Ye Wantang, however, stood up for him, saying, "It's no wonder that Prince Liang would misunderstand if the princess didn't sleep at night and went out for a stroll."

The implication is that Ye Zhen's own frivolous behavior is what caught the attention of the King of Liang.

The Prince of Liang flirted with Ye Zhen, making her jealous.

"Smack!"

A lump of mud landed on Ye Wantang's mouth.

Xie Tingzhou had just led his men to patrol the mountains when he returned and heard these words. He flicked his longsword towards the shallow pool beside him and hurled it at Ye Wantang.

"His Majesty has graciously invited everyone to the Imperial Estate. It's still early, why can't we come out and enjoy the scenery?"

My father is strict with his children, and my younger sister is very disciplined, unlike Miss Ye, who goes swimming early in the morning.

He sneered contemptuously, "If you have a guilty conscience, everyone will look like a ghost to you. Miss Ye, you should speak less in the future to avoid revealing too much."

Ye Wantang was so ashamed and indignant that she wiped the mud off her face haphazardly.

"You...you're protecting her like this, I think there's something fishy going on with you all."

"If the older brother doesn't protect his own sister, is he going to protect you, who's 'unconventional'?"

It's not a good thing for a woman to be described as careless about details.

Some people couldn't help but think of the sleeve that Ye Zhen tore off on the day Ye Wantang poisoned Yin Jiuniang, where the red marks on the woman's body were clearly visible.

Combined with Xie Tingzhou's words, his gaze towards Ye Wantang became strange.

Some people were even whispering among themselves.

Ye Wantang never expected Xie Tingzhou, a grown man, to come and scold her, which made her increasingly suspicious of his relationship with Ye Zhen.

"She's your brother's wife, not your sister."

Xie Tingzhou ignored her and looked at Marquis Zhongyong, "Father, didn't you tell everyone that you have taken your sister-in-law as your daughter?"

Marquis Zhongyong, "..."

How did he know when he had taken Ye Zhen as his daughter?

Fortunately, he was quick-witted.

He cleared his throat and reported to the emperor, "Your Majesty, Xie Yunzhou is unworthy to be Ye Zhenfu's husband. I have already written a divorce agreement for him, which has been filed with the yamen."

This was something Yin Jiuniang had insisted on getting from him, and she had even dragged him to the yamen herself. Now, however, there was an explanation.

"Worried that Ye Zhen might leave the mansion because of this, I have taken her in as my daughter. This child is low-key and simple in her conduct, and she refused to let me host a banquet."

Unexpectedly, someone questioned this. Today, this old minister publicly informed Your Majesty and Your Highness that Ye Zhen is the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Zhongyong.

"It's because this child is too outstanding that she always attracts jealousy and resentment. I implore Your Majesty and Your Highness to bestow blessings and protect this poor old minister's daughter."

Xie Tingzhou was about to leave. At this time, he recognized Ye Zhen as his daughter, which not only gave Ye Zhen a family, but also ensured that the two would not have the status of brother and sister.

Marquis Zhongyong thought to himself, "This kid is a real dog."

But considering that after Xie Tingzhou left, he really had no children left, only Ye Zhen.

The protectiveness in his words deepened.

The Emperor and Empress naturally had no objection to this matter.

But Ye Wantang was unconvinced. She said aggrievedly, "Uncle Xie, you only acknowledged Ye Zhen to cover for them... ah..."

She was beaten again.

Xie Tingzhou and Ye Zhen attacked simultaneously, one slapping and the other kicking.

Ye Zhen scoffed, "You're just showing off. You're full of lewd and immoral thoughts. It's really bad luck that Prince Ning got involved with you."

After finishing, she wiped her hands and bowed to the Emperor and Empress. "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I was impolite. This man was just too despicable, and I couldn't help myself."

Xie Tingzhou added, "They have repeatedly tarnished the reputation of my Marquis's mansion; their intentions are despicable."