweat dripping down his forehead and onto the smooth marble floor.

He tried his best to maintain a respectful posture, even though his legs were exhausted.

His voice trembled slightly: "Your Highness, the ten laps are finished."

Jun Jiuxiao hummed in agreement.

Without even raising his eyes, he stared intently at the two exquisite wooden boxes in front of him.

It was as if gazing through the wooden box at something distant from the past. Inside the box was the coming-of-age gift prepared for Chu Xingyao tomorrow—

One of his carefully selected hairpins, the "Lotus Reflecting the Moon," features a lotus bud carved on its head, symbolizing purity and nobility.

One of them is a "Jade Rabbit Holding a Fragrant Hairpin" that he carved himself.

Carved from soft white jade, it is a gentle rabbit holding a delicate begonia flower in its arms, with tiny pearls inlaid in the flower's stamen.

The overall design showcases the sweetness and purity of women, while also revealing a touch of liveliness and vitality.

In her past life, this "Jade Rabbit Holding a Fragrant Hairpin" was the gift he gave her as her coming-of-age ceremony.

She had never worn it before, because for her coming-of-age ceremony he had obtained an imperial decree of marriage from them, and so she broke it that very day...

His heart, like this jade hairpin, was once pure and passionate, but it gradually cooled down in Chu Xingyao's indifference.

His voice trembled slightly, yet he maintained the dignity of a prince.

"This is Miss Chu's coming-of-age gift for tomorrow. You should personally deliver it to her."

As he spoke, he handed the sandalwood box containing the lotus hairpin to Night Hawk.

Night Hawk took the box and asked, puzzled, "Your Highness, aren't you going?"

Jun Jiuxiao's gaze sharpened, his voice carrying an undeniable authority: "Is my word hard to understand?"

Night Hawk immediately realized his slip of the tongue and quickly bowed his head to accept the order: "Your Highness, I understand."

Night Hawk left the study, gently closing the door, leaving Jun Jiuxiao alone.

Jun Jiuxiao's gaze fell once again on the wooden box containing the "Jade Rabbit Holding a Fragrant Hairpin".

His fingers gently caressed the surface of the box, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

He remembered the day she came of age in his past life; her cold gaze and the resolute way she smashed her hairpin were like a sharp blade that pierced his heart.

He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to calm the turmoil in his heart.

He told himself that he would not make the same mistake again in this life.

He will no longer let emotions cloud his judgment; he will strive to be a calm and rational prince.

Jun Jiuxiao stood up, walked to the window, opened it, and let the night breeze caress his face as he gazed at the twinkling stars in the night sky.

Night Hawk returned to his room, puzzled by Jun Jiuxiao's decision.

He knew that the prince and Miss Chu had an unusual past, but why did the prince suddenly become so indifferent?

He shook his head, deciding not to think about it anymore. His responsibility was to carry out the prince's orders, not to question them.

Muyue Pavilion, Zhennan General's Mansion

The cold wind was biting, and snowflakes danced lightly.

Chu Xingyao and her mother sat together in the warm boudoir of Muyuexuan in the Zhennan General's Mansion. The flames in the charcoal brazier flickered, illuminating their faces.

When Chu Xingyao woke up in the morning, she found that she had lost all her martial arts skills, her limbs were cold, her breathing was weak, and her physical strength was extremely weak. She was panting after only walking a few steps.

Despite drinking the spring water three times in a row, she saw no improvement.

However, she knew in her heart that as long as she could be reborn, all the sacrifices would be worthwhile.

She knew that from now on, she would experience this suffering every full moon night until midnight.

But as time goes by, she will eventually adapt.

At this moment, Chu's mother was turning over one beautiful piece of fabric after another, carefully preparing for tomorrow's coming-of-age ceremony.

Her gaze swept over the exquisite garments, occasionally discussing them with Chu Xingyao.

"Yao'er, look at this brocade embroidered with golden crabapple blossoms, or that silk fabric painted with butterflies among flowers. Which one do you prefer?"

Chu's mother asked softly, her eyes full of affection for her daughter.

Chu Xingyao's gaze swept lightly over the gorgeous clothes. Each one was ingeniously crafted, and every inch of fabric exuded nobility and luxury.

She felt somewhat dazed. Tomorrow's coming-of-age ceremony was not just a coming-of-age ritual for her, but also a contest of fate.

She remembered her coming-of-age ceremony in her previous life; it was a chaotic and contentious affair.

Jun Xuanche proposed marriage in public, but Jun Jiuxiao beat him to it with an imperial decree, forcing Jun Xuanche to compromise.

That scene, like a thorn, is deeply embedded in her heart, and she can never forget it.

I wonder if Jun Jiuxiao will come in this life?

Her heart was like a tangled mess, and the closer her coming-of-age ceremony approached, the stronger her anxiety became.

Seeing that her daughter was absent-minded, Chu's mother called softly:

"My dear, what do you think of this red outfit? It's festive and vibrant, just right for your lively and energetic personality."

Chu Xingyao came back to her senses, her gaze falling on the red gown. It was like the rising sun, radiant yet dignified.

She knew that this was her mother's heartfelt wish and a blessing for her future.

She smiled slightly and nodded, saying:

"Okay, I'll listen to Mother. This red dress is indeed very suitable for tomorrow's occasion."

When Chu's mother saw her daughter finally smile, she breathed a sigh of relief.

She gently stroked Chu Xingyao's hair and said softly:

"Yao'er, your mother knows you have some worries, but tomorrow is your big day. No matter what, you must show your most beautiful self."

Just then, a servant rushed over and said that the master had returned with a wound on his forehead. Chu's mother and Chu Xingyao were immediately shocked.

A sense of foreboding welled up in Chu's mother's heart. She hurriedly stood up, her voice trembling:

"Quickly, take me to see your father."