The sunset is infinitely beautiful, but it is nearing dusk.

Beneath the pavilion in Xiao Yunxi’s courtyard, the servants of the Prince’s Mansion brought Chu Ran and Xu Ying here, letting them sit and wait for a moment, then brought refreshments and placed them on the stone table.

Princess Zhaoqing, Chu Ran, was still somewhat apprehensive and had not taken a seat. Dressed in a long emerald skirt, she was graceful as flowing water, and her delicate skin appeared even more tender against the green hue.

Her hands clutched a square handkerchief. Sparse sunlight filtered through the phoenix tree in the courtyard, casting its glow on her anxious face. Watching Xu Ying leisurely sipping tea, she softly said, "I shouldn’t have agreed to accompany you here. Princess Consort Wei and the others will surely think that we are shameless.

When Princess Consort Wei and the others come over, what should we do?"

Xu Ying wore a palace skirt of bright yellow. The dress clung tightly to her graceful and lithe frame, with her bosom half exposed. Initially, she had wrapped herself in a white shawl for cover, but upon sitting down in the courtyard, she took it off.

She took a sip of the hot tea and commented, "Looks like this is this year’s new tea," then responded to Chu Ran, "Your Highness, don’t worry. Madam Xiao is your aunt, and we are somewhat related. It’s been a long time since we’ve interacted with her, so visiting her for a chat is perfectly reasonable. Who could find fault with that?

Moreover, the servants of the Prince’s Mansion brought us to your aunt’s courtyard, indicating that Princess Consort Wei and the others do not wish to see us."

Speaking thus, Xu Ying put down her teacup and softly said, "Instead of feeling embarrassed, Your Highness should think more for yourself. King Wei spends little time at the mansion and must first accompany his wives and concubines when he returns. Our chances are always scarce.

We’re both over thirty now. If we don’t seize the opportunity to conceive a child, are you willing to remain a concubine?"

Upon hearing this, Chu Ran clutched her handkerchief tighter.

If it were before she was taken by Chen Mo, Chu Ran wouldn’t care at all. But after Chen Mo enjoyed her thoroughly, she did care.

Frankly speaking, after being used, she must strive to gain some benefits for herself.

Seeing Chu Ran silent, Xu Ying continued, "I’ve also heard that this time King Wei returned not only to preside over the imperial examinations but also to bring his wives and concubines to the Capital.

If we wait until he’s settled in the Capital, who knows when he’ll return next. We must make sure he takes us to the Capital."

There was one thing Xu Ying did not say.

You are a person, not an immobile stone. If you didn’t want to come, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t drag you here.

Now that you’re here, it shows that there are still some thoughts in your heart.

"The Prince is here." At this moment, the maid who had escorted them earlier approached the two speaking women and said with a smile.

Chu Ran released her grip on the handkerchief slightly but then clenched it tightly again. On Wen Ning’s graceful jade face appeared a hint of tension and shyness.

Xu Ying raised her delicate brows, her eyes gleaming with excitement, a smile blooming on her face. She had planned to chat with Xiao Yunxi until she could find an excuse to call Chen Mo over, but unexpectedly, he came on his own.

Thinking this, she adjusted her dress to expose more of her half-revealed bosom.

Soon, a tall figure in a white robe entered from outside the courtyard, followed by a beautiful woman in a purple long dress, and the two approached beneath the pavilion.

Noticing the handsome young man, Xu Ying immediately stood up with a smile to greet him, "I pay my respects to King Wei." Then she looked toward Xiao Yunxi, "Madam."

Chen Mo looked at the white expanse before Xu Ying and nonchalantly moved his gaze to Chu Ran. As their eyes met, her gaze clearly carried panic and shyness, but she still softly bowed, "This concubine greets King Wei."

Chen Mo initially intended to reprimand the two, but seeing Chu Ran’s expression, he reconsidered, sighed, and said, "Please sit down."

Beneath the pavilion, there were exactly four stone stools surrounding the stone table.

Xu Ying sat to Chen Mo’s right, while Chu Ran intended to sit opposite him but was pulled by Xiao Yunxi to sit on his left, with Xiao Yunxi sitting opposite him.

Just as Chen Mo was about to pick up the teapot to pour tea, Xu Ying voluntarily poured him a cup.

Chen Mo lowered his gaze and said, "Why have you come?"

"Missing the Prince, of course." Xu Ying was rather direct, even grabbing Chen Mo’s arm, using Ying Yue to massage his arm, then pouted with a hint of grievance, "Who told the Prince to return for so long without even glancing at us."

Chen Mo: "..."

Chu Ran’s face reddened, remaining silent.

Xiao Yunxi poured herself a cup of tea, sipping it while pretending not to notice. However, the scene before her did not surprise her too much, as the three of them had previously been quite candid with one another.

"Busy with affairs. Before returning to Xiangyang this time, I arranged with the Ministry of Rites for your slave status to be waived. But due to your identity, I can only change you to civilian status." Chen Mo glanced at Xu Ying, and then speaking to Chu Ran, he said, "As for Your Highness, your status has been restored to that of a princess."

Chu Ran was visibly delighted, as this meant that even if Chen Mo did not take her to the Capital, she could still go back on her own with her princess status.

Xu Ying was halfway leaning on Chen Mo, saying, "The Prince’s great kindness and virtue are unforgettable to this humble servant.

Furthermore, this humble servant must thank the Prince for avenging my father."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yunxi’s eyes twinkled. Chen Mo had killed Lu Sheng, which avenged her brother’s death as well. But being an old couple, she hadn’t said anything of thanks before, finding it somewhat distant.