Hong Cha tried to think if she should destroy the plot on her own or continue her negotiation with Nian Xiaoyuan because he alone can do it? She must admit, she is admiring his capabilities in scheming and seduction.

  In the novel, the reason why Zhao Xue fell for him is that he changed his tactic from forceful conquering to gentle taming. He finds out about her insecurities, and instead of keeping crazy chasing, he becomes cold. Then, when his gentleness comes back, Zhao Xue falls for him, equal to how she felt for Lin Xingjin.

  Nian Xiaoyuan almost destroyed the plot halfway but the female lead saw through his impatient deviousness and betrayed him for Lin Xingjin's sake. His impatience is the only problem. This caused her plan and his plan to be screwed. He can't wait to break Lin Xingjin and Zhao Xue apart. It is his impatience that makes Hong Cha hesitant to keep playing with him. Once he reaches his limits, if his jar of vinegar overflows, they will both be screwed. Hong Cha must find a way to keep him from choking with vinegar. But how? Should she abduct the female lead and give it to him?

  [Host, please stop overthinking. Even if you do hate the villain, he should not be killed.]

  "Hey, I know!" Hong Cha finally found a solution to that problem. How to calm down a wild beast? Tame it, she will tame a tyrant!

  In the imperial court, Nian Xiaoyuan was plainly looking nowhere as the other head ministers reported. They keep arguing about how to implement the irrigation for the Yangtze River next year before the flood comes.

  "No, no. This will be a waste!"

  "We must consider the funds as well."

  "What about laborers?"

  "Yes. Who will be willing to?"

  "The third prince can lend a hand."

  "No. The fourth prince can!"

  "Sixth prince!"

  If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  "The seventh prince!"

  As they continued to bicker, Nian Xiaoyuan reached his limit and so was Lin Xingjin.

  "Enough!" they both shouted at the same time. The ministers went silent at once. Nian Xiaoyuan didn't bother and shot them a cold glare while Lin Xingjin stood up from his seat.

  "Father Emperor is not in good health, and every one of us here knows that the selection of heirs has begun. However, please consider. We should help one another rather than bicker on who to vote on!" Lin Xingjin pointed out. His brothers nodded, except for the sixth prince, Lin Siji. Everyone knew the sixth prince and seventh prince had a feud going on because of a famous divine doctor.

  As the morning court session steadied, a young girl waited outside the palace gates with a basket in hand. Hong Cha felt a bit nervous when the palace gates opened. The ministers and officials started to leave. She searched for Nian Xiaoyuan when she finally found him. He's still inside the outer court while speaking with someone. Hong Cha wore her veil and approached the palace gate. She still caught some attention since women are not mostly allowed to stay outside.

  "Head Minister Nian!" she called out after noticing his conversation had ended. To her surprise, the other man was somewhat familiar. Hey! Isn't that the second male lead? Lin Siji? He's really the typical second male lead who is as beautiful as if not a man himself. Somehow, Hong Cha likes his gentle, feminine appearance more than the sharp, arrogant face of Nian Xiaoyuan or Lin Xingjin's always indifferent looks. This made her stunned for a moment.

  [Host, warning. The system is detecting love percentage from you.]

  "Love percentage? I'm just admiring him! What love are you talking about?" she lamented in her mind. But she must admit, she is kind of attracted to Lin Siji.

  "Woman, why are you here?" Nian Xiaoyuan harshly asked while emphasizing the word 'woman'. Ladies are not supposed to walk around. They can stay in a carriage if they want to meet someone outside the palace, a minister, or an official. But this girl, she dared to come over? Isn't this disrespecting the authority of men?

  "Greetings Sixth Prince. First, I want to thank the Head Minister personally for his efforts. Head Minister, this is a gift I made." Hong Cha took a satchel from the basket after performing a bow to Lin Siji. The satchel has the embroidery of red spider lilies, elegantly made like it was a real flower. Nian Xiaoyuan was reluctant at first. He warily looked at her and accepted her gift. That is when he noticed the bruises on her jadeite hand.

  "This is?" he opened the satchel when the sweet scent spread. There are caramel candies inside the satchel. Nian Xiaoyuan gave her a suspicious glance. How did she make this? Only he and his mother know the procedure. Even more than that, the fragrance was tempting and not as faint as those that he made.

  "Since Sixth Prince is here as well, this girl can't be stingy." saying so, she brought another satchel with heart embroideries. Hong Cha was terrified when she showed the satchel meant for someone else. However, before she could change it, Lin Siji already took it.

  "Many thanks, Miss...?" he can't recognize her. Lin Siji doesn't know who she is since he rarely pays any attention to women. Except for his beloved Zhao Xue.

  "Song Cha Hua, Your Highness." her cheeks flushed because of his charm. Hong Cha can't tell why she is more attracted to a gentleman than the others. Lin Siji was surprised it was her, his younger brother's previous fiance. "I-if Your Highness wouldn't mind the design..."

  "Oh." Lin Siji looked down to see the pink hearts surrounding the satchel. He tittered at this but instead of giving it back, he was tempted to know what was inside that stunned the infamous Nian Xiaoyuan. Upon opening the satchel, the same sweet fragrance scattered. Lin Siji had a taste of one candy. His irises contracted a bit. "Young Miss Song, you made these?"

  "Mn." Hong Cha nodded and brought out another satchel with a gold star in the middle. Lin Siji and Nian Xiaoyuan immediately understood who would receive the third one.

  "Sixth Prince, can this girl ask for a favor?"