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A lack of propriety in address left Shen Chuwei somewhat confused.

Such informality was generally reserved for interactions between seniors and juniors or between higher ranking officials and their subordinates, who could use it to scold or correct.

As a princess with a title, Feng Wuyou should not have been spoken to without proper respect, even by a proud disciple or subordinate of the National Master.

This was quite impolite.

"I too have only recently returned to the palace and cannot recognize everyone. Then how, may I ask, should I address you?" This should be an acceptable inquiry, right?

"Master, Master, the Crown Prince has arrived," the little Palace Maid ran in and, though she didn’t know the man’s identity, she still bowed respectfully upon seeing him.

Upon hearing that the Crown Prince had arrived, Shen Chuwei wasn’t surprised, just slightly resigned. Regardless, she had to go out and face the situation.

"I will meet with the Crown Prince first, and then I will come back to disturb you later."

After speaking, Shen Chuwei turned and left.

Jun Moqing lifted his gaze and followed the silhouette of Chuwei’s departure, thoughtfully taking a sip of tea.

Shen Chuwei returned to her own Side Hall and saw Ye Yuxi sitting on a chair, his complexion still somewhat pale from his serious injuries.

Seeing her enter, Ye Yuxi stood up with a smile and walked over, "Chuwei, I heard you were not feeling well. Are you better now?"

The illness was just an excuse Shen Chuwei had used to decline visitors; she herself could eat, drink, and sleep fine.

"I’m alright, just a bit of a headache, nothing serious."

"That’s good to hear," Ye Suhuan said as he held up the oil paper package and smiled, "I saw Date Paste Cakes and Chestnut Crisps freshly made when I went out of the palace this morning. Thinking of your taste, I bought some to bring back."

Shen Chuwei, though quite a food enthusiast, couldn’t help but think of the ulterior motives behind the brothers’ kindness, all vying for benefits... No, seeking to marry Feng Wuyou.

How could she enjoy these gestures so casually?

"With such a serious injury, it’s most important to rest at home. These pastries, I can have someone go out of the palace to buy."

Ye Yuxi smiled and said, "Chuwei, you’re as understanding as ever. Please don’t take that incident the other night to heart."

After speaking, Ye Yuxi looked at Chuwei with an apologetic face, also filled with expectation.

Thinking about that night, Shen Chuwei still felt a lingering fear, not because of Ye Yuxi, but Ye Suhuan. It was her first time encountering such a person...

She nodded perfunctorily, "Mhm."

Seeing her nod, Ye Yuxi finally breathed a sigh of relief; he was worried that she would reject him or distrust him because of that night.

"You have been back for a while now. The night scenery in the capital is quite good. Would you like to go see it?"

Shen Chuwei’s eyes shifted as she smiled and tactfully declined, "I’ve been working on a culinary creation these past few days and haven’t succeeded yet. I’m a bit busy."

First thwarted by Ye Suhuan, and now declined by Chuwei, Ye Yuxi felt an awkwardness mingled with incomprehension.

Countless ladies eager for his company would have instantly accepted, and Chuwei was the first he had ever asked out himself, only to be rejected.

He managed a forced smile, "You’re still so passionate about food. Then let’s make plans once you succeed, shall we?"

Shen Chuwei did not nod in agreement, but said instead, "We’ll see once I succeed."

Ye Yuxi smiled, "Then I hope you find success soon."

Shen Chuwei simply smiled, success was not for her to dictate, was it?

After sending Ye Yuxi away, Shen Chuwei thought of the man opposite her room. Intending to learn more about the National Master, she decided to visit him again.

Just stepping out from the Side Hall, she saw that man standing under the Peach Blossom Tree, his tiger-lion beast and Xuetuan surprisingly not romping about, but sitting quietly at the base of the tree.

Curious, Shen Chuwei approached and looked up at the tree the man was studying. There was no blossom on the peach trees in autumn; they were hardly captivating.

"What are you looking at?"

Jun Moqing looked down at her and said, "Come here."

Shen Chuwei pointed to herself, "Me?"

Jun Moqing nodded.

Shen Chuwei approached with puzzlement, looking up at the man much taller than herself, "Is there something you need?"

Jun Moqing said nothing but placed his hands on her shoulders, pressing her back against the Peach Blossom Tree.

Instinctively wanting to pull away from the touch of a stranger, Shen Chuwei barely moved when a cold, frost-like voice came from above, "Don’t move."

She looked up at the man before her, full of confusion. What was he up to?

With his cold, emotionless face, he didn’t look like a libertine.

For such a handsome man, a simple beckoning would have women falling over themselves to be near him; there was no need to play the ruffian.