Disguised as a man, she became the biggest villain in the book.

Halfway through the banquet, Zheng Luoqi noticed that Xue Huaiyu had left, and a moment later, Chen Xianlin also left the banquet.

Chen Xianlin walked for a while and then wanted to find a place to rest. Then she heard a sound.

"Miss Chen, are you also out for some fresh air?"

Chen Xianlin turned her head and looked in the direction of the voice. She saw Xue Huaiyu standing there. Today, Xue Huaiyu was traveling incognito and was not wearing the dragon robe, but Chen Xianlin still recognized him at a glance because she had seen him at the Spring Banquet before. She knew that the man in front of her was the current emperor, so she hurriedly bowed and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty."

"No need for formalities, there are no outsiders here, Miss Chen, you don't need to be so reserved," Xue Huaiyu waved his hand dismissively.

Zheng Luoqi, who had followed, witnessed this scene. He hadn't expected the male and female leads to meet again. He had clearly arranged to send away everyone who might clash with Chen Xianlin today, ensuring the male lead wouldn't have a chance to play the hero and save the damsel in distress. But the bond between the male and female leads was so strong that they still managed to meet.

However, judging from the current situation, the romantic relationship between the male and female leads is unlikely to develop anytime soon.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Chen Xianlin replied, regaining her usual composure. "What brings Your Majesty here?"

"I was just wandering around when I unexpectedly ran into Miss Chen. I must say, I'm quite lucky," Xue Huaiyu said with a smile.

“It is quite a coincidence,” Chen Xianlin replied with a smile.

Chen Xianlin felt the atmosphere was a bit awkward, so she made an excuse to leave first.

Just then, Zheng Luoqi walked out and said jokingly, "Miss Chen, long time no see! You've come out for some fresh air too?"

"Oh my, Your Majesty, you're here too! Greetings, Your Majesty!" Zheng Luoqi said, feigning surprise.

"No need for formalities!" Xue Huaiyu's face suddenly darkened.

"I wonder why Minister Zheng has suddenly come here?"

"I was just feeling stuffy, so I thought I'd come out for some fresh air, and then I ran into you. What a coincidence, isn't it, Your Majesty?" Zheng Luoqi said with a smile, pretending to fan herself with her fan.

Zheng Luoqi smiled on the outside, but in her heart she cursed Xue Huaiyu. An emperor trying to seduce the female lead? Xue Huaiyu was really going all out. There weren't many important officials in the court who were on the emperor's side. Chen Tongyu was one of them, but Chen Tongyu was different. He didn't care who held the position. Whoever was in the position, he would be loyal to. Xue Huaiyu wanted to completely bind Chen Tongyu through marriage and put him on the same side. He had a pretty good plan. This male lead had only approached the female lead from the beginning to use her.

In the original story, the male lead probably had the same idea, since he succeeded in the end. Although in the original work, the male lead also fell in love with the female lead in the end, Zheng Luoqi despised this kind of man. This Xue Huaiyu in front of her was obviously unwilling to be a puppet emperor and was too eager to develop his own strength. She didn't know how the female lead was so blind to fall for the male lead in the end.

Zheng Luoqi inwardly despised Xue Huaiyu, but on the surface, she still smiled and appeared innocent and harmless.

"It is a coincidence, but I still think there are too many coincidences. What do you say, Minister Zheng?" Xue Huaiyu suddenly asked Zheng Luoqi in a sinister tone.

Zheng Luoqi sneered inwardly, a slight upturn at the corners of her mouth revealing a hint of barely perceptible contempt.

She thought to herself, "Hmph! So what if it wasn't a coincidence?" However, she refused to admit it aloud, and instead said with feigned respect, "Your Majesty, you flatter me. Although the Chen residence is quite large, there are only so many places to stroll around. So it's not difficult to meet here, is it?" Her tone was gentle and humble, as if she truly believed that this chance encounter was perfectly normal.

"Then I won't disturb Minister Zheng's leisurely pursuits any longer!" Xue Huaiyu snorted coldly, his words filled with obvious anger. He abruptly flicked his sleeve, turned around, and strode away, as if he didn't want to stay a moment longer.

Chen Xianlin stood to the side, quietly listening to their conversation. She inwardly groaned, yet dared not utter a sound, fearing the anger would fall on her. She nervously twisted her fingers, her eyes constantly darting towards Lord Zheng, hoping he could quickly find a way to quell the emperor's rage.

However, Lord Zheng seemed to disregard the Emperor's anger. He remained standing there leisurely, showing no intention of seeing him off. Chen Xianlin couldn't help but sigh, "As expected of the son of the powerful Prime Minister, he really doesn't care about anyone. He's far too arrogant."

Just as Chen Xianlin was about to turn and leave, Zheng Luoqi's slightly lazy voice rang in her ears: "Miss Chen, where are you going? As the host, aren't you going to introduce me, your guest, to the beautiful scenery of the Chen residence?"

“Lord Zheng is too kind. The Chen residence is only a bit larger than other officials’ residences, nothing special. Naturally, it cannot compare with the Prime Minister’s residence. I’m afraid it will make Lord Zheng laugh,” Chen Xianlin said, biting her lip tightly, a hint of hesitation in her eyes.

She really didn't want to get involved with Zheng Luoqi, because she knew that Zheng Luoqi was too dangerous for her.

"It's alright, Miss Chen, please lead the way!" Zheng Luoqi ignored Chen Xianlin's predicament and directly chose to let her lead the way.

Since Zheng Luoqi has put it this way, it's no longer reasonable for Chen Xianlin to refuse. Besides, if Zheng Luoqi were to wander around the Chen residence alone and something were to happen, the Chen family would not be able to bear the consequences.

Zheng Luoqi watched Chen Xianlin walk ahead, a wicked smile curving her lips.

The sight of Zheng Luoqi and Chen Xianlin walking side by side came into view of Lin Wanwan and Lin Qianning, who had come out for some fresh air.

"How could Chen Xianlin be with Lord Zheng?" Lin Wanwan muttered to herself, full of suspicion.

Standing to the side, Lin Qianning witnessed this scene and felt a strange, indescribable feeling welling up inside her: "What exactly is the relationship between this young master and Miss Chen?"

Lin Wanwan keenly noticed Lin Qianning's unusual expression and asked with concern, "Little sister, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Lin Qianning realized her lapse in composure and quickly covered it up, saying, "It's nothing serious, sister. I'm probably just a little tired."

"Are you really alright? If you feel unwell, you should go back and rest first," Lin Wanwan said worriedly.

Lin Qianning nodded, then turned and followed Lin Wanwan.

Zheng Luoqi, who was strolling leisurely, naturally did not notice what was happening here.

Finally, Zheng Luoqi returned to the banquet. By then, the banquet was almost over, and Zheng Luoqi did not linger any longer, returning directly to her residence.

After the banquet ended, Chen Xianlin was about to leave when she suddenly saw a familiar figure standing not far ahead. Upon closer inspection, she realized it was Wen Yichuan.

Chen Xianlin then stepped forward and asked with a smile, "Young Master Wen, what brings you here to wait for me?"

When Wen Yichuan saw Chen Xianlin approaching, a look of worry appeared on his face. He said softly, "Miss Chen, I have something I'd like to say to you."

Chen Xianlin paused slightly, then nodded, signaling Wen Yichuan to continue.

Wen Yichuan took a deep breath and slowly said, "Miss Chen, you should be careful of Zheng Luoqi. I know it might be a bit presumptuous of me to say this, but he is definitely not a good person."