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

When Cao Ji returned from the military camp, it was already dark. He walked through the gate.

All that could be seen was Cao Yuan lying on a rattan chair, drinking tea, while Jin Zhu was practicing horse stance next to her.

Jinzhu's legs were trembling so badly that she was about to give up. "Your Highness, how much longer? I can't hold on much longer!"

"Jinzhu, how long has it been? Didn't you ask me to teach you?"

"However my grandfather always taught me, I would practice this all day long. Please hang in there!"

"Your Highness... Waaah..."

Looking up, Cao Yuan met a pair of sharp eyes.

She sat up abruptly, instantly feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

"Second Imperial Brother!" Cao Yuan's face was grim.

As soon as Jinzhu saw Cao Ji arrive, she stopped her horse stance and quickly ran over to greet him, "Your Highness has arrived! I'll make you some tea!"

After saying that, he jogged away.

"Hey Jinzhu, you haven't finished braiding yet!"

Cao Yuan sat up from the rattan chair. She had been deliberately avoiding him since returning to Liucheng.

"Fourth Imperial Sister has been back for so long, yet you haven't come to see how my peace negotiations are going?" Cao Ji's gaze softened.

"With my elder brother here, there's no need for me!"

"Fourth Princess, you won't even examine any of the imperial physicians I brought. Are you being so cautious with me?"

“I’ve recovered, there’s no need to look at it.” Cao Yuan took a step back.

"Second brother, if there's nothing else, I'll head back to my room."

Cao Yuan turned to leave, but before she had gone a few steps, Cao Ji called out to her, "If Chu Yan asked you to go to Shu, would you go?"

"What do you mean? I will not betray my country!" Cao Yuan stood there, stunned for a moment, and turned around in confusion.

Cao Ji stepped forward and grabbed her arm, saying in a deep voice, "Fine! Even if he wants you to marry into the Shu Kingdom, you still won't agree?"

"What do you mean?"

"Look me in the eyes and answer me!" Cao Ji asked again, gripping her arm tightly to prevent her from moving.

Cao Yuan raised her eyebrows, tilted her head, and said, "I don't want to! Why should I, Cao Yuan, leave my hometown for a man!"

She knew in her heart that even if Chu Yan wasn't Xue Xinian, she couldn't put all her eggs in one basket.

"Second Brother, why are you acting so strangely today? Is there a problem with the peace negotiations?"

Cao Ji smiled easily. "It's nothing! Leave everything to my brother. Get some rest."

Cao Yuan turned and left.

Watching her retreating figure, Cao Ji finally breathed a sigh of relief. At least now he understood that this was not the plan that Cao Yuan and Chu Yan had come up with.

Then the other younger sisters will have to suffer.

Cao Yuan walked through the corridor to return to her room and ran into Luo Xuemei and Fan Qingli, who were returning from outside.

"Oh, Your Highness! Why do you look so worried?"

Fan Qingli asked.

"It's nothing, my brother is acting strangely."

"Wasn't the Second Prince supposed to go to discuss peace terms today? Could things have changed?"

Cao Yuan shook her head. "I don't know. Did you just go shopping?"

Fan Qingli gently pulled Luo Xuemei into his arms. Luo Xuemei looked shy, tilted her head slightly, and parted her lips to cast a tender gaze at Fan Qingli, nestled against Fan Qingli's strong arms like a docile kitten.

"Your Highness, this is a peace charm I just got for you." Luo Xuemei took out a talisman made of folded yellow paper from her sleeve.

"For me? It's okay, I don't believe in these things."

Having survived so many life-or-death situations, she no longer needs these protections.

"Your Highness, this is something Mei'er specially asked for at the temple. It's a token of Mei'er's affection. It's nothing valuable, so please accept it for good luck."

"Then thank you very much, Xuemei!" Cao Yuan put the amulet into her bosom.

Fan Qingli and the other woman returned to the house together. Cao Yuan couldn't help but feel sorry for Cen Yin when she saw their intimate appearance. It had only been a few days, and she was already with her own concubine again. Fan Qingli, do you still remember Cen Yin?

Fan Qingli and Luo Xuemei entered the house together.

"My lord, you must be tired after strolling around the streets all day. Let me help you undress, and you can take a hot bath to relax in a bit."

With her graceful figure and beautiful face, Luo Xuemei moved lightly and gracefully to Fan Qingli's side. She stretched out her slender hand and gently reached for the sash at Fan Qingli's waist.

Just then, Fan Qingli grabbed Luo Xuemei's outstretched hand. He held her soft, boneless wrist tightly, gazing at the beauty before him with deep affection and tenderness, "Mei'er!"

He slowly raised his other hand and gently stroked Luo Xuemei's pink and tender cheeks, which were like peach blossoms.

As his fingers gently caressed her, Luo Xuemei's heart pounded, her cheeks flushed, and she shyly closed her beautiful eyes. She tilted her head slightly, her cherry-like lips parted slightly, as if anticipating what was about to happen.

Just as the atmosphere between the two was becoming increasingly romantic, a heartbreaking image suddenly flashed into Fan Qingli's mind without warning. Thinking of what Luo Xuemei had gone through, an indescribable pity and pain welled up in his heart, and his originally ardent emotions instantly cooled down.

Fan Qingli thought to himself, "Mei'er has finally returned safely. She must be exhausted, both physically and mentally, and needs more care and attention. How can I only think of my own desires?"

He suppressed his inner impulse and removed his hand from Luo Xuemei's face. "Mei'er! You should rest. I can do these things myself."

Luo Xuemei suddenly opened her eyes. Fan Qingli grabbed her shoulders with both hands, patted them gently, and then turned and left the room.

She collapsed to the ground in despair, tears streaming down her face. Her heart was heavy with grief, making it hard to breathe. "So he still despises me! So what Miss Mu said was true. Once you're in a bandit's den, no one will care about your innocence anymore."

Fan Qingli returned to her room and saw Xue Xiqiong standing at the door.

"Fan Qingli, I have something to tell you."

"Why are you still here? We have nothing to say," Fan Qingli said coldly, without the slightest hesitation.

"Are you sure?" Xue Xiqiong raised an eyebrow, her face full of mischief. "Fan Qingli, you'd better not regret this."

After Xue Xiqiong finished speaking, she turned and left.

"stop!"

Xue Xiqiong smiled triumphantly.

"Let's talk inside!"

The next day, Cao Yuan heard something incredible.

"What! You're not going to divorce Xue Xiqiong?"

"Yes! Your Highness, I don't plan to divorce her for now. She already apologized to me yesterday and promised not to do it again." Fan Qingli gritted her teeth.

"Fan Qingli, did I hear that right? You were so defiant last time, how come you believe her this time?"

"Don't you think this decision is very unfair to Xue Mei?"

"Oh well, whatever, do whatever you want!"

Cao Yuan turned and left, too lazy to bother with their business.

As soon as I stepped outside, I saw Luo Xuemei standing at the door.

Luo Xuemei looked as if she had lost her soul.

Cao Yuan ignored her and walked straight out.