After her transformation and rebirth, she manipulates the innocent and ruthless to overthrow the wor

"Moreover, Zijing is not favored at home. If this matter gets out, her family will probably not let her off easily."

Xiao Ran gently rubbed her fingertips, as if pondering something, then stepped to the wall and cautiously looked out.

Outside the wall, the moonlight was cool and clear, and the shadows of the trees swayed gently.

The silvery light shone on Pei Shaoqing's face, making his sharp features appear even more cold and aloof.

On the other side, Nangong Ming was still leaning against the wall, playing with the embroidered handkerchief in his hand, looking languid but showing no intention of yielding.

A few wisps of cold wind swirled up the fallen leaves on the ground, making a rustling sound.

Pei Yun said coldly, "Young Master Nangong, it's one thing for you to play around on ordinary days, but this embroidered handkerchief is clearly a woman's item, and this is in the palace! If it is discovered by someone else, it could ruin that woman's reputation for life!"

"As long as I don't get discovered, that's fine." He said, and then moved the embroidered handkerchief to his nose and sniffed it gently.

"Besides, what if we get caught? I'll just marry the owner of this embroidered handkerchief."

"you!"

Pei Yun was so provoked by his flippant words that his face turned ashen, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

"You're utterly hopeless! Marriage is a serious matter, how can it be treated so lightly? Besides, you don't even know who the owner of this embroidered handkerchief is, yet you utter such irresponsible words, it's simply absurd!"

“It’s absurd, but I just don’t understand it…” Nangong Ming leaned lazily against the tree, his gaze casually sweeping over Pei Yun.

"Why does Pei Shaoqing have to interfere in my affairs? Wouldn't it be better if we went our separate ways?"

Upon hearing this, Pei Yun's expression grew even colder, his tone filled with suppressed anger:

“Your father is Prince Yan. He once earnestly told me to take good care of you and not let you go astray. But now it seems that the Crown Prince does not appreciate it.”

"Pei Yun, don't get me wrong. I'm grateful for my father's favor, not yours." Nangong Ming raised an eyebrow at Pei Yun, his tone unfriendly, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes, as if he intended to take action.

Pei Yun merely narrowed his eyes, his expression remaining cold and stern, as if he did not take Nangong Ming's threat seriously.

He spoke calmly, "Your Highness, if you really want to take action, feel free to try. However, I advise you to think twice before you act. This is the palace, not your Prince Yan's backyard."

Xiao Ran sensed something was wrong. Pei Yun was only a few years older than them and was in the prime of his youth, while Nangong Ming was even more unruly. Neither of them was willing to back down, and if this continued, they might really start fighting.

Just as tensions were about to rise, Xiao Ran suddenly emerged from the shadows. Her appearance startled both of them, and the tense atmosphere was instantly broken.

"Xiao Ran!"

"Miss Xiao."

The two spoke at the same time, but then stopped abruptly. Nangong Ming and Pei Yun exchanged a glance, a hint of displeasure flashing in their eyes, but they tacitly fell silent at the same time.

Xiao Ran gave an awkward smile, her gaze shifting between the two of them, her tone carrying a hint of probing:

"You're all here... Have you seen my handkerchief? I accidentally lost it just now, so I came to look for it. I hope I didn't disturb you?"

"A handkerchief?" Nangong Ming paused, then gently waved the embroidered handkerchief in the moonlight. "Is it this one?"

Xiao Ran took a few steps closer, took a closer look, and her expression immediately brightened:

"Yes, this is it! Where did you find it?"

"Right here..." Nangong Ming looked puzzled, his gaze lingering on Xiao Ran's face for a moment, his tone carrying a hint of inquiry, "However, Xiao Ran..."

"Didn't you never use embroidered handkerchiefs with this pattern before?"