Tang Dynasty: To win Yang Guifei, they asked Emperor Xuanzong to die.

Jiang Caiyue looked at Ya Ru, feeling a pang of heartache and guilt.

But seeing Ya Ru's forced smile despite adversity, she didn't want to spoil the mood and said with a smile, "It seems that His Majesty also wants to experience the freedom of the common people. However, I still have to remind His Majesty to be careful, after all, he is not young anymore."

In fact, it was quite absurd for Li Longji to climb over the walls of an empty house with his new lover in the middle of the night. But since it was the emperor who did it, no matter how absurd it was, it had its own rationale. Not only could others not criticize him, but they also had to find reasons for him.

"Sister Caiyue, you don't need to feel guilty because of me."

As if she could read Jiang Caiyue's mind, Ya Ru said, "When I first discovered that His Majesty was interested in me, I actually tried to ask the Crown Prince for help, hoping that he could protect me. But His Highness the Crown Prince... he is far inferior to Prince Shou. He can't protect his woman at all. He only knows how to talk."

She didn't blame anyone, except the Crown Prince.

Especially the look in the Crown Prince's eyes when he saw her being harassed by the Emperor; it seemed as if he wanted to kill her. Yet, he didn't even consider how a weak woman like herself could possibly resist the Emperor.

Li Mao saw through Ya Ru's thoughts and said, "The Crown Prince is indeed unrighteous. Even if he becomes emperor in the future, he will be a foolish and opportunistic ruler. But he has one good point: he can listen to advice. If we can communicate well in the future, he will be a great help to us."

“Ya Ru, sometimes you shouldn’t be too one-sided in your thinking. The Crown Prince has let you down, but you need to find a way to turn him into a useful bargaining chip. You can use his guilt towards you to subtly persuade him, when Father isn’t looking, that he failed to protect you, and then pledge your loyalty to him. In this way…”

Ya Ru's eyes lit up: "I understand!"

She never knew how to face the Crown Prince.

It would be a lie to say she didn't resent him, but the Crown Prince might even resent her for this. She thought and thought, but couldn't come to a conclusion. However, Li Mao's words were a revelation.

Of course, she couldn't just break ties with the Crown Prince like that.

Instead, she wanted to use this incident to make the crown prince feel guilty towards her.

In this way, there would be no need to worry about the crown prince holding a grudge against him after he ascends the throne.

Just then, Jiang Caiyue finished grilling a skewer of mutton and said to Ya Ru with a smile, "Forget about the Emperor and the Crown Prince for now. We've finally all gathered together, so we should talk about something happy. Come on, try my cooking!"

Ya Ru took it, smelled it, and praised, "It tastes really good. I didn't expect that Master had this skill in addition to dancing, painting, and medicine."

Jiang Caiyue smiled proudly, "Of course. When my mother was still alive, I learned to cook from her. My sister likes literature and calligraphy, but I like to do practical things the most, so I learned medicine and cooking."

Li Mao also picked up the grilled meat, took a bite, and found it to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a wonderful flavor.

He looked at Li Guangbi and couldn't help but laugh, "Guangbi, you are truly enviable!"

“Your Highness is teasing me,” Li Guangbi said with a wry smile. “Sometimes when I see how outstanding Caiyue is, I feel ashamed of myself. I am grateful that she doesn’t look down on me. If I ever have the chance to be with her in the future, I will cherish it.”

“That’s right.” Li Mao nodded.

People as heartless as the Crown Prince and Li Longji will eventually rise and fall because of the same ruthlessness they wield.

Jiang Caiyue was meticulous and quickly grilled an extra portion of meat and vegetables.

He said to Ya Ru, "Take these over to His Majesty while they're still hot, and also send him a pot of wine. The wine here at Prince Shou's place is very strong. Once His Majesty gets tipsy and falls asleep, you can talk with us all night long without having to worry about His Majesty's affairs."

Moreover, proactively bringing food over can further enhance Li Longji's favor.

Li Mao readily agreed and immediately handed Ya Ru a jug of the strongest liquor. A moment later, Ya Ru brought the liquor, roasted meat, and vegetables to Li Longji, who was soaking in the hot spring.

The rising steam from the hot spring created a hazy and ambiguous atmosphere.

"Your Majesty, please try this. I grilled it myself, and this is the first piece I'm offering to Your Majesty." Ya Ru said softly, picking up a piece of roasted meat with her chopsticks and holding it to Li Longji's lips.

Li Longji was still thinking about the awkward scene from earlier and wanted to ask Ya Ru and Li Mao if they had said anything.

But now...

Looking at the beautiful woman's gentle and considerate manner, he momentarily forgot his embarrassment.

She smiled slightly, opened her mouth to take the roasted meat, chewed a few times, and nodded: "It's really good, fragrant but not greasy."

Ya Ru poured another glass of strong liquor and handed it to Li Longji, smiling slightly. "This liquor was also specially selected by His Highness Prince Shou. It is said to have a very pure taste. Unfortunately, I have to serve Your Majesty and am not fortunate enough to enjoy it. Please try it."

Li Longji took the wine cup, smelled it, nodded in satisfaction, and drank it all in one gulp.

The wine burned his throat, but he seemed invigorated.

Tonight, I'll take advantage of the alcohol and get closer to the beauty!

As he drank glass after glass of strong liquor, Li Longji's eyes gradually became hazy, and the blush on his face became more and more pronounced.

"You...you're so considerate..."

Li Longji squinted and mumbled something, seemingly already somewhat drunk.

Ya Ru was secretly delighted, but dared not show it. She continued to smile and say, "It is my honor to serve Your Majesty. As long as you are happy."

"Alright, I'll definitely pamper you tonight..." Before Li Longji could finish speaking, he tilted his head and fell asleep by the pool.

Seeing this, Ya Ru breathed a sigh of relief.

She carefully got up, placed the remaining wine aside, and then called over Li Mao, who was waiting outside: "Your Highness Prince Shou, look..."

Ya Ru pointed to Li Longji, who was sleeping in the hot spring.

Li Mao walked in, looked at him, and smiled, "It's alright, I'll help you take him back to his room to rest."

The two carefully helped Li Longji out of the hot spring, wrapped him in a robe, and took him back to his bedroom. Too lazy to do anything more, they simply dried him off and let him lie down on the couch and fall fast asleep.

After settling Li Longji in, Li Mao smiled and said, "Now you can finally relax for a while, right?"

Ya Ru nodded emphatically. These past few days, Li Longji had been a nightmare haunting her. Now, things were alright; Li Longji was fast asleep, and she wouldn't be able to disturb him.

At that time, Jiang Caiyue was waiting for Yaru in the room.

Upon seeing her enter, he immediately greeted her with a smile.