The mistress has no feelings, why do you provoke her?

Xiao Ling was surprised that Zhou Shi dared to talk back to her. Just as she was about to retaliate, she saw a tall figure walking towards her from not far away.

The man was dressed in black, with a handsome face, and stood there dashingly.

He possessed an extraordinary aura and a sharp, cold gaze.

Everyone who passed by was shocked, but the next second they all lowered their heads and dared not make the slightest move.

All that remained of his voice was a respectful greeting: "Greetings, Your Highness, King Chu."

Xiao Ling couldn't take her eyes off Xiao Ji.

She seemed frozen in place, her beautiful eyes fixed intently on Xiao Ji, not even blinking.

They were afraid of missing a single facial expression of Xiao Ji.

However, Xiao Ji didn't even look at her, not even sparing her a single glance.

Just as Xiao Ji was about to pass by, Xiao Ling finally couldn't help but call out, "Brother Xiao Ji."

Upon hearing the sound, Xiao Ji instinctively stopped and searched for its source.

Xiao Ling excitedly took two steps forward, looking at him with a pitiful expression.

Xiao Ji's gaze fell on Xiao Ling, and after staring at her for a moment, he asked, "Who are you?"

His eyes were full of unfamiliarity, as if he truly did not recognize the woman in front of him.

Judging solely from her clothing, this woman was no ordinary woman.

Xiao Ji searched his mind but couldn't find any clues about the woman, so he automatically assumed she was a stranger.

He stopped looking at Xiao Ling, his eyes growing even colder: "I don't recognize you."

After saying that, he turned and walked away.

Perhaps it was Xiao Ji's indifference that disappointed Xiao Ling, causing her to lose face in front of everyone.

Xiao Ling boldly blocked Xiao Ji's path, looking at him with a pair of aggrieved eyes: "Brother Xiao Ji, I am Ling'er."

"Ling'er?" Xiao Ji searched his memory for a moment, then a look of understanding appeared on his face: "Oh, Ling'er, that snotty-nosed girl."

Xiao Ling was not very healthy when she was a child, and she would easily catch a cold if she was not careful.

What impressed Xiao Ji the most was her crying, and then two snot spurted out.

From then on, he labeled Xiao Ling as a snotty-nosed girl.

Xiao Ling's face flushed red instantly; she was both ashamed and annoyed.

She was ashamed that Xiao Ji still remembered her, and annoyed that he had said it in front of everyone, making her lose face.

But no matter how angry she was, she didn't dare to act childishly towards Xiao Ji.

Suppressing her dissatisfaction, she pleaded with Xiao Ji, "Brother Xiao Ji, can you take me to the palace?"

She was making a quick calculation in her mind: as long as Xiao Ji brought her into the palace, she could confirm her relationship with Xiao Ji to everyone.

However, the next second, Xiao Ji poured cold water on her: "It is improper. How can I, as a man, walk alone with a woman like you? It will cause gossip."

After saying that, he walked past Xiao Ling and strode into the palace.

These words caused everyone present to change their expressions. Good heavens, what a show they had just witnessed!

The third young lady of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion confessed her feelings to Xiao Ji in public, but was ruthlessly rejected by him, causing her to lose face.

One is bold in his approach, the other is ruthless.

The King of Chu was indeed as refined and upright as rumored, possessing the demeanor of a gentleman.

However, wasn't he being a bit too heartless by doing this?

Everyone watched the spectacle with a gossipy attitude, but Xiao Ling was so embarrassed that she wanted to disappear into the ground.

She glared at everyone resentfully, then lifted her skirt and chased after them.

Seeing her disdainful look, Zhou snorted coldly: "You're really shameless. She's already rejected you, but you still want to chase after her. It's laughable."

Her words clearly reflected the sentiments of all the women, and the rest simply smiled and remained silent, indicating their agreement.

At this moment, a palace eunuch came out and invited everyone into the palace.

As Zhou walked and talked with the other ladies, she said, "A woman opens her mouth and slanders others' reputations, and even tries to frame my Marquis's Mansion. Does she really think my Marquis's Mansion is a pushover?"

She won't rest until she's utterly crushed Xiao Ling.

The other ladies all advised her, "Madam Gu, calm down. Be careful what you say."

"If she doesn't apologize to my Marquis's mansion for this, I'm not done with her." Madam Zhou was furious. How dare a young lady from a Duke's mansion think she was something special and step on her head?

If we don't regain our dignity, how will the Marquis's mansion ever be able to hold its head high in front of others again?

Everyone gave an awkward smile, but secretly thought to themselves.

Xiao Ling is no good, and neither is Zhou Shi.

Let them fight; they'll just watch the show.

The Imperial Palace, Chaohua Hall.

Song Wenjun was led by Aunt Fangruo all the way to the Princess's Chaohua Palace. Along the way, she kept her head down and dared not make the slightest mistake.

Aunt Fangruo glanced at her secretly and smiled, "Madam Song, there's no need to be so nervous. The Princess just wants to have a chat with you."

"Thank you, Granny." Even so, Song Wenjun dared not show the slightest sign of relaxation.

The people in the palace are all ferocious tigers who devour others; the slightest mistake could lead to utter ruin.

Soon they arrived at the palace. Aunt Fangru stopped and gestured for Song Wenjun to wait outside the palace.

She then went into the inner palace to report.

Song Wenjun stood there, staring at the blue bricks beneath her feet, lost in thought. After a short while, Aunt Mangruo came out: "The Princess wants you to go in."

"Yes." Song Wenjun lifted her skirt and walked inside, her face respectful and composed.

When Aunt Fangruo stopped walking in the hall, she also stopped walking, keeping her head down and not daring to look around.

Then she heard Aunt Fangruo's voice: "Your Highness, Madam Song has arrived."

Song Wenjun stepped forward and performed a deep bow: "This humble servant greets Your Highness, the Princess."

She bent over and knelt down, touching her head to the ground, a standard courtly gesture.

Then, a gentle yet authoritative voice rang out: "Get up."

Song Wenjun stood up, but still dared not raise her head.

The palace was resplendent in gold, and her reflection was imprinted on the lapis lazuli floor.

She stared intently at the brick in front of her, her head bowed and her ears lowered.

"Please take a seat," the princess said softly.

"Thank you, Princess." Song Wenjun remained seated in her chair before raising her head to look at the princess.

The eldest princess is nearly forty years old this year, but her skin is as white as snow and her features are exquisite.

If you don't look closely, you would never guess that she is almost forty years old.

Time has left no trace on her face, but her eyes have lost their youthful vigor and are now filled with the marks of time.

His gaze was gentle when he looked at people, but a faint hint of coldness flashed in his eyes.

Song Wenjun was not surprised at all. If someone could remain innocent while in a high position, they probably wouldn't live long.

Seeing that Song Wenjun was neither humble nor arrogant, and was modest and measured, the eldest princess spoke up: "You are quite calm. Very few people can remain so composed when they see me."

"Your Highness is kind and gentle. Even though it was my first time meeting you, I felt like I was bathed in a spring breeze. I admire you so much that I was not afraid at all. I hope Your Highness will forgive me for this."

Song Wenjun's words were half true and half false, neither making her seem overly flattering, but the just-right flattery made her seem more sincere.

The eldest princess smiled and nodded, her smile widening slightly: "You don't need to be afraid. I only asked you to come here to ask about the rouge."