Upon hearing the familiar voice, Shen Yunjiao immediately raised her head and met Xiao Huaijin's gaze.

Xiao Huaijin, dressed in a light blue brocade robe, had a handsome face full of displeasure.

How did he end up here?

Shen Yunjiao's gaze wavered slightly.

Why would Xiao Huaijin, the emperor himself, attend the wedding of his subject?

Xiao Huaijin seemed to have guessed what Shen Yunjiao was thinking, and his mood worsened.

He looked indifferently and shifted his gaze to Pei Zhixuan, who had already struggled to get up.

Pei Zhixuan's muddled mind cleared up instantly after being violently shaken.

He looked at Xiao Huaijin, feeling even more suffocated in his chest, but then he heard Xiao Huaijin say, "It was originally a family matter between the young master and... and Miss Shen, which I shouldn't interfere with. But in General Yao's residence, the two of you were pulling and tugging at each other. What kind of behavior is that?"

Pei Zhixuan found these words rather strange and abrupt.

Xiao Huaijin referred to Yun Jiao as—Miss Shen?

"I was drunk and acted rudely before Your Majesty. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness. I feel guilty towards Yun Jiao and am constantly remorseful. It was only today that I approached her and began to pester her." Pei Zhixuan's face flashed with apology. He looked deeply at Shen Yun Jiao and said, "I will spend the rest of my life making amends for my mistakes."

Shen Yunjiao had no time to pay attention to what Pei Zhixuan was saying. From the moment she saw Xiao Huaijin, her mind was completely focused on him.

Is he going to participate in the talent show?

So, does he really not remember himself?

Shen Yunjiao stood there, wanting to ask Xiao Huaijin many questions, but found herself choked up and unable to ask anything.

Xiao Huaijin looked at Shen Yunjiao's dazed appearance, her almond-shaped eyes wide open, her bangs covering her face, and the blush on her face after struggling.

Logically speaking, he did not want to interfere in the family affairs of his subjects.

But this woman had, after all, been his casual acquaintance, and she didn't seem to enjoy Pei Shizi's company.

Oh well, what's wrong with me going out of my way to help her?

"Your Highness, I don't want to know what your intentions are, and you should ask the person involved if they accept them. You can't just force it on them, can you?" Xiao Huaijin replied calmly.

Pei Zhixuan didn't know how to answer at this moment, and could only stand there with a frown.

"Aren't you going to step down?" Xiao Huaijin said casually, and Pei Zhixuan came back to his senses as if waking from a dream.

"Your subject takes his leave." Pei Zhixuan knelt on one knee, bowed, and then turned to leave.

He had no way to contend with His Majesty, but he now knew a useful piece of information.

His Majesty doesn't remember his feelings for Shen Yunjiao.

This gave Pei Zhixuan a glimmer of hope.

If His Majesty truly selects concubines as scheduled, Shen Yunjiao will surely lose all hope and no longer have any affection for Xiao Huaijin, without me having to say anything.

Then, I will have enough reason to protect the girl I love.

With that thought in mind, Pei Zhixuan left swiftly and decisively.

After watching Pei Zhixuan leave, Xiao Huaijin's eyes turned completely cold. "I finally managed to let Miss Shen out for some fresh air, but I didn't expect her to be so busy, flirting with people while strolling around the garden."

Upon hearing these cold and sarcastic words, Shen Yunjiao felt a slight pain in her chest and spoke up, "Your Majesty, please don't go too far with your words."

"Which eye of yours saw me flirting with someone? If you can't speak properly, then shut up."

Xiao Huaijin stared at her for a moment, then gave a soft, cold snort, "Who knows if Miss Shen is playing hard to get?"

He didn't know what Shen Yunjiao was thinking.

But he knew how furious he felt when he saw Pei Zhixuan forcibly hug Shen Yunjiao.

As if his carefully guarded territory had been invaded, he pounced like a wild beast that had suddenly been attacked and lost control, kicking Pei Zhixuan away.

Then an absurd idea popped into his mind—he wanted to pull Shen Yunjiao tightly into his arms and hide her in his bosom, so that no one would dare to come forward and covet his treasure.

treasure?

Thinking about this, Xiao Huaijin found it utterly ridiculous.

Why did he treat Shen Yunjiao as a treasure?

"What is your relationship with Yelü Qi?"

Xiao Huaijin suddenly asked, his sharp gaze, like that of a hawk, fixed on Shen Yunjiao's face, trying to discern any emotion such as guilt or panic from her.

Unexpectedly, Shen Yunjiao simply looked up blankly, "Yelü Qi?"

"Yes, Yelü Qi, the second prince of the Northern Barbarians, what is your relationship with him? Why did he go to Xuanqing Temple to find you?" Xiao Huaijin asked softly, his eyes narrowed. "Just how many men are you trying to seduce?"

The early autumn weather was slightly cool, but after hearing Xiao Huaijin's words, Shen Yunjiao felt as if she had fallen into an unfathomable ice cellar.

What does it mean to flirt with a man?

Do you think of me as someone who is promiscuous?

Shen Yunjiao looked at Xiao Huaijin, and for the first time she felt that this person was not the man she deeply loved.

Xiao Huaijin's features were arranged in a strange combination in front of her, making her feel completely unfamiliar.

“Your Majesty, I have no relationship with Yelü Qi, nor do I have any improper dealings with Pei Zhixuan or Yan Shiman. Please do not ask me such questions again.” Shen Yunjiao trembled slightly. She never imagined that one day she would be standing here being reprimanded by Xiao Huaijin.

She originally wanted to find some time to tell Xiao Huaijin about his amnesia, but now, after being disturbed by his foolish and indifferent words, Shen Yunjiao was suddenly a little upset.

If Xiao Huaijin, who has lost his memory, doesn't love her, then the unwavering true love he previously insisted on was just a lie, and there's really nothing more to say about it.

Shen Yunjiao's eyes suddenly reddened, the flowers fell sparsely, and her expression looked particularly lonely.

Was he really mistaken?

Xiao Huaijin asked himself inwardly, "She is so beautiful, like a delicate magnolia. Although she is dressed very simply and plainly without any complicated decorations, she is still so captivating."

Such a woman is like a clear and ethereal painting, beautiful yet unattainable; who wouldn't like her?

Xiao Huaijin was somewhat lost in thought, but quickly regained his composure and solemnly said, "I was being presumptuous just now. Yelü Qi has a special identity and appeared in a special place like Xuanqing Temple, so I have to be more cautious."

"Your Majesty, I understand." Shen Yunjiao's face was a few shades paler than before, as if she were somewhat weak. She slowly bowed to Xiao Huaijin, "Your Majesty, I will not be here to bother you any longer."