Chapter Eighty-four: The Sudden Imperial Marriage

  Things were actually not what Xuming Jin had thought.

  That day, Xuan Yuan Xi sent someone to send Xu Mingxia to Li Min's secret villa and ordered the guard to safely send the crown prince's wife back to Pingxi Wangfu. Then, without even looking at Yang Lian, he turned around, went downstairs, and walked out of the embroidery workshop, riding his horse and leaving. Yang Lian looked in the direction he had gone, her expression extremely ugly.

  Yang Lian's soul was still unsettled as she slowly walked down the stairs with her guards, left the embroidery house, and got into a sedan chair to return to Prince Ping Xi's mansion. Along the way, she thought about many things, but what she thought about most was how Xuan Yuan Qi had known that she and Miss Xu had agreed to meet at the embroidery house? And how did he find out where it was? Was he following her all the way to Ling Long Pavilion? Was his purpose to investigate what she had been secretly planning recently?

  Yang Lian thought to herself, her whole body couldn't help but tremble with rage. Her own husband was secretly following her, and if she were to say it out loud, probably no one would believe her. But compared to still being a virgin until now, this humiliation was nothing. Yang Lian thought sarcastically, if Princess Ping Xi knew that she was still a virgin, wouldn't the expression on her face be very colorful? But then, her expression turned gloomy, probably for this lifetime, she could only remain a virgin.

  What will be waiting for me today? Yang Lian thought sarcastically, would she be put under house arrest? Or abandoned? Or killed? But no matter what, since she dared to do it, she would dare to take the consequences! At most, one death, what's there to fear? But why did tears fall silently... and couldn't be wiped away...

  Back to the Ping Xi Wang Fu, without disturbing anyone, she returned to her own courtyard. This courtyard was luxurious and grand, with carved corridors and painted buildings, every detail showing its owner's noble status. But it was cold and quiet. Since the day of the big wedding, she had been living alone, he never set foot here, tonight, it would welcome its male master, after tonight, the female master here might disappear, after a while, it would welcome a new female master again.

  Yang Lian returned to the house and immediately ordered her personal maid to hurry back to the Yang family to inform her grandfather that she might be divorced by Xuan Yuan Qi today. Then, she changed into a new set of clothes, re-combed her hair, and dressed up as if nothing had happened before going to see Princess Ping Xi. She tearfully told Princess Ping Xi about what had happened earlier in the day, hiding some details.

  Princess Pingxi was furious as soon as she heard that her son had humiliated himself for the sake of Xu family's little vixen, and she angrily said: What is so good about Xu family's Sixth Miss? Is she worth his constant thoughts? She's just a cheap goods!

  Yang Lian cried: Who says it's not?! Maybe, what can't be obtained is the best? Since he likes someone so much, why not just marry her back home?!

  Princess Pingxi said: "Are you crazy? If she enters the door, will there be a place for you to stand? Swear that he will dote on her!"

  Yang Lian cried: I'm afraid he'll give me a divorce paper as soon as he comes back today!

  Princess Pingxi slammed the teacup in her hand heavily onto the table, causing the tea to spill out of the cup and splash all over the table. Without even looking at it, she angrily said: "If he dares to do such a thing, I will not acknowledge him as my son!" The little maid beside her hastily and carefully stepped forward to clean up the table.

  Yang Lian heard Princess Ping Xi say this, and secretly rejoiced in her heart. It seemed that Princess Ping Xi was on her side. Xuan Yuan Qi wanted to divorce her, but it would take some effort! Her heart slightly calmed down.

  In the evening, Xuan Yuan Xi came back and the butler went forward to say: Young Master, the Wangfei has invited you.

  Xuanyuan Qi's face revealed a sarcastic smile as soon as he heard this, it seemed that this was the trick of his queen. However, that's all! He glanced at the housekeeper and strode towards the courtyard where Wang Fei lived.

  Inside the house, Princess Pingxi received the news and exchanged a glance with Yang Lian. The two of them stood up together to welcome him. Yang Lian followed behind Princess Pingxi, looking towards the exit of the courtyard with both anticipation and fear, her heart extremely nervous.

  Xuanyuan Xie's figure appeared in the courtyard, and Yang Lian only took one glance before being shocked by the aura of slaughter surrounding him, causing her to lower her head.

  The son greets the queen. Xuan Yuan Xi walked up to Queen Pingxi with big strides and greeted her without looking at her sideways, not even glancing at Bai Yanglian beside her.

  The Empress Dowager Ping Xi glanced at Yang Lian beside her and sighed in her heart: Such a beautiful woman, Xie can actually do it without seeing her. Alas. She pulled Xuan Yuan Qi's arm, and the mother and son walked into the house warmly.

  Yang Lian looked at the maids around her with curious eyes, and couldn't help but glare at them with a fierce gaze. The maids immediately lowered their heads and didn't dare to look at her, only then did she turn around and walk into the door. Princess Ping Xi had already pulled Xuan Yuan Qi down to sit beside him at the dinner table, and when he saw her coming in, he hurriedly greeted her warmly: Lian'er, come, sit here. The direction of his pointing hand was the seat next to Xuan Yuan Qi.

  Yang Lian hesitated and didn't dare to move forward. Princess Ping Xi saw the situation, hastily pulled her over, and pressed her down onto that chair.

  Yang Lianru sat on pins and needles, not daring to turn her head to look at Xuan Yuan's expression.

  The Empress Dowager Ping Xi warmly invited the two to have a meal, constantly serving them dishes. Xuan Yuan Qi said: Mother, you don't need to be so busy, I've already eaten outside.

  Princess Pingxi was taken aback for a moment, but then she smiled and said: Have you eaten? Then drink some of this pigeon soup, it's not greasy at all...

  I won't divorce you. Xuan Yuan said calmly.

  The chatter of Princess Pyeonghwa came to an abrupt end.

  Yang Lian suddenly turned her head to look at Xuan Yuan Qi. Her eyes were filled with uncontrollable surprise. He actually said he wouldn't divorce his wife! She had even sent a letter to her mother's family, but hadn't expected that it was just a false alarm...

  Xuanyuan Qiji looked at her coldly and said: But I want to marry Miss Xu Liu as my wife.

  Yang Lian's smile, which had just risen to half its height, immediately froze on his face, forming a very ugly expression.

  Princess Pingxi immediately shrieked: I don't agree!

  Xuanyuan Qi threw a divorce letter over calmly and said: Give this divorce letter to her, I will directly marry Miss Xu Liu as the crown princess, or, I will take back the divorce letter, you promise me to marry her as my concubine. You decide what to do.

  Princess Pingxi picked up the divorce paper and took a look, her face turned very ugly, she said: I don't choose either of these two options.

  Xuanyuan Qishan said faintly: There is still another choice.

  Princess Pingxi was overjoyed, and even Yang Lian woke up from her shock, staring at him with wide eyes.

  Xuanyuan Qishi stood up and said, "Then I'll leave. Mother, consider that you never gave birth to a son like me." After finishing speaking, he turned around and walked out. Princess Pingxi saw this and hurriedly rushed over to hug him, bursting into tears: "Qishi, how can you be so heartless and say such things? If you leave, how can Mother live?"

  Xuanyuan Qiyue remained unmoved, saying calmly: "Mother, from childhood to adulthood, every time I didn't meet your expectations, you used this trick. After all these years, aren't you tired of it? You may not be tired, but I am."

  Princess Pingxi's face immediately stiffened with a sorrowful expression upon hearing this.

  Xuanyuan Qi vowed not to turn back, waited for a moment, and saw that neither Pingxi Wangfei nor Yang Lian had any intention of speaking up. At this time, it was probably not suitable for the imperial family to propose marriage, so they decided to wait until the next day when the Empress Dowager would personally go to Xu Shangshu's house to propose to Miss Xu Liu. How about that?

  Xuanyuan Qixi thought for a moment, then said: Alright, Mother Empress, tomorrow morning you can go to Xu Shangshu's house and propose to Miss Xu Liu. He was finally about to achieve his heart's desire, and he couldn't express the joy in his heart.

  But there is a saying called "Extreme joy begets sorrow."

  Miss Qī's (Seventh Miss) Xu Míngcàn's full moon banquet was a grand affair.

  This finally allowed Mrs. Xu to hold her head high and take a deep breath, after having always been wronged by her daughter's careless handling of the third birthday banquet. To make up for his guilty conscience towards Mrs. Xu, Minister Xu spared no expense in hosting Seventh Miss's third birthday banquet. He invited all their acquaintances in the capital. On the day of the third birthday banquet, the Xu mansion was decorated with lanterns and streamers, filled with joy and laughter, with guests arriving like clouds.

  Her own sister's Shangsan Yan, Xu Mingjin certainly had to attend, although she would rather stay in Feicui Garden leisurely drinking tea and reading books.

  Xu Mingxia's state of mind is now different, the set she designed to deal with Xu Mingjin before, she didn't care about it at all. And since that day when Wang Shi Zifei was caught by Xuan Yuan Qiyue in the embroidery workshop, no one has been sent to deliver messages to her again. After all, Xuan Yuan Qiyue already knew about the matter, and there was no reason to continue with the plan.

  When Xu Mingxia saw Xu Mingjin, she would think of the slap that Xuan Yuan Xi gave her that day and the sentence: Never scold Xu Mingjin as a cheap person, do you know? Xu Mingxia was very unhappy in her heart. As daughters of the Xu family, as legitimate daughters, Xuan Yuan Xi's treatment of Xu Mingjin was really enviable. But to her, he was so cold and ruthless...

  When the banquet was half over, an imperial edict suddenly came from the palace.

  This is something that has never happened before, and Xu Ruoyi's heart is extremely uneasy. What kind of matter could make the Emperor issue an imperial edict at his daughter's full moon banquet? He has been diligent and conscientious recently, not making any mistakes...

  Most of the people who came to attend the full moon banquet today are big shots in Beijing, and suddenly they heard that an imperial edict had come from the palace, everyone was curious. They couldn't help but gather around to take a look.

  Although Xu Ruoyi was suspicious in her heart, she quickly gathered the people from the mansion to listen to the imperial edict in front of the hall. Because today is the seventh miss's full moon, all the people in the Xu family were at the banquet, and they all arrived quickly. Xu Ruoyi ordered someone to burn incense on the hall, and when the eunuch who was announcing the edict arrived, she immediately led the people from the Xu mansion to kneel down and receive the edict. Xu Mingjin knelt in the crowd with a bewildered expression. What does their family's full moon banquet have to do with Emperor Guan? Why did he come to join in the excitement?

  The eunuch who held the imperial edict swaggered in with his entourage, looked at this scene and was very satisfied. Only then did he unfold the imperial edict in his hand and read it out loud: By the Emperor's decree, Xu Mingjin, daughter of Xu Ruoyi, Minister of Rites, is elegant, gentle, kind-hearted, and has outstanding manners. The Empress Dowager and I are delighted to hear about her. Now that the two princes have come of age, they should choose a virtuous woman to marry. As Xu Mingjin is waiting for marriage in the boudoir, she is well-matched with the second prince, and it is suitable for them to get married. Therefore, we hereby grant permission for Xu Mingjin to be betrothed to the Second Prince as his princess. All the wedding rituals will be handled by the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Observatory together. Choose a good day to complete the marriage. This is announced to all officials inside and outside the court.

  As soon as the imperial edict was issued, the whole court was in an uproar.

  Xu Ruoyi was confused, how could the Emperor suddenly grant Jiner a marriage? And the one granting the marriage was actually the Second Prince? Had he heard it wrong?

  That old man's eyes swept back and forth through the crowd, especially sizing up several young ladies from the Xu family: Which one is Miss Xu Liu? Why doesn't she hurry up and come forward to receive the imperial edict?

  Xu Mingjin had not yet recovered from the shock of the Emperor granting her and Xuan Yuanze's marriage when she heard the eunuch's words, and only then did she come to her senses. She hastily stood up and slowly walked out of the crowd, coming before the eunuch. Kneeling down respectfully, she said: "Commoner Xu Mingjin receives the imperial edict, thanking Your Majesty for your great kindness." She could only say this. If not, what else could she say? That she was unwilling? She didn't want to die yet.

  Mr. Li saw the most outstanding lady among the Xu family's ladies stand up elegantly, walk to him with a calm and composed demeanor, and couldn't help but think: She is indeed worthy of being favored by the Second Prince, she truly lives up to her reputation. It was worth it for the Second Prince to have begged the Emperor half a year ago, using his military achievements in exchange for this imperial decree. This Xu Liu Miss is indeed worthy of such treatment.

  Congratulations to Miss Xu on this good marriage. Mr. Li said, handing over the imperial edict in his hand to Xu Mingjin.

  Xu Mingjin took it over, only to feel that this imperial edict in her hand was heavier than a thousand catties, pressing down on her chest and making her mouth dry. Since returning to the Xu Mansion, she knew that she would never be able to escape this fate. Imperial Princess Consort! From now on, wanting to live a carefree life like a cloud drifting aimlessly, was probably just an extravagant hope.

  Xu Ruoyi saw Xu Mingjin hand over the imperial edict, and his heart was extremely joyful. Li Gonggong saw Xu Ruoyi walk over and smiled: "Congratulations to Lord Xu for becoming the father-in-law of the second prince." Xu Ruoyi smiled with a happy expression, and quickly gave a signal to a nearby servant, who understood and handed over a heavy pouch to Li Gonggong, saying: "Li Gonggong has worked hard on this trip, this silver can be used to buy wine to drink." Li Gonggong calmly accepted it. After chatting with Xu Ruoyi for a few more sentences of polite conversation, Xu Ruoyi said: "Today is my seventh daughter's full moon banquet, and Li Gonggong's arrival is just in time. If I can invite Li Gonggong to come and drink wine, that would be a great honor indeed!"

  This eunuch Li, is the emperor's trusted confidant, Xu Ruoyi usually wanted to curry favor but didn't have the chance, now such a good opportunity, how can he miss it? Eunuch Li smiled and said: No way, the Emperor is still waiting for me to return and report back! Another day when I'm free, I'll bother Lord Xu again. After finishing speaking, he led the crowd away.

  As soon as Mr. Li left, the guests in the hall suddenly boiled over. One by one, they rushed forward to congratulate Xu Ruoyi with words of congratulations. The atmosphere was unprecedentedly high, more than twice as lively as it had been just now. It completely overshadowed the hostess of the banquet, Miss Xu Qi. Mrs. Xu sat on the side, feeling very uncomfortable in her heart. Xu Ruoyi felt that this was the first time he had ever been so proud and carefree in over twenty years. He had forgotten that after the news of Xu Mingxia's engagement to Li Yu's son came out, every time he saw his colleagues, they would take a detour to avoid him, afraid of being ridiculed by others. The matter of Xu Mingxia's marriage had made him lose face for several days! Every time he thought of Xu Mingxia, he wished he hadn't given birth to this daughter!

  I didn't expect Xu Mingjin to actually receive a royal marriage from the Emperor himself, and the one he's marrying is the Second Prince! The closest younger brother of the Crown Prince! The most noble and youngest prince in the dynasty! Once Xu Mingjin marries him, she'll become a princess. No wonder she refused to marry Xuan Yuan Qiyue as his concubine no matter what. Yes, how could being a mere young master's concubine compare to being a princess? If it were her, she'd probably make the same choice too? Xu Minxia sat in the crowd, looking at her overjoyed father, the displeased Mrs. Xu, the calm Xu Mingjin, and the envious Xu Mingying, Xu Mingfang, Xu Mingyu... In this instant, she suddenly felt like bursting out laughing wildly. Xuan Yuan Qiyue, you've gone to great lengths... Suddenly, the guards surrounding the Peacock Garden all chased after that person together...

  Xuanyuan Xizhi saw that everyone had withdrawn and then leaped into the Emerald Garden.

  However, when he came to Xu Mingjin's bedroom, familiar with the road, and quietly entered the room to the bedside, he saw that the person on the bed was lying face down, only seeing a head full of black hair, but not his face. Why did Jin'er always like to sleep like this? Last time she slept like this too... He thought, just sat down at the bedside, wanting to touch the hair of the person on the bed, when suddenly the person on the bed jumped up, drew out a long sword with a cold light, and slashed it towards his head. Xuan Yuan Qiyue was caught off guard, almost got his head chopped off, fortunately he as a martial artist, reacted quickly enough, and dodged this sword by a hair's breadth.

  At this point, Xuan Yuan had already figured it out and realized that he had fallen into a trap. He had just said that Jin'er understood him so well, she should know that he wouldn't give up until he achieved his goal... apparently, Jin'er really did understand him very well indeed...

  Xuanyuan Qiyue let out a wry smile and looked up to see the woman holding a sword pointing at him, only to discover that he was very familiar with her. She was none other than Xu Mingjin's loyal maid, Yuzhu. But she could actually wield martial arts? When did Mingjin recruit such a formidable handmaiden?

  Young Master, please leave! My young mistress had expected you to come at midnight, but she said that she really didn't want to be taken to a desolate mountain path to freeze in the cold wind all night. She also doesn't want to be controlled by others, so please leave, Young Master! Yuzhu held the long sword and word for word conveyed Xu Mingjin's instructions to Xuan Yuan Qishi.

  She is there? I want to see her. After a long time, Xuan Yuan Xi Wei said in a low voice.

  My young lady says that she is now a maiden waiting to be married and cannot meet with an outsider, especially since it's already late at night. If the young master has feelings for my young lady, he should know how to behave properly towards her, shouldn't he?

  Xuanyuan Qiyue's heart ached when he heard the words "waiting to be married" from Yuzhu's mouth. He thought to himself: Ah, she is indeed waiting to be married now, she must be happily preparing her wedding dress, and blushing as she imagines herself as the crown prince's consort... She wouldn't think of him, what is he anyway? A man who has already taken a wife, not to mention the position of queen, even the position of princess consort is something he can't give her, why would she still remember him?

  Xuanyuan Xike's painful and discolored face was reflected in Yuzhu's eyes, and Yuzhu also felt a thousand emotions: it seemed that this Prince Pingxi had deep feelings for his own young lady...

  But what's the use? With the master around, he was bound to be disappointed. The young lady is already a sure bet as the second prince's consort.

  The look of pity on Yuzhu's face pierced Xuan Yuan Xi's heart. He, a dignified prince, was being pitied by a lowly maid? How humiliating! With a loud shout, he drew his sword and charged towards her. Yuzhu quickly dodged and ran out of the house. Xuan Yuan Xi chased after her relentlessly, following her to the Xu family's backyard garden. Suddenly, many black-clad figures emerged from nowhere and surrounded Xuan Yuan Xi along with Yuzhu.

  Xuanyuan Xie looked at the black-clad men surrounding him and couldn't help but ask: "Who are you people?"

  But those black-clad men didn't pay any attention to him, and charged over with their swords. Xuan Yuan Qi Yu hastily raised his sword to meet them, and for a moment, the sound of clashing blades filled the air in the Xu family's rear garden. Finally, they startled Xu Shangshu. He brought some servants carrying lanterns to the rear garden, and when he saw the scene before him, he immediately recognized the person surrounded in the middle as the Prince of Pingxi. He hastily shouted: Stop! Don't fight anymore! Xuan Yuan Qi Yu was after all the treasured son of the Prince of Pingxi, and Xu Shangshu had always been protective of his own people. If Xuan Yuan Qi Yu were to be injured or crippled in the Shangshu's residence, then even if he were to become the father-in-law of the future Second Imperial Son, he would still have to bear the consequences! However, these black-clad men weren't from his Xu family! Where did they come from? Xu Ruoyi was perplexed and confused. But he didn't ask any questions.

  Those black-clad men retreated three meters away, each holding their swords. Xuan Yuan Qi had just gone through that intense battle, and although he didn't have a single wound on his body, he was exhausted. He stood there panting heavily, glaring at Xu Ruo Yi with an evil gaze. Xu Ruo Yi felt a chill run down his spine under that gaze, and couldn't help but think: Why are you angry with me? It's really inexplicable! If you want to be angry, shouldn't it be at the Emperor instead? That imperial edict was issued by the Emperor, what does he have to do with it...

  Mr. Xü, where's Jin'er? Xuanyuan Qíyì already knew he wouldn't be able to see Xü Míngjǐn today, but he still asked persistently.

  Xu Ruoyi was so angry at that sentence from Jin'er that he almost smoked, calling out so intimately, as if Jin'er and he were close and intimate. He himself is Jin'er's father, can call her like this, what kind of person are you to dare call her like this? What if this conversation reaches the ears of the Second Prince, wouldn't he think his future wife has been unfaithful? Wouldn't the entire Xu family be implicated? Thinking of this, the smile on Xu Ruoyi's face disappeared, and he coldly said: Young Master, Jin'er is my daughter's courtesy name. For the sake of my daughter's reputation, please refrain from speaking. Jin'er is a woman to be married, I won't let you see her, please leave!

  Xuanyuan Qiyue sneered: "Reputation? What reputation does she have left to speak of? I've already held her, I've already kissed her. Didn't she tell you, her father, about this matter? Logically speaking, she was already mine a long time ago. If Xuanyuan Ze hadn't intervened, Jin'er would have been mine... Don't distort the facts here!

  Xuanyuan Qiyue's words were cut off by Yuzhu's cold interruption, who sneered at Xuanyuan Qiyue and said: "Is the young master going crazy? Can't get what he wants, so he wants to destroy her? Can't bear to see my family's miss happy? Or do you want to use this rumor to drive my family's miss to death? So, you hate my family's miss to death!

  Xu Ruoyi heard Xuan Yuan Qi's words and couldn't help but get angry, her whole body trembling with rage.

  Xuanyuan Qiyue's mouth was speechless, he had just said that, only to recall the proactive kiss of Xu Mingjin at that moment, and the wonderful aftertaste reappeared in his mind. So, for a moment, he couldn't help but say it, as soon as he finished speaking, he regretted it, but listening to Yuzhu's voice-to-voice accusations, his anger rose up bit by bit...

  No matter what, I'm telling the truth! If you have the guts, bring Jin'er here and confront me!

  The prince's queen doesn't need the crown prince to worry about her. Suddenly, a low and solemn voice came over.

  Xuanyuan Qi turned his head and saw Xuanyuan Ze holding hands with Xuming Jin, the two walking towards him. The man was exceptionally handsome, the woman had a slender figure, at first glance they looked like a perfect couple...

  This scene pierced Xuan Yuan Qi's eyes. He hated to rush up and separate the two, cutting off Xuan Yuan Ze's salty pig hand...

  What Ben Shizi just said is all true. Miss Xu Liu, do you dare not to admit it? Xuan Yuan Qiyue coldly smiled and stared at Xu Mingjin's eyes.

  "What are you talking about? I don't understand." Xu Mingjin said calmly.

  The people around heard Xu Mingjin's words and couldn't help but glare at Xuan Yuan Qiyue, the future imperial concubine, can you also insult and cling to her?

  Xuanyuan Xizhi couldn't help but laugh loudly towards the sky when he heard Xu Mingjin's answer. The city of Zhi was very quiet, no one spoke, and all that could be heard was Xuanyuan Xizhi's laughter, which sounded like that of a madman.

  Xuan Yuan Qi Xue looked at Xuan Yuan Ze beside Xu Ming Jin and said with a hint of sarcasm: Do you believe what Miss Xu just said? If it's false, how did the young master come up with it...

  I believe in Jin'er. Xuan Yuan Ze's grip on Xu Ming Jin's hand tightened, and Xu Ming Jin felt the warmth of his palm. Her heart couldn't help but feel at ease. As long as he believed in her, then what did other people's suspicions matter?

  Xuan Yuan Qi swore he couldn't believe his eyes as he stared at Xuan Yuan Ze, thinking that if he told him about what happened that night, Xuan Yuan Ze would definitely get angry with Xu Ming Jin and maybe even despise her. Then, he could openly take Xu Ming Jin for himself. But damn it, why did he have to be so trusting? Looking at the two hands tightly clasped together, not letting go for a moment, Xuan Yuan Qi felt a wave of despair wash over him. At this moment, he truly felt that Xu Ming Jin had never belonged to him; she had already fallen into another man's arms, and for this lifetime, he was left without hope...

  Xu Ruoyi glared at Xuan Yuan Qiyue with a scowl, knowing that the arrival of this Ping Xi Wang's son would bring no good news! When Xuan Yuan Qiyue revealed that he had hugged and kissed Xu Mingjin, Xu Ruoyi's heart trembled like leaves in the wind, his mind filled with the thought "it's all over, it's all over". His heart sank to the depths as he realized that the Second Prince would never trust Jin'er again. All that awaited Jin'er was a fate worse than death... Xu Ruoyi couldn't help but feel an intense hatred for Xuan Yuan Qiyue.

  But when Xuan Yuan Ze said "I believe Jin Er", his heart slowly rose from the depths again, like a roller coaster, thrilling and exciting. But finally, when it fell to reality, it was unstoppable, blooming wildly. Fortunately, fortunately, the Second Prince did not lightly believe Xuan Yuan Qi's nonsense...

  You, don't you have any doubts? Xuan Yuan Qi Yu still asked unwillingly.

  If I suspected her, I wouldn't stand by her side, and you, actually even resort to such a despicable trick, no wonder Jin'er won't choose you.

  If it weren't for the imperial edict, my empress dowager would have come to ask for your hand in marriage long ago! You're just one step ahead, that's all! What qualifications do you have to show off here? Xuan Yuan Qi Yi was like a wolf with its tail stepped on, jumping up instantly.

  What's the point? Your crown prince's consort is still safely sitting at home, Jin'er demands a lifelong monogamy, she doesn't allow me to take concubines, doesn't allow me to have mistresses, this lifetime can only have her as my one and only wife, doesn't allow me to give her any grievances because of anyone else. I can do it. Can you?

  I certainly can! Xuan Yuan Qi swore loudly: In my heart, there is only Jin Er, I can do it for her!

  Xuanyuan Ze said coolly: But you already have a wife at home, Jin'er doesn't allow me to take concubines, and you're actually letting her become one!

  Xuanyuan Qishan angrily said: I will never let Jin'er be a concubine! I want her to be an equal wife!

  Xuanyuan Ze smiled unscrupulously, and after he finished smiling, he said: A concubine is also a wife, just a higher-level one. In front of the Crown Prince's consort, she is still a concubine!

  Xuanyuan Qi's lips were sealed, and he couldn't say a word. Indeed, Ping's wife was also a concubine, but she was a higher-ranking one. However, the status that Xuanyuan Qi could currently obtain for Jin'er was already this good. As expected, he couldn't compare to Xuanyuan Ze. Xuanyuan Ze had promised Jin'er the position of princess and vowed never to take another concubine in the future; marrying him would indeed bring her more happiness than marrying himself...

  Xuanyuan Xizhi only felt a heart-wrenching pain. In this life, he was born into nobility, and from a young age, he had the finest clothes and food. Whatever he wanted was always handed to him by others, even women - he had seen all sorts of women, but none were what he truly desired. And the one he did desire had already become someone else's fiancée. From a young age, he never knew the taste of longing in vain, but now that he did, it was so painful!

  When you married the Crown Prince's consort, you had already lost. Xuan Yuan Ze said calmly.

  Xuanyuan Qishan said: So what? I knew Jin'er when you didn't even know where you were!

  Xuanyuan Ze smiled slightly and said: Are you referring to that time two years ago when we met at the White Cloud Temple in Liu City?

  Xuanyuan Xizhi was shocked: Did Jin'er even tell you this?

  Xuanyuan Zedao: Have you forgotten? At that time, I was also in Liu City and was injured by the bandits. That night, it was Jin'er who saved me.

  Xuanyuan Qiyue's face turned pale, and he said: Originally, I was going to find Jin'er, but the queen mother had something on her side that couldn't be left unattended, so I didn't go to find Jin'er. Have you all been in contact with each other over the years?

  Xuanyuan Ze hadn't spoken yet, when Xuming Jin interrupted: My mother was poisoned to death, I almost got killed myself, and my younger brother almost got burned to death. It was he who saved me and my younger brother. He also escorted me all the way to the capital city.

  Xuan Yuan Xizhi listened to Xu Mingjin's words: "My mother was poisoned to death, I almost got killed, and my younger brother almost got burned to death. It was him who saved me and my younger brother." He also escorted me all the way to the capital. This sentence revealed so much bitterness and fear. It turned out that Xuan Yuan Ze had been protecting Xu Mingjin without his knowledge. Where was he at that time? Xuan Yuan Xizhi thought back, memories of that time flooding his mind...

  At that time, he had just met Li Yu Shi's third son, Li Minzhi. Under his leadership, he visited all the brothels in the capital and got to know various courtesan girls, seeing the different charms of women. However, in his heart, he still remembered that delicate and elegant face, the cleverness and intelligence shown on it. From then on, no matter how beautiful a face was, it couldn't attract him. In his heart, there was only the woman with a charming smile from the Peach Blossom Forest...

  He sent people to Liu City to look for her, but after half a year, there was no news. He felt hopeless and thought he would never see her again in this lifetime. At that time, the subordinates who went to find her had told him something. They returned from their unsuccessful search and stayed at an inn. One night, countless assassins rushed into the inn, killing a family of three who were staying there. Later, a big fire broke out in the inn. When they escaped from the inn, they saw the Second Prince rushing into the inn to rescue the mother and son who were being attacked by the assassins. In the end, he saved the girl and the boy who was almost burned to death, but the woman was poisoned to death...

  It turned out that the girl who almost died was Jin'er.

  At that time, after listening to his subordinate's report, he just said impatiently: It's just saving a girl, no big deal. He was always indifferent to unrelated people. He listened and forgot at the time. Later, when he saw Jin'er in his own home, he was overjoyed, it was truly a case of "searching everywhere but finding it right next door". He thought that heaven was pitying his foolish heart, so it sent Jin'er back to him. But as it turned out, heaven had played a joke on him. It did send Jin'er back, only... to someone else's side.

  Xuan Yuan Qi's eyes turned to Xu Ming Jin, but she was gazing at Xuan Yuan Ze with deep affection... He couldn't bear it and turned away.

  He left, and Xu Ruoyi finally let out a breath. He thought to himself that it seemed he had to make a courtesy call to Ping Xi Wang the next day to remind him to keep an eye on his own son, so he wouldn't be climbing over other people's walls for no reason. Xuan Yuan Ze pulled Xu Mingjin forward and said: Father-in-law, these people are all my subordinates, they won't leak this matter out. Please, father-in-law, restrain the servants of the Shangshu Fu, don't let them make any mistakes.

  Xu Ruoyi listened to Xuan Yuanze's words, "Father-in-law", and couldn't help but feel delighted. He nodded repeatedly and said: Don't worry, these guards will never leak this matter out.

  Father-in-law, I'd like to send Jin'er back home, is that alright? Xuan Yuan Ze asked warmly.

  Xu Ruoyi had any other objections? He said: Let it be, let it be. Now that the night is deep, why not let the son-in-law rest in the mansion for now.

  Xuanyuan Zedao: Alright, then I'll be blunt.

  Xu Ruoyi was overjoyed when he heard this and said: I'll go arrange the courtyard.

  No need for such trouble, I'll just find a room in Jin'er's courtyard to sleep in. In case that Ping Xi Wang Ye returns, there will be someone to take care of things.

  Xu Ruoyi listened and nodded repeatedly: "It's still the son-in-law who thinks of everything." He then hastily ordered Yuzhu to make arrangements, while he himself saw Xuan Yuanze pulling Xu Mingjin's hand disappear into the night. A happy smile appeared on his face. Immediately afterwards, his expression turned serious, and he summoned all the guards in the Shangshu Mansion for a lecture.

  On this side, Xu Mingjin was pulled by Xuan Yuanze to his own courtyard. She had been thinking in her mind that Yuzhu was Xuan Yuanze's person, and he must have known about the things that happened that day, although he just said he believed her. But is he angry in his heart? She didn't notice that all the maids in Feicui Garden were called out by Yuzhu with a glance, and even kindly closed the door. At this moment, only she and Xuan Yuanze were left in the room.

  Xu Mingjin was just about to ask Xuan Yuanze if he blamed himself, when the light in front of her was suddenly blocked by a huge head. Before she could react, her lips were covered by someone's mouth.

  Xu Mingjin's mouth opened in shock, but her voice was blocked by the tongue that had invaded her mouth. The passionate kiss came pouring down like a stormy sky. Xu Mingjin was panting heavily, and just when she was about to suffocate, Xuan Yuze finally relented and let her go.

  Under the lamplight, Xu Ming's hair was disheveled, his lips were red and swollen, and his eyes were soft and alluring like silk. Xuan Yuan Ze looked at Xu Ming, who rarely showed such a seductive expression, with dark eyes hiding a hint of hidden fire, revealing an unfulfilled feeling. Just as he was about to lean in again to kiss those tender red lips, Xu Ming quickly retreated to the corner of the room.

  Xu Mingjin felt both ashamed and angry, even though they were now husband and wife in name only. But he couldn't do something like this to her, could he? Xuan Yuanze lazily turned around, and Xu Mingjin was already in his arms. Just as Xu Mingjin was about to struggle free, she heard Xuan Yuanze whispering in her ear: "Don't be angry, I'm just upset that the first person you kissed wasn't me."

  Xu Mingjin smiled and said: "How about you want to taste a poisonous kiss?"

  Xuanyuan Ze smiled and said: Even if it's poisonous, I'll drink it like water.

  Xu Mingjin said: If you mind this matter very much, then don't marry me. I don't want the two of us to get married and each have our own hidden grievances.

  You just used your charm to get away from me. If I'm going to blame anyone, it's myself for not protecting you well enough and giving him the opportunity.

  Xu Mingjin raised his head and said: Do you really think so?

  Xuanyuan Ze gently kissed her cheek and said, "Yes, from now on, I will assign more people to be by your side. Yuzhu alone is clearly not enough to protect you."

  Xu Mingjin said: "No need, he won't come again in the future."

  Xuanyuan Zedao: That's not necessarily true, he won't give up until I take you home.

  Xu Mingjin said: Alright, you hurry up and go to sleep! I'm sleepy.

  Xuanyuan Ze looked at the dense fatigue on Xu Mingjin's face and knew she was extremely sleepy. So he nodded, and went to rest himself. After he left, Xu Mingjin returned to the bedroom, fell onto the bed and immediately fell asleep.

  On the second day, the capital city was calm and peaceful, with no rumors spreading out. Xu Mingjin finally felt at ease. Putting this matter aside, she focused on preparing for her wedding, which had been set for next July with Xuan Yuanze.

  On this day, Ming Xuan set off to return to Lu Shan Academy. He had been at home for four days already. Although Ye Niang had fallen and there was no one in the house who posed a threat to Ming Xuan's safety, he still had to go to the academy to study. Xu Ming Jin saw him off with reluctance, after all, it was less than three months until the new year, and they would be able to meet again soon. However, next year Xu Ming Xia would be getting married, and Xu Ming Xuan couldn't bear to part with his sister. From now on, his sister's reliance would be on her husband, not him. His sister always said that when she grew up, she wanted him to protect her. But he hadn't grown up yet, and his sister had already found someone to rely on.

  Xu Mingxia and Li Minzhi's wedding date has been set, just this November, with less than two months left. Whether Xu Mingxia is happy or not, willing or not, she must get married. Because, since that day she and Li Minzhi had a romantic encounter, she became pregnant. This matter caused a huge stir in the Xu family. Old Lady Xu was so angry that she fell ill. Mrs. Xu didn't take it seriously at all. Xu Mingjin was only slightly surprised. As for Ye Jie, no one even told her about this matter. Who still remembers her now?

  Xu Ruoyi was shocked and lost color when she heard the news. She had lost her virginity before marriage, and her belly had also grown bigger. If this matter were to spread, even Xu Mingjin's future imperial concubine would lose face. Xu Ruoyi invited a doctor to take Xu Mingxia's pulse, and after the doctor carefully took her pulse, he said: "Your daughter is already one month pregnant."

  Xu Ruoyi carefully instructed the doctor, gave him some silver, and warned him not to leak out what had happened. He then sent the doctor away. After the doctor left, Xu Ruoyi slapped Xu Mingxia hard and scolded: "You're a shameful thing! Without looking at Xu Mingxia's almost tearful expression, he strode out.

  Xu Ruoyi ordered someone to invite Li Yu Shi and discuss with him whether they could bring forward the wedding date. Li Yu Shi looked at Xu Ruoyi in confusion, wasn't this old man always unwilling to marry his daughter to his son? Why was he suddenly eager to get his daughter married quickly today? Had something happened? Li Yu Shi's heart became tense. The sixth daughter of Xu Shangshu was about to be married to the second prince, and his third son had married the sister of the Wang princess, from now on, he would become a relative of the royal family! But absolutely no mistakes could be made!

  Xu Ruoyi felt uneasy all over as he was being stared at by Li Yu Shi. He coughed and said, "To be honest with you, since your last visit to my mansion with your son to apologize, Xia'er has not been feeling well. Recently, I invited the imperial physician to take her pulse, and Xia'er is actually pregnant for a month! Calculating the days, isn't it exactly from that one time with your son?

  Li Yu Shi was overjoyed and asked incredulously: "Are you saying that your eldest daughter has given birth to my son's child?"

  Xu Ruoyi nodded with great difficulty.

  Magistrate Li suddenly slammed his hand on the table and stood up, shouting loudly: Good, good, great! A smile bloomed on his old face.

  Xu Ruoyi was startled, why is Li Yu Shi so happy?

  Li Yu Shi stepped forward, holding Xu Ruo Yi's hand, and said with a mix of emotions: "My eldest daughter-in-law has not given birth yet, my second daughter-in-law just got married three months ago and there is no news yet. I didn't expect that it would be my third son who would have a child first! This is great! I will add another 10% to the betrothal gift! You can change the wedding date as you like! Just please take good care of my dear grandson!"

  Xu Ruoyi was shocked, his mouth agape for half a day. It turned out that this daughter who had brought him so much shame had become a sweet pastry because of her pregnancy! This could be considered a blessing in disguise. Xu Ruoyi thought to himself: It seems that with this child, Xu Mingxia's life won't be too difficult after marriage. Thinking this way, Xu Ruoyi felt slightly more at ease. He said: "Originally the wedding was set for November, how about we move it up to October?"

  Li Yu Shi was immersed in the joy of finally having a grandson, when he heard this, he waved his hand and said magnanimously: "Whatever you want to change, just change it, I don't have any opinions!" However, can we move the date forward a bit?

  Xu Ruoyi shook her head and said: At least let Xia'er stabilize the fetus before getting married again? The wedding is very tiring, what if something goes wrong...

  Li Yu Shi hastily said: "Father-in-law is right, everything will be done according to what you say!"

  Xu Ruoyi couldn't help but flash her eyes, this Li Yu Shi usually doesn't listen to anyone, today he actually says what he wants and it's so easy to talk to him? It seems that Xia'er arrived just in time, letting him experience the feeling of being a father-in-law.

  After Li Yu Shi left, Xu Ruo Yi went to visit Xu Ming Xia.

  Xu Mingxia has long abandoned her feelings for Xuan Yuan Qi. Now she is just preparing to get married in the courtyard. Since she found out that she was pregnant, she had never gone on a hunger strike again. This child is the most important shield for her when she gets married into the Imperial Censor's residence. It's possible that her future well-being will depend on this child, so Xu Mingxia is being extremely careful.

  Someone comes in to report: Young mistress, the old master has arrived!

  Xu Mingxia was slightly surprised. Since she and Li Min had gotten engaged, he hadn't come to her courtyard again. Why did he suddenly come over today?