The night in the Qin residence was so quiet that one could hear the sound of one's heartbeat. Qin Wenyuan stood in the courtyard, the moonlight shining on his thin face, and he looked particularly thoughtful. Sheng Yunrong stood opposite him, her eyes showing both expectation and subtle worry.

Sheng Yunrong said softly: "Wenyuan, I know you are struggling, but the past is over, and what we need to face now is the future."

Qin Wenyuan was silent for a moment, took a deep breath, and tried to calm his emotions. He said slowly: "Yunrong, I understand what you mean, but some things, once they happen, can never be undone."

Sheng Yunrong's eyes flashed with tenderness, and she said softly: "Wenyuan, I know you care about the honor and responsibility of the family, but you should also understand that true happiness is based on inner peace and freedom."

At this time, the Qin manor's housekeeper hurried over and broke the silence. He bowed and said, "Sir, there is a guest outside who wants to see you. He said he has something important to discuss."

Qin Wenyuan frowned slightly, but still said calmly: "Please ask him to come in."

The guest was a middle-aged man wearing a cyan robe and with a serious face. He walked into the courtyard, saluted Qin Wenyuan and Sheng Yunrong, and then said bluntly: "Sir Qin, I am an envoy from a neighboring country. The king of our country hopes to marry your country to consolidate the friendship between the two countries."

Qin Wenyuan was slightly stunned, then turned to look at Sheng Yunrong. Sheng Yunrong's expression was also a little complicated, she knew what this meant.

Qin Wenyuan said in a deep voice: "Mr. Envoy, the matter of marriage is of great importance. Let me consider it."

The messenger nodded to show his understanding, then said goodbye and left.

Sheng Yunrong looked at Qin Wenyuan with a worried look in her eyes. She whispered, "Wenyuan, what are your plans?"

Qin Wenyuan was silent for a moment, then said: "Yunrong, I know your concerns, but I can't let personal feelings affect the interests of the country. This is my responsibility."

Sheng Yunrong sighed softly. Qin Wenyuan's decision was wise, but she still felt a little reluctant in her heart.

…

Qin Wenyuan sat on a stone bench in the garden of the Qin Mansion, his eyes revealing deep shame. He thought of what happened in the court today, and couldn't help but smile bitterly. At this moment, Sheng Yunrong walked in. She was wearing a light blue dress, and her steps were light, like a blooming flower.

Sheng Yunrong looked at Qin Wenyuan's eyes and felt her heart tighten. She asked softly, "Wenyuan, what's wrong with you? Did you encounter any trouble in the court?" Qin Wenyuan raised his head, looked at Sheng Yunrong's concerned expression, smiled slightly, but the shame in his eyes still did not fade away.

"It's nothing, just a small matter." Qin Wenyuan tried his best to make it sound lighter, but he couldn't hide the heaviness in his tone.

Sheng Yunrong sat next to Qin Wenyuan, gently held his hand, her eyes full of concern.

"Wenyuan, you don't have to hide it from me. I know your character and I can see what's in your heart." Sheng Yunrong said softly, her eyes full of determination.

Qin Wenyuan looked at Sheng Yunrong, and the shame in his heart was gradually replaced by emotion. He held Sheng Yunrong's hand, took a deep breath, and then slowly told Sheng Yunrong about his experience in the court.

After listening to Qin Wenyuan's narration, Sheng Yunrong was silent for a moment, then gently patted Qin Wenyuan's hand and said, "Wenyuan, I know the shame in your heart, but you must know that this does not represent your ability. You are the best person in my heart, and no one can change this."

Qin Wenyuan looked at Sheng Yunrong, and the emotion in his heart could not be expressed in words. He held Sheng Yunrong's hand tightly, his eyes full of determination.

Sheng Yunrong asked softly: "Wenyuan, are you okay?"

Qin Wenyuan tried to calm himself down and showed a bitter smile: "I'm fine, but I feel a little unwilling in my heart."

Sheng Yunrong sighed and gently held Qin Wenyuan's hand: "I know you have done your best for me. Our Qin Mansion has suffered heavy losses in this turmoil. The most important thing now is that we must find a way to recover."

Qin Wenyuan looked at Sheng Yunrong, his eyes full of gratitude and guilt: "Yunrong, it's all my incompetence that made you endure so much."

Sheng Yunrong shook her head gently, her eyes full of tenderness: "Wenyuan, don't say that. Only when we face difficulties together can we strengthen our feelings for each other."

At this time, footsteps were heard outside the study, and Qin Feng, the servant of the Qin Mansion, walked in. He looked at Qin Wenyuan and Sheng Yunrong, and said solemnly: "Sir, there is news outside that the emperor has issued an order to execute all members of our Qin Mansion."

Qin Wenyuan and Sheng Yunrong's faces changed drastically. Qin Wenyuan immediately stood up and said angrily: "What an injustice! Our Qin family has been loyal for generations, how could we betray the royal family!"

Sheng Yunrong also said nervously: "Wenyuan, what should we do now?"

Qin Wenyuan pondered for a moment, with a look of determination in his eyes: "Yunrong, I believe that the injustice of the Qin family will be redressed. What we have to do now is to protect our family as much as possible, and then find ways to clear the injustice."

Sheng Yunrong nodded and said worriedly: "Then the first thing we have to do is to evacuate our family safely."

Qin Wenyuan nodded in agreement and immediately summoned the Qin family's servants and confidants to discuss countermeasures. They decided to secretly send the family members to another place and at the same time find evidence to clear the Qin family of the grievances.

…

Cuiying's voice was soft, but it was enough to wake Sheng Yunrong from her deep thoughts. She raised her head, a barely perceptible sharpness flashed in her eyes, and then she regained her composure. Sheng Yunrong raised the corners of her mouth slightly, and her eyes fell softly on Cuiying.

"Cuiying, what do you think I should wear for today's banquet?" Sheng Yunrong asked slowly, with a hint of inquiry in her tone.

Cuiying was slightly startled, then lowered her head and answered carefully: "I think that the emerald green silk dress is most suitable for you, young lady. It shows your temperament and is luxurious."

Sheng Yunrong smiled gently, with a hint of approval in her eyes.

"Okay, then I'll do as you say." Sheng Yunrong said, and then she stood up and walked behind the screen. Cuiying hurriedly followed her and served her carefully.

Behind the screen, Sheng Yunrong sat on a carved wooden chair while Cuiying carefully arranged her hair. From time to time, low conversations could be heard between the two.

"Miss, you seem to be in a good mood today." Cuiying asked softly, with curiosity in her eyes.

Sheng Yunrong smiled slightly, with a satisfied look in her eyes: "I prepared a dance for today's banquet. This is my first time dancing in front of everyone, so I'm naturally a little excited."

Cuiying's eyes flashed with envy, but she quickly suppressed her emotion and said seriously: "Miss will definitely dance very well and make everyone fall in love with her."

Sheng Yunrong patted Cuiying's hand gently, with a hint of gratitude in her tone: "Thank you, Cuiying. I always feel at ease when you are around."

Cuiying felt warm in her heart when she heard that, and said hurriedly, "Miss, you are too kind. It is my honor to help you solve your problems."