Shen Qingwan had originally been thinking about how to lure Ye Minghui over, but unexpectedly, Ye Minghui, wanting to ensure the plan went smoothly, came alone to check on its progress.

Her maid had just delivered the message that everything had gone as planned, but Ye Minghui was still skeptical, so she came personally to confirm.

However, she hadn’t expected to run into Shen Qingwan the moment she arrived.

Without hesitation, Shen Qingwan shot a silver needle at her, and Ye Minghui instantly lost control of her body, paralyzed and unable to resist.

Shen Qingwan carried her and threw her onto the bed inside the room.

Fortunately, she hadn’t killed the man inside earlier—since Ye Minghui had arranged for him, she might as well enjoy what she had planned for someone else.

The aphrodisiac incense in the room was quite effective.

Even someone as strong-willed as Shen Qingwan found herself blushing and feeling hot all over.

However, she still held firm and stayed by the door until she heard the sounds of passion from inside. Only then did she turn and leave.

She had to return to the banquet—otherwise, she would miss the grand show that was about to unfold.

As soon as she reached the imperial garden, she bumped into a tall figure.

Although she could resist the effects of the drug, the changes in her body were beyond her control—her skin was burning, her face was flushed, and she felt lightheaded and weak.

She could suppress the urges, but when she saw Beichen Yuan’s devastatingly handsome face, an inexplicable desire to ravage him surged within her.

The moment their eyes met, memories of that night flooded her mind—especially his intense performance. It was truly unforgettable.

“You’ve been drugged?” Beichen Yuan immediately noticed something was wrong.

Despite Shen Qingwan’s efforts to remain calm, he could see the heat in her eyes and the unnatural flush on her cheeks.

Having suffered from a similar aphrodisiac before—one that nearly cost him his life—Beichen Yuan was now extremely sensitive to such things.

“It’s nothing. The drug’s effects are still manageable,” Shen Qingwan replied nonchalantly, as if it were no big deal.

Beichen Yuan didn’t doubt her words.

She was about to leave, but before she could take a step, they heard voices approaching.

Judging by the sound, it was quite a crowd. Beichen Yuan quickly pulled Shen Qingwan behind a rockery to hide.

Then, they heard Ye Lingxue leading the Third Prince, Consort Liu, and a group of noblewomen and young ladies in their direction.

“She’s just ahead! I saw with my own eyes that someone kidnapped my aunt. I don’t know what’s happened to her now. We need to hurry!”

Ye Lingxue’s voice was particularly grating to Shen Qingwan.

It seemed Ye Lingxue was also involved in this scheme.

That meant she was no longer needed.

Just as Shen Qingwan was about to step out from behind the rockery, she unexpectedly bumped into Beichen Yuan, who was standing right behind her.

His hand instinctively wrapped around her slender waist. She tilted her head to look at him—without his usual mask, his face was truly breathtaking.

Under her intense gaze, Beichen Yuan felt uneasy, his Adam’s apple moving involuntarily.

That small motion somehow triggered something in Shen Qingwan. She reached out, grabbed his chin, and smirked.

“Speaking of which, didn’t I help you that night?”

Her sudden remark instantly made sense to Beichen Yuan. He had been about to push her away, but he hesitated. What did she mean by that? Was she implying he should take responsibility?

“Then if I force myself on you once, does that make us even?”

“…What?”

Before Beichen Yuan could fully grasp the meaning of her words, Shen Qingwan suddenly leaned in and kissed him without warning.

It was a fierce, dominating kiss—swift and overwhelming, leaving Beichen Yuan no chance to react.

For the first time, someone had dared to take the initiative with him.

He was so stunned that he momentarily forgot to resist.

Just as he was about to turn the tables, Shen Qingwan abruptly pushed him away and coldly said, “We’re even now,” before striding off.

Beichen Yuan: …

Even?

How could this be something that could be evened out?

In Shen Qingwan’s mind, she had helped him detoxify that night, and tonight, he had helped her satisfy her craving.

That should settle things.

Yes, it was just a craving. It wasn’t because of the drug—it was simply that she had been tempted by Beichen Yuan’s face.

A kiss to satisfy her curiosity… and it felt pretty good.

“Gu—Qing—Wan.” Beichen Yuan gritted his teeth as he watched her disappearing figure. What Shen Qing? Her real name was Gu Qingwan.

The eldest daughter of the National Protector General’s household.

And Lu Wenzhao’s… ex-wife.

That’s right—ex-wife.

He had already remarried, so Gu Qingwan was no longer his wife.

By the time Shen Qingwan arrived at the scene, Ye Lingxue was anxiously urging the guards to break open the door.

She then led everyone inside.

The moment they saw the two entwined bodies on the bed, everyone was stunned.

The noblewomen quickly shielded their daughters’ eyes and escorted them out, while Ye Lingxue stood frozen, trembling with rage at the sight.

It was her mother. How could it be her mother?

Although Ye Minghui and Ye Minglan looked alike, Ye Lingxue could immediately tell them apart. However, to others, distinguishing between them would be much harder.

Ye Lingxue’s mind raced as she processed the situation.

“Aunt, this is the imperial palace! How could you be secretly meeting a man here?”

She decided to go along with the situation. Since the two people were completely exposed, it would be impossible to tell who was who. If she insisted that the woman in bed was her aunt, then Ye Minglan would be ruined beyond redemption.

Consort Liu and the Third Prince averted their gazes from the shocking scene but asked in displeasure, “Is that really Madam Gu?”

The National Protector General was still away at the border, yet his wife was caught in bed with another man. If he found out, he would probably be furious.

Ye Lingxue, with reddened eyes, stepped forward and pleaded, “Your Highness, please do not spread word of what happened today. Otherwise, it won’t just be my aunt’s reputation that is ruined.”

“Reputation? Whose reputation is being ruined?”

A calm voice rang out as Shen Qingwan leisurely entered the room.

Ye Lingxue panicked upon seeing her and quickly tried to block her path. “Cousin, the person inside isn’t Aunt! You shouldn’t go in.”

Her attempt to cover up the truth only made Consort Liu more convinced that the woman inside was indeed Ye Minglan.

“Cousin, you must be mistaken,” Shen Qingwan said with a smirk. “My mother is resting in the next room. I just came from there. The one in bed… isn’t that your mother, Ye Minghui?”