At Shenshi (3-5 PM), the light rain continued.

The Crown Prince's residence, with its air dampened by the rain, was filled with the refreshing aroma of tea.

Only the siblings remained in the spacious hall, and Shang Changze spoke first.

"Sister, when I went to the palace this time, the Empress Dowager mentioned your marriage to the General. I did not agree, so please don't worry."

Shang Changge: "Is that so?"

Shang Changge sipped his tea while gazing at the garden scenery bathed in rain, returning the table casually.

Her brother's disagreement didn't surprise her, considering what she had said to her stepmother that day.

Although it was meant to be a refusal, every word was reasonable, well-founded, and persuasive.

The beautiful younger brother is a smart man.

Moreover, their style of doing things emphasizes prudence and is not hasty, so it's normal to disagree.

Shang Changge: "Hmm?"

A plate of crystal-clear candied fruit was pushed in front of me.

Shang Changge raised her eyebrows in confusion and looked over, only to see Shang Changze's heartbroken face.

Shang Changze: "Is my elder sister angry? I've already told Mother that we don't need to mention this matter again."

If my success in seizing the throne requires sacrificing my elder sister's happiness for the rest of her life, then I'd rather not have the throne.

"Mother promised me, so please don't be angry anymore, okay? Getting angry is bad for your health, have something sweet to calm down."

Sadness, sorrow, and pitifulness—perfect, it has the flavor of a male version of a "white lotus" (a seemingly innocent but actually manipulative woman).

Shang Changge's lips twitched, and she pushed the candied fruit back to show that she wasn't angry and refused.

"I don't like sweets, you can eat it yourself."

Wait, if she remembered correctly, the original owner didn't like sweet flavors either.

Shang Changge glanced at Shang Changze and noticed that her handsome younger brother's barely perceptible furrowed brows relaxed, and he seemed relieved.

Oh ho, I was just testing her.

I still don't completely believe her. Prince Qingyan is indeed not so easy to fool.

However, Shang Changge remained completely unperturbed. Even if the Heavenly King himself came, this body still belonged to the original owner, and he could verify his identity at any time.

Shang Changze: "Sister, Third Brother is coming back."

When this matter was mentioned, Shang Changze lowered his eyes and sipped his tea, his gaze filled with coldness.

Even the thousand-gold poison couldn't kill Shang Rui; the third brother's luck is truly as good as ever.

Shang Changge: "Shang Rui?"

Shang Changge's eyes lit up and he immediately perked up, even stopping his tea:

"When exactly? Are we almost at the capital? Who's leading the escort? Are there many escorts?"

Just listen to that question; anyone could guess that she had ulterior motives and was plotting something sinister.

Although Shang Changze felt helpless, he didn't think his sister was wrong to want to kill Shang Rui, and naturally replied:

"As far as I know, Shang Rui and his group should be back in the capital by tomorrow afternoon at the latest."

"The distance is too close and there are too many escorts; it's not advisable to take any more risks."

Shang Changge: "Again?"

Shang Changge grasped the key point, his sharp eyes narrowing as he saw through everything.

So the beautiful younger brother has already sent someone to kill the male lead once, to avenge her previous death?

Very good, I was slightly moved.

Shang Changge picked up his teacup and clinked glasses with it, not holding back his praise:

"It's okay to fail. As the saying goes, failure is the mother of success. We'll have plenty of opportunities after he comes back."

The world of martial arts is too vast and far-reaching; for the princess to sneak out of the city unnoticed and return unnoticed is as difficult as ascending to heaven.

Unlike in the capital, a princess could disguise herself and, if she found the right opportunity, steal a nearby person under the cover of darkness.

Shang Changze shook his head and reminded her, "Sister, although Shang Rui didn't die this time, his left leg is temporarily crippled and he can't stand up."

When the emperor learned of this, he dispatched five imperial guards and a thousand heavy soldiers to escort him back.

Once he returns to the capital, this protection will only increase, not decrease.

Therefore, unless we are prepared to kill him decisively and escape unscathed, it is not advisable to act rashly.

After hearing this, Shang Changge exclaimed, "Wow, no wonder he's the male protagonist of a male-oriented wish-fulfillment novel! Look at his status!"

Compared to Shang Rui's impressive entourage, the Crown Prince's younger brother, Mei Ren, only had Xiao Ji's presence that was somewhat respectable today.

The old emperor wasn't just showing favoritism; he was openly telling his officials who his true darlings were.

Oh right,

How many imperial shadows are left around the old emperor?