As autumn deepened, the annual Mid-Autumn Poetry Gathering in the capital also arrived with great fanfare.

This poetry gathering was not originally organized by the government, but rather a small gathering put together by a group of young gentlemen in the capital. At first, it was just a dozen or so people entertaining themselves in a small circle, but with Emperor Wen Xiao's support for literati in recent years, the scale of this poetry gathering has gradually expanded. It is now hosted by the court and has become an official event, attracting countless scholars and literati to participate every year.

Unlike Xie Ming, who had a heart for appreciation but was not good at poetry and books, Mu Yuanwen had been talented in literature since childhood, with high attainments in poetry and prose. He had always had the reputation of being a talented scholar in the capital. If nothing unexpected happened, with his talent, he would surely be able to rank in the first class in next year's imperial examination.

So he would naturally not miss this Mid-Autumn Poetry Gathering specially held for literati.

Originally, in the past few years, Xie Ming would accompany him every time, but this time, the limelight of Prince Su's wedding had not yet passed. His good friend was still lazily lying in the mansion, reluctant to move, and gaining weight silently. Moreover, his good friend was already married after all, so there were some things to avoid. Mu Yuanwen consciously did not send him an invitation.

Speaking of the avoidance of male spouses, he actually couldn't quite figure out where Prince Su's bottom line was for Xie Ming.

In fact, in the Wen Dynasty, the rights of male spouses were greater than those of women. Not only did they manage the affairs of the inner courtyard, but they also often helped manage the family's business.

Many wealthy families would arrange for their sons to marry a capable man to take care of the family business if their offspring were incompetent. Therefore, male spouses did not have the same rules as women, who could not meet with other men alone.

But after all, male spouses still bore the title of a wife, and they usually avoided getting too close to men outside the mansion.

It was also for this reason that Mu Yuanwen hesitated to send a visiting card to Prince Su Mansion after his good friend's marriage, fearing that if Prince Su was unhappy, it would implicate Xie Ming and make him uncomfortable in the inner courtyard.

However, when he went to Prince Su Mansion that day, although he didn't see Prince Su, judging from his good friend's unrestrained attitude and the servants' obedient demeanor towards Xie Ming, Mu Yuanwen felt that based on Prince Su's attitude towards Xie Ming, he might not mind his good friend interacting with other men.

Not taking concubines, allowing Xie Ming to bully all the beauties the emperor sent to the mansion, and not minding Xie Ming inviting other men to meet alone in the mansion - this Prince Su's magnanimity was truly beyond his expectations.

The Mid-Autumn Poetry Gathering was basically a place for men, and it was extremely taboo for a male spouse to attend. However, Mu Yuanwen felt that if Xie Ming wanted to come, Prince Su would most likely allow it. It was just that Xie Ming himself had no intention of going out, so he didn't bring it up.

However, although Xie Ming didn't come with him this time, he assigned two servants to him.

Mu Yuanwen originally thought that Xie Ming was just casually telling him to be careful of the Second Prince, and didn't take it to heart. But unexpectedly, on the day of the Mid-Autumn Poetry Gathering, Xie Ming directly sent people to "protect" him, which gave him quite a shock.

But after the shock, he began to sense that something was amiss.

How bold could the Second Prince be? Xie Ming had been pestered by him for so long, how could he not be clear about it?

Since he was clear, he certainly wouldn't worry about the Second Prince doing anything to Mu Yuanwen.

So he sent these two guards not to guard against the Second Prince, but for someone else.

It was just that Mu Yuanwen considered himself to be a person who had always been well-behaved, had a good reputation, and had never made enemies with anyone. Who would want to harm him?

On the way to the Mid-Autumn Poetry Gathering, Mu Yuanwen sat in the sedan chair, racking his brains but unable to think of any suspicious candidates. Instead, he scared himself and lifted the curtain several times to look at the two servants following beside the sedan chair, who had their heads lowered and looked inconspicuous, before he felt slightly relieved.

Servants from Prince Su Mansion, personally selected by his good friend, should be very reliable.

In fact, after Mu Yuanwen guessed that someone might try to trap him at the Mid-Autumn Poetry Gathering, he hesitated for a while, but did not choose to give up attending this poetry gathering.

As long as the person who wanted to harm him did not give up, even if he avoided it this time, he would not be able to hide like this with trepidation in the future. Sooner or later, what was meant to come would still come.

He couldn't let the servants from someone else's mansion protect him all the time, right?

Although he had a good relationship with Xie Ming, he had no reason to shamelessly keep the servants from someone else's mansion and not return them.

The Mid-Autumn Poetry Gathering was held in a restaurant in the capital that was specially used by literati. It was roughly divided into two venues. The commoners with lower status and some slightly famous literati gathered in the spacious main hall, while the noble sons and famous literati went to the elegant private rooms on the second floor.

As the legitimate son of a marquis and with a considerable reputation in poetry and prose, Mu Yuanwen naturally had to go to the elegant private room on the second floor.

After being led to the private room by the restaurant's waiter, Mu Yuanwen was still looking around for familiar people when a figure darted out from somewhere and was skillfully blocked by the servant behind him.

This person was none other than the Second Prince.

Because he was blocked by the servant, the Second Prince showed a trace of anger on his face, ready to reprimand this audacious servant. But when he turned his head to look, he quickly smiled, "Why don't you sit next to me, Scholar Mu? There happens to be a seat available."

This private room was specially prepared for literati gatherings and was extremely spacious. The seating arrangement was that the presiding great Confucian scholar sat at the head, and the rest of the people consciously sat on both sides in order of status and reputation. Although the Second Prince's literary talent was mediocre, he still held the title of a prince, so his seat was very close to the front.

Hearing the Second Prince's invitation, Mu Yuanwen frowned imperceptibly. His family's influence was not as good as Marquis Xinyuan's. Although he was extremely disgusted with the Second Prince, he could not teach him a lesson like Xie Ming did, and could only try his best to avoid him.

So he declined coldly, "No, I have already made an appointment with someone. I'm afraid I will have to turn down Your Highness's kind offer. Please excuse me."

The Second Prince looked at his handsome back and clicked his tongue, sighing in his heart. Sure enough, these young masters from noble families were all difficult to deal with. Xie Ming didn't even bother to look at him before and would kick him at every turn. Mu Yuanwen was not much better.

But he's so good-looking. The Second Prince just happens to be into the aloof and indifferent act put on by these young masters. If he really caught one, he'd probably get tired of them before long.

Actually, he just treats chasing these young masters as a form of amusement. It's best if he catches them, but it's no big deal if he doesn't. He's never lacked for people by his side. If these people aren't willing, there are plenty of men and women who flock to him for money and power.

The Second Prince, having failed in his daily flirtations, quickly returned to his seat.

Xu Lingge, who was sitting quietly beside him, tactfully poured him a cup of wine. The Second Prince stroked his smooth hand and took the wine cup, downing it in one gulp.

Ever since Xie Ming entered the Manor of Prince Su, he had felt a bit empty inside. Somehow, he was reminded of Xu Lingge's good qualities and missed that docile appearance. This time, he brought Xu Lingge along to the poetry gathering, planning to reminisce about old times with him.

On the other side, Mu Yuanwen had already found his good friend who had agreed to sit with him. This person was the legitimate son of the Minister of Rites. Upon seeing him, he teased with a wink, "I bet you've already met the Second Prince."

Mu Yuanwen lifted his robe and sat down in the empty seat beside him, smiling bitterly, "I'm so sick of it. You still want to mock me here. Sooner or later, I'll let you have a taste of this feeling too."

The man immediately waved his hand, "Please don't. This humble one's appearance is crude and vulgar, unworthy of catching the Second Prince's eye. Besides, you know how old-fashioned my old man is. If I really caused a stir outside, I'd get a beating with a bamboo rod when I got home."

"By the way," after a few more jabs at each other, the man suddenly lowered his voice and leaned close to his ear like a thief, asking, "...I heard you went to the prince's manor the other day. How is that Xie, Xie Ming doing?"

Mu Yuanwen glanced at him and said, "In any case, better than you."

Upon hearing this, the young master leaned in even closer, his voice even lower, "Then, is it true as the rumors say, that Prince Su... is afraid of his wife?"

Mu Yuanwen pushed him away in disgust and said in a choked voice, "Enough already. A whole table of food can't shut your mouth."

The servant boy from the Manor of Prince Su was still standing behind them. Having him gossip here with someone about the affairs of Prince Su's family made him feel a bit guilty.

Seeing that he didn't want to discuss this topic, the young master also tactfully shut his mouth. However, he was born with a nature that couldn't stop talking. Before long, he nudged Mu Yuanwen with his elbow again and said, "Why did you bring two servant boys with you? You're cautious enough. In my opinion, the Second Prince doesn't have the guts. What are you worried about?"

Mu Yuanwen tidied his sleeves, "It's always good to be a little careful. Just now, if the servant boy hadn't blocked it for me, my sleeve would have been grabbed."

The man thought for a moment, "That's true. But the Second Prince's thoughts have always come and gone quickly. Only Xie Ming is a bit special. Just endure it for a while. Look, he has someone else by his side now, doesn't he?"

Mu Yuanwen turned his head to look and recognized the one sitting beside the Second Prince. It was none other than Xu Lingge, the unfavored son of the Xu family who had previously been the Second Prince's study companion.

He remembered this person. It was said that he was the one who had stayed by the Second Prince's side the longest. Unlike those who flocked to the Second Prince's side for money and power, Xu Lingge seemed to have genuine feelings for the Second Prince. After so many years, he still hadn't broken ties with the Second Prince.

Another person who couldn't see clearly.

Mu Yuanwen sighed inwardly but didn't respond, instead changing the subject.

As the two chatted idly, the poetry gathering had already begun.

Reciting poetry always requires fine wine to boost one's mood. When the excitement rises, one can't avoid being persuaded to drink a few cups. Because of his good friend's hint, Mu Yuanwen was a bit wary and restrained himself to drink as little as possible. By the end, he wasn't even slightly drunk.

The entire poetry gathering was very normal and orderly. Except for the Second Prince getting drunk near the end and groping the person beside him, nothing else unexpected happened.

Even after entering the gate of the Anyuan Marquis Mansion, Mu Yuanwen was still a bit puzzled.

Did this Mid-Autumn Festival poetry gathering pass so peacefully and uneventfully?

At least in the eyes of most people, it indeed seemed to be so.

If one had to find something worth mentioning, it was probably just the Second Prince's wanton behavior at the banquet.

In a villa on the outskirts of the capital, the Fourth Prince, after hearing his subordinate's report, suddenly darkened his usually gentle face. Even the jade thumb ring on his left hand cracked from his grip.

His original plan was to drug both the Second Prince and the legitimate son of the Anyuan Marquis Mansion, then use the moles he had planted by the Second Prince's side to send the legitimate son of the Anyuan Marquis Mansion to the Second Prince's bed. When the incident broke out, it would only be the Second Prince who, in a drunken state, had forcibly kidnapped the legitimate son of the Anyuan Marquis Mansion to his own manor.

Originally, the most suitable candidate was Xie Ming, but Xie Ming had already married Prince Su and rarely came out anymore. There was no opportunity to make a move. Besides, he didn't have the guts to touch that imperial uncle of his.

After weighing the options, he chose the legitimate son of the Anyuan Marquis Mansion to dig a hole for the Second Prince.

Not only was Mu Yuanwen's status high enough, but he was also extremely aloof in his bones, not much inferior to Xie Ming in terms of disposition. He also greatly disliked the Second Prince, making him the most suitable candidate besides Xie Ming.

As long as by tomorrow, when the news of the Second Prince forcibly sleeping with the legitimate son of the Anyuan Marquis Mansion broke out, he wouldn't even need to do much to push it. The Anyuan Marquis Mansion would likely become enemies with the Second Prince.

When it reached Emperor Wen Xiao, his impression of this son would undoubtedly become even worse. In order to appease the Anyuan Marquis Mansion, he would certainly have to punish the Second Prince.

Of course, making the Second Prince despised by Emperor Wen Xiao was only a secondary goal. The main reason he went to great lengths to scheme for the Second Prince to commit such an embarrassing disaster was to force Xu Lingge away from the Second Prince's side.

He didn't have the patience to wait for Xu Lingge to entangle with the Second Prince for several more years before parting. Only if the Second Prince caused such an irreparable scandal could Xu Lingge give up on the Second Prince early.

Especially recently, the Second Prince, for some unknown reason, had taken a fancy to Xu Lingge again. If he didn't act quickly, who knew how his person would be ruined by the Second Prince.

Therefore, the Fourth Prince had meticulously arranged everything at the Mid-Autumn Festival poetry gathering without a moment's delay.

Although he had planned well, for some reason, something went wrong today. The drugged wine was never delivered to the table of the legitimate son of the Marquis of Anyuan.

Moreover, Mu Yuanwen, under the close protection of two unusually vigilant servants by his side, got into the Marquis of Anyuan's carriage with a clear mind. His men had no chance to get close, let alone take him away.

This was not the most important thing. What infuriated him the most was that in order not to arouse suspicion, he had originally planned to have someone feed the Second Prince aphrodisiac drugs after he returned to the mansion.

However, today the Second Prince drank something at the banquet for some unknown reason and suddenly became lustful. Not only did he publicly take liberties with Xu Lingge, but he also directly took Xu Lingge back to the prince's mansion after it ended. What would happen next was obvious to even a fool!

His men, seeing that things were going wrong, had originally planned to kidnap Xu Lingge after the poetry gathering ended. However, these people were all "coincidentally" hindered, and could only watch helplessly as Xu Lingge was hurriedly taken away by the Second Prince in his carriage.

The Fourth Prince was a very possessive person, and he never allowed others to touch his things.

Since his rebirth, he had already regarded Xu Lingge as his own possession. What happened today undoubtedly stabbed him fiercely in the heart. He had to use almost all his strength to control his impulse to rush to the Second Prince's mansion and cut him into a thousand pieces.

The Fourth Prince sat in his chair and closed his eyes calmly for a long time before coldly saying to his subordinate who was still kneeling on the ground, "Get lost."

The subordinate hurriedly retreated without daring to raise his head.

The jade thumb ring on the Fourth Prince's hand finally cracked with a "snap", and as he loosened his hand, the translucent green thumb ring fell to the ground with a crisp sound.

If no one had intervened and made mischief in this matter, he could twist his own head off and give it to someone to kick like a ball!

While the Fourth Prince was fuming, the person who had made mischief behind the scenes was lazily lying on his husband and said leisurely, "I've been in a good mood recently. Why don't we go to the countryside villa tomorrow to enjoy the autumn scenery? I've been lazy for so many days, it's time to go out for a walk."

Prince Su nodded without objection and said in a muffled voice, "Then I'll send someone to prepare in the morning. Let's go after lunch when it's warmer and stay there for a few days before coming back."

He Yan, with his eyes half-closed, made an "mm" sound and knocked his head against his hard chest, which was taken as an agreement to his suggestion.

Because Xie Ming had a delicate body, the room had been lit with charcoal early on before winter arrived, so the room was very warm and without a hint of cold. The two of them were also dressed very lightly.

Prince Su placed his hand on his back and slowly stroked it through the thin inner garment.

The smokeless charcoal bestowed by the palace silently generated heat in the corner. In the room, there were only some intermittent, muted, or sticky sounds, which seemed particularly lingering on an autumn night when only the sound of falling leaves could be heard.