Chapter 376

This journey through time carried her forward amidst countless waves, where her perceived growth was rendered insignificant in the calculations of others.

Baili Chengyou’s indulgence had stirred a trace of affection in her, but now she was abruptly awakened by a bucket of cold water.

“Third Princess, His Highness has sent me to escort you.”

Meng Guxue was lost in her thoughts when A’er’s voice suddenly echoed from afar.

Turning towards the sound, Meng Guxue saw A’er approaching with an urgent expression, clearly having hurried over.

“Princess, when His Highness noticed you were missing, he was truly startled. At this critical juncture, you still lack the ability to protect yourself, which is extremely careless.”

“I will now escort you to the Qiushi Palace.”

Meng Guxue looked steadily at A’er as she replied, her dark eyes full of meaning.

A’er, being straightforward, became uneasy seeing Meng Guxue like this and asked tentatively, “Princess, what’s wrong with you?”

Meng Guxue shook her head slowly and then suddenly spoke, “A’er, did you manage to buy the Gu I asked for?”

At these words, A’er immediately nodded and took out a small round box from his bosom.

“Princess, inside are the Gu insects, whether to be ingested or inhaled.”

Meng Guxue took the box and smiled, nodding at A’er. “Thank you, A’er. Can you escort me out of the palace?”

A’er looked puzzled at her request. “Princess, aren’t you going to the Qiushi Palace?”

Meng Guxue shook her head. “There’s a banquet tonight, and Princess Xi should be there. I need to prepare myself properly.”

After hesitating for a while, A’er nodded. “Then I’ll escort you back home.”

Meng Guxue agreed with a smile.

As they walked along the palace road, Meng Guxue thought for a moment and then asked, “A’er, do you have any other life-saving items on hand? Whether it’s Gu insects or poison.”

A’er was slightly taken aback but nodded immediately. “As long as Princess wishes, I can do my best to find whatever you need.”

Meng Guxue nodded thoughtfully and strode briskly towards the palace gates.

Glancing sideways at Meng Guxue, A’er couldn’t shake the feeling that the Princess… seemed somehow different now.

—

After returning home, the Crown Prince hurried to a secluded courtyard.

From afar, he spotted a handsome figure standing in the courtyard, which immediately brought joy to his heart.

“Master Jin!”

The person in the courtyard turned around at the sound, his appearance extraordinary and his demeanor cool—it was Shen Yuanbai!

The Crown Prince strode into the courtyard, smiling. “I’ve done as you suggested, and I’ve taken charge of tonight’s banquet. It will be held on the Qinglian Houseboat!”

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuanbai relaxed his brows and bowed slightly to the Crown Prince. “Congratulations, Your Highness. With this move, your plans can advance further.”

Approaching Shen Yuanbai slowly, the Crown Prince’s gaze lingered on his face, studying his features meticulously and growing more fond of him the longer he looked.

This “treasure” was recommended to him by Princess Xi.

Although he and Princess Xi were not of the same mother, their mothers had a good relationship in their early years.

Because of this relationship, he had also taken care of Princess Xi quite a bit, and their relationship could be considered close.

Some time ago, Princess Xi suddenly invited him. When he arrived, he found this exceptional youth by her side.

When he first saw him, he was truly amazed!

After so many years of appreciating beauty, very few could surpass the youth before his eyes.

A feeling of admiration rose in his heart, and he immediately asked Princess Xi for the youth. However, Princess Xi said that she had taken a liking to him, not only because of his appearance but also because of his exceptional intelligence, making him highly valuable.

Later, under his persistent persuasion, Princess Xi finally agreed to lend this youth to him, saying only as an advisor.

At the time, he scoffed inwardly—once a beauty fell into his hands, there was no escape.

When the time came, a dose of the secret happiness elixir on this youth would naturally ensure “wishes fulfilled”!

Yet he hadn’t expected that once this youth sat down, his words would indeed be enlightening.

With just a casual comment, the youth proposed a strategy that struck him as exceedingly clever!

Since the youth was indeed useful, he could only suppress his impulse to embrace him and proceed with his grand plans for now.

But now, as soon as he laid eyes on this youth, he couldn’t help but feel restless again…

Lost in thought, the Crown Prince involuntarily reached out towards Shen Yuanbai.

“Your Highness, the banquet is about to begin shortly. Today’s plans are crucial and must not be neglected.”

Shen Yuanbai’s voice was calm and gentle, causing the Crown Prince to halt his movement.

He grinned sheepishly. “Mr. Jin, your words are courteous. Let’s wait until after tonight’s success, then I’ll come seek you out.”

Shen Yuanbai respectfully bowed. “I bid farewell to Your Highness.”

The Crown Prince left the secluded courtyard, turning to find Yinzhu.

In the Crown Prince’s residence, everyone knew the Empress Consort was merely a figurehead. The true favorite for many years was Yinzhu from Chunlin Court.

When the Crown Prince arrived at Chunlin Court, Yinzhu was trying on new clothes.

The Crown Prince pulled Yinzhu’s waist and began to fondle her.

Yinzhu’s face showed a hint of flirtation as she lightly pushed the Crown Prince away. “Your Highness, stop fooling around. There are important matters tonight.”

The Crown Prince’s mind was already wandering.

Over the years, countless beauties had come and gone by his side, all fleeting desires. Only Yinzhu was his true favorite.

After all, there was no other woman in this world like Yinzhu. Apart from her beauty, her actions were considerate, she never harbored jealousy or envy, and most importantly, she assisted him in his ambitions.

For instance, tonight, many details and arrangements were made by Yinzhu, which truly put his mind at ease.

“Yinzhu, Yinzhu, this Prince truly adores you.”

The Crown Prince leaned close to Yinzhu’s ear, gently biting her earlobe and murmuring softly.

Yinzhu’s expression turned slightly displeased upon hearing this. “Your Highness, don’t think I don’t know. You’ve hidden a lover in the Golden Chamber again!”

The Crown Prince chuckled at her words. “Today is indeed unusual. My Yinzhu is actually learning to be jealous?”

“You know, I just crave novelty occasionally. That youth belongs to Princess Xi.”

Yinzhu snorted softly. “Your Highness, just coax me. Normally, every time you return to the mansion, it’s to see me. But today, you went to see someone else.”

Seeing her reaction, the Crown Prince hurriedly placated her. “Yinzhu, no one can compare to my Yinzhu.”

Soon, the room was filled with ambiguous sounds…

—

As the sun began to set, the Crown Prince’s men arrived at the villa where the envoys of the two countries were staying.

Qiao Jiaojiao was held in Qiao Zhongguo’s arms as they both went together.

Jiaojiao had a premonition that the Crown Prince’s actions today held deeper meanings, perhaps even involving Shen Yuanbai!

If it was to deal with Baili Chengyou, then Meng Guxue would be in danger, especially since everyone now considered her Baili Chengyou’s weakness.

After leaving the palace just now, she had already told her father and older brother what she had heard from the King Wife. They had unanimously come to a guess, but it still needed verification.

For now, let’s see what kind of drama unfolds tonight!