The old Marquis was unaware of the complicated relationship between Shen Yunxi and Jun Xuan. However, Jun Xuan's words made him realize that if he did not deal with Shen Leyi today, Jun Xuan would be very disappointed.

Therefore, even if he was reluctant, the old marquis would still bring it up.

"Your Majesty, please forgive my rudeness. That was not what I meant, and I also apologize for the misunderstanding, Eldest Son. I did not know much about this matter beforehand. I just wanted to investigate thoroughly before making a decision, fearing that I might wrong someone. Since Your Majesty saw it with your own eyes, I naturally have no objection." As he spoke, the old Marquis looked at the grave man and said, "Eldest Son, punish Fourth Sister as agreed beforehand."

"Father, rest assured, it will be done. The first thing will be to remove Fourth Sister's name from the family genealogy. As for her future marriage, that is no longer in my consideration, nor do I care," he replied heavily.

Shen Leyi sat blankly on the ground, and Madam Qian was also distraught. Because the Emperor was present, they dared not say anything more.

Shen Yunxi was not affected by the two people. On the contrary, she smiled happily, and her mood improved as a result.

Next, Junxuan did not dine with the old Marquis and the others, but instead had Zhongchen prepare a meal for them to have with his generous family of four.

Originally, Shen Zhong refused, fearing that Shen Anyu might overstep his bounds in front of Shen Zhong and anger the Emperor.

However, Junxuan insisted, so Shen Chong naturally couldn't say anything.

After dinner, Junxuan went to the somber study to discuss important matters with him, and it was a long time before he came out of the study.

Shen Yunxi naturally didn't leave either. In Lanpei's room, the mother and daughter were talking, but the content of their conversation didn't have much to do with Junxuan.

Soon, a heavy voice came from outside, "Yunxi, go and see the Emperor off."

He had intended to see Jun-hyun off himself, but Jun-hyun told him to rest. He wasn't stupid; he knew that Jun-hyun had sent his daughter.

But wasn't Emperor Junxuan someone who never liked his daughters and was always the one who clung to him, driving him crazy with annoyance?

At this moment, Shen Zhong couldn't understand Jun Xuan's attitude, but even if he did, he couldn't say anything. After all, he was the emperor, the supreme ruler, and it was never their place to say what he wanted to do.

Shen Yunxi knew that Junxuan must have something to say to her. It seemed that besides talking to Shen Chen today, he also had something to say to her.

The two walked slowly outside and soon arrived at the long corridor in the front yard.

Because of the heavy arrangements made in advance, there was no one around, which gave Junxuan and Shen Yunxi a chance to talk.

Two figures, one tall and one short, walked one after the other without saying a word. Junxuan stopped when they reached the end of the corridor.

Shen Yunxi passively stopped with Jun Xuan. She didn't want to have too much contact with him, but since he had come to the Yong'an Marquis's residence, she couldn't just ignore him and not care about anything else. At least she had to show some courtesy.

Therefore, Shen Yunxi was wondering whether she should say something to break the silence.

After all, Junxuan was standing in front and wouldn't leave, so Shen Yunxi couldn't get him to leave even if she wanted to.

"How have you been these past few days?" Junxuan suddenly asked.

After saying those words, Junxuan was somewhat taken aback. He shouldn't have asked them; it would have made Shen Yunxi misunderstand that he was thinking of her.

However, Shen Yunxi didn't think much of it and assumed that Junxuan was asking how she had been these past few days since leaving the palace.

Honestly, she thought it was fantastic!

"Your Majesty is too kind. After all, this is my own home, and I am naturally living very well. I am grateful for Your Majesty's concern," Shen Yunxi replied calmly.

Upon hearing this, Junxuan turned around and stared directly at Shen Yunxi, trying to see her expression clearly. He was also somewhat displeased, as Shen Yunxi's attitude had made him a little annoyed.

How did she manage to completely ignore him as if nothing had happened?

"You seem to be doing quite well, but I'm not doing so well," Jun Xuan said with a cold laugh.

Shen Yunxi was slightly taken aback. Could it be that because he had stabbed Jun Xuan and kicked him earlier, Jun Xuan was not doing well while recovering from his injury?

However, she didn't do it on purpose. Junxuan inexplicably wanted to do something to her, and she unintentionally hurt him when she didn't want to.

Logically speaking, Jun Xuanzi wouldn't want anything to happen between her and him.

However, Junxuan's question was difficult to answer. Shen Yunxi pondered for a moment, then tentatively spoke up.

"Your Majesty should take care of your health."

If this is the reply, there shouldn't be any problems, right?

Just as Shen Yunxi was about to breathe a sigh of relief, Jun Xuan suddenly moved. He turned around, grabbed Shen Yunxi's wrist, and stared at her with eyes that seemed to be spitting fire.

"Shen Yunxi, is this really a good idea? You're playing hard to get, trying to win my attention. I can't deny that your scheme has been successful; I do think about you quite often. But everyone has their limits. Don't think that I'm truly hopelessly in love with you. What exactly do you want?" Jun Xuan stared coldly at Shen Yunxi.

These days, Junxuan often thinks of Shen Yunxi and her changed attitude, and he always feels an indescribable sadness in his heart.

Not wanting to wrong himself, Junxuan personally went to the Yong'an Marquis's residence to see her.

Perhaps, she can provide answers to some of the things that are puzzling.

Shen Yunxi struggled instinctively, and the pain in her wrist made her face turn slightly pale. She had never seen Junxuan in such a state before. Sometimes she wondered if the so-called past life was just a dream, otherwise why would Junxuan be so out of control?

Jun-hyun has always been aloof and composed, and would never do such a thing, but the pain in his wrist doesn't seem fake.

"Your Majesty, please calm down. I believe I have made everything clear in the palace. Why does Your Majesty still think I am playing hard to get? If so, why didn't I stop Miss Lu from attacking Your Majesty? And when Your Majesty summoned me, why didn't I go along with it and consummate our relationship? Furthermore, on the anniversary of Consort Yun's death, I could have accepted Your Majesty's offer, even if it was merely to allow Your Majesty to vent. Given Your Majesty's nature, I doubt you would have abandoned me. Because I have truly let go, Your Majesty need not concern yourself. Letting go is good. A clean break, each finding their own happiness—isn't that what Your Majesty most desires?"

Shen Yunxi didn't understand why Junxuan was acting so distressed; he shouldn't be like this.

Junxuan paused, then released Shen Yunxi.

Yes, this is the situation he most wanted to see, and it should be this way, so why is he so unwilling now?

Is it possessiveness at play, or is his heart uncontrollably drawn to Chen Yunxi?

"You... have you really let go?"