Unexpectedly, the Emperor’s expression didn’t change. He personally peeled Yu Ning off of him, then, pinching her shoulders, shoved her into Mrs. Huo’s arms.

“Mrs. Huo, please take Miss Xie San away.” After saying this, Shen Tuo sat back in his main seat and continued to question the young prince Shen Ying and Xie Yu Ke, seemingly not intending to hold the drunkard accountable.

Mrs. Huo held her daughter, greatly relieved, and quickly helped Yu Ning leave.

When she opened her eyes again, the morning light was just breaking.

Yu Ning rubbed her forehead and lifted the covers to get out of bed.

“Eh? Mother and elder sister are both guarding my room this early in the morning?”

Mrs. Huo and Xie Wan Yu were both sitting on the low couch in the outer room, eating snacks and talking.

Seeing Yu Ning come out, Mrs. Huo called a few maids to help Yu Ning wash and dress.

“Ning’er, you promise Mother that you will drink in moderation in the future. You must never drink yourself into a stupor outside again,” Mrs. Huo earnestly instructed.

Yu Ning sat down on a round stool opposite Mrs. Huo, looked at her mother, then glanced at Xie Wan Yu, who was watching the show, and cautiously asked, “Did I talk nonsense while I was drunk yesterday?”

Mrs. Huo covered her lips with a handkerchief without speaking. Xie Wan Yu couldn’t help but laugh, looking meaningfully into Yu Ning’s eyes.

“Nonsense? Little sister, you underestimate yourself,” she said.

“Yesterday, you were like pulling teeth from a tiger’s mouth—thrilling and exciting!”

Xie Wan Yu picked up the list she had written overnight, solemnly handing it to Yu Ning, and continued, “Little sister, keep this.

This is a list of husbands carefully selected for you by your elder sister. Take a good look. If you don’t like any of them, elder sister will personally find a match for you.

No matter who you like, elder sister will do her best to bring him home to be your husband!”

Yu Ning was completely confused. She opened the list and glanced at it. “Uh… Actually, there’s no rush. I only met Ning Yun Ting once, and I don’t like him that much. It’s okay if this marriage is called off; I’m not heartbroken. Elder sister, you don’t need to worry too much about me.”

She thought that after meeting Ning Yun Ting yesterday and coming home drunk, her mother and elder sister must have thought she was heartbroken, which is why they were acting like this.

“No, no, no, elder sister knows you don’t like Ning Yun Ting. You…”

Xie Wan Yu blinked her eyes, curiously asking, “Did you fall for the Emperor?”

“Cough, cough, cough!” Yu Ning was drinking water, and upon hearing this, she choked violently, coughing desperately.  “E-elder sister, I…”

Could it be that after she got drunk yesterday, she had revealed all the reckless things she had done in the past? Heavens, forgive her youthful recklessness; she actually regrets it!

Yu Ning swallowed, her expression nervous and guilty. “I… Mother, why would you say that?”

Seeing Yu Ning’s expression, Mrs. Huo’s hopeful heart finally died. She sighed deeply, her brows filled with worry.

“Ning’er, Mother doesn’t want to stop you from pursuing who you like, but… alas, that person is naturally cold and aloof. Whether it’s noble ladies or foreign beauties, no one can get close to him, let alone a girl from our Xie family.”

“No, no, no, Mother, what are you saying? I didn’t,” Yu Ning quickly waved her hands. “I’d rather avoid him, how could I dare to covet him?”

Yu Ning was bewildered and looked at Xie Wan Yu again. “Elder sister, what exactly did I say yesterday? Tell me quickly.”

“You, you’re so bold! Yesterday, the Emperor was in the mansion for a meeting, and when you saw him, you threw yourself at him. Not only did you flirt with him verbally, but you also touched him inappropriately…”

Xie Wan Yu vividly described Yu Ning’s actions from yesterday, then curiously asked, “Is it true? Little sister, do you really like the Emperor?”

“No, no, no, it’s a misunderstanding, it’s all a misunderstanding, I was just drunk.” Yu Ning was heartbroken and speechless.

Under the doubtful gazes of Mrs. Huo and Xie Wan Yu, Yu Ning repeatedly assured them that she had no improper thoughts towards the Emperor, her attitude sincere, which finally eased Mrs. Huo and Xie Wan Yu’s concerns somewhat.

If it were an ordinary man, it would be fine, but the Emperor was different. Although the current Emperor was chaste and had no consorts, the Emperor was ruthless and not a kind person.

He also had grievances with the Yongning Hou Mansion and the Empress Dowager, so he would never like a Xie family girl.

If a Xie family daughter liked the Emperor, it would only lead to heartbreak.

The news of Miss Xie San’s drunk and disrespectful behavior towards the Emperor couldn’t be kept secret and spread the next day, causing Old Madam Ruan to be furious and quarrel with Mrs. Huo, even saying that Yu Ning was a disaster and a curse.

Mrs. Huo couldn’t stand this and argued with the Old Madam on the spot, causing a tense atmosphere in the entire family, with everyone daring not to speak.

Yu Ning had done wrong, and she had nothing to say in her defense. She honestly apologized to the Old Madam and then pulled Mrs. Huo out of the Old Madam’s courtyard.

“It’s nothing, just a drunken joke. Everyone will forget about it in a few days. Don’t be angry, don’t be angry.” Of the entire family, Yongning Hou Xie Zhi An, the head of the family, was the most optimistic. He comforted both sides, speaking lightly, not treating it as a big deal.

“It’s my fault, I caused the family’s reputation to be damaged. Father, Mother, perhaps…”

“My child, don’t say anything that will make Mother sad. Mother can’t live without you. If you want to leave, it’s because Mother failed to protect you.”

“No, I don’t want to leave.” Yu Ning patted Mrs. Huo’s hand and continued, “I want to say that I won’t go to the imperial hunting trip in a few days. I’ll avoid the limelight.”

The imperial hunting trip was in a few days, and the female members of the Yongning Hou Mansion were also on the list. Yu Ning didn’t know how to excuse herself, but now she had a ready-made excuse, and she could stay home to avoid meeting that person again.

“Eh, no need, no need. How can you not go? It’s not necessary to deliberately avoid suspicion over such a small matter. It will make our family seem guilty. Besides, the Empress Dowager specifically said that she wants Ning’er to bring Xiao Bao along. The Empress Dowager hasn’t seen Xiao Bao and wants to see him,” Xie Zhi An said.

“Okay.” Yu Ning felt apprehensive and slightly uneasy.