I died tragically in my previous life, and I want to be an empress in my next life

As night falls, Yime Pavilion is silent and quiet. The flickering candlelight in the room illuminates Pei Zhiyan's beautiful face.

Her eyes were as clear as deep pools, sparkling with intelligence. She was wearing a light green dress, the hem of which fluttered gently with her movements, like a blooming plum blossom standing proudly in the cold winter.

Pei Zhiyan sat alone at the table, writing and drawing on paper, immersed in her own world.

Suddenly, a slight knock on the door broke the quiet atmosphere. "Come in." Pei Zhiyan said softly without looking up.

The door was carefully pushed open, and a breeze blew in, gently blowing the gauze curtains in the room.

Then, a man in a brocade robe walked in. He had a handsome face, sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, like a carefully carved painting.

He walked up to Pei Zhiyan and whispered, "Yan'er, it's so late, why don't you rest yet?"

Pei Zhiyan raised her head and her pupils suddenly contracted. The person who came was actually Xuanyuan Che.

"You... why are you here?" Pei Zhiyan's voice was filled with a hint of panic and surprise. Xuanyuan Che's sudden appearance caught her off guard.

"Didn't you let me in just now?" Xuanyuan Che asked back with a mysterious smile on his face.

Pei Zhiyan was stunned. Only then did she remember that she had indeed said "come in" when there was a knock on the door just now.

Pei Zhiyan rolled her eyes helplessly and thought, I thought the knock on the door just now was from Yinliu or Yinping, how could I have imagined it was him?

"It seems that the guards of my Prince Jing's Mansion need to be strengthened." Pei Zhiyan said lightly, trying to hide her inner panic.

The two sat opposite each other, and the atmosphere in the room was a little subtle. Pei Zhiyan lowered her head and said nothing, while Xuanyuan Che looked at her quietly with deep eyes. His eyes made Pei Zhiyan feel a little uncomfortable. She didn't know why he came here, nor did she know how to face him.

"Sixth brother, what brings you here so late at night?" Pei Zhiyan asked again, trying to stay calm, but her heart was restless.

"It's nothing serious." Xuanyuan Che's tone was calm, but he couldn't hide the emotions in his heart, "I just want to see you."

Pei Zhiyan frowned slightly, "Sixth brother, if you come to visit us late at night and get discovered, aren't you afraid of causing unnecessary trouble?"

Xuanyuan Che was silent for a moment, "You don't have to worry, I will act carefully and will not let you get into trouble."

In fact, he had quietly come to Yimei Pavilion of Prince Jing's Mansion many times, and every time he just sat quietly on the roof and looked out the window. But since they parted at Zhuangzi last time, Pei Zhiyan had been hiding from him, and he couldn't help but want to see her.

Pei Zhiyan raised her head and looked into Xuanyuan Che's deep eyes. "If Sixth Brother is alright, you should go back early."

"Can you stop calling me Sixth Brother? You know I don't want to be your younger brother." Xuanyuan Che's heart trembled. He took a step closer and said softly.

Pei Zhiyan's heart was pounding, and a complex emotion flashed in her eyes. She took a step back, lowered her head, avoided Xuanyuan Che's gaze, and held the teacup tightly with both hands, trying to calm herself down.

Xuanyuan Che picked up the teapot on the table and tilted it gently. A stream of clear water flowed into the cup. The fragrance of tea was gradually released and filled the air, making people feel relaxed and happy.

He picked up the teacup and took a sip. The sweetness of the tea immediately spread in his mouth, moistening his dry throat. He closed his eyes, as if savoring the taste of the tea, and immersed himself in the tranquility.

After a while, he suddenly said, "I guess you have heard about the matter of the Marquis Zhongwu."

"Yeah." Pei Zhiyan responded softly.

"Your Highness, you are so unlucky. The last father-in-law retired and returned home, and this one went straight to jail." Xuanyuan Che smiled and said meaningfully, "How unlucky can you say he is."

Pei Zhiyan shook her head gently and whispered, "I think the prince is quite lucky. He can always escape danger."

Xuanyuan Che was stunned for a moment after hearing this, then smiled and said, "That's true, he is indeed very lucky."

After all, Xuanyuan Zheng had been the crown prince for many years, and his mother's family was a century-old family. His position had long been entrenched and was not so easily shaken. Even if the Marquis Zhongwu lost power, it was only a temporary disturbance and could not shake his position.

He paused and continued, "However, who can be sure of what is going on in this world?"

Xuanyuan Ping's ambition is well known to everyone, but his current strength is not enough to support his ambition. However, his perseverance and determination cannot be underestimated. The road ahead is still long, and the struggle for power has just begun.

He picked up the teacup and took a sip. His eyes became deep. "The matter of the loyal and martial marquis is over. Yan'er, what are your plans next?"

Pei Zhiyan pretended to be a little surprised and looked at Xuanyuan Che, "What plan do I have? These are all matters of the court. How can a woman like me understand them?"

Xuanyuan Che looked at Pei Zhiyan's expression and laughed in his heart. This girl was still pretending in front of him. How could he not know what she was doing secretly? However, if she wanted to continue hiding, he would play along with her.

At this time, footsteps were heard outside, and Xuanyuan Che hurriedly hid behind the screen.

Yin Liu walked in, "Miss, I heard some noise in the room, but what's the matter, Miss?"

Pei Zhiyan raised her eyes and looked at Yin Liu. A trace of panic flashed across her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. "It's okay. I'm just a little thirsty. Pour me a cup of tea."

She picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip, trying to hide her uneasiness.

Yin Liu frowned, looked around, and found nothing unusual, so she nodded and said, "Oh, so that's it. Miss, I'll get you some hot water."

"Yes." Pei Zhiyan responded, "You go."

"Yes, miss." Yinliu bowed and left the room.

Watching Yin Liu walk out of the room, Pei Zhiyan breathed a sigh of relief. The room became quiet again, and Xuanyuan Che walked out from behind the screen.

"Sixth brother, you really should leave." Pei Zhiyan said lightly.

Xuanyuan Che's eyes were filled with a hint of unruliness and determination, and he said in a slightly overbearing manner, "I said, I don't want to be your royal brother!"

Pei Zhiyan sighed helplessly. Yin Liu would be back soon. At this moment, Pei Zhiyan just wanted to send Xuanyuan Che out quickly.

"Okay, okay, okay! Whatever you say is what it is!"

Hearing Pei Zhiyan's answer, Xuanyuan Che's eyes flashed with joy, "Then from now on, you can call me Che!"

Pei Zhiyan was stunned. She didn't expect Xuanyuan Che to make such a request. The name "Che" was too intimate and unacceptable. Even when she loved Xuanyuan Ping in the past, she never used such an intimate name.