The seductive princess is no longer being pursued; the aloof prime minister is facing a crematorium.

Chapter 7 My Master Has Not Seen His Highness Today
Jiang Jinshuang left the mansion today to pay her respects at the funeral.

Three years ago, King Ruiyang defeated the Northern Huai Kingdom and returned to the capital in triumph with three thousand elite soldiers.

But before he could return to his residence, he was summoned by the emperor to the capital.

Later, Prince Ruiyang, Jiang Buhuo, was accused of plotting a rebellion. His military seal was confiscated that same day, and he was thrown into a death cell.

Upon learning of this, Jiang Jinshuang went to the palace alone and knelt outside the Golden Palace for three whole days.

In the depths of winter, heavy snow fell.

She ultimately failed to save Prince Ruiyang.

Jiang Buhuo, the Prince of Ruiyang, had a distinguished military career, yet in the end, he didn't even have a tombstone.

He was thrown into a mass grave on a distant mountain outside Chang'an City.

Jiang Jinshuang had originally planned to visit him.

But unexpectedly, someone came and blocked her way.

Jiang Jinshuang turned around, and when she saw who it was, a nonchalant smile appeared on her face again.

"Lord Shaoqing, it's been a long time."

The person who arrived was none other than Shen Huaihe, the legendary cold-faced Yama and Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, whom she had been talking about this morning.

In the past, Shen Huaihe, who was the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, had always disliked her style.

Shen Huaihe was upright and incorruptible, cold-hearted and ruthless, and was known for his integrity, honesty and impartiality.

They despised and loathed her for her depraved and licentious behavior, which involved bullying women and dominating men.

Back then, Shen Huaihe frequently impeached her "misdeeds" before the emperor.

The man before me wore a snow-white robe with exquisite silver cloud patterns on it. His face was exceptionally handsome, and his posture was as upright as a pine tree.

His expression remained as cold and indifferent as ever. Upon seeing Jiang Jinshuang, he walked slowly towards her.

"Where is Your Highness going?" Shen Huaihe asked in a cold voice.

Jiang Jinshuang blinked, her clear eyes like those of a mountain spirit: "Lord Shaoqing, do I need to report to you where I go?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Huaihe pursed his lips slightly, his expression unreadable: "I just wanted to remind Your Highness that something has happened at Lord Xia Wenbin's home."

Jiang Jinshuang raised her eyebrows slightly, her eyes flickering.

No wonder he came in a huff this morning, but left in a hurry.

Shen Huaihe glanced at Jiang Jinshuang's expression and continued, "It is said that his eldest son went out hunting and was beaten up by thieves from who-knows-where."

Jiang Jinshuang's eyes lit up, her face filled with excitement: "Dead?"

Shen Huaihe frowned slightly: "Broken bones, but still alive."

"What a pity." Jiang Jinshuang clicked her tongue, looking regretful.

Shen Huaihe looked at her with a stern expression.

Jiang Jinshuang smiled without any attempt to hide it, her eyes crinkling: "What? Does Lord Shaoqing think I ordered it?"

"His Highness is the prime suspect."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Jinshuang wrinkled her nose unhappily: "Lord Shaoqing, is this the despicable image you have of me?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Huaihe frowned and pursed his lips, shifting his gaze slightly away from her.

Seeing that Shen Huaihe did not answer, Jiang Jinshuang chuckled lightly, completely unconcerned: "Since Lord Shaoqing thinks it was me, why have you come to find me alone now?"

She stepped forward with a smile, her voice charming and her eyes bright and clear: "Lord Shaoqing, are you going to protect me?"

The fragrance of peach blossoms filled my heart.

Shen Huaihe hurriedly took two steps back before he stood still, and glared at her coldly: "I will find out the truth myself and will not wrong anyone."

Jiang Jinshuang smiled and raised her chin: "Then I wish you success in finding the real culprit soon, so that Lord Xia can rest assured."

After saying that, Jiang Jinshuang took a step to leave.

"Your Highness, it would be best if you did not leave the city gates today."

She stopped and turned to look at Shen Huaihe.

Shen Huaihe said in a cold and calm tone: "Today in court, His Majesty's expression was not good after hearing Lord Xia's memorial."

"If Your Highness goes out now, His Majesty may send someone to summon you."

The implication is that the emperor secretly sent people to monitor her every move.

Jiang Jinshuang naturally knew these things, but she was somewhat surprised: Shen Huaihe had always been at odds with her, so why would he risk reminding her now?
She took a few steps back, then walked up to Shen Huaihe. The girl tilted her head slightly, her eyes clear and bright: "Shen Huaihe, are you plotting something to harm me?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Huaihe's handsome brows furrowed even more deeply.

Her beautiful, thin lips pressed into a straight line. Shen Huaihe glared at her coldly, leaving behind the words "ungrateful," before turning and leaving.

Jiang Jinshuang watched Shen Huaihe's departing figure with a puzzled look, feeling that he was acting a little strange these days.

—He didn't preach any grand principles to her today, nor did he angrily call her a "witch"!
The sun rises from the west.

However, after being reminded by Shen Huaihe, Jiang Jinshuang gave up her plan to visit Prince Ruiyang.

His Majesty is in a bad mood right now, so she'd better not provoke him.

Thinking of this, Jiang Jinshuang turned back.

The Princess's residence and Pei Du's Wenshan Pavilion are on the same street.

On her way back to the manor, Jiang Jinshuang passed by Wenshan Pavilion.

Outside Wenshan Pavilion, a man dressed as a guard with a sword at his waist was pacing back and forth outside the mansion, seemingly waiting for someone.

Before Jiang Jinshuang even reached the front of Wenshan Pavilion, the man spotted her.

"I have met Her Highness the Princess."

Jingmo bowed to Jiang Jinshuang with his hands clasped, his tone cold.

—He had heard of Princess Zhaoming's deeds.

She used every despicable means imaginable to win over his family back then!

Jingmo thought to himself that he must be careful of her. He couldn't let her take the opportunity to get close to the adults again this time he returned to the capital!

Jiang Jinshuang seemed to have heard others mention this guard's name before.

"Lord Jingmo, what are you doing outside the manor?"

Jingmo's face was tense, and his voice was cold and deep: "My master said that distinguished guests are arriving today, and I am waiting here."

Jiang Jinshuang nodded indifferently and continued walking forward.

She was already a few steps away from Wenshan Pavilion, but Jingmo thought that she was going to break into Wenshan Pavilion!

In an instant, Jingmo assumed a defensive stance and said warily, "Your Highness, halt!"

Jiang Jinshuang frowned, looked up in confusion, and stopped.

Jingmo frowned and firmly refused, "Your Highness, my master is entertaining guests today and it is not appropriate for him to see you."

Jiang Jinshuang: "..."

She laughed angrily.

He stopped in front of Wenshan Pavilion, arms crossed, and asked, "Which distinguished guest is your master waiting for?"

"This... I have no comment."

In truth, Jingmo didn't know either.

Last night, the adults reminded him that if guests came to visit today, he should not stop them.

Wenshan Pavilion does not receive strangers year-round.

The reputation of Pei Du, the chief minister, was so great that countless people wanted to pay him a visit.

Even within the imperial court, there were countless ministers and officials who wanted to befriend Pei Du.

But over the past few years, my family has declined them all.

Since the master said so last night, based on Jingmo's understanding of Pei Du, there will definitely be distinguished guests visiting today.

Jingmo cannot let Princess Zhaoming ruin all of this!
"If Your Highness wishes to see my master, perhaps another day would be best," Jingmo said righteously.

Jiang Jinshuang sneered.

She didn't care who Pei Du was waiting for, but the guard's highly alert demeanor displeased her.

—It seems everyone assumes that she will continue to pester Pei Du after returning to the capital.

Just as Xia Wenbin said, back when he was still a poor scholar, she would pester him relentlessly.

Now that Pei Du has risen to prominence, how could she possibly let go of the immortal-like Prime Minister Pei!

"Your Highness, please return." Jingmo's voice was cold and unyielding.

(End of this chapter)