Chu Qiao shook her head and laughed. "I don't drink. It only causes misunderstandings or adds to my sorrows."

Zhao Che was dazed upon hearing her words. After a long while, he replied in a low voice, "I used to think the same way. However, my views changed with time."

"Your Highness, what you did today was a bit muddle-headed."

"Was it?" Zhao Che smiled lightly and drank, looking up.

Chu Qiao continued, "Your Highness publicly humiliated Prince of Tang in front of everyone. You did not show yourself despite seeing me beat him up and attempted to cover up after that. Everyone is aware of this incident. Do you know the consequences if this is revealed? Your Highness, do you trust your subordinates so much?"

Zhao Che replied lazily, "What should I do then? Send you to the court? I had wanted to do this all along. However, someone did it on my behalf. Why should I be ungrateful?"

"Your Highness shouldn't be like that." Chu Qiao shook her head slowly. "You are different from what I expected."

"Then, what should I be? Like those people in Sheng Jin Palace? Scheming and fighting against each other all day, not caring about kinship or status at all?"

The young lady's expression cha