Shen Pingjin was no less a clever person. Under normal circumstances, she would never have been so easily fooled. It was just a pity that the Emperor's excuse this time really hit the nail on the head.

Suppressing her excitement, Shen Pingjin replied calmly, "Your Majesty, Pingjin obeys."

These eight simple words mean that Shen Pingjin will never have any connection with Su Xuanmao in this life, and at the same time, it also means that Shen Pingjin and Yan Jue are indeed bound together.

The others never expected Shen Pingjin to agree so readily, especially Su Xuanmao, whose face turned as black as the bottom of a pot.

Consort Shu sighed helplessly. It seemed that she and Shen Pingjin were truly not meant to be.

At this moment, Yan Jue's state of mind was completely different from the two of them.

He still felt a vague sense of unreality; the joy of marrying his beloved was like a rising tide, surging through his heart. He didn't want to ask Shen Pingjin why she had suddenly changed her mind and resolutely decided to become the Regent's Consort. He thought that since Shen Pingjin dared to agree to the Emperor's request, then no matter what, he, Yan Jue, believed that Shen Pingjin would not harm him.

The Emperor looked surprised, but since Shen Pingjin had agreed, things became simpler. "Since you have agreed, let's put last night's events behind us. It's getting late, so you and Yan Jue should go back to your residence to rest."

Shen Pingjin was more than happy to accept this, and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Yan Jue naturally followed Chen Pingjin's lead and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty. Your humble servant will take the Princess Consort and take our leave now."

The Emperor waved his hand, signaling the two to leave quickly.

Apart from Consort Shu and the Empress, everyone else present was surprised that Shen Pingjin agreed so readily. Shen Ruixue, in particular, watched Shen Pingjin nervously, and breathed a sigh of relief after seeing her obediently leave with Yan Jue.

From now on, she will be the rightful Crown Princess.

Su Xuanmao stared in disbelief at the departing figures of the two. He couldn't believe that what Shen Pingjin had just said was actually true.

She was truly determined to become the Regent's wife, and from then on, she would become a stranger to him, and they would part ways amicably.

But Chen Pingjin was clearly not like this before...

Su Xuanmao clenched his fists in secret. Those words must have been forced to Pingjin by Yan Jue. He must have forced her to say them!

How could Shen Pingjin say such a thing to him? Just a few days ago, she was happily saying that she looked forward to marrying him!

Thinking about this, Su Xuanmao became even more certain of his idea.

Meanwhile, Shen Pingjin led Yan Jue out of the Hall of Mental Cultivation. She was filled with questions, such as how Yan Jue knew about what happened last night and how he captured Uncle Chen.

How could Yan Jue not understand Shen Pingjin? He spoke, his gaze as cold as a deep pool, "Today your sister openly slandered you in front of the Emperor. I have long been unable to stand it, but I was delayed because Ye Ting was too slow and did not have time to seize the evidence. As a result, your sister slandered me next. How could I tolerate this? Naturally, I am here to avenge you."

Shen Pingjin knew exactly what Yan Jue was thinking, but she just wanted to tease him. "Thank you for your help today, my husband, but I have some questions."

Yan Jue frowned slightly. "What don't you understand?"

Shen Pingjin lowered her voice, "Everyone in the capital says that the Regent is a playboy who has flirted with and protected countless women. Pingjin is a little puzzled. If this had happened to someone else, would my husband have treated them the same way?"

"This..." Yan Jue hesitated, "If I say I can, will you be angry, Your Highness?"

Shen Pingjin smiled and said, "As the Regent's lawfully wedded Queen, Pingjin naturally has to handle every matter with tolerance, understanding and respect. So, my husband, Pingjin is not angry."

Yan Jue, who had expected to see the woman's angry and disappointed expression, was somewhat disappointed upon hearing this, but he still said with a calm expression, "It's good that the princess is not angry. I like a princess as understanding as you."

If Shen Pingjin hadn't witnessed Yan Jue's utter despair in his past life, she might still be in the dark, saying, "My husband flatters me."

Yan Jue felt a pang of sadness as he looked at the casualness in Shen Pingjin's eyes. Sure enough, she had been forced to marry him.

But so what? It was all wishful thinking on his part.

The two returned to their residence, each with their own thoughts. Shen Pingjin looked at the untouched, festive bridal chamber and posed the question to Yan Jue, "Husband, since we are only a couple in contract, do you want to sleep in separate rooms from me?"

A thousand voices were screaming in Yan Jue's heart that he didn't want separate rooms, but he said aloud, "Let's have separate rooms, otherwise it will disturb my interactions with other girls."

Shen Pingjin's eyes dimmed instantly. "Pingjin has no objection, but please, husband, restrain yourself and don't flirt in front of me. Otherwise, I might not be able to resist breaking the agreement and having an affair."

Yan Jue: ?

That won't do!

Without hesitation, Yan Jue pulled out a contract from his sleeve, his tone calm yet subtly laced with threat, "Your Highness, don't forget, your fate is intertwined with mine. If you commit adultery, I will... I will..."

Chen Pingjin raised an eyebrow, "Husband, what do you mean?"

Yan Jue didn't know what was wrong with him; the words that came out of his mouth suddenly changed, "This prince... this prince will restrain himself a little, and won't flirt with you like that, okay?!"

Shen Pingjin almost died laughing. Seeing Yan Jue's anxious look, she nodded solemnly, "Alright, this princess agrees!"

Yan Jue sighed. When you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head. It's better to take a step back and let things be. After all, based on his understanding of this girl, she might really do something like having an affair.

Wouldn't he be furious then?

The two returned to their respective rooms to rest. They were so exhausted that when Shen Pingjin woke up the next morning, the sun was already high in the sky.

Nian'an and Nian'ning, the two maids who had accompanied the bride, were standing guard outside the door. When they heard the commotion inside, they came in to take a look.

Seeing that Shen Pingjin had woken up, her face showed worry and sadness, which left Shen Pingjin completely confused.

What's wrong with you two?

Nian'an and Nian Ning shook their heads simultaneously, stammering, "Reporting to... Regent's Princess, we are fine."

We are indeed fine, but Your Highness... is in trouble.

Seeing the "we have something to say" expressions on their faces, Shen Pingjin became even more suspicious. "If you have something to say, just tell me directly. You don't need to hide it from me."

Nian'an spoke first, "Your Highness, are you sure?"

Nianning chimed in from the side, "Your Highness, do you really want us to say it?"