On the day of the palace banquet, Qi Yan was left behind at the General’s mansion.

Before leaving the mansion, Puyang Zheng was repeatedly instructed and reminded by Qiandinger, leaving behind numerous hidden guards scattered throughout the mansion. Furthermore, it was emphasized that no one should be allowed to see Qiyuan.

Qiyen couldn't help but laugh. At this moment, Puyang Zheng seemed overly nervous. It seems that they had done something more intimate. Even though Puyang Zheng's feelings hadn't reached that level, he naturally regarded Qiyen as his own person.

In contrast to Puyang Zheng's nervousness and caution, Qi Yan seemed much more relaxed.

On this day, he read books and admired the flowers, leisurely strolling and enjoying the park, feeling wonderfully at ease.

As evening approached, Qi Yan returned to Pu Yang Zheng's study. He sat on the carved wooden chair by the window, facing the unfinished scrolls he had been reading earlier, waiting quietly for Pu Yang Zheng to come back.

Not long after, Xiao Shi came to report, saying that Puyang Zheng had returned and asked him to go to the front hall...

Because there was one more person who came back with Puyang Zheng.

- Female lead, He Hui!

Qi Yan's heart was slightly startled, but it was only a momentary reaction. As he pondered the significance of Pu Yangzheng summoning him to the main hall, Qi Yan suddenly burst into laughter.

It is truly... a clumsy and helpless method.

Before reaching the main hall, the sound of girls' laughter entered Qi Yan's ears like tinkling silver bells. His eyebrows rose, and Qi Yan couldn't help but wonder what could make He Hui laugh so happily.

The young attendant went in to report and came out in less than a minute, inviting Qi Yan to go inside.

As soon as he walked in, Puyang Zheng, sitting in the main seat, was the most eye-catching. Dressed in casual and sturdy attire, he cast aside the awe-inspiring and bloodthirsty aura he possessed on the battlefield, leaving only his determination and handsomeness behind.

The young girl in the green dress sitting to his left wore a hairstyle typical of an unmarried maiden, with her hair tied up in a hairpin. The short sleeves of her blouse implied that she was of an age where she couldn't engage in conversation with unfamiliar men at the same table.

But she stubbornly ignored the gossip and came here to chat and laugh with Pu Yangzheng. There's no need to guess, this must be the female lead, He Hui.

...Unless one is born and raised in this dynasty, they wouldn't understand how certain rules can have a significant impact on a person's life and how tightly those rules can bind them.

"Speak!"

When Puyang Zheng saw Qi Yan, his eyes suddenly brightened. He walked over and affectionately called out his name.

Qi Yanruo smiled lightly, his handsome face displaying a touch of indifference but also a hint of rosy charm. "Was today's visit to the palace satisfactory?"

"Everything is fine," Pu Yangzheng smiled and said, "The Emperor has overturned his decree, which is truly a great fortune for both of us!"

"Thank you so much, Your Majesty..." Qi Yan said joyfully. Suddenly, he exclaimed, as if he had just noticed He Hui, and asked with confusion, "Who is this young lady? Has she been separated from her family?"

Intentionally saying this has the implication that unmarried girls of this dynasty are not allowed to meet unfamiliar young men, let alone visit their residences. However, if there were unexpected circumstances and there was no other choice, then it would be a different matter...

It's whether there would be any surprises or not, and He Hui is well aware of it.

In the face of Qi Yan's subtle sarcasm, Puyang Zheng did not intervene. He simply quietly pressed Qi Yan's waist twice from behind, signaling him to be mindful of his boundaries and to stop there.

Unintentionally, Qi Yan viciously pinched him twice to indicate that he understood.

In response to Qi Yan's straightforward retaliatory behavior, Puyang Zheng's mind immediately echoed their tumultuous past, causing his face to feel a bit flushed. But more than that, he felt a sense of joy.

Puyang Zheng brought Qi Yan to sit next to him in the nearest seat. Qi Yan raised his eyebrows and waited quietly for He Hui's response.

The female lead is still the female lead after all, her mind turns quickly. She calmly said, "This humble girl is He Hui, the daughter of the Prime Minister. His Majesty originally intended to arrange a marriage between me and Duke Puyang, but unexpectedly, Duke Puyang is already in love. Therefore, he wanted to establish a sibling relationship, so that we can be friends in the future."

"So it turns out to be the Prime Minister's daughter..." Qi Yan exclaimed, "Although the Emperor has withdrawn the arranged marriage, Ah Zheng has no further relationship with Miss He. But here, I must apologize to Miss He once again."

After speaking, Qi Yan respectfully bowed with a reverent gesture.