The next day, the Liang Kingdom delegation left the capital in low spirits.

Not only did they fail to obtain grain this time, but Si Nantian also used the pretext of the people being devoured by the giant python to swindle a large sum of silver from the Great Liang Kingdom.

Some of this silver was indeed given to the families of the suffering people as compensation, while the other part was converted into grain and transported to the northern border.

The Great Liang Kingdom is already at its wit's end, and it's hard to guarantee that it won't go all out and launch a war against the Great Yan Kingdom.

Therefore, it is essential to prepare in advance...

When the envoy from the Great Liang Kingdom left, the people of the capital lined the streets to see him off. Rotten eggs and rotten vegetable leaves flew everywhere, hitting the envoy's head, face, and clothes, making for a truly pitiful sight.

The envoy from the Liang Kingdom left the Yan Kingdom dejectedly without daring to utter a sound.

At the same time, the true identity of the Holy Maiden of the Great Liang Kingdom quickly spread throughout the world.

The news that Sheng Wanwan was a goddess descended from heaven also spread.

Sheng Wanwan's value has soared, making her the darling of Kyoto.

The Sheng family...

Old Master Sheng, Old Madam Sheng, Sheng Lingtian, Sheng Moshi, and the second and third branches of the Sheng family all gathered in the East Garden.

"Wanwan! This is peanut candy that Grandma bought for you herself. Try it, it tastes really good!"

Madam Sheng, who had previously been cold towards Sheng Wanwan, smiled so much that all her wrinkles were squeezed together, making her look both ugly and old.

Recently, the Emperor's gifts to the Eastern Garden have been coming in waves, which is enough to show his great favor to Sheng Wanwan.

After a night of careful deliberation, the Sheng family finally decided to abandon their alliance with Prince Rui and instead side with the royal family.

In fact, ever since Sheng Wenjin passed the imperial examination and became the top scholar, such thoughts had quietly taken root in their hearts, but they did not dare to act rashly at the time.

Sheng Wenjin's exceptional talent attracted attention, and as the emperor's personally selected top scholar, his future was bright. For the Sheng family, he was undoubtedly the hope and glory of the family's future.

However, Sheng Wenjin's remarkable achievements alone are not enough to guarantee the absolute safety of the Sheng family.

In his quest for a higher position, Sheng Lingtian had carried out numerous extermination missions for Prince Rui. If these secrets were to be exposed, the Sheng family would likely face annihilation.

Therefore, Sheng Wenjin's position alone is not enough to fully protect the entire Sheng family.

Therefore, the Sheng family still needs to rely closely on Prince Rui, even though this reliance sometimes makes them feel like a dog in Prince Rui's mansion.

However, the human heart always yearns for freedom and dignity. Who would willingly submit to others forever, becoming someone else's beast of burden?

Sheng Wanwan's emergence has brought new opportunities to the Sheng family. As the goddess of the nation personally appointed by the emperor, she will officially receive her title in half a month.

The Guardian Goddess, as the name suggests, is a communicator between gods and humans, and enjoys the highest esteem.

With Sheng Wanwan's protection, the Sheng family gained an unbreakable protective umbrella.

Even if Prince Rui reveals the Sheng family's past secrets, the Emperor will treat them leniently because of Sheng Wanwan's existence. The worst outcome would be that Sheng Lingtian loses his official position, but the Sheng family's prestige and status will remain unshaken.

Compared to continuing to follow Prince Rui and living a life of constant anxiety, this choice is undoubtedly wiser and more prudent.

But the prerequisite is that Sheng Wanwan must be close to them and be willing to protect them; otherwise, they wouldn't dare to break ties with Prince Rui.

"Grandmother, I've heard a saying: 'Those who offer unsolicited kindness are either up to no good or have ulterior motives.' Grandmother was scolding me for Sheng Moshi just a few days ago, so why are you being so nice to Wanwan today?"

Sheng Wanwan picked up a piece of candy and looked at it, but didn't dare to eat it. This old woman's unsolicited kindness was definitely up to no good!

"Hehehe... Silly girl, last time it was that brat Sheng Moshi who lied to me, and Grandmother was fooled! Wanwan, don't worry, it won't happen again! Grandmother has figured it out, you are the legitimate daughter of the Sheng family, how can a concubine's daughter compare to you? From now on, Grandmother will definitely side with you in everything!"

When Old Madam Sheng was questioned to her face by a child, she felt a little embarrassed, but thinking that she would have to rely on this child to protect the Sheng family in the future, she could only bite the bullet and explain with a forced smile.

"I see!" Sheng Wanwan nodded as if she understood, then looked at Sheng Moshi.

"Sister! From now on, Grandmother will only love me, not you!"

Sheng Wanwan smiled innocently, but her words were like a sharp needle piercing Sheng Moshi's heart.

Sheng Moshi clutched the handkerchief in her hand, her jealousy surging like an unquenchable tide.

She was once the shining jewel of the Sheng family, her beauty and talent making her stand out from the crowd, enjoying endless praise and attention. However, the appearance of Sheng Wanwan shattered all of this.

That child not only possessed mysterious and unpredictable powers, but also had medical skills that surpassed hers.

Previously, even she was helpless in treating the sixth princess's weak pregnancy, but under Sheng Wanwan's careful care, the condition gradually improved.

The imperial physicians even recommended Sheng Wanwan's medical skills to the Empress Dowager, suggesting that she give it a try.

Although the Empress Dowager's condition has stabilized after her treatment, and she trusts her completely and has not yet agreed to replace her, this situation is unlikely to last long.

Because in order to maintain the appearance of the Empress Dowager's health, she had secretly used hormone drugs.

Although hormones could make the Empress Dowager appear healthy on the surface, her high blood pressure continued to worsen, like a time bomb that could cause blood vessels to rupture at any time, endangering her life.

However, she dares not stop taking the hormone medication. She fears that if she stops, the Empress Dowager's condition will immediately worsen, and her trust in her will collapse.

At that time, Sheng Wanwan will surely take the opportunity to replace her in the Empress Dowager's heart.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!