According to Shangguan Yue's original intention, he only wanted to invite a few tables of close relatives and friends. However, on the day of the banquet, many people came uninvited and the Prime Minister's Mansion was filled up in an instant.

Shangguan Wanning went to pick up her grandfather and three uncles in person early in the morning.

Zheng Binghang knew in his heart that his behavior in the past few days had been unfair to his niece. Seeing that she had let bygones be bygones and still treated him with respect, he prepared a generous gift.

Both sides want to take this opportunity to ease relations.

This made Mrs. Shangguan feel very relieved.

Life seemed to have returned to its original track. Shangguan Wanning forced herself not to recall the past and studied medicine with Lu Xiangzi with peace of mind. However, whenever it was late at night and everyone was asleep, she would inevitably feel a little lonely.

Not long after, news came from the court that Xiao Zhenting was named King of Qin and was marrying Ling Zhiru, the eldest daughter of the Ling family.

Ling Zhiru is the great-grandniece of the Empress Dowager and the niece of the Queen, the woman who was rejected by Xiao Yujue.

On their wedding day, the house was packed with distinguished guests and it caused a sensation in the entire capital.

At night, Shangguan Wanning was awakened by a nightmare, and her back was soaked with cold sweat.

She saw the scene of the entire Shangguan and Zheng families being hung on the city wall. Her heart ached so much that she could hardly breathe.

In his previous life, Xiao Zhenting was also named King of Qin. This was the beginning of his gradual march toward the throne.

The Ling family's power in the court is deeply rooted. Obviously, Xiao Yujue's pretending to be a pig and eating the tiger over the years has been seen through and feared by the empress dowager.

But he refused to listen, so the Ling family chose Xiao Zhenting as their backer.

Shangguan Wanning could no longer fall asleep.

She opened the window and let the cold wind brush across her cheeks, gradually clearing her mind.

Perhaps, there is no such pessimism. As long as the Shangguan family and the Zheng family support Xiao Yujue, it is hard to predict who will win in the future.

"Miss," Lu Tong ran in excitedly, "I just heard from the housekeeper that the Lin family troupe has come to the capital again. Don't you like listening to their performances the most? How about going out to relax?"

The leading actors and actresses of the Lin Clan were recognized by the dignitaries in the capital for their singing skills and good figures.

Shangguan Wanning put down the medical book in her hand, looked at Lu Tong's excitement, and said with a smile: "You want to read it yourself."

"Ah?" Lu Tong's thoughts were seen through, but she still refused to admit it. "No, it's not true. I saw that the young lady looked unwell these days, and I really wanted you to go out for a walk."

"Okay, tell the butler to prepare the sedan chair."

As soon as Shangguan Wanning finished speaking, Lutong ran out happily.

When Shangguan Wanning arrived at the entrance of the opera troupe, she looked around and saw luxurious sedan chairs everywhere.

She covered her face with a veil and walked in with the help of Lutong. The troupe's servants came over and led her to the private room on the second floor.

When I reached the corner of the stairs, someone just happened to come up from the other side.

"I watched from afar and felt that the figure looked familiar. I wondered who it was, but it turned out to be... the newly appointed Princess An Ning by the Emperor."

Ling Zhiru had heard about Shangguan Wanning and Xiao Zhenting a long time ago. Although Xiao Zhenting finally married her, there was still a thorn in her heart.

Shangguan Wanning could tell from Ling Zhiru's eyes and words that she had bad intentions, but she still bowed and saluted.

"Meet the Princess Qin."

"Why are you wearing a veil? Is there something shameful about that?" Ling Zhiru said, and then deliberately showed an expression of sudden enlightenment, "Are you still worried that others will mention what happened between you and my prince in the White Horse Temple?"

Shangguan Wan Ning was stunned, secretly clenched her fists, chuckled and said, "I'm not afraid. However, if I were the princess, I would not be able to mention this matter for the sake of your prince's face."

"What did you say?" Ling Zhiru didn't expect Shangguan Wanning to not show any panic at all, but to fight back sharply. "What is there to be embarrassed about for my prince?"

"There was nothing wrong between him and me in the first place. However, before I got into trouble, he didn't come out to clarify when others were talking about him. When I was imprisoned in the prison, he hurriedly distanced himself from me. This kind of behavior, whether before or after, shows that he is either a mean person or a coward."

"You..." Ling Zhiru's face turned pale after being counterattacked. She stamped her feet in anger and pointed at Shangguan Wanning and cursed, "You dare to talk to me like that? Do you believe I will slap you in the face?"

"I'm bowing to you to show respect to the royal family and give face to the emperor." Shangguan Wanning calmly pushed Ling Zhiru's hand away, "Don't forget, I'm Princess An Ning, personally appointed by the emperor, and I enjoy the treatment of a first-class princess. What qualifications do you have to hit me?"

Ling Zhiru suddenly realized that she was really not qualified, and her eyes turned red with anger.

Shangguan Wanning ignored him and walked upstairs with Lutong. She looked up inadvertently and met a pair of deep eyes.

She was stunned and couldn't help but stand still.

Mu Jingrui looked at Shangguan Wanning, trying his best to suppress the urge to go forward and hug her in his arms.

The two stared at each other for a long time, until someone behind them urged Shangguan Wanning to make way, then she came to her senses and moved aside.

When she looked up again, there was no trace of Mu Jingrui.

"Miss, are you okay?" Lu Tong felt a little regretful and encouraged Shangguan Wan Ning to come out and watch the show.

"Nothing, let's go."

Shangguan Wanning came to her own private room. Looking down from here, she could clearly see the entire stage.

However, she couldn't hear anything that was being performed, her mind was full of Mu Jingrui.

He was nearby, should she go find him again and explain it to him in person? Perhaps it was because the letter didn't make it clear?

Shangguan Wanning was extremely confused and felt like she was sitting on pins and needles.

On the other side, Mu Jingyan was diligently pouring tea and water for Mu Jingrui.

"Brother, please don't be silent. Come and chat with Miss Yin." Mu Jingyan secretly kicked his brother.

She had finally managed to get Yin Yuqing out today.

In Mu Jingyan's opinion, Yin Yuqing has a pretty face, a gentle personality, and is the daughter of the Censor. She is a perfect match for Mu Jingrui.

At least, she is better than Shangguan Wanning no matter how you look at it.

Mu Jingrui ignored his sister's warning from under the table and remained calm. "Didn't you say you wanted to watch a show? How can you watch a show if you keep talking?"

Mu Jingrui certainly understood what his sister meant, but his heart could not accommodate any woman other than Shangguan Wanning.

Especially since I just saw her again.

The faint tears in her eyes made his heart ache.

"What's so good about the show?" Mu Jingyan said angrily.

"Then why did you ask me to come?"

Mu Jingrui's words already revealed his dissatisfaction.

Yin Yuqing felt wronged and embarrassed. "I... I suddenly remembered that I have something else to do. I have to go back first."

"Ms. Yin, don't go. You are here to accompany me." Mu Jingyan was not giving up. He held Yin Yuqing's hand and kept winking at his brother.