Shen Tangning clenched her fingers, casting a cryptic glance at him without revealing her emotions: "Your Highness is joking."

Yun An chuckled lightly, her eyes carrying a hint of condescending disdain: "That's good."

Watching her leave arrogantly, Gu Qingxu and Wen Yao exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with worry: "Ningning, are you alright?"

Shen Tangning's lips twitched slightly: "It's nothing."

"Sister!"

Shen Ci jogged towards him, with Chi Yan following closely behind, both of them wearing the same worried expression.

"Did Princess Yun'an cause you trouble again?" The young man frowned, looking indignant and ready to stand up for her. "That's too much! Does being a princess give you the right to bully people?"

Shen Tangning stared intently at him, then suddenly raised her hand and patted his shoulder, her tone firm: "Don't worry, your older sister won't let her bully you."

After saying that, he turned and left.

Shen Ci was stunned for a moment, then blinked a beat later: "Huh?"

No, how did it become bullying him?

Wen Yao gave him a sympathetic look: "Young man, your good days are over!"

Shen Ci: "..."

What nonsense! His good days haven't even begun yet!

Under his persistent questioning, Wen Yao finally revealed the truth to him: "You're going to be the prince consort!"

Shen Ci was stunned for a moment, his expression changing unpredictably.

No wonder, no wonder my sister was so angry.

Ultimately, it all comes down to him.

...

Chi Yan caught up with Shen Tangning and had already guessed what was going on: "What happened? Is it related to Shen Ci?"

Shen Tangning's eyes were filled with coldness: "Princess Yun'an wants Aci to be her husband."

Chi Yan paused for a moment, then straightened his expression and said, "Don't rush, this might not work out. Let's think of a solution together."

Once inside the carriage, Chi Yan scrutinized Shen Tangning's icy expression, thinking to himself that she had touched a nerve. He knew better than anyone how much she cared about her younger brother.

A hint of sarcasm flashed in Shen Tangning's eyes: "I can't count on my father."

If Emperor Chongde had truly revealed this intention, Shen Chang would likely have been grateful and agreed, since his son was far less important than his career.

Therefore, she never even considered having Shen Chang go to the palace to plead for her.

Chi Yan frowned: "So what are your plans?"

She pursed her lips, and after a long silence, slowly said, "Grandfather does have the ability, but the Xie family cannot get involved in this matter..."

She closed her eyes and rested her head on her hand, her brows and eyes showing signs of weariness.

The emperor was just looking for an opportunity to take action against the Xie family. If the Xie family openly refused to grant the marriage, then Emperor Chongde would have a reason to retaliate!

Chi Yan frowned, sensing the thorny nature of the situation.

Marrying into the royal family is an honor; how could you possibly refuse?

He hesitated before speaking, "How about I go to the palace tomorrow to sound out His Majesty's intentions?"

As long as the imperial decree for the marriage hasn't been issued, there's still a chance for things to change.

Shen Tangning suddenly spoke up: "There's another way."

"What?" He looked up and saw that her eyes were dark and her voice was very soft.

"If something happens to Princess Yun'an, then the problem will be solved."

Of course, that's a last resort.