Madam Shen composed herself and handed the letter to Shen Tangning, her expression unreadable: "Take a look first."

Shen Tangning took it, glanced at it briefly, frowned slightly, looked at Shen Chang, and curled her lips: "Father, based solely on this, you've concluded that your daughter had an affair? And you didn't even listen to your explanation before directly convicting me?"

Shen Chang's expression was cold: "Isn't that enough? What else do you have to say?"

The fact that they exchanged gifts privately is secondary; the important thing is that the recipient was the Crown Prince, which is what truly touched his sore spot!

The current situation in the court is unclear, and the emperor's intentions are unpredictable. It's even uncertain whether the crown prince can actually sit on that position!

At this point, if he were to reveal even the slightest intention to take sides, it would be a fatal blow to his career, as it would give others a handle to use against him!

Shen Tangning remained expressionless: "What if my daughter says that this letter was not written by her?"

Shen Chang frowned and said unhappily, "The handwriting we found in your room is also yours. What else do you have to deny?"

Chi Yan raised an eyebrow in disapproval: "Father-in-law, what you're saying is ridiculous. Even criminals have a chance to defend themselves! You're Tang Ning's father, and you're not even willing to listen to her explanation?"

Shen Ci, having been outmaneuvered, was speechless for a moment, then gave Chi Yan a strange look.

This kid actually managed to say something sensible!

Madam Shen felt a chill in her heart and gave Shen Chang a deep look.

As a father, before the truth has come out, he not only lacks trust, but he is also impatient to give his daughter a chance to explain.

Is this the person she spends every day with, the one who shares her bed with her?

Shen Xiwei swapped marriages with his daughter, and instead of giving himself and A Ning an explanation, he immediately advised her to let things go. This was already enough to chill her heart, and now he's pulled this stunt.

Madam Shen wasn't stupid. She clenched her cold fingertips and examined her husband for the first time.

Shen Chang was already extremely displeased that a spoiled brat had slapped him in the face. He suppressed his anger and glared coldly at Shen Tangning: "Fine! You say you didn't write this letter? Do you have any proof?"

Shen Tangning noticed the change in her mother's expression and knew that she had achieved half of her goal. She respectfully lowered her head.

"Father, look, the paper I use every day is Chengxintang paper. This paper is known for its firmness, purity, thinness, and smoothness. Because of its preciousness, there is a fixed amount in my room."

Furthermore, my daughter has a habit of soaking the paper in a special floral fragrance before she puts pen to paper; the fragrance lingers on the paper for months.

She changed the subject, brought the letter closer to her nose, and scoffed softly, "This paper is indeed Chengxintang paper, but it has no fragrance at all."

Aunt Fang's eyes flashed.

Shen Xiwei said casually, "Perhaps the fragrance has dissipated due to the long storage time, that's also possible?"

Even the strongest fragrance will dissipate after a year or two.

As soon as her daughter said this, Aunt Fang knew something was wrong, but it was too late.

Shen Tangning chuckled softly and glanced at her with an ambiguous expression.

Shen Xiwei belatedly realized she had misspoke and bit her lip: "Elder sister, I just said it casually, I didn't mean to doubt you..."

"Not at all, Second Sister, you've thought things through so well. I should be thanking you." Shen Tangning curled her lips and shook the letter.

"If, as my second sister says, it has been stored for a long time, why do the ink marks on this paper still look fresh?"

Shen Xiwei choked slightly.

"..."