?


    After the two individuals took their seats, their gazes automatically met the State Preceptor''s across the standard-ss setting.


    The State Preceptor, bathed in an aura of sacred radiance, smiled and nodded at them. His demeanor exuded a remarkable gentleness.


    The young couple exchanged nces and extended their greetings to the State Preceptor, who held a prestigious reputation.


    Qiao Mu found herself lost in thought, asionally sensing the icy stares of Family Head Qin directed her way throughout the encounter.


    She couldn''t recall any instance where she had offended Family Head Qin.


    /If there was any resentment, it was likely due to the incident where she had inadvertently taken his son''s life./


    Qiao Mu''s mind retraced the day she had shaped ice into an arrow and pierced it through Second Qin''s chest…


    Suddenly, it seemed as though his soul fragment had fragmented and shattered, dispersing into countless pieces.


    This form shouldn''t have been his primary corporeal existence.


    Taking a deep breath, Qiao Mu suppressed the surging anger within her.


    The intensity of the person''s stare had profoundly unsettled her just moments ago.


    "Madam Guo''an has arrived."


    Sensing her palm warming up, Qiao Mu met the inquisitive gaze of the Crown Prince. She subtly shook her head to signal her well-being.


    Turning her attention towards the neer, she beheld a figure dressed in red brocade that elegantly enveloped her form, apanied by exquisite makeup.


    Word had it that Madam Guo''an, despite being in her early fifties, maintained the appearance of a youthful maiden, evident from her choice of attire.


    "Your Majesty, I offer my respectful greetings," Madam Guo''an''s voice carried a mellowness that could practically melt one''s resolve as she spoke.


    The Emperor acknowledged her presence with a casual nod, indicating that she should take a seat.


    Madam Guo''an responded by curving her lips into a smile and gracefully moving towards the vacant spots adjacent to Qiao Mu and her husband.


    As she passed by the Qin Estate''s table, the leader of the six prominent patrician families, she purposefully or inadvertently cast a nce over her shoulder. Her gazended on the pale countenance of Fifth Young Sir Qin, and she yfully bestowed him with a flirtatious wink.


    Fifth Young Sir''s reaction bordered on a physical repulsion. His expression resembled someone who had identally ingested an unwee insect, his difort palpable.


    "Crown Prince, Crown Prince Consort," Madam Guo''an paused before the young couple''s table.


    The Crown Prince directed her a detached nce before offering a nod and a greeting, "Greetings, Madam Guo''an."


    "Isn''t ''Madam Guo''an'' a rather distant address from the Crown Prince?," Madam Guo''an responded with a smile, seemingly erasing any traces of enmity between them.


    "I am your mother''s sister. The Crown Prince and Crown Prince Consort can address me as ''Aunt.''"


    "We aren''t well-acquainted," the young crown prince consort''s response was icy.


    Given her current mood at the standard ss, engaging in a verbal exchange with this woman was not something she was inclined to do.


    Madam Guo''an''s demeanor momentarily stiffened. She found it difficult to believe that the young crown prince consort would show such disrespect towards her.


    /This was transpiring under the Emperor''s gaze. Could he truly be so audacious as to disregard her, his aunt?/


    A cloud of consternation darkened Guo''an''s features as she directed a cold stare at the young crown prince consort and the crown prince. Her thoughts echoed, /I had advised you to partake in a forfeit drink instead of a customary toast. My original intention was to spare you difficulties during this asion./


    /However, your currentck of appreciation leaves me no choice. If you wish to make a spectacle of yourself, then by all means, do so before this assembled audience!/


    As this notion crossed Madam Guo''an''s mind, a knowing glint entuated the smile on her face. Her gaze remained fixed on the young crown prince consort as she spoke in a hushed tone, "Crown Prince Consort, the rumor mill suggests that you entered into an agreement with the Emperor epassing three distinct tests. If I''m not mistaken, you haven''t yet sessfully navigated this third trial, have you?"


    The young crown prince consort returned her stare with an icy regard. "Could you perhapsmunicate without straining your vocal cords? Your attempt sounds as grating as a hen''s squawk. I''m not of the male gender, and your theatrical posturing is unnecessary on my ount."


    A stifled "Pfft…" followed.