Seeing that his elder brother seemed very keen to marry the second princess of the Western Jin Dynasty, Jun Buhui said, "Elder brother, actually... it wouldn't be difficult to get Father and Mother to agree..."

"Brother, think about it, whose words will Father and Mother listen to?"

Jun Lintian paused, then suddenly realized that he hadn't thought of his grandmother, the ancestor, who had spoken, meaning the matter of the Crown Princess was practically settled.

To avoid a repeat of what happened the previous night, Jun Lintian wrote a letter to Murong Ning in advance.

That evening, when Jun Lintian arrived, Murong Ning had already prepared tea and was sitting there waiting for him.

"Your Highness is arriving later than expected." As he spoke, Jun Lintian poured a cup of tea and placed it in front of him, then sat down without ceremony.

"Speak, what brings you to this princess?"

Murong Ning asked directly.

"Second Princess, with the wedding day drawing ever closer, and Jun Linyu now dead, you have only two options: either return to Western Jin or marry an official from Cangyue Kingdom. Whichever path you choose, both the Second Princess and Western Jin will become a laughingstock of the world."

Murong Ning's brows furrowed. She knew all too well, but what could she do? But surely Jun Lintian hadn't come here just to tell her this? Her lowered eyes flickered.

"What does Your Highness wish to say?"

"I, the Crown Prince, have a way that will neither disgrace the Western Jin Dynasty nor cause trouble for the Second Princess..."

Murong Ning narrowed her eyes, staring at Jun Lintian with suspicion, "Jun Lintian, why are you suddenly being so kind?"

Jun Lintian choked, then said, "Does the Second Princess not want to know the clear path I'm about to reveal?"

"Speak," Murong Ning pouted, genuinely curious about what Jun Lintian had said.

Jun Lintian coughed a few times, "Cooperate with this Crown Prince."

"To cooperate with you?"

"Yes, I currently have no intention of marrying a Crown Princess, but it's only a matter of time. Second Princess, you are pretending to marry me. Since you've helped me thwart those people's advances and relieved your worries, don't worry. Since we're in a cooperative relationship, I won't restrict your freedom or force you to do anything. Whenever you want to leave, I can help you."

Murong Ning was somewhat surprised, as this was something she hadn't expected. After all, being with Jun Lintian meant nothing but fighting and killing. However, the cooperation he proposed was indeed a good offer for her situation. On the surface, she would be his Crown Princess, but in reality, they would be partners. Since she couldn't return to Western Jin anyway, she might as well spend some time here peacefully and then fake her death to escape the palace when the time was right. This was indeed a good option.

After a long silence, she seemed to remember something and said, "This princess agrees, but you must keep your word and not restrict this princess. This princess can leave whenever she wants."

“A man’s word is his bond. However, after the Second Princess becomes the Crown Princess, she will need to help me fend off those women in the palace.” Jun Lintian felt uncomfortable just thinking about the way those women looked at him.

"I agree to your request, but the Emperor has already announced my marriage to the Third Prince to the entire world, so I'm afraid..."

Jun Lintian understood what she meant and said, "I, the Crown Prince, naturally have a way to handle this matter. Once it is done, my father will definitely summon you to the palace for an audience. At that time, the Second Princess will only need to cooperate."

A few days later, the emperor indeed summoned Murong Ning to the palace and questioned him for a long time. Finally, he announced to the world that the person who would marry the second princess of the Western Jin Dynasty would be Crown Prince Jun Lintian.

Some were happy while others were sad. Those who dreamed of becoming the Crown Princess and those who dreamed of becoming Dukes were utterly disappointed.

The wedding date was set on the same day as Jun Linyu's wedding.

Of course, the emperor originally did not allow it, fearing that Jun Lintian would be ridiculed by the people, since it had been announced to the world that it was the day the third prince would marry the second princess of the Western Jin Dynasty. However, Master Kongchen suddenly visited and said that on that day, the Ziwei star shone brightly, purple qi gathered in the east, and it was an auspicious sign that good fortune would descend, and there would be noble people to attend.

The emperor agreed without hesitation.

When the Empress saw Jin Chenzi, she asked him about the Crown Prince's marriage to the Second Princess of Western Jin. Master Kongchen only said, "It's like a mirage, let nature take its course."

The rest was left for the emperor and empress to figure out themselves.

With only a few days left until the day Jun Lintian was to marry the second princess of the Western Jin Dynasty, the entire capital city became lively, and every household hung up festive lanterns in advance.

The Crown Prince's wedding was a major event in the Cangyue Kingdom, and even the three great families received invitations from the palace.

Murong Ning sat on the edge of the bed in the post station, looking at the wedding clothes sent from the palace. It all seemed like a dream.

Just when she was about to give up, someone gave her hope, and her feelings became incredibly complicated.

Looking back now, Junlintian wasn't actually that bad.

Although it was just a collaboration, the wedding was a real event, and nothing would be missing. Thinking of this, Murong Ning couldn't help but feel a little nervous.

Of course, she wasn't the only one who was nervous!

——

Inside the Mingyang Prince's Mansion.

Prince Zhen looked at the handsome young man in the mirror, his eyes filled with excitement. "Zhen Hao, prepare the carriage. I am going to the Wen family."

"Alright, Your Highness."

Zhenhao hurriedly went to prepare the carriage.

Arriving at the Wen family gate with a heart full of trepidation, Prince Zhen was unable to calm his emotions for a long time; he had never been so nervous before.

"Your Highness?"

Zhenhao's voice pulled Zhen Shizi back to reality. He straightened his appearance, got off the carriage, and slowly walked towards the Wen residence. His feet felt as heavy as if they weighed a ton. The journey was short, but it felt like it took forever.

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