After the engagement was called off, the senior sister of the sect took the initiative to consummate

Meanwhile, in the Second Prince's residence.

The Second Prince, Qin Huaifeng, shines like a brilliant star, radiating the light of wisdom.

The Third Prince, Qin Junze, is like a steady mountain, exuding a resolute temperament;

The Fourth Prince, Qin Moxuan, was like a gentle spring breeze, exuding a warm aura;

The Fifth Prince, Qin Xingchen, was like a dazzling pearl, radiating a captivating brilliance.

Their gathering together resembled a magnificent and colorful painting.

As the host, Qin Huaifeng spoke first, his voice booming like a great bell, "My brothers, what are your thoughts on what happened in court today?"

The Third Prince, Qin Junze, crossed his arms and said with a serious expression, "Second Brother, today's events may seem ordinary, but they actually conceal a hidden agenda. Sixth Brother's words were evasive, and he must have some ulterior motive."

The Fourth Prince, Qin Moxuan, gently waved his fan and slowly said, "Third Brother is absolutely right. Qin Muchen is too hypocritical and treacherous. He courted death by betting with Qin Yichen and caused us to lose thousands or even tens of thousands of high-grade spirit stones. It would be a disgrace not to avenge this!"

Fifth Prince Qin Xingchen's eyes sparkled, radiating youthful spirit: "Brothers, Qin Muchen used to act recklessly because he had the Empress and the General's backing. Now he's just an adopted son of our royal family. As long as we brothers work together, we'll definitely make him regret it!"

Qin Huaifeng nodded slightly, his gaze sharp as a burning flame: "Fifth Brother is quite right. However, we must remain cautious and prudent, and not act rashly lest we alert the enemy. Third Brother, you are always meticulous; you should secretly investigate Qin Muchen's despicable deeds. Fourth Brother, you are responsible for contacting the ministers in court who support us, and when the time is right, we should impeach Qin Muchen mercilessly. Fifth Brother, you are still young; go and provoke Qin Muchen whenever you have the chance, and wait for him to reveal his weakness!"

Everyone responded in unison, "We will obey Second Brother's orders."

Afterwards, the group discussed some more details.

Thus, the group of people, each with their own ulterior motives, reached a consensus on their matter concerning Qin Muchen.

……

After the group left, a woman in a long white dress with a graceful figure emerged from behind the screen.

Her face was aloof, yet she possessed a beauty that could topple kingdoms.

Qin Huaifeng saw her, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, before he regained his composure. "You heard everything?"

The woman nodded slightly. "This plan is ingenious, but don't underestimate Qin Muchen. He has been protected by the Empress and the General for many years, so he must have some extraordinary abilities."

Qin Huaifeng sneered, "So what? Now that he's lost power, he's nothing more than a grasshopper in autumn."

The woman walked to the table, picked up a cup of tea, and took a sip. "Qin Yichen was clearly involved in this incident as well, so why is Qin Muchen being targeted while Qin Yichen is being let off the hook?"

Qin Huaifeng was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Qin Muchen has a complex web of backing, so it's not easy to touch him. Now that we've finally got this opportunity, we naturally have to take him down first. As for Qin Yichen..."

"What trouble can a prince who has just been appointed and has no power base in the court cause? Besides, he has always been under my control and poses no threat to me whatsoever!"

The woman put down her teacup, making a slight clinking sound. "Your idea is too naive. Qin Yichen is not as simple as he seems on the surface. You must not let your guard down!"

Someone so easily dealt with will definitely become alert and retaliate if something happens to Qin Muchen.

Qin Huaifeng crossed his arms, unconvinced. "So what? We've been planning this for a long time. He has no chance whatsoever."

The woman sighed softly, "I hope so. But don't forget, the situation in the palace is constantly changing, with various forces checking and balancing each other. If we are not careful, we may suffer a backlash."

Qin Huaifeng frowned, seemingly impatient, "This prince knows how to act, and there's no need for you to interfere."

The woman did not back down, looking him straight in the eyes. "I'm just reminding you not to let hatred blind you, lest you end up losing everything."

After speaking, the woman turned and walked behind the screen, leaving Qin Huaifeng standing alone, watching the direction she left in, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

……

Qin Yichen returned to the Prince of Jin's residence with a smug look on his face, just in time to see Lin Ruoxi reprimanding the servants in the courtyard.

Goodness, there are quite a few people here.

There were a large group of people, probably around a hundred.

However, the thought that these people were all arranged by Emperor Qin made Qin Yichen feel particularly awkward.

Who knows how many of these people were spies for the Qin Emperor or others?

Nobody wants to live under someone else's surveillance, unless they're completely out of their mind!

It seems I need to find a way to get some trusted confidants, otherwise I won't even know how I died!

"Greetings, Your Highness Prince Jin!"

Upon Qin Yichen's arrival, everyone bowed to him like a tidal wave, a scene reminiscent of a star being surrounded by the moon.

"No gift!"

Qin Yichen nodded slightly, his voice like a grand bell, echoing in everyone's ears.

Such a commotion naturally caught Lin Ruoxi's attention. She quickly walked to Qin Yichen's side and skillfully took his arm. "Your Highness, you're back?"

Her voice was like a nightingale singing in a valley, melodious and graceful.

Qin Yichen felt the softness on his arm, like an electric shock. His lips twitched slightly, as if he were being drawn by an invisible force. He murmured softly, "Yes, I'm back."

Don't act like the lady of the house, okay?

We're not that close!

Lin Ruoxi seemed to sense the subtle change in Qin Yichen's heart. She smiled and continued in her soft yet clear voice, "Your Highness, today the manor has prepared your favorite Longjing tea, as well as some newly learned snacks. Please have a good taste."

As she spoke, she led Qin Yichen into the mansion, her steps light and graceful, as if she were walking on clouds.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, bathing her in a soft, golden glow.

At this moment, Qin Yichen was somewhat dazed, as if she were truly an indispensable part of the Prince Jin's mansion.

Qin Yichen glanced down at her hand, which was linked with his. Her skin was as white as jade, as if it could be broken with the slightest touch. He felt a slight stirring in his heart, but also a sense of helplessness.

The servants around kept their heads down, not daring to look directly at the scene, but secretly glanced at it from the corner of their eyes, whispering amongst themselves:

"His Highness Prince Jin is handsome and dashing, and Steward Lin is as beautiful as a flower. They are simply a perfect couple."

"Who says otherwise? Who knows, Steward Lin might become one of the mistresses of the Prince of Jin's mansion in the future!"

"I really envy Steward Lin for being so close to His Highness Prince Jin. When will I be able to be like that?"

"Come on, why don't you take a good look at yourself in the mirror and see if you're even worthy?"

Qin Yichen frowned slightly as he felt the gazes around him. Just as he was about to pull his arm away, Lin Ruoxi seemed to be doing it on purpose, and tightened her grip even more.

Lin Ruoxi's eyes sparkled as she looked at Qin Yichen, seemingly filled with untold emotions.

She tilted her head slightly, her hair fluttering in the wind, carrying a faint fragrance, as it brushed against Qin Yichen's face.

Qin Yichen's gaze involuntarily fell on her delicate, porcelain-like hands, feeling the warmth emanating from her palms, and a ripple stirred in his heart.

The surrounding noise gradually faded away, as if the whole world consisted only of the two of them. In this tranquil moment, they walked slowly forward, each step punctuated by the beating of each other's hearts.