The abstinent prince, practicing Buddhism, is seduced by a voluptuous beauty into breaking his vows.

He slowly rose, his gaze sweeping over Xiao Qiming: "Second brother, the matter has not been fully investigated, so there is no need to rush to conclusions."

His tone remained calm, yet carried an undeniable air of authority.

Xiao Qiming hesitated for a moment: "Brother, I..."

"Ling Feng." Xiao Chenyuan stopped looking at him. "Take this woman away and hand her over to the Inner Court for interrogation."

He paused, then added, "As for Miss Su..."

He looked at Su Yaoyao.

Su Yaoyao lowered her head at the opportune moment, and the powder on her cuffs was particularly conspicuous under the palace lanterns.

"It wasn't her fault she was frightened; on the contrary, she was almost framed." Xiao Chenyuan said calmly.

Is this... helping her out of a difficult situation?

Xiao Qiming's face darkened: "Brother! What's wrong with you...?"

"Second brother."

Xiao Chenyuan looked up at him, his eyes unfathomable.

Those two seemingly casual words made Xiao Qiming swallow all his words.

Su Yaoyao was taken aback, then chuckled inwardly.

This Crown Prince is more interesting than she imagined...

"Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness." She curtsied.

As she moved, the hair ornament that was already dangling precariously from her hair swayed slightly, then came loose and fell off with a soft "clink," rolling to the ground.

It happened to stop right at Xiao Chenyuan's feet.

Su Yaoyao exclaimed "Ah!" and was about to bend down to pick it up—

A hand with distinct knuckles picked up the hairpin before she could.

Xiao Chenyuan lowered his eyes to look at the hairpin in his hand.

He got up and walked to Su Yaoyao.

The entire room fell silent; everyone stared wide-eyed.

His Highness the Crown Prince... actually picked up a woman's jewelry himself?!

Xiao Chenyuan handed the hairpin back to her: "Returning it to its rightful owner."

The voice remained cold and detached, but the act itself was already shocking enough.

Su Yaoyao looked up at him, her eyes flashing with just the right amount of panic and gratitude: "Thank you, Your Highness..."

She reached out to take it, her fingertips inadvertently brushing lightly against his palm.

It was a very light touch, like a feather brushing past.

Xiao Chenyuan's fingertips curled up almost imperceptibly.

Su Yaoyao took the hairpin, and as she lowered her head, the corners of her lips curved slightly.

well.

If there's a reaction, that's a good thing.

As Xiao Qiming watched this scene, a strange sense of irritation welled up in his heart.

When did Su Yaoyao, who always followed behind him and was disliked by him, become someone that her imperial brother would personally pick up things for her?

And the way she looked at her brother just now...

He suddenly felt that the gaze was extremely piercing.

"Pretentious." He snorted coldly, then pulled Su Yun'er back to her seat.

Su Yun'er stumbled as he pulled her, then turned around and glared fiercely at Su Yaoyao.

The Empress saw everything but ultimately said nothing.

The banquet continued, but the atmosphere had become subtle.

Su Yaoyao sat quietly in her seat. Many noble ladies secretly glanced at her, their eyes filled with a sense of assessment and inquiry.

Xiao Qiming stared at her for a while, his irritation growing stronger.

He felt inexplicably guilty, especially when he saw the red marks he had made on her fair wrist.

He picked up his wine cup and took a big gulp, but then he heard several young men around him whispering among themselves:

"Miss Su was truly stunning tonight..."

"Stunning? That figure... tsk."

"What a pity, the Second Prince seems to be..."

"Shh, keep your voice down..."

Xiao Qiming's face turned ashen, and he slammed his wine glass down.

Seeing this, Su Yun'er quickly poured him more wine and said softly, "Your Highness, please don't be angry. My sister... she might just be trying to get your attention."

"Attract attention?" Xiao Qiming sneered. "Does she think this will make me glance at her? Dream on!"

Despite saying that, his eyes involuntarily glanced at Su Yaoyao again.

Su Yun'er was so angry that her fingertips trembled, and she almost ground her teeth to powder.

How could that be?! The powder was clearly sprinkled on her!

How come she didn't react at all!

That good-for-nothing...when did he become so cunning?!

And the Crown Prince… why would he help Su Yaoyao?!

As she was filled with resentment, the maid quietly approached and whispered:

"Miss, the dancer's family has been taken care of; she wouldn't dare say anything. But... but what about the Inner Court..."

Su Yun'er took a deep breath: "Let Mother think of a way. No matter what, we can't be dragged into this!"

She stared at Su Yaoyao across from her, a sinister glint in her eyes.

If one plan fails, try another.

She refused to believe that Su Yaoyao could be so lucky every time!

Little did Su Yun'er know that Su Yaoyao's seemingly panicked gesture just now...

In reality, he used self-defense techniques he had learned in his previous life—he had already rolled up most of the powder.

The remaining small amount stuck to the cuffs did not immediately seep into the skin due to the special fabric.

But at this moment, Su Yaoyao felt a faint burning sensation at the cuffs of her sleeves.

A chill ran through her.

This fragrance... its medicinal properties are so potent? Just touching the fabric produces such a reaction?

Su Yaoyao got up, intending to go to the Imperial Garden for some fresh air.

Su Yun'er stepped forward, holding a wine glass. "Sister, you were frightened just now. I feel guilty for not being able to help you, so I've come to apologize..."

Before she could finish speaking, she slipped and the half-empty glass of wine she was holding splashed straight onto Su Yaoyao's chest!

Su Yaoyao's eyes narrowed.

This time, she didn't dodge.

"Splash—"

The icy liquor was spilled all over her chest.

Under the moonlight, her soaked dress clung to her body, outlining her breathtaking curves.

Where the wine stains spread, the fabric became semi-transparent, vaguely revealing the fair skin underneath.

Su Yun'er exclaimed in surprise and quickly pulled out a handkerchief: "Oh dear! Sister, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to... I, I'll wipe it for you..."

She reached out to wipe her hand on Su Yaoyao's chest.

Su Yaoyao took a step back, avoiding her hand.

Su Yun'er watched this scene with a smug look in her eyes.

Su Yaoyao, let's see what you do this time!

Staying at a banquet with your body wet? That would be extremely disrespectful!

Not going to change? If anyone sees me like this, my reputation will be ruined!

Meanwhile, in the locker room... she had already arranged a "good show" waiting for her.

Su Yaoyao looked down at her disheveled clothes, then looked up at Su Yun'er's hypocritical concerned face.

Suddenly, she smiled.

A bright smile, but a coldness in her eyes.

"younger sister,"

She spoke softly, her voice exceptionally clear in the night breeze:

"That glass of wine... was poured with perfect aim."