Who understands? The aloof female ruler always flirts without even realizing it.

Karandal was indeed a little tired. Pregnancy makes one prone to fatigue, and coupled with long-standing habits, her eyelids started to droop as soon as the time came.

Shen Yan sat quietly by the bed for a while until he was sure that his partner’s breathing had become even and deep and that he had fallen asleep. Only then did he get up quietly and leave the bedroom.

The moment the door closed gently behind him, the tenderness on Xiongzi's face receded like a tide, transforming into a chilling calm.

The storm that had been brewing deep in his eyes for half a month began to silently gather.

He dismissed the attendants who were following him and said he wanted to stroll around the inner palace gardens to enjoy the scenery and relax.

The attendants dared not disobey and respectfully stood under the distant pillars, watching his figure disappear into the intricate gardens and corridors of the palace.

Shen Yan had no clear direction, as if it were just a leisurely stroll, wandering aimlessly through the magnificent palace complex.

Passing through the long gallery adorned with portraits of emperors from past dynasties, sunlight streams through the towering arched stained-glass windows, casting dappled patterns of light onto the gleaming marble floor.

His pace was unhurried, his dark eyes seemingly casually sweeping over the surrounding scenery, yet the deep coldness in his eyes was completely out of place with the tranquil luxury around him.

And so, as if drawn by an invisible thread, he unknowingly turned into a relatively secluded corridor.

The decorations here are still magnificent, but they have lost some of their solemnity and gained more of the refinement and life of the residents.

Sunlight filters through the ornate wrought iron pergola, entwined with wisteria and white roses, casting dappled, swaying light.

Anvich and Consort Dei were sitting at an exquisite white carved table, enjoying a leisurely afternoon tea.

Warm sunlight filtered through the trellis entwined with flowering vines, casting dappled patterns of light. Silver teaware reflected a soft glow, and several uniquely shaped pastries exuded a sweet aroma.

They were talking in hushed tones, with faint smiles on their lips, a picture of tranquility, as if all the turmoil in the outside world had nothing to do with them.

This scene, in stark contrast to the terrifying moment just two weeks prior and to Karandal's pale, weak face, presents a sharp and ironic contrast.

Shen Yan's coldness and anger reached their peak in an instant.

Without any hesitation, he walked straight over and pulled out an empty chair. The chair legs scraped against the smooth stone floor, making a shrill, ear-piercing sound that completely shattered the tranquility of the garden.

Two female insects with similar appearances looked up in surprise, only to see the male sitting down as if no one else was there, casually picking up a piece of the sweetest-looking pink pastry, stuffing it into his mouth, and chewing it absentmindedly.

After slowly swallowing the food in his mouth, he forced a cold smile and broke the suffocating silence with his voice:

"Oh, you two seem to be in a very pleasant mood?"

Anweixi had already done something wrong, so when the other party came to his door, he was naturally very guilty. His fingers, which were holding the gold-painted teacup, tightened instantly, and his knuckles turned white from the force.

His eyes darted around, and he didn't dare to meet the male's dark eyes, which seemed to see through everything. His fear was almost written all over his face.

The Empress Dowager's expression was also extremely unpleasant. She put down her teacup and spoke in a cold tone:

"What brings you here uninvited, Lord Shen Yan?"

Shen Yan scoffed, ignoring the question. His laughter was filled with undisguised contempt. He picked up the teapot, poured himself a cup of water, and gulped down a few mouthfuls.

The next moment, without warning, he sprayed the remaining pastry crumbs mixed with tea and saliva in his mouth all over the luxurious clothes and faces of the two insects opposite him!

The sticky, slippery texture, still bearing food residue, caused the pampered Dee to lose control on the spot. She screamed and jumped up, frantically patting her clothes, her face filled with unbelievable humiliation and anger.

Anweixi froze on the spot, his face flushing red and then turning pale, his eyes filled with a mixture of humiliation, fear and anger.

"Shen Yan! You! You've gone too far!"

Dei was trembling with rage, her well-maintained finger pointing at Shen Yan, her voice sharp with extreme anger.

"This is the inner palace grounds! I am His Majesty's concubine, how dare you be so disrespectful?!"

The male son, however, remained seated there, completely at ease.

"Then go and tell on me."

He even casually picked up a napkin to wipe his mouth, a cruel smile on his face, as if he had just done something harmless.

"I recall you're not favored these days, are you? You were only recently released from confinement, and haven't served the Emperor in a long time. Are you going to sue this noble male?"

Dei's chest heaved violently, his sore spot being hit squarely.

He remained beautiful, but His Majesty gradually grew tired of him over the decades. His once-proud face, under the shadow of disfavor, was like a pearl covered in dust, its luster gone.

This outburst of rage is more like a futile struggle to grasp at the last vestiges of dignity.

Shen Yan raised his eyes, his gaze like two poisoned ice shards, slowly sweeping over the disheveled An Weixi and the furious De Yi.

"Just wait..."

The voice was not loud, but every word was clear, carrying a chill that seemed to come from the abyss, seeping into the other person's bones.

"What's this? There's something even worse waiting for you."

His gaze was fixed on Anvis's pale face, which he tried to appear calm on.

"The car accident that happened two weeks ago."

"The Traditional Affairs Bureau's interference in my marriage."

"The truth about Karandal falling into Samuel's hands."

"The real reason for Iris's death."

"What you've done..."

He spoke slowly and deliberately, his voice growing increasingly strained, even clenching his fists in anger to prevent himself from losing control and doing something irreversible.

"Both Karandal and I know."

The pupils of both insects suddenly contracted.

Shen Yan slowly stood up, looking down at them with disdain, as if he were looking at two insects about to be crushed.

"I won't touch you now."

His tone was calm, yet it carried an undeniable air of judgment.

"It's not because we're afraid, nor because we can't find the evidence."

"It's just not the right time yet."

He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice as if whispering a devil:

"But you won't be able to keep this up for long, so enjoy these last... seemingly pleasant moments."

Having said that, he ignored the deathly silence behind him, turned around, and with calm yet cold steps, left the garden where the seeds of fear had already been sown.

The bright sunlight shone on his straight back, casting a long shadow behind him.