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

"Little brother, wake up! Little brother, wake up..."

Amidst anxious shouts, Xue Xinian vaguely felt someone shaking his body. He struggled to open his heavy eyelids, staring sleepily at the swaying figure before realizing it was Xue Xiqiong beside him.

While rubbing her eyes, Xue Xinian slowly sat up and mumbled, "Huh? Sister! Why are you back?"

"How did I end up sleeping here?" Xue Xinian had been drinking and had forgotten what he had done yesterday, only remembering that he had a big argument with Cao Shang.

Xue Xiqiong's mischievous intentions were obvious. "Xinian! I need your help with something!"

"What is it!" Xue Xinian yawned.

"That's right. In a few days, didn't Father invite the Second Prince to our residence as a guest? Did you know about this?"

Xue Xinian rubbed his temples helplessly, "I know! I want to go too!"

"Sister, what are you up to now? I have no time to meddle in your household affairs!"

As Xue Xinian was speaking, he got up and started to walk out. Xue Xiqiong grabbed Xue Xinian's arm and said excitedly, "No! You have to help me this time!"

"Brother, you have to help me get rid of Luo Xuemei. Luo Xuemei is already riding on my head. Qingli has even entrusted this banquet to her. If she succeeds, I won't have any good days left. You have to help me this once!"

"I promise I won't bother you again."

Xue Xinian let out a long sigh of relief.

-

The night before the banquet.

Fan Qingli returned late from the Ministry of War today. He passed by Luo Xuemei's light, which was still on, and pushed the door open to go inside.

"Husband? You've arrived."

Luo Xuemei stood up.

Fan Qingli's gaze fell on the banquet menu on the table and she said, "Are you still busy with tomorrow's banquet so late?"

"Yes, I'd like to confirm again."

Luo Xuemei knew that it was already a difficult thing for Minister Fan to entrust this banquet to her, and Fan Qingli had done a lot behind the scenes.

If things go well, at least Minister Fan will be satisfied with himself.

Fan Qingli patted her shoulder, and the two sat down together. "Is it because I put too much pressure on you by having your father organize this banquet for you? It's just a regular banquet, it's fine."

Luo Xuemei smiled contentedly, "No, I'm not under much pressure. Thank you, husband, for giving my father this opportunity. I will do my best to make this banquet a success."

"This time it's the Second Prince who's here, it's an honor for the Minister's Mansion, I will definitely do my best."

"Now that I'm the legitimate son, you'll likely be in charge of managing the affairs of this family. Are you willing?"

Luo Xuemei was taken aback. Fan Qingli's words meant that Minister Fan was willing to let her manage the household, so she naturally nodded happily, "I am willing to share my husband's burdens."

Outside the door, Xue Xiqiong rubbed her hands together, her malicious thoughts growing stronger. "Luo Xuemei, tomorrow you will no longer belong to the Minister's mansion. Enjoy tonight's last moments of joy."

While Xue Xiqiong was basking in her own triumph, she was completely unaware that danger was quietly approaching.

Suddenly, two servants appeared in front of her like ghosts and quickly surrounded her.

Xue Xiqiong was startled by this sudden turn of events, and an ominous premonition immediately welled up in her heart.

She looked at the two menacing servants in front of her with terror, her voice trembling as she said, "What...what do you want? Don't come any closer! If you take another step, I...I'll scream for help!"

The two servants ignored her threats and continued to approach her step by step.

One of the servants said fiercely, "Young Lady Qiong, we are just following orders. We apologize for the intrusion!"

After saying that, he pulled a rag from his pocket without hesitation and stuffed it into Xue Xiqiong's mouth, silencing her completely.

Another servant quickly took out a thick rope and skillfully bound Xue Xiqiong's hands and feet tightly together. Poor Xue Xiqiong was powerless to resist and could only watch helplessly as she was bound hand and foot. Then, like throwing away trash, she was tossed into the dark, damp woodshed.

Xue Xiqiong struggled desperately in the woodshed, not expecting that Luo Xuemei had gotten there first.

The day of the banquet.

Many court officials gathered inside the Minister's residence.

"Minister Fan! Lord Fan!"

"Who is this......"

All eyes were drawn to Luo Xuemei's graceful figure. She wore a stunningly beautiful, radiant crimson dress, standing tall and elegant like a blooming flower.

Luo Xuemei stood quietly beside Fan Qingli, her head slightly tilted back, a gentle smile on her face, her eyes soft and tender. Every slight furrow of her brow or every smile seemed to possess an invisible charm, naturally revealing the dignified and elegant demeanor befitting a wife. The grace in her every gesture was captivating.

"This is my wife."

These people exchanged glances, all knowing that Minister Fan's eldest son had not yet married a principal wife, but only had two concubines.

The only person who could be so dignified was the second daughter of the Marquis of Dingguo, born out of wedlock. For Fan Qingli to call Luo Xuemei his legal wife was undoubtedly a slap in his own face.

"Greetings, gentlemen. Please take your seats."

Luo Xuemei ushered them into the banquet hall.

Only Minister Fan and Fan Qingli remained in the courtyard.

Minister Fan, his face stern, was displeased with what Fan Qingli had just said. "What kind of bewitching potion did she give you? How could a concubine's daughter ever be worthy of being the legitimate wife of the legitimate son of my Minister's mansion?"

"Father! If you want me to submit to the Second Prince, Xue Mei must become my legal wife!"

This is what he owes her.

"How could I have such a stubborn son!" Minister Fan said, turning his back and leaving.

Just then, Xue Xinian came in from outside.

"Why is Lord Xue all alone? Where is the princess?" Fan Qingli asked.

"The princess is unwell."

Xue Xinian didn't say anything more and walked inside.

"Lord Xue used to serve two princesses, so why is it that now, even serving one princess makes her uncomfortable?"

Fan Qingli said to him from behind.

Xue Xinian narrowed his eyes slightly and turned around. "What do you mean by that, brother?"

"Lord Xue, sometimes I really admire you. Your unborn child died at the hands of the Second Prince, yet you can still fawn over him as if nothing happened."

"If I had a father as powerful and influential as my elder brother, I could naturally be myself and do whatever I wanted."

Upon seeing Cao Ji, Xue Xinian quickly went to greet him.

During the banquet, Xue Xinian kept searching for Xue Xiqiong. He couldn't sit still, so he went to the backyard when he saw that there were many people.

He did not return to his seat until the end of the banquet.

At the end, Luo Xuemei and Fan Qingli saw the guests off at the door.

Two beggars came along the street, pleading, "Please have mercy! Please have mercy!"

The steward took a few copper coins and threw them into their bowls.

The two beggars looked up and thanked them, "Thank you..."

When they focused their gaze on Luo Xuemei's face, they were instantly astonished, "You! It's you!"