Cheng Yuqing was still unable to walk, so the emperor simply let him stay in the side hall, ordered the Imperial Hospital to treat him regularly, and then dismissed all the ministers.

After hearing Sun Yuanzheng's explanation that Cheng Yuqing was not seriously injured, it was just that preparing the antidote would be a bit difficult, Cheng Zheng took his leave and went back to prepare for the marriage to the princess.

Whether Qing'er admits it or not, her grandfather has seen the princess's affection for her. Besides, the emperor has already agreed to the marriage, so he must hurry back to prepare to receive the imperial decree.

Just as this matter came to an end, the Empress sent someone over to ask Xiang Wan to go to the Phoenix Palace.

Needless to say, they're asking her about her taking it upon herself to marry him off.

Seeing the Empress's disapproving expression, Xiang Wan raised an eyebrow, "Mother, didn't Eunuch Yuan tell you yesterday?"

Yuan Gonggong, who was waiting to the side, was sweating profusely.

Tell me what? The matter of taking the silver has already been reported. Is there some hidden meaning?

The Empress asked suspiciously, "Isn't it because you're short of money and are trying to remind your mother in various ways?"

Xiang Wan's lips twitched. How stingy was the original owner? It made people feel that giving her a small reward was just a way of asking for money.

"Mother, yesterday you sent Eunuch Yuan to ask me when I would get married. Didn't I tell you it was a sure thing? Isn't there a rush?"

The Empress raised an eyebrow. "You really aren't short of money?"

Xiang Wan said apologetically, "If you think I should receive some reward, then I will respectfully accept your offer."

The Empress nodded. This was indeed her daughter; even her demands for money were so unique.

After the court session, Han Shijie looked smug and pleased with himself. Anyone unaware of the situation would have thought that some good news had befallen him.

"Lord Han, are you so eager to drink the princess's wedding wine?"

Wen Lu couldn't stand Han Shijie's smugness. Seeing his light steps, he couldn't help but want to pin him to the ground and beat him up.

What's wrong with civil officials? They still sit in the court and give orders, unlike him, a mere military man who only knows how to wield swords and spears.

"Grand Tutor Wen, can't you bear to see the princess doing well at all?"

Wen Lu choked back a word, flicked his sleeves, and decided not to stoop to his level.

The minister behind him said anxiously, "Lord Han, aren't you afraid that Grand Tutor Wen will be displeased and cause you trouble in the future?"

"Hmph, that's assuming he lives to that age."

Others may fear Wen Lu, but he fears none. Unless the throne changes hands, how could he, the Nine Gates Commander personally promoted by the Emperor, possibly fear an old scoundrel who relies on seniority for his position?

Upon hearing this, the court officials all lowered their heads, pretending not to have heard.

When two high-ranking officials fight each other, it's the less prominent lower-ranking officials who suffer the most. It's best to be careful.

Upon exiting the palace gates, the officials were dumbfounded to see groups of commoners chatting and selling their wares in the distance. Had the market been moved to the palace gates?

The officials all got into their sedan chairs and left. Those who knew the sedan chair bearers were thinking about how they should ask them about it later.

Even after everyone had left, the people were still eagerly waiting.

The person they most wanted to see didn't come out. Could it be that he was detained and reprimanded by the Emperor?

Some people couldn't stand the heat and stayed far away to watch the excitement, while others held up a large umbrella and called their friends to eat melon seeds and drink tea under the umbrella.

When we came out in the evening, the sun was already setting in the west.

The Empress wanted her to stay in the palace for the night, but Xiang Wan insisted on leaving, citing matters at her residence. The Empress had no choice but to have Eunuch Yuan give her some silver notes and escort her.

Cheng Yuqing had already woken up, but was still a little weak. Xiang Wan took the ropes again, tied her up, and dragged her away. Even Eunuch Yuan couldn't bear to watch.

"Princess, Young Master Cheng's poison has not yet been cured. I'm afraid you'll be in such a state..."

"If I don't tie him up, he might knock himself unconscious by relying on his martial arts skills. Are you going to carry him out of the palace then?"

Cheng Yuqing was speechless. If he was going to faint, it would be from anger, not from hitting himself.

But seeing the crowd of people cheering for Xiang Wan at the city gate, Cheng Yuqing couldn't stay calm.

Those repeated "Congratulations, young master"s were a real slap in the face. If he hadn't been tied up, he might have just knocked himself unconscious; he was just an eyesore.

This time, Xiang Wan didn't take Cheng Yuqing back to the princess's residence, but went directly into the Cheng residence.

General Cheng rushed over to greet them, but was stopped by Xiang Wan halfway there.

“General Cheng, I was worried about Aqing, so I came along. Don’t worry, with me here, no one can hurt him.”

Behind him, Zhao Dezhu, looking utterly defeated, kept his eyes down, appearing like a reclusive sage.

That very morning, he was summoned to the palace, where Imperial Physician Sun gave him a thorough dressing-down. Poor man, he had completely lost face in front of the court officials. However, because he had promptly forced the poisoned blood out of Cheng Yuqing, the emperor directly assigned him to the princess. From then on, he was no longer part of the Imperial Medical Academy. What could he possibly hope for? He could only hope that Cheng Yuqing would recover quickly and regain her husbandly authority, thus restoring the face he had lost.

Cheng Zheng hurriedly replied, "I wouldn't dare trouble the princess."

Xiang Wan quickly curtsied, "Today in the main hall, Wan'er uttered not a single falsehood. Father has already decreed that A-Qing and I are family, and family members don't need to speak like strangers. You are A-Qing's grandfather, and from now on, you will also be Wan'er's grandfather. I will definitely join A-Qing in serving you with filial piety. Please accept Wan'er's bow!"

Cheng Zheng sighed and stopped trying to dissuade her. He had already acknowledged Xiang Wan's identity, and he was entitled to this bow.

"In that case, let's prepare the main courtyard. The princess can stay there for now, until after the wedding..."

“Since we are family, Grandfather can call me Wan’er. Living in the Cheng residence, I am not a princess, but just your granddaughter-in-law.”

Cheng Zheng nodded, somewhat unaccustomed to Xiang Wan's self-determination, but accepting her reasonableness. After all, which family that marries a princess wouldn't worry about their daughter-in-law becoming arrogant and domineering because of her status?

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