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Indeed, one cannot communicate with Shen Chuwei using normal reasoning!

Otherwise, I would be halfway to death with frustration, while she would think I’m happy.

Shen Chuwei spoke meekly, "The banquet is not an important event. Although I am but a Lady, I am also entitled to attend. Your Highness has even taken me to one before."

As she spoke, her voice trailed off, lacking conviction.

Xiao Jinyan raised an eyebrow, "How do you know the banquet is not an important event?"

Shen Chuwei was stunned for a moment and admitted that he was right; sometimes banquets are indeed very important events. After thinking, she said, "If it’s not an important event, Your Highness can still take me. I’m not greedy."

Xiao Jinyan paused in his tea drinking, probably not expecting Shen Chuwei to say that.

He spoke with a frustrated air, "Then how can you let me take someone else?"

"What I was referring to are important events," Shen Chuwei explained, pausing before adding with a hint of helplessness, "Even if I wanted to go, the Emperor and the Empress certainly wouldn’t agree to let me."

Even though there is no Crown Princess now, there eventually will be one, and I have no power or influence; it will definitely not be me.

I’m better off being a salted fish, just muddling along and having my fill.

Xiao Jinyan watched Shen Chuwei for a while, only to see her with downcast eyes, looking sorrowful and distressed.

"Is this why you let me take someone else to important events?"

Shen Chuwei nodded, feeling sad that she couldn’t attend the banquet.

But there was no helping it; after all, this was ancient times, with feudal thinking and many rules.

"Although I don’t know much, I do understand that imperial commands cannot be defied," she said.

After hearing this, Xiao Jinyan paused for a long time, then felt a sense of relief that she was considering things for him.

Indeed, imperial commands cannot be defied, but he was also making an effort!

After striving for so many years, he finally reached the position of Crown Prince.

He believed that before long, he would be the master of his own life, beyond the control of his father the Emperor and his mother the Empress.

This has been his goal ever since he returned as a hostage.

When he looked at Shen Chuwei again, his gaze softened a bit, "Although that’s true, many things depend on one’s own actions."

Suddenly Shen Chuwei brightened up, "So Your Highness will still take me to the banquet, right?"

Xiao Jinyan watched how Shen Chuwei went from sorrow to a smiling face in a second, her transformations faster than flipping through a book.

"Hmm, if you show a bit of ambition, I will have no problem taking you with me," he said.

Shen Chuwei obediently nodded, "I will eat more, so I won’t make the trip for nothing. Rest assured, Your Highness."

Xiao Jinyan: "..."

As the sky gradually darkened, a lamp was lit inside the horse carriage, yet the light remained dim.

Traveling on the Official Road, the spacious carriage was not too bumpy.

Shen Chuwei yawned, feeling sleepy from the carriage’s movements.

Xiao Jinyan heard her and looked up to see Shen Chuwei propping her elbow on the low table, her hand supporting her chin, looking like she would fall back asleep at any second.

He said indifferently, "Chuwei."

Shen Chuwei looked up at Xiao Jinyan, asking with confusion, "Does Your Highness need something?"

Xiao Jinyan said, "Come here."

"Oh." Shen Chuwei moved closer to Xiao Jinyan with confusion.

Xiao Jinyan patted his thigh and said, "If you’re tired, lie down and sleep for a while."

Shen Chuwei asked, "And what about Your Highness?"

Xiao Jinyan replied, "I’m not sleepy yet."

Shen Chuwei looked down at Xiao Jinyan’s legs. He was dressed casually today, not as elaborately as when in the palace, in a moon-white robe that highlighted his noble and aloof bearing.

She propped up the blanket and laid down, resting on Xiao Jinyan’s leg. It was the first time sleeping on a man’s leg, and she was not accustomed to it.

The horse carriage was spacious and laid with soft cushions, making it quite comfortable.

With her eyes open, Shen Chuwei could see the sharp yet gentle lines of Xiao Jinyan’s jaw.

Meeting those limpid phoenix eyes, even in the dim carriage, one could not overlook them.

She closed her eyes feeling guilty.

Xiao Jinyan looked down without a word, his slender fingers brushed her stray hair behind her ear.

Initially, Shen Chuwei felt odd because of his touch, thinking it would be difficult to fall asleep on a man’s thigh.

Contrary to her expectations, she fell asleep shortly after closing her eyes.

Although the carriage jostled somewhat, it didn’t impede her sleep at all.

When she awoke, dawn had broken, the candle inside the carriage had burnt out, and a faint morning light seeped in through the curtains.

Shen Chuwei looked at Xiao Jinyan; he was fast asleep, leaning against the cushion.

She gently massaged her waist, as the carriage was still not as comfortable as a bed.

After such a long journey, they stopped the carriage in front of a restaurant.

Because they were escorting a prisoner, there were many onlookers.

Xiao Jinyan ordered the guards to form a ring around the prisoner to prevent any advantage from being taken.

Hungry from the previous night’s meager meal of pastries, Shen Chuwei’s appetite surged at the sight of porridge and more pastries.

Xiao Jinyan cautioned, "Eat slowly, be careful not to choke."

"Your concubine understands," Shen Chuwei responded softly, given that there were guests all around.

Xiao Jinyu leaned in and quietly asked, "Sister-in-law, did you sleep well last night?"

The mention of the previous night made Shen Chuwei glance instinctively at Xiao Jinyan; she had slept on his thigh, which was far more comfortable than sitting up.

She smiled and replied, "Quite well, and you?"

Xiao Jinyu rubbed his neck miserably, "Not well at all, my neck is so sore."

Han Yan’s gaze was fixed on Xiao Jinyu, and upon seeing him so close to Shen Chuwei, his brows furrowed slightly. "Your Highness, I shall give you a massage later; that will help."

Xiao Jinyu hastily declined, "No need, rest will suffice."

Who knows how you would massage me? What if you’re deliberately flirting with me?

Han Yan offered a shallow smile but did not reply.

Xiao Jinyan gave Han Yan a glance, a flicker of doubt in his eyes; he always felt that his brother was somewhat afraid of this Miss Han.

After breakfast, Xiao Jinyan pulled his brother aside to inquire.

"What exactly is going on between you and Miss Han?"

"Nothing, brother, we’re quite good..." Xiao Jinyu realized something was off and quickly corrected himself, "No, Miss Han is quite good; she has taken good care of me along the way."

Xiao Jinyan frowned, feeling that his brother was lying, trying to cover up the truth.

"You’re not telling the truth even before me?"

"Brother, I’m speaking the truth. Miss Han is really nice. Despite her tall stature, she is quite gentle," Xiao Jinyu emphasized at the end, fearing his brother wouldn’t believe him.

Xiao Jinyan’s piercing gaze lingered on Xiao Jinyu for a while before he sighed, "You’re nearly 17 now; you should be able to weigh what’s more important yourself, understand?"

Xiao Jinyu nodded vigorously, "I know, brother, don’t worry."

Meanwhile, Shen Chuwei noticed something strange about Chun Xi. Just as Qin Xiao came over, Chun Xi pulled her aside to hide.

Unable to help herself, she asked, "Chun Xi, why are you so afraid of Brother Qin?"

Chun Xi was too embarrassed to mention Qin Xiao pinching her arm, so she lied, "Mistress, it’s nothing. It’s just... I find the smell of his sweat quite unpleasant?"

By chance, Qin Xiao overheard, "There’s no way my sweat smells that bad."