King Jing lowered his head and bit his lip, glancing at Chen Yu out of the corner of his eye.

Shen Yu is no longer the kind-hearted and upright woman she once was. Even after lying, she remains cold and unmoved.

King Jing was extremely disappointed and lowered his eyes. He knew in his heart that if Shen Yu did not do this, he might not be able to protect Ping'er.

He had no choice but to sincerely reply, "Your subject wishes to marry Yanran and guarantees that he will never take a concubine in this lifetime."

------

Ten days later is March 28th.

Early in the morning, when Chen Yu woke up, she saw Hong Yu dressed in blue, carefully dressed and guarding her bedside.

"Madam, you've been practicing martial arts every day these past few days, haven't you been exhausted? Today is the wedding of Prince Jing and Princess Yanran, so we'll be attending the banquet and have a day to rest."

Shen Yu nodded, propped herself up and got out of bed to walk towards the clothes rack, only to find that the orange strapless top she had prepared last night was gone. She had no choice but to put on the white strapless top that Hong Yu had brought.

At this moment, Jiu'er rushed in. "Madam," she said, "His Majesty says that since Consort Mei entered the palace, she hasn't seen An'er and Ping'er yet. He requests that you take them to a banquet at Prince Jing's residence."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yu's heart tightened. She grabbed her sword, but then, remembering that she had only just learned a few tricks, she put it down and hurriedly went to the dressing table. She took a fire needle from a hidden compartment and hid it in her sleeve.

Hongyu, Jiu'er, take An'er and Ping'er with you, let's go to the Prince Jing's mansion for a banquet.

The entrance to Prince Jing's mansion was bustling with carriages and crowds. As soon as Chen Yu stepped off the carriage, she saw Mu Nanfeng walking towards her with Mo Chen.

Big sister, it's been quite a while since I've seen you.

The fish didn't even go back to see its older brother.

As Mu Nanfeng spoke, he picked up An'er, stroked Ping'er's head, and looked at Chen Yu.

Shen Yu smiled, her lips pursed, revealing shame and sadness. Mu Nanfeng had initially joined Liu Deng's forces because of her and Ping'er, but now, the Mu family's army had been taken over by Liu Deng, and Mu Nanfeng had only managed a sinecure. How could she not feel guilty towards the Mu family?

She bowed respectfully to Mu Nanfeng, her voice choked with emotion as she spoke, "Big brother... I... will definitely visit you often in the future."

Okay, let's go, let's go in with Uncle for some good food.

Mu Nanfeng, carrying An'er and leading Ping'er, entered the Prince Jing's residence first.

Let's go, big sister.

Silently, she took Chen Yu's hand and walked away.

The courtyard was packed with people, and Mu Nanfeng disappeared from sight in the blink of an eye. Instead, Jia Lingyu came running over, dragging two children with her.

Jia Lingyu handed the two children to Jiu'er and Hongyu, saying, "Your aunt has important business to attend to; you two go with Madam Yu for now."

Jia Lingyu whispered to Chenmo, "Chenmo, I've heard you're well-read. I'd like to ask you to write a letter for me. Come with me."

Before he could even refuse in silence, Jia Lingyu dragged him away.

Shen Yu had no choice but to help Jia Lingyu take care of the two children in the Jia family.

Back then, Hongyu used the herb Dugucao to cause Gu Xiaoliu to miscarry and become infertile for life. These two children were born to Jia Liangyu's concubine and registered under Gu Xiaoliu's name, becoming the legitimate son and daughter of the Jia family.

Suddenly, the crowd parted to make way, and looking around, they saw Prime Minister Qiu and the Third Young Master Qiu striding into the courtyard with imposing manners.

Prime Minister Qiu, with his white hair, stood tall and disdainful of everything. The Third Young Master Qiu, gentle and dignified, smiled faintly and nodded to everyone in goodwill.

As he passed by Chen Yu, Prime Minister Qiu glanced at her and continued on his way. The Third Young Master Qiu, however, looked longingly at Hong Yu.

Hongyu lowered her head, feigning shyness. She had heard that Young Master Qiu had not yet married or taken a concubine. Could it be that there really was such a devoted man in the world?

Thinking of the Qiu family's 200,000-strong army and immense power, she covered her face with a red jade handkerchief and looked at the Third Young Master Qiu.

Young Master Qiu blushed and lowered his head.

At this moment, a cold and dignified face appeared, dressed in a red robe and wearing a red jade hair crown. His steps were steady and smooth, and the red robe fluttered behind him.

After scanning the crowd, before even reaching Prime Minister Qiu's side, he forced a smile, cupped his hands, and uttered flattering words: "Prime Minister, your personal visit to offer congratulations is deeply regrettable; I hope you will forgive my lack of hospitality..."

[Your Highness, there's no need for such formalities. How could I not attend Princess Yanran's wedding?]

"Prime Minister, please come in. Young Master Qiu, please come in."

After King Jing finished speaking, he still had a smile on his face and gestured for Prime Minister Qiu to enter the hall.

Shen Yu couldn't help but purse her lips, thinking to herself, "When did Prince Jing become so respectful and obsequious to Prime Minister Qiu?"

Suddenly, a commotion broke out in the courtyard. Turning around, Yanran, dressed in red and clutching her red veil, ran over.

Shen Yu stared in astonishment, and as soon as she went to greet her, Yan Ran slapped her across the face.

[Mu Chenyu! What are you doing here? From this day forward, Prince Jing is my husband, and you are forbidden to see him again.]

Everyone was surprised, but they all nodded in agreement. It was common knowledge that Prince Jing had feelings for Chen Yu, and as a princess, Yan Ran's actions were not unreasonable.

Shen Yu was increasingly astonished, covering her burning cheeks as she questioned Yan Ran, "Are you crazy? Do you know how much I've been hoping you'd find a good husband? Today your wish has come true, I'm overjoyed for you, how could I possibly compete with you for him?"

"Words are no proof." Yanran said as she walked up to Prince Jing, took out a contract, and handed it to him.

King Jing was stunned. Yanran forbade him from associating with Chenyu, from taking a concubine, and from going to the Hundred Herbs Garden.

He also needs to teach Ping'er martial arts, so how can he not go to the Hundred Herbs Garden?

Before he could speak, Yanran said, "Husband, there's no need to worry. I've already asked my father for permission to have Mu Nanfeng teach Ping'er martial arts from today onwards. He's Ping'er's maternal uncle, so he certainly won't mistreat her."

King Jing was speechless. He felt a pang of heartache looking at Shen Yu's face, which bore the marks of a slap, but he couldn't show his concern for her in public.

At this moment, Yanran waved her hand, and a maid came over carrying a wooden tray containing calligraphy brushes.

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