After being reborn, I went on a killing spree in the imperial court.

To celebrate his promotion, Xue Xinian specially booked four tables at Yueyun Pavilion.

Cao Yuan didn't want to come, but she also wanted to see who he would be with.

As they stepped down from the carriage, they ran into Chu Yan and Xuan Feng, who were about to go inside.

"I didn't expect Lord Chu to enjoy joining in on this kind of fun!" Cao Yuan said, taking the initiative to speak.

"How could they invite a disabled person like me to such a clique-building event?!"

Cao Yuan smiled. "When did Lord Chu start to feel like a weakling?"

"Your Highness, the imperial examination is now over. From now on, we will go our separate ways," Chu Yan changed the subject.

So eager to distance themselves!

She was afraid she would become clingy to him!

That's way too arrogant!

“Lord Chu is right! It’s best if we have no further dealings in the future! Let’s just be strangers.”

"Thank you for your help these past few days, Lord Chu. I only hope that you can give Grand Tutor Li justice." After saying this, Cao Yuan turned and went into the restaurant.

After all the guests arrived, Xue Xinian began preparing for the banquet.

After the banquet began.

Xue Xiqiong raised her wine glass, her mouth practically stretched to her ears, "Today we celebrate my younger brother becoming the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites!"

Cao Yuan held a wine cup and drank with the Xue family. Sure enough, those who came to toast her were all subordinates of the Fourth Prince.

However, I didn't expect him to be involved with the Fourth Prince so early on. I really underestimated him.

Minister Fan was quite pleased at the banquet, as he had always admired Xue Xinian.

"Although there were some deviations along the way, the result was good. Xi Nian can be said to have lived up to everyone's expectations."

"Thank you for your praise, Your Excellency. I will do my best to help you in the future!" Xue Xinian flattered.

Xue Xinian put some food in Cao Yuan's bowl, "Ah Yuan, you've worked hard this time. You should eat more..."

"Xi Nian, don't you know I don't like this dish?" Cao Yuan moved the bowl and plate to the side.

Xue Xinian paused, put down her chopsticks, and said, "It's all my fault for being so busy that I forgot. I'll remember A Yuan's preferences from now on."

"It's alright, I don't have much of an appetite today, I want to rest for a while." Cao Yuan stood up, holding her head.

"Then let me help you to lie down in the next room!" Xue Xinian said, supporting her arm.

"How can that be? You're the main character today. I'll go myself!" Cao Yuan pushed him away and took a few steps back.

Just as Cao Yuan was about to leave, Old Madam Xue brought over a cup of wine. "Princess, today is Xinian's promotion banquet. Have a drink before you leave. So many people are watching."

“Mother is right!” Xue Xinian echoed.

Not wanting to lose face, Cao Yuan drank it down in one gulp.

A servant led Cao Yuan away, saying, "Please, Princess!"

Xue Xinian and Madam Xue exchanged a meaningful glance.

She had only gone halfway when her vision began to blur and her body felt weak.

what happened?

It's that glass of wine!

Xue Xinian, you are shameless! You actually drugged me. Cao Yuan supported herself against the wall.

I thought they wouldn't do anything outrageous in such a public place, but it seems I underestimated them.

The servant leading the way dropped all pretense and pulled Cao Yuan along, saying, "Princess, please hurry inside. The prince consort will be here soon..."

Before Xiao Er could finish speaking, Cao Yuan used her last bit of strength to knock him unconscious with a single palm strike.

Cao Yuan collapsed to the ground, but suddenly she seemed to remember something and turned back.

Inside the next room.

Chu Yan waited for almost the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, but there was still no sign of him.

"Young master, do you think he might not come? Or is he just playing a trick on us?"

"Let's wait a little longer!" Chu Yan gripped the paper fan tightly, his brows furrowed, staring intently at the wooden door.

"Here's what we'll do: go check if there's anything unusual about the banquet over there!"

Once outside the room, Xuanfeng realized something was wrong.

"That's not right! This banquet is for Vice Minister Xue of the Ministry of Rites to celebrate his promotion. What does it have to do with me? Why am I staring at Minister Xue?"

Xuanfeng's eyes lit up. "Oh! It's to let me go see the princess!"

Suddenly, Chu Yan's door was pushed open from the outside, and in the next instant, Cao Yuan slid down to his heels.

Chu Yan frowned as he looked at the person on the ground, as if he had seen a ghost.

She sat up, gazing at him with hazy eyes, "Lord Chu, I knew you hadn't left! That's wonderful!"

Chu Yan craned his neck to look outside, his face full of anticipation.

"Princess, what are you doing here! You'd better get out of here quickly! If word gets out, your reputation will be damaged, and I won't be able to explain it to His Majesty."

“I didn’t go to the wrong place!” Cao Yuan clung to his leg, buried her head in his lap, and pointed at his nose, saying, “I came here specifically to find you!”

Chu Yan carefully examined her, leaned forward, and placed his hand on her forehead to feel it. Her forehead was slightly hot, and her face was burning.

Just as he was about to pull his hand back, Cao Yuan grabbed it and pressed it against her face. "Mmm...it feels so cool!"

"Princess Huayang, your symptoms suggest you may have been drugged!" Chu Yan forcefully pulled his hand away, trying to retrieve the antidote from his chest, only to remember that the medicine was on Xuan Feng.

"Of course I know I've been drugged! Otherwise, why would I bother with a short-lived wretch like you!"

"I... am a short-lived ghost!" Chu Yan seemed to have heard a joke. He considered himself strong and healthy, so how could he leave her with the impression of being short-lived?

"Princess, it's not nice of you to curse me like that!"

"Xue Xinian drugged me. This place is the safest! Go out and guard the door, don't let anyone else in!"

Cao Yuan staggered toward the bedroom, her body burning with fever, as if ants were crawling all over her.

Chu Yan scoffed, "Princess, this is my room. It's not appropriate for you to come in and kick me out!"

"Why don't you beg me, and I can help you get rid of this aphrodisiac!" Chu Yan watched her struggle on the bed through the barrier and couldn't help but smile gloatingly.

"You short-lived devil, you dare to take advantage of me! If you dare touch me, I'll tear you to pieces!" Cao Yuan threatened, while Chu Yan chuckled to himself.

He locked the door from the inside to avoid being seen.

He then wheeled himself into the inner room, approached the bed, and pinched her chin, saying, "You are such a vicious princess! I was about to save you, how could you repay kindness with enmity!"

Cao Yuan turned her back, veins bulging on her face, her body burning with heat! She desperately wanted to take off her clothes; why wasn't he leaving yet?

Suddenly she felt her body being lifted into the air, and by the time she realized what was happening, she had already fallen into the cold bathtub.

Chu Yan was also pulled in by Cao Yuan.

The two of them fell into the bathtub.