The Emperor, with more men than women, made me his mistress.

Chapter 199 Inside Story

Unaware of the turmoil in the room, You Yun continued respectfully, "I wonder if Your Highness will attend the flower viewing banquet tomorrow? If so, I will make the arrangements."

Yue Liyu played with the gold-embossed invitation in her hand with her fair fingers. After thinking for a moment, she asked, "Were there many attendees in previous years?"

“In previous years, Princess Xian would send an invitation to any lady who came to the outskirts of the capital for a trip, and the ladies who received the invitation would attend.” He found out all this after receiving the invitation.

"Oh, in that case, I'll go tomorrow too." This was the first invitation she had received since becoming the Princess Consort of Prince Chen, and it was from a princess of the imperial clan. Since everyone else was going, she couldn't very well refuse. After all, social interactions were still very important in this world.

“Since the Princess Consort intends to go, then I will make the preparations. Do you need me to accompany her to protect her tomorrow?” You Yun asked hesitantly, glancing at Young Master Sheng, who was sitting close to the Princess Consort, and Young Master Jin and Young Master Gong, who were sitting on the other two sides.

Clearly, if Yue Li doesn't bring one of the three of them to the banquet tomorrow, You Yun will need to accompany her for close protection.

At this moment, Sheng Yifan, Jin Moyu, and Gong Hanmo all wanted to refuse You Yun on Yue Li's behalf, but before they spoke, they glanced at Yue Li sitting next to them and silently shut their mouths.

They all knew that if Yue Li took one of them to the banquet and introduced them to the ladies, it would mean that Yue Li had acknowledged that person's identity. How could they not be tempted?

But while they were attracted to her, they didn't want to upset Yue Li, nor did they want to force her with such methods.

Just as the three people sitting in the chairs held their breath, waiting for Yue Li's reply, her light and melodious voice came out at the right time: "No need, A Yuan entrusted everything to you when he left. You are quite busy. I can handle this little thing myself."

Upon hearing Yue Li's answer, Sheng Yifan and the other two were unsure whether to breathe a sigh of relief or hold their breath.

After all, until the very last moment, no one knows what the outcome will be.

Clearly, You Yun understood the intricacies of the matter.

However, as the saying goes, the affairs of the masters are not something that servants like them can interfere with.

So You Yun decisively replied, "Yes, then I will take my leave. If Your Highness has any further instructions, you may send someone to inform me."

"Okay, you can go ahead and get busy."

As soon as You Yun left, the three people in the room all turned their gazes toward Yue Li.

Feeling the intense gazes from the three figures, Yue Li's eyes showed a hint of surprise. "Why are you all looking at me like that?"

Clearly, Yue Li, who had never attended such a banquet before, was unaware of the hidden rules involved.

It is unknown whether such banquets are attended not only by wives of officials and noble families, but also by many unmarried sons from prominent families.

After all, many banquets are matchmaking events, which has been the case since ancient times.

"Ah Li is going to the flower viewing banquet tomorrow, aren't you planning to take me with you?" Sheng Yifan's eyebrows twitched slightly, and he leaned back lazily in his chair, his long, narrow black eyes fixed on Yue Li, full of anticipation.

"Sister Li, please take me with you. I promise I'll protect you." Gong Hanmo, who was already sitting on the other side of Yue Li, grabbed Yue Li's hand and shook it affectionately, his baby face full of anticipation.

“I’ll go with Yue Li. After all, it’s my mother’s flower-viewing banquet. If anything happens, I’ll be the first to know.” Even Jin Moyu, who used to be quiet when they were together, expressed his opinion. His captivating eyes were fixed on Yue Li.

"Ha! Didn't you hear what You Yun said? The people attending the flower viewing banquet are all ladies. What are you doing there?" Yue Li's gaze swept across their faces one by one, and she asked in confusion.

Upon hearing this, the remaining three exchanged bewildered glances.

"Don't you know, Sister Li?" Gong Hanmo asked first.

"what do you know?"

“It’s understandable that Ah Li is unaware of the details of this banquet, as it’s her first time attending one.” Sheng Yifan thought of the information he had found out.

Since arriving in Kyoto, Yue Li has almost always been accompanied by Prince Chen and the young heir. She hasn't developed close relationships with the ladies of the noble families in Kyoto. The only two she knows, Princess Xinrong and Madam Yin, are people she rarely sees. Now it seems understandable that she doesn't know these things.

After figuring this out, Sheng Yifan patiently explained the key points to Yue Li one by one. After listening, Yue Li's eyes widened slightly, and her mouth was so surprised that she could hardly close it.

“But so what if they brought someone along? Does bringing someone prevent them from looking at other people?” Yue Li succinctly pointed out the crux of the matter.

Yes! So what if those ladies brought their husbands with them?

Since unmarried men attend such banquets, there must also be wives with their husbands making selections.

Yue Li's words silenced all three of them.

Seeing the three remain silent, Yue Li glanced at the sky outside. The light was gradually dimming, and the servants on the estate began to light lanterns.

"Alright, stop thinking about it. Let's go back now, it's getting late."

Hearing Yue Li's words, Sheng Yifan remained seated and did not move. Although Jin Moyu and Gong Hanmo were reluctant to part with Yue Li, they knew it was time for them to leave.

Glancing at Sheng Yifan, who was sitting there motionless, the two of them once again envied Sheng Yifan for being able to stay at Yue Li's manor. Why didn't they think of shamelessly staying at Yue Li's manor when they first arrived?

Ignoring what the two were thinking, Yue Li had Feng Ting, who was waiting outside, escort Jin Moyu and Gong Hanmo out. Looking at Sheng Yifan sitting there, she asked, "Why aren't you going back?"

They were eating in a dining room specifically for guests, which was not close to their residence. Was this person planning to sneak back in the dark?

Upon hearing this, Sheng Yifan raised an eyebrow, a gesture that added a touch of nonchalance to his unruly demeanor. He chuckled, stood up, and then bent down to lift Yue Li from the chair.

"Hey! What are you doing?" Yue Li cried out in fright as she was suddenly lifted off the chair without warning.

"What are you doing? What do you think I want to do? Didn't you ask me why I didn't go back?" A playful smile lingered in his long, sharp eyes. His eyebrows were lowered as he looked at Yue Li, who was leaning against his chest and glaring at him angrily. Sheng Yifan thought that if he could keep holding Yue Li like this, his life would be so perfect.

Sheng Yifan lifted Yue Li and sat her on the octagonal table next to him, then pressed his thumb against her full, red lips.

Sensing his intention, Yue Li turned her head to the side.

Unable to succeed, Sheng Yifan directly kissed Yue Li's earlobe. The instant tingling sensation in her earlobe traveled from her tailbone to her toes, causing Yue Li's toes to curl up for a moment.

"Why are you hiding, A-Li? Aren't you going back? How about I hold you?" The deep, magnetic voice seemed to be whispering in Yue Li's ear, intensifying the tingling sensation. Yue Li's toes, hidden in her embroidered shoes, curled and twisted incessantly.