His Highness is such a good person; whether or not she can marry him, she hopes he can live a peaceful and prosperous life.

...

Dealing with people is a tiring job. Chi Yan's face was almost stiff from smiling so much. When he turned around, he found that his wife was gone.

"..."

Shen Tangning, what a cold and ruthless woman, just like that, she abandoned her husband in the biting cold wind.

On second thought, she realized that men and women would be seated separately once they entered the hall, and she probably thought of that too, which was why she didn't wait for him.

Chi Yan shook his head and chuckled. Just as he was about to lift his foot, he bumped into his father-in-law, and his face twitched almost imperceptibly.

This was the first time Shen Chang had seen Chi Yan since the homecoming banquet. His son-in-law's recent experiences had been quite eventful, and as a result, he, as the father-in-law, had been the subject of much gossip.

For the first time, Shen Chang seriously examined Chi Yan and suddenly realized that, setting aside his prejudices, this man actually had a rather intimidating aura.

A rare smile appeared on his face: "My dear son-in-law."

Caught off guard by this shout, Chi Yan immediately got goosebumps all over his arms!

He couldn't help but look at Shen Chang, only to find that Shen Chang was no longer as impatient as before, who would look at him twice as if he were dirty. Instead, he had a kind and gentle demeanor.

He couldn't help but sigh inwardly: No wonder he could become a minister! He was afraid he could never match that ability to change his expression so easily!

"Father-in-law, it's been a long time." Chi Yan forced out the same fake smile.

Now that the person was right in front of him, he naturally couldn't pretend he didn't see them.

Shen Chang nodded in satisfaction and glanced around: "Tang Ning didn't come with you?"

Chi Yan just wanted to end this awkward small talk as soon as possible, so she said perfunctorily, "She has already gone in first."

Shen Chang frowned immediately, his tone displeased: "This is your first time attending a palace banquet, you're unfamiliar with everyone and the place, and she actually abandoned you all by yourself? That's truly outrageous!"

Don't think he's concerned about Chi Yan; he's just afraid that Chi Yan doesn't understand palace rules and will embarrass himself and become a laughing stock!

Isn't this just embarrassing for him?

Chi Yan's eyes flickered slightly, and the smile on his lips faded, replaced by a forced one: "Father-in-law, you've misunderstood Tang Ning. It's freezing cold, and she's quite delicate. How could she possibly stand outside with me in the cold? If it were Mother-in-law, would you be willing to do that?"

He hasn't even said anything yet, why is this person meddling so much!

To say something bad about his wife to his face is to slap him in the face.

No wonder Shen Tangning wasn't very warm towards her father; with that kind of personality, she deserved it!

Slightly annoyed at being choked, Shen Chang maintained a friendly demeanor: "I was unable to attend your housewarming banquet due to other commitments. You don't hold a grudge, do you?"

The two headed towards the palace. Upon hearing this, Chi Yan curled his lips and said carelessly, "What are you saying, Father-in-law? I've heard everything. Consort Fang is pregnant. This is wonderful news!"

Shen Chang's face stiffened. He hadn't expected that Shen Ci knew about this. It must have been the work of that little brat Shen Ci!

Chi Yan turned his head to look at him, smiling as he continued, "I haven't even had a chance to congratulate my father-in-law yet, but you are indeed as vigorous and energetic as ever..."

"Ahem!" Seeing that he was talking more and more outrageous, Shen Chang interrupted him awkwardly, his face showing some frustration.

The more he listened, the more he felt that this kid was mocking him.

Seeing that Chi Yan seemed rather dim-witted, he couldn't help but wonder if he was overthinking things.