With a warehouse full of supplies, I stood alone as king in this chaotic world, gun in hand.

The Zhenyuan Prince's Mansion was brightly lit, and those who had sent out assassins, upon receiving news of the failed assassination attempt, naturally could not sleep soundly.

One hundred and twelve assassin corpses were taken away by the government officials before dawn, while Luo Dayou led a hundred guards to clean up the poisonous insects.

When it was time for court, Nangong Wu changed into the prince's court robes and went to court.

Emperor Mingde had also received the news long ago. Besides being furious, he was also relieved that all the assassins had been killed.

When Nangong Xun saw Nangong Wu walk in unharmed, he stared at her intently, his hatred almost solidifying.

Nangong Wu returned his smile with a mocking one.

Upon seeing her, Emperor Mingde said, "Runing! I've heard about what happened last night. Fortunately, you're alright."

Upon hearing this, Nangong Wu's eyes immediately reddened with grievance. "Uncle Emperor, I don't know who Runing has offended? Why would they send so many people to assassinate me?"

Fortunately, Huo Lifeng hadn't left yet, and with their protection, I'm afraid I wouldn't be standing here talking to you. You must stand up for Runing!

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Nangong Yi stepped forward and spoke, his words carrying a hidden meaning: "Father, Princess Runing has no grudges against anyone. It must be that she has gotten in the way of someone, which is why they want to get rid of her."

"This is utterly outrageous!" Emperor Mingde roared in fury. "Investigate! You must get to the bottom of this! I want to see who exactly wants to kill you, the dignified Prince Zhenyuan!"

The Prefect of the Capital, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, and the Minister of Justice stepped forward together and reported to the Emperor in detail what had happened at the Prince of Zhenyuan's residence the previous night.

In the end, they all agreed that these assassins were the ones who stole from the Zhou family's treasury and bombed the Prince Rui's mansion and the Marquis of Wu'an's mansion.

Hearing their words, Nangong Wu smiled with satisfaction.

"Uncle Emperor, today is the one-month celebration for the three children, and the Prince's residence will be hosting a banquet. I will go back to prepare now." Nangong Wu bowed to Emperor Mingde.

"Go ahead!" Emperor Mingde nodded. "The gifts for my three children have been prepared. I will have Eunuch Hu deliver them later."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will take my leave now." Nangong Wu took three steps back, turned around, and left the main hall.

Upon returning to the Prince's Mansion, they found the gates wide open, and the old steward methodically instructed the servants to prepare for today's banquet.

Although the assassination attempt that shocked the entire capital last night did not affect today's banquet at all, the steward Fang had already instructed people to set up tables for the outdoor banquet.

Nangong Wu did not send invitations to anyone, but almost all the nobles in the capital came.

Some ordinary people had arrived early, waiting to eat at the banquet and also wanting to see the excitement at the Prince's Mansion.

If it were another noble family, they wouldn't even be allowed to attend a banquet during a celebration; anyone who got too close would be driven away with a whip.

When Steward Fang saw that so many people had come to watch, he invited them to help and gave them a day's wages, since the manor had limited manpower.

When the people heard that they could help and would even be paid, they all signed up. Helping the Zhenyuan Prince's Mansion was a very prestigious thing.

There were too many people, so Steward Fang simply set up several stoves outside the gate of the Prince's Mansion and brought out meat and vegetables.

For a time, the area outside the Prince's Mansion was bustling with activity, with people steaming buns and chopping vegetables.

They suggested cooking a mixed stew, which would not only fill people up but also save a lot of trouble.

Drunken Plum Courtyard.

Nangong Wu instructed Granny Feng to bring all three children to her room.

A month has passed, and all three children have grown up. The two older brothers are chubby and look exactly alike. Although Xiao Xi'er is a bit thin, her little face is rosy.

"My darlings!" Nangong Wu kissed the foreheads of the three children, feeling extremely happy, as if it were a blessing from heaven bestowed upon her by time travel.

She took out a special potion and covered up the black spots behind the three children's ears.

There are many guests today, and it would be bad if someone recognized the distinctive feature of the seven black dots.

"Young Master Xiao." Li Shuang's voice came from outside the door.

Nangong Wu put away the medicine and looked up. She saw that Xiao Lin was dressed in a fine robe today. With his tall and straight figure and extraordinary temperament, he looked like a handsome young nobleman.

"Why did you come here?"

"Come and see the children." Xiao Lin handed her the gift box in his hand.

"These are gifts for my three children. Take a look."

"Thank you!" Nangong Wu took the gift box and opened it.

Inside, three exquisitely carved jade longevity locks lay quietly, made of the finest mutton fat jade.

She picked up one of the pieces; it was warm to the touch. On the front was carved a lifelike four-legged dragon surrounded by cloud patterns.

"nice."

She turned it over and saw the four characters "富贵命长" (meaning "wealth, honor, and long life") carved in the very center.

Below is a small character "煜".

"Such excellent craftsmanship! It must have been created by a master sculptor."

Xiao Lin's lips curled up slightly. "I carved it myself. I was worried you wouldn't like it! I'm relieved to hear you say that."

"You actually carved this?" Nangong Wu looked up at him, quite surprised.

"Yes." Xiao Lin's face showed a hint of awkwardness. "I have been staying at your residence to recuperate these days. In my spare time, I found a piece of jade and made it for the children."

After the carving was finished, I had it blessed by the abbot of Huguo Temple. I hope you won't find it unsatisfactory.

"Fine jade and exquisite craftsmanship. It's clear you put a lot of care into carving it. How could I possibly dislike such a thoughtful gift?"

"I never expected you could carve, and so well. I thank you on behalf of the children." Nangong Wu took the jade lock and immediately put it on her eldest son.

Seeing her satisfaction, Xiao Lin's lips curved into an even wider smile. "I'm the child's nominal father, what's a few longevity locks to me?"

"It's a pity you're not married yet, otherwise I would have had my children recognize you as their godfather," Nangong Wu said.

Xiao Lin raised an eyebrow slightly. "Aren't I the children's father now?"

Nangong Wu rolled her eyes at him. "That's just an excuse to cover things up. You'll leave one day. If the children recognize you as their godfather, your future wife might misunderstand."

She could tell that Xiao Lin was no ordinary person and would leave sooner or later.

Xiao Lin's gaze darkened slightly upon hearing the mention of marriage.

Nangong Wu didn't notice the subtle changes on his face. After putting the longevity lock on her eldest son, she took another one out of the box.

This piece is exactly the same as Yu'er's, but the small characters on the back are "珏", which belongs to Nangong Jue.

At this moment, Nangong Yu was woken up by her and started to grunt.

"Let me hug you." Xiao Lin picked up Nangong Yu and patted him gently.

He was slightly taken aback when he saw the child's face. The child, whom he hadn't seen for only half a month, seemed to have changed completely. But this little face... why does it look a little familiar?

How is that possible?