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

Upon hearing this, Xiao Mu was deeply moved, and his eyes even welled up with tears.

He never imagined that there would actually be someone in this deep palace who could understand his good intentions.

He took a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly: "Your Highness's understanding of this old minister is deeply appreciated."

The palace lanterns still swayed in the wind, reflecting the different expressions on the faces of the group. The night was deep, and within the palace walls, undercurrents surged, while a sense of unease crept into Xiao Ran's heart.

As expected, Rui Chen spoke slowly, his tone carrying a hint of probing and amusement:

"Miss Xiao is so intelligent and capable, she is truly admirable. A young lady of such talent and beauty as Miss Xiao, I wonder... if she has someone she loves?"

His voice was deep, and his gaze was fixed intently on Xiao Ran.

Xiao Ran got goosebumps from that look. She opened her mouth, but didn't say anything.

Fortunately, Nangong Ming, a close friend of many years, understood her expression and immediately stepped in to help her out.

"Cousin, what do you mean? I've been with Xiao Ran for so long, and I've never heard of her having a sweetheart."

As he spoke, he patted his chest, looking very proud of himself, and said:

"Besides, Xiao Ran and I have been good brothers for so many years, how could she like a man? If she really has to like someone, it can only be me!"

Xiao Ran was speechless at Nangong Ming's words. What did he mean by "she could only like him"? She knew he wanted to help her out of a difficult situation, but wasn't this going a bit too far...?

"Young Master Nangong is quite the joker," Rui Chen said with a smile.

"I'm not joking..."

As he was speaking, he glanced at Xiao Ran, but was startled by another angry look in her eyes.

Xiao Mu was staring at him fiercely, as if he was about to devour him at any moment.

Nangong Ming gave an awkward laugh and then looked away.

These people really don't respect Xiao Mu at all, daring to discuss his daughter right in front of him, treating his daughter like a fish on a chopping board—at their mercy.

"If Your Highnesses have nothing else to say, this old minister will take my daughter home first. Such a serious matter has occurred, and we must return to our residence to deal with it."

Crown Prince Ruiyao spoke first:

"General Xiao is right. Men, escort the Xiao family father and daughter out of the palace."

After that, several eunuchs came from a short distance away and led Xiao Mu and Xiao Ran away.

Nangong Ming was also returning to his residence, so he followed suit and left.

Watching Nangong Ming's departing figure, Ruiyao seemed to be lost in thought and said:

"If you have nothing else to do, brother, please accompany me for a stroll around the palace for a while."

Rui Chen smiled and replied, "How could I dare disobey Your Highness's orders?"

……

In the Imperial Garden, many palace lanterns were lit tonight, illuminating the night as if it were daytime. The two strolled along, followed by many maids and eunuchs in the distance.

Ruiyao looked at the palace lanterns in the distance; one lantern's wick was about to burn out, while the other's flame burned brightly.

“Brother, there’s no need to be so distant with me. We are both Father’s sons.”

Rui Chen smiled, but his pace was in no way inferior to that of the crown prince beside him.

"Your Highness is joking. Although we are all Father's children, Your Highness calls the woman in Kunning Palace 'Empress Mother,' while my mother is a woman whose name I don't even know."

Ruiyao stopped in his tracks, his tone tinged with indignation.

“Brother, I suggested to Mother long ago that you be raised under her name, but why did you refuse?”

No sooner had he finished speaking than two coughs were heard.

"I appreciate Your Highness's kindness."

"But Your Highness knows my physical condition... I really don't want the Empress to suffer this unnecessary tragedy of being separated from her child."