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"We’ve come this far, you want me to leave the palace now?

Wouldn’t that be like giving up right before success?

The National Master is here, and even though I’m impersonating Princess Jiuyou, he will definitely give me some face.

Then wouldn’t it be a matter of course for him to take a look at you?

Otherwise, under what identity would we ask the National Master for help? "

As she spoke, Shen Chuwei added emphasis, "Moreover, I’m not that easy to bully. I have Xuetuan with me, and if it comes down to it, the tiger-lion beast can help me as well."

Xiao Jinyan was aware of Xuetuan, but as for the tiger-lion beast, they had only known each other for two days. If the real Princess Jiuyou returned, would it still protect her?

The answer was negative.

"A straight spear is easy to dodge, but a hidden arrow is hard to guard against, understand?"

"I’m not a three-year-old child, and besides, Master Lu has read my fortune, saying that I will have a long life of wealth and nobility," Shen Chuwei added with particular stress on her last words, as she always tended to be lucky.

Xiao Jinyan sighed helplessly, "I just don’t feel at ease with you alone in this imperial palace."

"It’s not my first time dealing with this.

As for experience staying in the deep palace, I’m accustomed to it," Shen Chuwei chuckled, recalling her initial days after transmigrating here when she was a punished concubine.

Life had been much tougher than now within the inner court of the deep palace.

Xiao Jinyan knew what she meant; though becoming a legend involved some luck.

"That’s just luck. It’s not the everyday occurrence I fear, but the unexpected ones."

Shen Chuwei replied, "You’re right, it is luck, and my luck has always been good."

Xiao Jinyan hummed, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

"I’ve dug up quite a few rumors about the National Master these last few days."

Shen Chuwei’s interest piqued, "What kind of person is the National Master? Easy to talk to?"

"Rumor has it the National Master is extremely cold-blooded; even the Emperor can’t order him around. Do you think he’s easy to talk to?" Xiao Jinyan raised an eyebrow at her, his implication clear—getting the powerful but indifferent National Master to help might be a tall order.

"He doesn’t even give face to the Emperor?" Shen Chuwei was somewhat surprised, "I was here trying to find out about the National Master, but discovered that all the palace maids here are newly recruited and know nothing about either the National Master or Princess Jiuyou."

Xiao Jinyan asked, "Knowing this, do you still intend to stay here?"

Shen Chuwei’s tone was very firm, "Of course. Look, if the National Master won’t even give face to the Emperor, once I leave the palace, there will be no chance to even meet him. I am very much looking forward to you regaining your memory and then us returning to Daxia together."

Shen Chuwei never thought she would one day, like Chun Xi, speak so earnestly and laboriously; she now deeply understood just how difficult it had been for Chun Xi.

What could Xiao Jinyan say to that? If she insisted, of course he would support her, even if her identity was exposed one day—he would still be there for her.

Having come to terms with the situation, he stopped fretting.

The two sat shoulder to shoulder for a while when Shen Chuwei lifted her head to ask, "Are you going back now?"

Before, Xiao Jinyan didn’t feel anything about splitting up, but after two days apart, he found himself uneasy.

"I won’t go back."

With such a straightforward statement, Shen Chuwei understood his intentions; he wanted to stay the night.

She naturally had no objections. It helped that there was a tiger-lion beast guarding the door and the palace maids didn’t dare to come near, so there was no worry of being discovered.

Xiao Jinyan began to undress, aware of how bold his decision was, yet within his limits.

Shen Chuwei lay in Xiao Jinyan’s arms, unexpectedly too excited to sleep. Her hand resting on his chest unintentionally caressed him.

Xiao Jinyan’s breath became a bit unsteady. From the moment he saw her in that outfit, he had been tempted and now, that restless hand of hers, acting unrestrained, was impossible to ignore.

He looked down with a hoarse voice, "Can’t you sleep?"

"Your sudden arrival got me excited..." She would fall asleep soon enough.

However, Xiao Jinyan didn’t give her a chance to finish, as he silenced her with a kiss.

By the time Shen Chuwei fell asleep, it was already the early hours of the morning.

Xiao Jinyan watched the sky lighten, and then at the person sleeping soundly in his arms. Reluctant to leave, yet he still got dressed and slipped away silently.

The tiger-lion beast at the door watched a figure fly out with open eyes...

Shen Chuwei slept until the sun was high in the sky, and if it hadn’t been for the Crown Prince’s arrival, she probably would have slept until noon.

The Crown Prince came to continue acquainting her with the palace environment, as she was to become a permanent resident.

When Ye Yuxi arrived, he brought many delicious treats, most of which were Shen Chuwei’s favorites.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, she accepted all the food... "Crown Prince, you’re too kind."

Ye Yuxi smiled, "What’s this? We used to do this all the time; as long as you enjoy it, it’s good."

Shen Chuwei lowered her head guiltily, and looking at the pile of pastries, she felt even more conscience-stricken.

Shen Chuwei, with her soft and tender legs, followed behind Ye Yuxi. Her pace was so slow that Ye Yuxi couldn’t help but worry.

"Little Jiu, are you feeling unwell?"

Shen Chuwei smiled and said, "I didn’t rest well last night and feel a bit weak."

Ye Yuxi quickly exclaimed, "In that case, we should go back. Once you feel better, there will still be time to get familiar with the palace."

Shen Chuwei secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, Ye Yuxi was considerate; if it were some tactless man, he might have continued the tour regardless.

Princess Anyu came over, supported by a maid. Even though she wasn’t fond of Princess Jiuyou, she hadn’t forgotten the important matters.

"Crown Prince brother, third brother is back," she said.