This wasn't the first time Xie Jingyan had asked, nor was it the first time Shen Wan had said it was a dream.

Xie Jingyan kept his eyes on Shen Wan, wanting to know why she wouldn't tell him the truth, and what about him that made her distrust him.

Neither of them asked any more questions, and the other remained silent, creating a somewhat awkward atmosphere.

Not far away, things were getting lively. Chen Ying had lost face at the palace banquet and was already in a bad mood. Xie Jingyin refused to leave the palace with her and was even blocked by Fu Shu.

Fu Shu mocked her, "You and Princess Ling are really sisters, you're even willing to use yourself as a stepping stone for Princess Ling."

Shen Yingyun's fists were clenched tightly beneath her sleeves.

Fu Shu knew that Shen Ying and Shen Wan used to be on good terms but not on the surface, but now they were not on good terms at all.

She didn't know what had happened to cause them to fall apart like this, but given the opportunity to step on Chen Ying, Fu Shu would never miss it.

Shen Ying gritted her teeth in anger. If it weren't for Fu Shu causing trouble, would she have pushed Shen Wan forward and embarrassed herself?!

She, the legitimate daughter of a duke's family, lost to Shen Wan; how dare she come to her side and kick her when she's down?

Shen Ying sneered, "Sisters in the same household share the same fate. Even if there are some disagreements in normal times, when it really comes down to it, sisters will always be sisters."

These words were meant to tell Fu Shu not to have any designs on the Prince of Jin. She was the daughter of the Marquis of Pingyang, and if she was bullied, the Marquis of Pingyang would definitely stand up for her.

Fu Shu found it all laughable. They coveted the title and military power of the Marquis of Pingyang, yet they expected him to be completely devoted to them. Could the Marquis of Pingyang be so foolish?

"Really? Then I'll wait and see."

With that, Fu Shu left with her head held high, like a victorious peacock, exuding pride.

Shen Ying's back teeth were clenched so tightly that she felt like she wanted to tear Fu Shu to pieces. She glanced over and saw Shen Wan and Xie Jingyan standing there. Unable to swallow her anger, she walked over.

Xie Jingyan's eyes dimmed slightly. Shen Wan took out the jade pendant that the Emperor had bestowed upon her and handed it to Xie Jingyan, saying, "Here you go."

Xie Jingyan looked up at her and asked, "This is the jade pendant the Emperor bestowed upon you. Why are you giving it to me?"

Shen Wan said, "This is clearly a jade pendant worn by men; I have no use for it."

A jade pendant that she couldn't give away or wear in public—it was clear the Emperor was using her to give it to Xie Jingyan; she wouldn't be so clueless.

However, the Emperor is too unpredictable. If he wanted to give the jade pendant to Xie Jingyan, why didn't he just give it to him directly instead of going through her?

Xie Jingyan's gaze swept over the jade pendant. "It's useless to you, and it wasn't given to me."

Shen Wan looked bewildered. "If it's not for you, then who is it for?"

“It’s for his eldest grandson,” Xie Jingyan said.

"..."

boom.

Shen Wan blushed deeply.

They don't even consummate their marriage, so how could there be an eldest grandson?

Xie Jingyan said he wouldn't disappoint the Emperor, and the Emperor actually believed him.

Shen Wan instantly felt that the jade pendant in her hand was a hot potato, so she threw it to Xie Jingyan and said, "You keep it for him for now."

Xie Jingyan raised an eyebrow. "Who is he?"

Shen Wan stomped her foot in anger and gritted her teeth, saying, "Your son!"

Xie Jingyan's lips instantly blossomed into a dazzling smile, "My son is your son, so what difference does it make if you accept him?"

Chen Feng stood aside, his eyes aching from listening. These two people, who hadn't even consummated their marriage yet, were gossiping about the still-unborn young prince. If they didn't consummate their marriage, would the young prince just spring out of a rock?

Shen Wan blushed so deeply she could bleed, and kept glaring at Xie Jingyan with sharp eyes, making Xie Jingyan feel completely comfortable and in an extremely good mood.

That bastard takes advantage of him whenever he gets the chance!

Chen Wan turned and left in a huff.

Xie Jingyan called out from behind, "Aren't you going to push me?"

Shen Wan ignored him.

Xie Jingyan called out several times, and people nearby all looked over. They were surprised to see Shen Wan leave Xie Jingyan behind, but when they saw the man with a big smile on his face, they knew that this was just a trivial quarrel between the young couple. They were all experienced and knew that big conflicts would damage the relationship between husband and wife, while small conflicts would enhance it.

Speak softly and gently to coax and cuddle, and the baby will be born.

Xie Jingyan called out several times, but Shen Wan didn't turn around. At this moment, Shen Ying called out, "Big sister..."

Shen Wan's face darkened, and when she turned around, she saw Shen Ying walking a few steps behind Xie Jingyan.

Shen Wan looked displeased. "Did you need something from me?"

Shen Ying said, "Big sister really kept it a secret from us very well."

Shen Wan looked at her with a forced smile, "Hidden from you? What have I hidden from you?"

Shen Ying's mouth was open, but she couldn't utter a single word.

She publicly praised Shen Wan's dancing skills. If Shen Wan had truly kept it from her, it would be an admission that she had deliberately dragged Shen Wan out to embarrass herself in public.

However, Shen Ying was quick-witted. She said, "Fortunately, the Yun family did not agree to the marriage. This young master Xu's talent is all an act. But eldest sister has always kept a low profile in front of others. Today, the emperor praised you and even rewarded you with a jade pendant. Shouldn't I share some of the credit for this?"

Asking for rewards was something Shen Ying was used to doing, something she could do off the cuff.

Pulling her out is a sure way to make a profit; if she fails, she'll be the scapegoat, and if she succeeds, she'll get credit. Her calculations are so good that even her grandfather, uncle, and cousin would have to admit they can't do it.

If she really wanted her gift, she would give it to her. She just didn't know if Shen Ying dared to accept it. Shen Wan said expressionlessly, "The Emperor only bestowed a jade pendant upon me. You want me to give you half of it?"

Shen Ying said, "No older sister would joke with me like that."

Xie Jingyan leaned back in his wheelchair and said impatiently, "Let's go."

Shen Ying's face froze.

Shen Wan quickly pushed Xie Jingyan forward, and Xie Jingyan said, "Let's go to the Imperial Study."

Shen Wan looked bewildered. "What are you going to the Imperial Study for?"

Xie Jingyan said, "His Majesty forgot to reward Princess Jin. Go and ask for a reward for her."

Shen Wan, "..."

Shen Wan decisively pushed Xie Jingyan to turn around.

Shen Ying's already stiff expression turned even more unpleasant. She quickly said, "I was just joking with my older sister. Why did you take it seriously? I have something to do, so I'll be leaving now."

She couldn't compete with Fu Shu, so she dragged Shen Wan into it. Shen Wan helped her save face for the Pingyang Marquis's mansion that she had lost, and she even asked Shen Wan for a thank-you gift. If this got out, everyone's spittle would drown her, let alone if it reached the Emperor.

Shen Ying really did run away with her tail between her legs.

Shen Wan looked disgusted.

Withdrawing her gaze, Shen Wan pushed Xie Jingyan to turn around and walk towards the horse parking area.

From afar, she could see Princess Qinghe waiting for her there. Princess Qinghe really wanted to leave, but Shen Wan said she would give her the things after the banquet. She was worried that if she left, Shen Wan would send the things directly to the Prince of Yanping's residence. If her father, mother, and elder brother asked about it, she wouldn't be able to explain.

It's just a jade hairpin, and he's the one who broke it, so there's no need to return it to her.

Shen Wan pushed Xie Jingyan over, and Princess Qinghe stepped forward and curtsied to her and Xie Jingyan, saying, "Qinghe greets Brother Jingyan."