Xue Zining knew that she could no longer wait to enter the Cold Palace.
She didn't want to wait anymore either.
She was determined to obtain whatever was in the Cold Palace.
"Your Highness, Prince Xi Xia has arrived," Feng Wu said.
Xue Zining nodded, "You all may withdraw."
Feng Wu and the others left, and Han Xi Xia walked in. Xue Zining stood up, "Is there something?"
Han Xi Xia nodded, his expression somewhat grave, "I don't know what Seventh Brother is truly planning. This morning, he actually proposed to Father Emperor to attack Arid Marsh."
Xue Zining trembled all over, "What did you say?"
Han Xi Xia said, "Arid Marsh."
"Why?" Xue Zining maintained her composure.
Han Xi Xia shook his head, "The specific details are unknown. Father Emperor refuses to say, but it might be after Seventh Brother's wedding."
"Thank you for informing me, Your Highness. Are you going, then?" Xue Zining looked up and asked.
Han Xi Xia said apologetically, "Warfare is usually entrusted to me. The Cold Palace might have to wait until after the war. I will then request an imperial decree from Father Emperor."
"I will go with you," Xue Zining said.
Han Xi Xia was taken aback by her words, "You..."
"I've heard that the Northern Frontier has pleasant scenery. I want to go and see, is that not allowed?"
Han Xi Xia shook his head, "It's not that it's not allowed, it's just that during a battle, I'm afraid I cannot protect you."
"I can protect myself," Xue Zining stated.
Seeing that the young lady had made up her mind, Han Xi Xia no longer objected, "Very well." Staying by his side was better than remaining here, as this place was more dangerous.
"Your Highness, you should go attend to your matters. I still need to prepare my travel belongings."
Han Xi Xia departed.
Xue Zining whispered, "Feng Wu."
Feng Wu emerged, "Your Highness."
"Feng Wu, we just received word that Xue Yan is in the Northern Frontier, and Han Xi Chen has requested an imperial decree to attack Arid Marsh and the Northern Frontier. Do you think there might be a trap involved?" Xue Zining asked, frowning.
Feng Wu was startled, then suddenly remembered something and looked at Xue Zining.
At that moment, Xue Zining also remembered, and blurted out, "Xue Yan used the communication function of Feng Yin's Pavilion, so Xue Yu must have also received the news."
Xue Zining rose from her chair, her gaze as clear and cold as frost, "Han Xi Chen has a connection with Xue Yu."
Feng Wu nodded, "It is likely."
"I'm going to find him," Xue Zining turned and left.
Feng Wu followed closely.
Han Xi Chen had his own residence outside the palace. Xue Zining kicked open the gate of Han Xi Chen's royal mansion.
Han Xi Chen was talking to someone in the courtyard. Seeing her storm in, he dismissed the person and walked up to her, asking, "Miss Feng, this is a..."
Before he could finish speaking, Xue Zining had already attacked, showing no mercy. Da Feng Novel
Han Xi Chen retreated repeatedly, frowning coldly, "Miss Feng, cease your actions immediately, otherwise..."
"Otherwise what? Han Xi Chen, who exactly are you?" Xue Zining's gaze turned sharp, and she moved her hand towards his face.
Han Xi Chen's eyes turned cold. He took a few steps back, stopping several meters away, "Miss Feng, you are already Eighth Brother's future princely consort. Is it appropriate for us to be in such a compromising situation here?"
Xue Zining sneered, "Today, I will rip off your mask."
Saying this, she flew forward. Han Xi Chen did not dodge this time, allowing her to approach. Her hand touched his cheek.
"Miss Feng, what are you doing?" A voice suddenly came from behind.
Xue Zining was startled, but her movements did not falter. Her heart skipped a beat. Han Xi Chen was not wearing a human skin mask. Could this be his real face?
She felt a hand grasp her shoulder, followed immediately by a slap. Xue Zining dodged by tilting her head.
An Ruyi's enraged face was somewhat contorted, "Feng Ning, are you hauntings us? Not only did you steal the Eighth Prince, but you're also trying to seduce the Seventh Prince? The Seventh Prince is my husband, how can you... how can you be like this?" An Ruyi yelled hysterically.
"It's not what you see," Xue Zining said.
"What else do you want? Do you want to embrace each other?" An Ruyi asked furiously.
"Miss An, it is indeed not as you see it. Seventh Prince, please explain."
Han Xi Chen heard this and said, "Explain what? Miss Feng suddenly barged in and wanted to throw herself into my arms?"
"Feng Ning, you still say you didn't. Your Highness has already admitted it," An Ruyi's eyes were bloodshot.
Xue Zining raised her eyebrows, no longer bothering to explain. Instead, she looked at An Ruyi and said, "Miss An, if I wanted to throw myself into someone's arms, would I bother explaining to you? I would have already spread the news far and wide."
An Ruyi was stunned. She wasn't stupid and understood that Xue Zining had a point. However, jealousy got the better of her, "But I saw you touching His Highness's face."
"Then just touch him back," Xue Zining said.
An Ruyi's face flushed red, and she said angrily, "Feng Ning, you are truly shameless."
"Sometimes one can be shameless. Seventh Prince, what do you say?" Xue Zining implied.
The Seventh Prince heard this and said, "Miss An, do you have business at the mansion?"
An Ruyi was startled and looked up at the Seventh Prince, "Your Highness, the Imperial Household Department has also sent your clothes. I thought I would deliver them to you."
She hadn't expected to see such a scene, but it was fortunate she came at the wrong time, otherwise... she didn't know what would have happened.
"It's nothing, I'll be leaving now," Xue Zining said, turning to leave.
Han Xi Chen suddenly stepped forward and whispered, "Midnight, meet at the Cold Palace."
Xue Zining trembled all over and looked up at him. Han Xi Chen smiled, "Why don't you want to go in?"
She did not reply and walked out of the mansion.
"Your Highness, what did you just say to her?" An Ruyi asked, chasing after him.
Han Xi Chen turned back. An Ruyi saw that the face that had been pleasant moments ago was now as cold as frost, "Miss An, some things can be asked, and some cannot."
An Ruyi shivered, and she clenched her fists tightly, "This official understands."
"Withdraw. You are not permitted to enter this place again without my permission," Han Xi Chen's words were laced with ice.
The coldness made An Ruyi tremble, a chill emanating from the depths of her heart.
Getting into the carriage, she draped the fox fur shawl that was on the seat over herself.
"Miss, what's wrong?" the maidservant couldn't help but ask.
"I'm cold," An Ruyi said, shivering.
Xue Zining returned to the royal mansion and did not mention the incident to anyone. She knew that the Cold Palace, like the Snow Country Divine Hall, was a dangerous place, and she did not want anyone to risk themselves for her.
At midnight, she opened her eyes and headed towards the direction of the Cold Palace.
In front of the Cold Palace, there was indeed a figure. Who else could it be but Han Xi Chen?
"Why do you want to enter the Cold Palace?" Xue Zining asked slowly.
Han Xi Chen smiled, "What you need, I also need."
"There is only one gem."
"May the best person win," Han Xi Chen said calmly.
"Alright, I agree," Xue Zining said.
Han Xi Chen produced a royal token. Xue Zining stepped forward, confirmed her identity, and the door to the Cold Palace was opened.
A force drew them in.
Xue Zining did not know