The birthday banquet was still underway when Ning Chen had just returned to his seat and heard Changsun speak.
"Xin Yu, go pour wine for the Marquis of Knowing Fate!"
Everyone present shuddered, shock beyond compare in their eyes. What did the Empress Dowager mean by this?
At that moment, not only the officials, but even Ning Chen's expression changed.
He could ignore everyone else's opinions and thoughts, but not Changsun's.
Pouring wine was nothing in itself. However, Changsun had just brought up his marriage, and now she was having the Ninth Princess pour him wine. Anyone could see her purpose.
Xia Xinyu was stunned as well. For a moment, she did not react, even forgetting to answer Changsun's command.
Xia Ziyi rose to his feet too, about to speak, but Changsun stopped him with a stern glare.
At that very moment, Qing Ling's voice transmission sounded beside the two men's ears. A moment later, their expressions changed drastically.
Ning Chen's identity as a eunuch was actually fake!
"Do not make this public. Her Majesty is thinking of a way to deal with it," Qing Ling continued through voice transmission.
The First Prince hesitated slightly and looked toward his younger sister. He could not make the decision regarding Xin Yu's marriage for her.
"Yes, Mother Empress." Xia Xinyu finally came back to herself. She gave a graceful bow in response to Changsun's command, then moved with lotus steps to Ning Chen's side and bent down to pour him wine.
"Marquis of Knowing Fate, please."
"Thank you, Princess."
Their gazes met. A gentle breeze rose, carrying two or three pear blossoms between them, blurring their sight for an instant.
Ning Chen took the cup and drained it in one gulp. Xia Xinyu poured him another and continued, "Marquis of Knowing Fate,