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After everyone had finished their meals, the servants had already brought the carriages to the entrance of Drunken Immortal Pavilion.

Wei Yuanling cupped his hands and said, "My sister can't handle alcohol well, so we'll take our leave first."

Everyone exchanged pleasantries and said their goodbyes. Su Yue looked at Jun Hui and said softly, "Sixth Prince, it's getting late, and I'm all alone..."

"Little sister, how can you be alone? Isn't there me?" Before Su Yue could finish, Su Li interrupted her.

Truly, the daughter of a concubine, always looking for an opportunity to climb the social ladder.

If a man were to escort her back to the manor at night, what would become of the reputation of the Minister's residence?

Su Yue's expression stiffened. She had completely forgotten about Su Li.

"But sister, we're both women..."

Su Li said, "No buts. Steward Lin has sent people to accompany us. Nothing will happen."

In any case, she wasn't going to let Su Yue get involved with Jun Hui—at least not now.

With things having reached this point, Su Yue couldn't say anything more.

Jun Hui smiled and played dumb. His current target was Wei Yuanyao, and he couldn't afford to get entangled with anyone else.

Su Li and Su Yue boarded the carriage one after the other.

"Back to the manor," Su Li ordered as soon as she sat down.

Su Yue sat in the carriage behind, clutching her handkerchief tightly. Such a good opportunity, ruined by Su Li!

Wei Yuanyao sat in her carriage, her head feeling heavy.

She hadn't expected the aftereffects of a single cup of fruit wine to be so strong.

"Brother, tell the carriage to go slower. I feel terrible."

Wei Yuanling said coldly, "Serves you right! You couldn't resist, could you?"

But seeing his sister's discomfort, he lifted the curtain and instructed the driver to slow down.

He handed her a water pouch. "Here, take a sip."

Wei Yuanyao took it and drank a little.

She mumbled, "Still feel terrible."

"Of course you do. It's just water, not sobering soup. When we get back, have the maid brew you a bowl of sobering soup. Drink it and go to sleep."

Wei Yuanyao was drunk, but not completely.

"Sobering soup? If Mother finds out, she'll scold me to death!"

Wei Yuanling laughed in exasperation. "So you do know you'll get scolded!"

If their mother found out that he had taken his sister and cousin out with men during the Flower Festival and even let his sister drink, a scolding would be the least of his worries.

The family had repeatedly warned them to keep Wei Yuanyao away from the Sixth Prince, but today...

A beating wouldn't be out of the question.

"Brother! Brother! I feel like throwing up!"

Wei Yuanling was alarmed. "Hold it in! Hey! Hey..."

...

Jun Hui walked down the street with his entourage.

The night was deep, and the vendors on the street were packing up. The number of pedestrians had also dwindled.

As they passed by Yan River, they saw people still releasing river lanterns.

Jun Hui stopped and looked into the distance.

"Ye Bai."

The guard behind him stepped forward. "Yes, Your Highness."

Jun Hui said, "Why do you think Seventh Brother showed up today?"

Ye Bai shook his head. "This subordinate doesn't know."

"Seventh Brother has always kept to himself and rarely appears in public. Yet today, he showed up at the Flower Festival and even participated in the flower ball competition."

Jun Hui seemed to be speaking to his subordinate, but it also felt like he was talking to himself.

He chuckled lightly and continued, "Surely it's not because he's taken a liking to the eldest daughter of the Su family, is it?"

Although the Su family wasn't as influential as the Duke of Wei's residence, Minister Su still held some sway among the civil officials.

Jun Mo had military power, and with Minister Su on his side, coupled with his close relationship with Wei Yuanling, if he were to aim for the throne, he would indeed be a formidable opponent—at least more troublesome than the sickly Crown Prince.

Ye Bai said coldly, "Your Highness, perhaps you're overthinking it. The eldest daughter of the Su family may not be as bad as the rumors say, but her unattractive appearance is indeed true. The Seventh Prince wouldn't..."

Thinking of Su Li's performance, Jun Hui's eyes flashed with interest.

This woman was quite intriguing. Despite her remarkable talents, she had such a notorious reputation.

"Never mind. As long as I marry Wei Yuanyao, that position will eventually be mine!"