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

The banquet is over.

Xiao Ran walked side by side with her father on the way out of the palace, but there was no sign of He Shi and her daughter.

Madam He originally planned to meet them after the palace banquet, and with Xiao Mu present, she could add fuel to the fire and make Xiao Ran feel embarrassed.

However, she had barely uttered a sarcastic remark when Xiao Mu sternly stopped her.

"This is the adopted daughter you asked me to take in!"

Xiao Mu's voice was cold and hard, filled with suppressed anger.

He Shi had never been scolded by Xiao Mu like this before, and her eyes immediately reddened, tears welling up in them.

Later, she learned that He Wan had committed a heinous act at the palace banquet. If the emperor had not failed to investigate, her family would probably have been doomed long ago.

Upon hearing this, He was filled with fear and shock and fainted immediately.

This time, Xiao Ran knew that Madam He was not faking her fainting, but was genuinely terrified.

Seeing this, He Wan took the opportunity to lead He Shi back to the carriage to rest.

The palace paths were quiet and still, and the palace lanterns hanging from the eaves swayed in the breeze, flickering on and off, as if trying to give the heavy atmosphere a moment of respite.

Xiao Mu and Xiao Ran walked one after the other without saying a word; only their footsteps tapped out a crisp rhythm on the bluestone slabs.

Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps broke the silence. Xiao Ran turned her head to look, but before she could see who it was, she heard Nangong Ming's panting voice.

"Xiao Ran! You're really amazing! I always thought you were just smart, but I never imagined you could come up with solutions for such a national issue!" Nangong Ming's tone was full of admiration.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Mu turned around first, his brows furrowed slightly, and his tone carried a hint of displeasure:

“Young Master Nangong, Ran’er is a woman, you shouldn’t…” He suddenly stopped before he could finish speaking.

"I shouldn't? I shouldn't have done what?"

Nangong Ming pointed to himself, looking completely bewildered, clearly unaware of the deeper meaning in Xiao Mu's words.

“Ah Ming, what General Xiao means is that you shouldn’t address Miss Xiao by her given name so directly in the palace. You need to be mindful of the proper boundaries between men and women.”

A gentle voice came from behind Nangong Ming.

Xiao Ran looked up and saw Crown Prince Ruiyao and First Prince Ruichen walking slowly towards her.

Nangong Ming scratched his head, seemingly only then realizing his rudeness.

"This old minister greets the Crown Prince and the First Prince." Xiao Mu bowed respectfully.

Although Xiao Ran had doubts, she still curtsied as required:

"This humble woman greets the Crown Prince and the First Prince."

The eldest prince, Rui Chen, chuckled lightly, his tone tinged with a hint of teasing:

"It seems somewhat inappropriate for us to be bowing to the meritorious officials."

As he spoke, he stepped forward, seemingly wanting to help Xiao Ran up.

However, Xiao Ran reacted quickly, pulling her hand back to avoid his touch.

Rui Chen was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "Get up quickly."

Upon seeing this, Nangong Ming felt a surge of displeasure. His cousin had just been reminding him to be mindful of the boundaries between men and women, yet here he was, holding the girl's hand—it was truly unpleasant.

Crown Prince Ruiyao, sensing the awkwardness of the situation, coughed lightly and said:

"General Xiao, your two daughters are quite unexpected."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Mu quickly lowered his head and said:

"This old minister is terrified. I have failed to properly educate my daughter. I am ashamed that Your Highness has made me a laughingstock."

"General Xiao, why be so modest?"

Ruiyao spoke gently, his gaze fixed on Xiao Ran.

"I think your eldest daughter has been raised very well. As for your younger daughter... it's not the general's fault. I believe that after this, the general will definitely teach her well."