Chapter 438

After Yao Susu's matter was settled, the Yao family left after only a few days.

Before leaving, Madam Luo gave Zheng and Yunxi a series of instructions, telling them to take good care of Yao Susu and to write to her if anything happened and Yao Susu refused to tell her family.

Zheng and Yunxi nodded repeatedly.

Watching the Yao family's carriage leave, Madam Zheng and Yunxi exchanged a glance.

The two went back together, and Madam Zheng said, "Why do you look so preoccupied? Is something wrong?"

Yunxi shook her head: "No."

“You are pregnant now, so you must not overthink things,” Madam Zheng advised earnestly. “If there’s anything, talk to Zirong. If you can’t bring yourself to say it, talk to me. In short, don’t keep it to yourself.”

"Don't worry, Madam, I understand."

Seeing this, Zheng said no more.

Yunxi returned to Jibai Residence and locked herself in her bedroom.

——

The departure of the Yao family today is not a big deal for Shen Rang, who continues to work at the Ministry of Rites.

With the imperial examination just around the corner, even though there was already a fixed procedure, various details still needed to be adjusted, so the entire Ministry of Rites was busy and even the lunch break was almost gone.

Shen Rang had been busy all day, and as soon as he stepped out of the palace gate, he saw a young eunuch.

He recognized the eunuch; he was from the Crown Prince's palace.

"His Highness the Crown Prince requests your presence."

The Eastern Palace.

Seeing that Shen Rang had finally arrived, the Crown Prince smiled and closed the book in his hand, saying, "Zirong, you've finally come. You must have been very busy lately."

Shen Rang cupped his hands in greeting and replied, "Your Highness, I am fine."

Because he could see Yunxi when he got back, and because he was working so hard for both of them, he didn't feel tired.

The Crown Prince looked him up and down and asked him to sit down: "Knowing you're in a hurry to go back, I'll get straight to the point."

"Your Highness, please speak."

"Actually, I don't know how to say this. If Lord Yun hadn't come to me, I wouldn't have wanted to get involved in this kind of thing."

With just one sentence, Shen Rang knew what the Crown Prince wanted to say.

It's nothing more than Yun Wan and Yun Xi.

“You are a smart man, and you must know what I want to say,” the Crown Prince sighed. “Zirong, let me be fair. The Yun family’s daughter has had a hard life. Aren’t you afraid that your actions will break her heart?”

"Both of your families are under my patronage and serve me. I value you both highly. It is fate that your two families can become related by marriage. I really can't bear to see you two make such a scene over a concubine."

Shen Rang pursed his lips; "May I ask, Your Highness, is it Lord Yun who has come to visit?"

The crown prince was taken aback: "Is there something wrong?"

"To be honest, my wife and so-called concubines both have some connection with Lord Yun."

"Oh?" The Crown Prince raised an eyebrow. "I was unaware of this matter. Please tell me in detail."

“…Since Lord Yun feels wronged, let Lord Yun give His Highness an explanation in person,” Shen Rang said. “However, in any case, I will not give up on her.”

When he said this, Shen Rang's tone carried an unusual firmness and assertiveness.

Clearly, he was determined to do this.

"Zirong, have you thought this through? Even if there's something fishy about that girl's identity, your actions will be seen as favoring a concubine over your wife in the eyes of those who don't know the truth. Do you know what you'll face then?"

"Your subject understands."

The crown prince stared at him intently, and Shen Rang made no attempt to hide his gaze.

After a long pause, the Crown Prince sighed helplessly: "How come I never noticed before that you were such a stubborn person?"