The beloved is reborn as a substitute, and the tyrant begs for forgiveness every night.

Xu Leyao's voice was soft and sweet, clearly carrying a hint of coquetry.

Hearing that tone, Zheng Zhihe's heart melted, and he couldn't bear to scold her anymore.

"Today, everyone is watching, but I am not the main character. If I were to appear at such a ceremony, I would probably steal your thunder. That is why I specially disguised myself to come here."

Upon hearing Zheng Zhihe's explanation, Xu Leyao immediately showed a mixture of gratitude and pride.

At first glance, it seems that Zheng Zhihe is indeed thinking of her and has her in his heart and mind.

Therefore, Xu Leyao's understanding of him was that Zheng Zhihe was merely testing the Jiang family to conceal his identity.

However, her ultimate goal was to destroy the Jiang family.

In that case, they can be considered kindred spirits at this moment.

Therefore, how could Xu Leyao "doubt" him?

As for that bit of arrogance, it was purely to imitate the way I used to talk to him.

But at that time, the girl's pride was the most captivating thing.

It's all just acting these days.

"I thought you wouldn't come today, and I was disappointed for a long time."

Xu Leyao looked up and stared into his eyes, appearing quite frank.

These words made Zheng Zhihe seem extremely important.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Zhihe couldn't help but laugh.

"This is an honor I bestow upon you, so naturally I must personally come and see how the Jiang family is carrying it out."

After he finished speaking, he paused slightly.

"Besides, you pleaded so earnestly at the White Horse Temple. If I didn't come, wouldn't I be disappointing you?"

Xu Leyao glanced at him, her expression a mixture of reproach and displeasure.

If it were someone else, such a look would probably scare many people.

However, Xu Leyao was able to grasp the balance perfectly, and coupled with her beautiful face, she was naturally captivating.

Zheng Zhihe was somewhat stunned by her charming appearance.

He then let out a deep sigh.

"If the current situation were not unsuitable, I would definitely bring you into the palace to accompany me."

Seeing the possessive look in his eyes, Xu Leyao smiled.

"Your Majesty's words are meaningless. If I were unwilling, wouldn't you be punishing me for this?"

Despite her words, there was not a trace of fear in her eyes.

Seeing Xu Leyao's attitude, Zheng Zhihe's interest grew even stronger.

“If you truly disobey the imperial decree, then you should naturally be punished.”

As he spoke, a smile appeared on his face.

"Your Majesty's words are truly unreasonable. If I were not unwilling, why would I be looking forward to your arrival?"

The two had already expressed their feelings for each other beforehand.

At this moment, saying a few sweet words can certainly elevate their relationship to a higher level.

Xu Leyao is like Master Jiang sitting on the fishing platform, and Zheng Zhihe is like the willing fisherman taking the bait.

Upon hearing her words, Zheng Zhihe couldn't help but laugh heartily.

From the woman before him, he saw not only the figure of Xu Leyao, but also a touch of shyness unique to young girls, as well as the bold and distinctive aura of a peasant girl.

Xu Leyao, with her contradictory personality, is truly captivating.

His gaze toward Xu Leyao grew increasingly deep.

"Wait a while, and I will bring you to the palace after some time has passed."

In the past, Zheng Zhihe only talked about bringing Xu Leyao into the palace, but he did not actually take any action.

But seeing Xu Leyao becoming even more charming and alluring this time, Zheng Zhihe's possessiveness couldn't help but rise.

Such a beauty deserves to be his!

The two were still talking when Li Huanian appeared and interrupted them.

"Young master, the ceremony outside is almost over, and someone will be coming in soon to invite the young lady. I'm afraid it's not convenient for you to stay here any longer!"

Hearing Li Huanian's low-voiced advice, Zheng Zhihe looked at Xu Leyao with a hint of reluctance.

"Very well, since today is your special day anyway, I will wait for you outside."

After saying that, Zheng Zhihe reached out and pinched her cheek again.

Xu Leyao pouted, somewhat annoyed, and slapped his hand away.

She is charming, cute, and alluring.

When these two different feelings occur simultaneously in Xu Leyao, they are not contradictory at all.

Zheng Zhihe was stunned for a moment, then left with Li Huanian.

Watching this scene from the shadows, Zheng Lingjia felt that the two were behaving far too intimately.

"I had no idea that the young lady of the Jiang family was so skilled at seducing men."

After Zheng Zhihe left, Zheng Lingjia emerged from the shadows.

Seeing his disdainful and disgusted expression, Xu Leyao couldn't help but slap her forehead and sigh inwardly.

She never expected Zheng Lingjia to come!

However, Zheng Zhihe entrusted this matter to Zheng Lingjia.

Regardless of how well or poorly the Jiang family handled this task, Zheng Lingjia had to come and see for himself.

Just thinking about how her little fanboy had witnessed that scene made Xu Leyao feel a little embarrassed.

But then I thought, Zheng Lingjia doesn't know her true identity!

Immediately afterwards, Xu Leyao became more assertive.

“What Prince Su said makes no sense. All those who achieve fame in the world are the Emperor’s subjects, while I am a subject under his rule. Naturally, it is up to the Emperor to seize my position. Moreover, being able to enter the palace to serve the Emperor is a blessing I have accumulated over three lifetimes. How could I possibly seduce him?”

Zheng Lingjia looked at her with a surprised expression.

If it were any other young lady, hearing what she said today would probably have made her cry, but Xu Leyao responded with a questioning attitude.

At this moment, Zheng Lingjia was even a little speechless.

"Besides, the Emperor already has feelings for me. Given my current status in the Jiang family, what better choice do I have than to enter the palace and secure a future for myself?"

As she finished speaking, a hint of melancholy appeared on her face.

"Although Prince Su knows that I am a daughter of the Jiang family, and others know it too, if I don't fight for what I suffered in the Jiang household, who will avenge me?"

As she spoke, a bitter smile spread across Xu Leyao's lips.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Lingjia was speechless.

After discovering that her behavior was too similar to Xu Leyao's, Zheng Lingjia immediately sent his men to investigate her life.

Therefore, he was aware that Xu Leyao had been sent to the estate and almost never returned.

Hearing her complaints, Zheng Lingjia felt a pang of guilt.

However, while Zheng Lingjia was deep in thought, Xu Leyao secretly glanced at him.

She subtly curled the corners of her lips into a smile.

You think you can mess with me? You're too green!

Although Zheng Lingjia was her little fanboy, Xu Leyao had no interest in romance, so why would she care about him?

Furthermore, given Zheng Lingjia's status and position, befriending him would undoubtedly increase one's own leverage.