Neither Yan Xiao nor Shen Muzhi tried to stop Wei Wuxiu. Only after he had walked a distance did Yan Xiao turn to Shen Muzhi and ask curiously:

"Has something happened that I don't know about? These two don't seem quite right."

Upon hearing this, Shen Muzhi pondered for a moment, then replied somewhat uncertainly:

"There does seem to be one thing, but I'm not sure if Lord Song's departure is directly related to this matter."

Yan Xiao knew that the way Song Zhuxin looked at Wei Wuxiu just now was not what she had told her at all. There was obviously an element of spite in it, and she simply did not believe that there was nothing wrong with it.

Gossip is a woman's nature, and she's no exception when it comes to talking and laughing. She quickly gestured for Shen Muzhi to tell her.

Shen Muzhi naturally wouldn't refuse, and explained it to Yan Xiao in detail:

"Actually, it's nothing. It's just that Brother Wei mentioned to me yesterday that he has known the third princess of the Prince of Qi since childhood. She is kind-hearted but has a heart condition. She was already unfortunate to be implicated by the Prince of Qi. He discussed with me how to settle her down in the future."

During the discussion, someone casually remarked that since they were childhood sweethearts, it would be better for Brother Wei to marry them and settle them down safely. Coincidentally, Lord Song overheard this remark.

Lord Song said that this idea was very prudent; after all, she was a princess, and no matter how precious her was, it wouldn't be as reassuring to take her back and raise her himself.

Seeing Yan Xiao frown as Shen Muzhi spoke, he changed his tone and began to defend Wei Wuxiu:

"Brother Wei may have been a little distracted at the time and didn't reply immediately. By the time he realized what was happening, Song Zhuxin had already left. I guess that Lord Song's sudden mention of leaving today is probably related to this matter."

"Distracted?"

Yan Xiao frowned and clicked her tongue, her tone slightly sarcastic:

"What do you mean by being distracted? I think Brother Wei was seriously considering its feasibility at the time, right?"

"Ha~, childhood sweethearts, innocent and pure. If you like someone, just marry them and no one will say anything wrong. What's with all this hesitation? Are you trying to have your cake and eat it too?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Muzhi knew that Yan Xiao was speaking up for her best friend, and it would be unwise for him to speak up for Wei Wuxiu at this moment.

As the saying goes, "It's better to die for your friend than for yourself," and besides, Wei Wuxiu was indeed not innocent.

Although this was undoubtedly related to his upbringing and education, he had no reason to argue with his wife about it, and simply said:

"I don't know what Brother Wei was thinking. He later only said that he had no romantic feelings for the Third Princess and only regarded her as a younger sister. He wanted me to think of a more reliable solution."

Yan Xiao smiled noncommittally, and just as she was about to speak, she heard the guardian's gloating voice.

"You still have the nerve to worry about others? You should worry more about yourself..."

After hearing the guardian's next words, Yan Xiao wasn't angry. She simply drawled out her words to Shen Muzhi in an ambiguous tone:

"She is, after all, a princess. Consort Liu has already made Prince Qi write an edict of self-reproach. If you marry a princess, it will be even more legitimate for you to ascend to the throne. Isn't there anyone capable enough to suggest that you take her in?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Muzhi broke out in a cold sweat, completely bewildered as to how the situation had suddenly turned around and affected him.

The point is, damn it, someone really had the brilliant idea to suggest it to him. He immediately got angry and ordered a news blackout, forbidding anyone from mentioning it again. He didn't know if Yan Xiao was bluffing him or just saying it casually.

But his first reaction was that he absolutely couldn't admit to this; if anyone dared to bring it up, it would be his fault for not managing his subordinates properly, and if his wife got angry, he would be in trouble. So he quickly smiled apologetically and said:

"How could that be? Everyone knows that I only love you and can only accept you. How could anyone be so blind as to give me such advice? You're really overthinking it, my lady."

"Oh? I see!"

"Of course, it's only because I've accumulated a great deal of good karma from several lifetimes that I have you by my side in this life."

Now, my only wish is to find you in every lifetime, and to be with you forever. I can't even imagine how I would live without you by my side.

Yan Xiao had no idea when Shen Muzhi had become so good at sweet talk; it was so cheesy that she didn't know how to respond.

"Alright, I was just saying it casually. Where did you learn this from? Why are you getting more and more cheesy?"

"Is it cheesy? I was just saying what was on my mind." Shen Muzhi's expression was serious, but his tone was somewhat doubtful, because he really didn't think he was saying sweet nothings.

Seeing that Yan Xiao seemed both amused and exasperated, and didn't appear angry, he breathed a sigh of relief and quickly changed the subject.

"Yan'er, are you really not coming to the capital with me? If you want to go to Medicine King Valley, why don't we wait until this matter is settled and then I'll go with you?"

"no."

When this topic came up, Yan Xiao's expression immediately turned serious, and she looked at Shen Muzhi earnestly, saying:

"Muzhi, if you want to be with me for a long time, you must do as I say. I have my reasons for doing so, but I can't explain them to you clearly. Do you believe me?"

Shen Muzhi didn't distrust Yan Xiao, but rather couldn't understand it. Seeing Yan Xiao's unusual seriousness, he finally nodded.

"Alright, I will do as you say and make sure there are no mistakes."

He paused briefly, then took Yanxiao's hand and gripped it slightly, his tone tinged with unease.

When can I pick you up?

Yan Xiao didn't know either; she wouldn't have a moment's peace until the final chapter was finished.

Seeing that Shen Muzhi looked rather pitiful, she reassured him:

"You don't need to come pick me up. When the time is right, I will appear in front of you immediately."

Not having received an exact time, Shen Muzhi was visibly disappointed, but he didn't press the matter further.

"Okay, I'll wait for you, no matter how long it takes."

"Don't worry, it won't be long."

"good."

Hearing that it wouldn't be long, Shen Muzhi's mood improved slightly, and the two began to chat casually, enjoying this rare moment of peace.

As they chatted, Yan Xiao noticed that Shen Muzhi kept glancing at her furtively. Whenever she turned to him, he would quickly look away, seeming hesitant and distracted, as if something was on his mind. This puzzled her.

"Just say what you have to say, why are you beating around the bush?"

"It's nothing."

Shen Muzhi quickly glanced at Yan Xiao, hesitated for a moment, then, as if gathering his courage, steeled himself and asked:

"Yan'er, after this, would you be willing to have my child?"

Yan Xiao was slightly taken aback by these words. She had almost forgotten that she had used her healing ability to block her fallopian tubes. It was only when Shen Muzhi suddenly brought up this topic that she remembered.

Shen Muzhi is not the kind of person who would bring up such a thing for no reason. Besides, the two of them have only been intimate for less than half a year, so it's normal that she hasn't gotten pregnant.

Judging from Shen Muzhi's expression, it seems like he knows something.