Song Yuxiu gritted his teeth, but there was nothing he could do.

After all, they were already divorced, and he dared not offend the prince. There were many military officers today, most of whom were straightforward, and the Duke of Zhenguo was a highly respected figure among them. Inevitably, some would speak up for the Shen family.

"Has Song Yuxiu lost his mind? He's married to the daughter of the Duke of Shen and he's still not satisfied."

"I heard that the Duke of Shen will be returning to the capital in a few days. If the Duke were here, he would surely cripple him on the spot if he dared to bring prostitutes into his residence."

"Of course! Both the Crown Prince and the Third Prince are vying to marry her. Song Yuxiu must be blind."

...

Song Yuxiu's face was grim.

He had distinguished himself in battle and was a rising star, so naturally people were willing to befriend him. But ever since Shen Jingchuan appeared, no one dared to speak to him anymore.

He, a meritorious official, was left out in the cold.

Feeling humiliated and frustrated, yet utterly helpless.

Fortunately, the palace banquet was about to begin, and everyone took their seats one after another.

When the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the Empress arrived, the Crown Prince followed closely behind them, his face slightly pale, clearly struggling to stay upright.

Everyone knelt down and paid their respects.

"Rise, everyone. You're in a good mood today, so please make yourselves at home," Emperor Xiaoxuan said with a smile, even granting the Crown Prince permission to leave early.

"Although this is a celebration banquet for you, you are injured, so please don't push yourself."

"Thank you for your consideration, Father." The Crown Prince spoke weaker than usual.

The high-ranking officials then launched into another round of flattery, praising the Crown Prince for his decisive victory, saying, "What are those barbarians? They'll be so terrified by the might of my mighty army that they won't dare to invade for years to come."

"The Crown Prince is skilled in both literature and martial arts, and his contribution this time is truly outstanding."

...

Shen Zhiyi sat below, listening silently.

These people are truly opportunistic and fickle. The Crown Prince was able to win this battle because of the foundation laid by the Regent. The Regent has repelled countless enemies over the years, yet no one mentions a single word about him now.

I'm afraid everyone thinks he won't live much longer.

Just like when the Shen family suffered a calamity in his previous life, all the aristocratic families that had been on good terms with them avoided them like the plague. Therefore, it was all the more commendable that Grand Tutor Wen did not hesitate to spill blood in the palace.

She actually hoped that the regent would live to be a hundred years old, so she could see how these opportunists would start to flatter him.

"Brother, wasn't it said that the Regent would also be coming?" Shen Zhiyi approached her elder brother and lowered her voice.

"Whether he can come depends on his health," Shen Jingchuan said.

As they spoke, slow, heavy footsteps echoed...

The crowd followed the sound.

Then the regent stepped into the hall.

He wore a black robe embroidered with red and gold four-clawed python patterns, a black and gold mask, and a black jade hairpin, exuding the air of a nobleman. In fact, he was not much older than the Crown Prince, and he coughed every few steps, but his overall demeanor was unmatched.

A gold-embroidered belt, jade pendants, and pale lips—he clearly appeared frail, yet the gaze beneath the mask held a chilling intensity…

Those who had just been praising the Crown Prince in the hall all lowered their heads and remained silent.

"Greetings, greetings to the Empress Dowager, Imperial Brother... cough cough!" Before he could even perform the proper greetings, he coughed twice.

"You are not feeling well, so you should rest at home!" The Empress Dowager hurriedly sent someone to offer you a seat.

"Today is a big day for the Crown Prince. As his uncle, I am deeply gratified and honored. I have been in poor health and have been worried about the affairs of the southern border. Now I feel at ease."

The Crown Prince hurriedly stood up. "Uncle, you must take care of your health. The Southern Frontier still needs your stability."

But looking at the Regent's physical condition, he was terrified.

because,

His today is his tomorrow.

The praise and affirmation from the court officials and the regent had already made the empress and the third prince's faction green with envy.

"What are you all standing there for? Quickly help the Prince to sit down," the Empress said with a smile.

"Need not."

The regent, presumably proud, refused to be helped.

His seat was originally at the top, but he turned around and sat down next to Shen Jingchuan, instantly drawing everyone's attention. "Young Master, do you mind sitting with me?"

Shen Jingchuan was speechless. What was going on?

She was surprised, but smiled and said, "It is my honor to sit at the same table as Your Highness."

"Previously, in front of my royal brother, I spoke quite offensively to the young master and Miss Shen. I apologize to you with tea instead of wine." He said, picking up the teacup in front of him.

The Regent apologized?

This is so rare!

Everyone was curious about what had happened, but the Emperor seemed to know, and he simply smiled with satisfaction.

At this moment, the tall attendant beside Emperor Xiaoxuan began to read out the imperial edict.

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Crown Prince Zhou Yuanbi is accomplished in both civil and military affairs, and is willing to risk his life to defend the country and maintain peace..." The Emperor bestowed countless rewards upon him, and the Crown Prince simply knelt to receive the decree.

Finally, there was a sentence:

"...He has won my favor. From this day forward, the Crown Prince shall oversee the state and command the Six Ministries."

Upon hearing this, the ministers displayed a variety of expressions.

The smile on the Empress's face vanished instantly, and the expression on the Third Prince's face became even more difficult to read.

The crown prince kowtowed to express his gratitude.

However, the smile on his face looked extremely forced.

If he doesn't live long, let alone oversee the country, even if his father were to abdicate the throne to him and make him emperor, how could he possibly laugh?

All the generals who participated in the war were rewarded.

This included Song Yuxiu.

When he received the imperial decree and expressed his gratitude, he made a point of glancing towards the Shen family's seats.

Shen Zhiyi ignored him, but then heard the Regent say, "It's just one victory, and even a dog thinks it's human."

dog?

Does this refer to Song Yuxiu?

Shen Zhiyi almost burst out laughing; he really had a sharp tongue.

Shen Jingchuan glared at his younger sister, his eyes warning her:

Be more composed!

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