Jiang Shuwan didn't dare to ask about the palace repairs.

However, after much deliberation, she decided to bring up the matter of the imperial examination again, even though Pei Yanzhi's attitude at the library last time clearly told her not to get involved.

How could she ignore something that involved the old lady?

It was already completely dark, and the spring chill was still in the air. The weather wasn't much warmer than in winter, and Jiang Shuwan was particularly sensitive to the cold, so she was still wrapped in a thick cloak.

Pei Yanzhi walked beside her. The man was just a head taller than her, with an upright posture. He looked very elegant and handsome as he walked forward holding the lamp.

Soon they arrived at the gate of her courtyard, where Granny Fang and a group of maids and servants were already waiting.

Jiang Shuwan's status is now quite extraordinary, but she still couldn't help but be slightly surprised to see Pei Yanzhi holding a lantern for her.

At the courtyard gate, Jiang Shuwan tightened her cloak, hesitated for a moment, then looked into his cool eyes and said softly, "Over at the library..."

"..."

As soon as she opened her mouth, Pei Yanzhi's eyes darkened.

By the end, his deep eyes had become so dark they couldn't be opened, and a strong sense of oppression suddenly rushed towards Jiang Shuwan, far stronger than the oppressive feeling on their wedding night, causing her to clench her fists involuntarily.

"Don't worry about it." He only said three words when he opened his mouth, but perhaps feeling it was too cold, he added, "I have my own ideas."

"..."

If you had any ideas, you wouldn't have been kicked out of the house by the old Marquis.

Furthermore, with Lord Yun in trouble, how will the old lady get through this?

Clenching her sleeves, Jiang Shuwan finally mentioned Elder Yun.

“My maternal uncle is now the chief examiner for the imperial examinations. If anything is leaked, he will be the first to suffer. He's getting old and can't take it. Burning that thing now is still possible…”

"..."

The man was silent for two breaths, then his voice lowered even further, "I know, don't worry about it."

Even after all that had been said, Pei Yanzhi remained obstinate. Jiang Shuwan fell silent, glanced at him, tightened her cloak, and went inside.

the next day.

She didn't even check the results of the imperial examinations when they were released. Instead, she went straight to Xiangguo Temple. The doctors, midwives, and various medicinal herbs had already been sent to the north, but she hadn't yet received the blessing for Sun Wanwan's safety.

The old abbot of Xiangguo Temple had gone on a long trip and only returned today. Jiang Shuwan, under the guise of seeking blessings, spent half a day idly at Xiangguo Temple, and even ate lunch there.

Actually, she wanted to spend another afternoon, but she ran into several officials' wives who all congratulated her on winning first place.

Upon receiving this "good news," she decided not to waste any more time at Xiangguo Temple and hurriedly boarded the carriage.

"Good afternoon!" The person in the carriage greeted her in a friendly manner.

Wow, that's quite a head!

Jiang Shuwan stared unkindly at Li Chengyun, who was lying in her carriage.

That bastard actually followed her again, and even asked to get into her carriage without asking.

Jiang Shuwan lifted the curtain and wanted him to get lost, but she didn't expect to see the official's wife who had congratulated her earlier. Jiang Shuwan was so frightened that she quickly put the curtain down.

"Aren't you annoying?"

Staring at the innocent-looking Li Chengyun, Jiang Shuwan clenched her fist fiercely.

She actually has a pretty good temper, but this jerk is just too infuriating.

Honestly, she is extremely grateful to Pei Yanzhi now. If Pei Yanzhi hadn't picked her up, she wouldn't have been able to escape that night when Li Chengyun kidnapped her. That bastard is insane; he really isn't afraid of others seeing them meeting in private.

This is unbelievable! How could the Li family produce such a madman?

Gritting her teeth, Jiang Shuwan boarded the carriage, telling Qingxing not to make a sound.

Li Chengyun maintained an innocent expression throughout, comfortably lying in the carriage. He didn't even sheathe his sword when Jiang Shuwan entered. It was only after Jiang Shuwan kicked him that he bent his long, noble legs to make room for her.

"Can't you change to another carriage?" He even complained that Jiang Shuwan's carriage was too small.

"This is already the standard for a county princess!" Jiang Shuwan looked at him irritably. If it weren't for Li Chengyun's long carriage, her carriage would have been quite spacious.

"I'll give you one tomorrow; my rules are a bit stricter than yours."

"Thanks for the invitation, but no need."

"You're really funny." Despite being given the cold shoulder, Li Chengyun wasn't angry. Instead, she cheerfully asked why she was angry, even though Pei Yanzhi had come in first place.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shuwan could only force a smile, "Of course I'm happy, but Your Highness always comes uninvited, which is really impolite."

"Sigh, we're already so close, yet you still don't want to call me Fourth Brother," Li Chengyun said, utterly disappointed.

Jiang Shuwan: "..."

Damn it, who's familiar with you?

You're the one who's naturally outgoing!

Jiang Shuwan was speechless, but after arguing with Li Chengyun, she wasn't so bothered anymore, especially since Li Chengyun looked quite handsome.

The man wore a crimson brocade robe, embroidered with intricate cloud patterns in gold thread, which shone brightly, as if the glittering stars had fallen upon it.

A dark black belt adorned his waist, inlaid with three pieces of beautiful jade, each the size of a child's palm, shimmering with light and exuding an air of nobility.

This man really knows how to dress. He's extravagant and dissolute like a spoiled brat. Jiang Shuwan had previously inquired with Song Huaizhang and heard that all these jewels were bestowed upon him by the old emperor.

So many merits were not rewarded with the title of king, but these flashy but meaningless things were given. The old emperor was truly biased as a father.

Jiang Shuwan thought to herself, then glanced at Li Chengyun's handsome face.

If Pei Yanzhi is like a gentleman in a painting, refined and unparalleled, a man of noble character and elegant bearing.

This person is like crystal, with feminine features, eyebrows like willow leaves, slender and slightly upturned, and cat-like eyes as clear as glass.

—To call her pretty would be an understatement.

However, "beautiful" is indeed a fitting description of his androgynous appearance, since it's not usually appropriate to use the word "beautiful" to describe someone's looks, especially since the other person is a man.

So how exactly did Guo Yaqin manage to utter the words "I'd rather die than marry" when faced with that crystal-clear, beautiful face?

Such a face would probably make her dizzy, but Guo Yaqin's "Daoist heart is firm".

In an instant, Jiang Shuwan was filled with admiration for Guo Yaqin.

"Don't you have anything to do all day? Don't you have to attend court?"

Staring at Li Chengyun's handsome face, Jiang Shuwan couldn't help but ask the question that had been bothering her for a long time.

As far as she knew, Li Chengyun had entered the court to participate in politics at the age of thirteen. Logically, he should be busier than Pei Yanzhi. Pei Yanzhi was busy from dawn till dusk every day, while Li Chengyun was free all the time.

"Attending court? It's alright, I can choose whether or not to go."

"..."

Jiang Shuwan never imagined that attending court could be related to the phrase "optional."

So how did this worthless scoundrel who could go to the capital so casually become emperor?

Even three days is still being an emperor!