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

Chapter 97 He Discovered the Red Mark
Following the palace lanterns, we returned to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

When Jiang Jinshuang arrived at the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the banquet was already nearing its end.

The Empress Dowager seemed unable to take her medicine, so the nanny called Jiang Biechen away.

Emperor Jiang Huayan drank a few more cups and, supported by Eunuch Kang, returned to his bedchamber.

Changping King Jiang Zeyi chatted eloquently with his ministers, displaying the demeanor of a host at a banquet.

When Jiang Jinshuang arrived, Pei Du had already returned to his seat.

Straight and upright, spotless.

Jiang Jinshuang rolled her eyes, scoffed, and sat back down in her seat.

Si Ning looked over from the opposite side.

It was easy to notice that Jiang Jinshuang had changed her clothes.

He slightly raised his eyes, his gaze towards Jiang Jinshuang filled with a mixture of doubt and worry.

The lips seemed to say, "What's wrong?"

Jiang Jinshuang looked back, shook her head reassuringly, indicating that she was fine and that they could talk after the banquet.

Si Ning understood and nodded.

At the banquet, the guests were all happy, and Changping Wang Jiang Zeyi drank a lot of wine.

He squinted at Jiang Jinshuang and said with a smile, "Zhaoming, if you marry into Jiangnan in the future, don't forget your uncle and your father."

Jiang Jinshuang smiled enigmatically: "Uncle Changping has treated Zhaoming well, and Zhaoming will naturally not forget Uncle."

Jiang Zeyi laughed along, as if reminiscing about the past, and looked up with emotion: "Alas, if it weren't for your Uncle Ruiyang's rebellion, your relationship with your Uncle Ruiyang would have been the best."

"Hahaha, I still remember the first time you met your Uncle Ruiyang, you were almost scared to tears by his mask of a killing god."

Jiang Jinshuang frowned, lowered her head, gripped the teacup in her hand, and remained silent, pursing her lips.

When the public discussed the traitors of the court, many ministers at the banquet changed their expressions.

Even worse, some used the excuse of being drunk to leave in a flustered and disheveled manner, as if they were afraid of being implicated in the case of Prince Ruiyang from years ago.

For a moment, the banquet was silent.

Changping King Jiang Zeyi seemed oblivious. He smiled and shook his head, then sighed, "Alas, what a pity. The hero who was undefeated back then did not die on the battlefield, but died in a rebellion. It's truly unsightly."

"Tuk-"

Jiang Jinshuang placed the teacup heavily on the octagonal table.

Tea spilled from the table, wetting the area between her thumb and forefinger.

Jiang Jinshuang took a deep breath, raised her eyes and smiled at Changping King Jiang Zeyi: "Uncle, you're wrong."

"Oh?" Prince Changping raised an eyebrow, squinting at Jiang Jinshuang. "Where did I say something wrong?"

Jiang Jinshuang raised her eyebrows, her tone cold and deep: "Not only in the past, but even now, Zhaoming's relationship with Uncle Ruiyang is the best."

Even if he is already dead.

That's a strange statement.

Who would dare to publicly admit that they have the best relationship with a mere traitor?
Except for her, the arrogant and disdainful Princess Zhaoming!
“Hahahaha, Zhaoming, what are you saying?” Jiang Zeyi laughed, his words somewhat slurred due to his drunkenness. “Your Uncle Ruiyang is ultimately weak-willed and treacherous. Zhaoming, you must not follow his example.”

The banquet became even quieter.

As if afraid of being implicated, a group of ministers had already made various excuses to leave.

The once bustling and noisy Hall of Supreme Harmony suddenly became deserted.

Even the dancers and the music stopped.

Jiang Jinshuang straightened her posture and turned her head to look at the tall Prince Changping.

Jiang Zeyi didn't seem to think he had said anything, and was still smiling: "Your Uncle Ruiyang is also a fool. If he hadn't been so arrogant back then, and had just handed over the Tiger Tally and made the Black Armor Cavalry submit, my brother would have been merciful and treated him with great courtesy."

"What a pity... tsk tsk tsk... human greed is like a snake trying to swallow an elephant..."

Changping Wang Jiang Zeyi smacked his lips and shook his head slightly.

As if he had thought of something, Jiang Zeyi slightly raised his eyes, and his swaying, drunken eyes fell on Jiang Jinshuang.

He laughed: "Zhaoming, don't be like your Uncle Ruiyang, who holds military power and overshadows the emperor. That's not a good thing."

As he spoke, Jiang Zeyi narrowed his eyes and his tone became slightly more serious: "If you possess the Tiger Tally, you should take it out as soon as possible and offer it to your elder brother to save your life."

Jiang Jinshuang closed her eyes slightly.

There was still a smile on her lips, but the smile didn't reach her eyes; in fact, it grew even colder.

“Uncle Wang is right,” Jiang Jinshuang said slowly and deliberately. “Having an army and relying on oneself is still somewhat forgivable, but if one secretly colludes with foreign enemies and intends to rebel, then that is truly an unforgivable crime.” She was threatening him.

They were locked in a fierce confrontation, neither giving an inch.

Jiang Jinshuang met Jiang Zeyi's cold and murderous gaze without the slightest fear.

for a long time.

“Your Highness Prince Changping,” Si Beihuan spoke from above, his voice deep and resonant, “you are drunk.”

His tone carried an undeniable air of authority.

Jiang Zeyi raised his head and then laughed again.

He quickly waved his hand and rubbed his temples: "Yes, yes, I drank to my heart's content today and I'm quite drunk."

As he spoke, he raised his hand, and his personal bodyguard stepped forward to support Jiang Zeyi.

Jiang Zeyi swayed as he stood up: "Please make yourselves at home. I'll head back to my residence to rest now."

With that, Jiang Zeyi turned around, his face cold and indifferent, and strode away.

In a short time, only a few people remained in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Jiang Jinshuang took a deep breath and stood up, supporting herself on the table.

The banquet is over.

Groups of ministers, maids, and eunuchs also began to move about, creating a silent but lively atmosphere.

Si Ning stepped forward, took Jiang Jinshuang's arm, and helped her.

"Are you alright?" he asked softly.

Jiang Jinshuang twitched the corner of her mouth and shook her head at Si Ning: "It's nothing."

Pei Du, who was beside him, also slowly got up.

Si Ning looked at him, her gaze slightly darkening, but her tone remained gentle and courteous: "Thank you very much, Grand Secretary, for speaking up for Your Highness today."

It's that same tone and that same stance again.

—Easily severing ties between him and her.

It seemed as if the two of them were the closer ones.

With his beautiful, thin lips slightly pursed, Pei Du said nothing, only nodding slightly.

"Wei Chen takes his leave."

After saying that, Pei Du didn't even glance at Jiang Jinshuang before turning and leaving.

Watching Pei Du's departing figure, Jiang Jinshuang frowned, feeling disgruntled.

Si Ning looked at Jiang Jinshuang.

His gaze slowly fell on her neck.

The red marks were barely visible, hidden by her hair.

It's really ambiguous.

Si Ning's eyes dimmed for a moment.

Just then, Si Beihuan finally walked over. Seeing Jiang Jinshuang's obviously changed clothes, he widened his eyes and asked, "Why did you change your clothes during the banquet?"

Jiang Jinshuang scratched her cheek, wondering how to say it.

Seeing this, Si Ning stepped forward, slightly blocking Jiang Jinshuang's figure, and said in a gentle tone: "Father, your questioning will frighten His Highness."

He paused for a moment, then said softly, "Your Highness got your clothes wet from the tea and went to change them."

Si Beihuan frowned suspiciously, his gaze sweeping over the two of them.

hiss……

Not right.

Si Beihuan had excellent eyesight; he spotted the red mark on Jiang Jinshuang's neck in just one glance.

He stared wide-eyed at Jiang Jinshuang in disbelief, then shifted his shocked gaze to Si Ning.

Si Ning's dark eyes tightened slightly, then she shook her head helplessly and called out with a smile, "Father..."

He could roughly guess what his father was thinking.

Reminded, Si Beihuan spread his hands and shouted, "I didn't say anything!"

Why are you looking at him like that? He hasn't even said anything yet!