Pei Jinxiao frowned slightly and asked, "What rumor?"

Sheng Yunrong sighed and said, "They said I was a witch who cursed the Sheng Mansion, and also said... they also said that I was the culprit who brought disaster to the country and the people."

Pei Jinxiao's face darkened when he heard this. He held Sheng Yunrong's hand tightly and said, "Rong'er, you don't have to care about these rumors. A person with a clear conscience has nothing to fear. As long as we know what's going on, why should we care about what others think?"

Sheng Yunrong looked at Pei Jinxiao, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes. This man really cared about her.

"Rong'er, I have something to ask you." Pei Jinxiao suddenly became serious, with a hint of determination in his eyes.

Sheng Yunrong's heart tightened, and she said, "Your Highness, please speak."

Pei Jinxiao said: "I plan to ask the emperor for permission to marry you to me in the near future. This way, we can be together legitimately, and you won't be troubled by those unnecessary rumors."

Sheng Yunrong blushed slightly, but her heart was filled with joy. She lowered her head and said softly, "I will follow your Highness's arrangements in everything."

Pei Jinxiao looked at Sheng Yunrong's shy appearance, and his heart moved. He gently hugged Sheng Yunrong into his arms and whispered: "Rong'er, I will make you the happiest woman in the world."

Sheng Yunrong leaned in Pei Jinxiao's arms, feeling a warmth in her heart.

At this moment, footsteps were heard outside the door, and then a guard came in with a letter in his hand, saying, "Your Highness, this is an urgent report from the palace."

Pei Jinxiao took the letter, opened it, and his expression suddenly became serious. He looked at Sheng Yunrong and said, "Rong'er, I'm afraid our plan will have to be postponed for the time being."

Sheng Yunrong's heart tightened and she asked, "What happened?"

Pei Jinxiao said: "There is urgent news from the border. The enemy is attacking in large numbers. The court needs to mobilize troops to deal with it. As Prince Jing, I have no choice but to leave immediately."

Sheng Yunrong looked at Pei Jinxiao, her heart filled with worry. She held Pei Jinxiao's hand tightly and said, "Your Highness, you must return safely."

Pei Jinxiao smiled and patted Sheng Yunrong's hand, saying, "Rong'er, don't worry, I will definitely return safely and spend the rest of my life with you."

…

Her brows knitted slightly, and a trace of doubt rose in her heart. Her Majesty the Queen and Her Majesty the Emperor, these two titles echoed in her mind, reminding her of the complicated etiquette in the palace.

"Miss Sheng, have you ever heard of the rules of the imperial palace?" Her Majesty the Queen's voice was gentle, but her eyes were filled with unquestionable majesty.

Sheng Yunrong lowered her head slightly and replied, "Although I have never been to the palace, I know a thing or two. The palace is an important place in the Western Wei Dynasty, so there are naturally many rules."

Her Majesty the Queen nodded slightly, her expression softening slightly. "Now that you know, that's good. You are entering the palace today to discuss state affairs with His Majesty the Emperor. In this palace, you must be careful with your words and actions, and not slack off in the slightest."

Sheng Yunrong's heart tightened. She knew that this entry into the palace was no small matter. She nodded slightly to show that she understood.

His Majesty the Emperor then said, "Sheng Yunrong, do you know why I summoned you to the palace?"

Sheng Yunrong raised her head slightly, her eyes firm: "I don't know, but I would like to hear the details."

His Majesty's eyes flashed with admiration, and he said: "I have heard that you are outstanding in talent and wisdom, so I summoned you to the palace to discuss the future of Western Wei."

Sheng Yunrong was shocked. She didn't expect that the emperor would think so highly of her. She thought for a moment, then said, "I am very worried. I wonder how much I can contribute to the Western Wei Dynasty."

Her Majesty the Queen smiled gently at this time and said, "Miss Sheng, there is no need to be modest. Since you have such talent, it is a blessing for the Western Wei. Today, the Queen and I summoned you to the palace in the hope that you can make suggestions for the Western Wei."

Sheng Yunrong's words floated lightly in the air, with a hint of subtle sarcasm. Tu Subo's eyes flickered, and he instantly understood her intention. He smiled slightly, took a step forward, and looked at Sheng Yunrong firmly.

"Miss Sheng, that's right. Our Tu Su family has always been on good terms with the Sheng family, and we've come to visit you today." Tu Subo's voice was calm and powerful, neither humble nor arrogant.

Sheng Yunrong smiled lightly, with a sharp flash in her eyes: "Are you here to visit me? Or do you have other intentions?"

The two followers beside Tu Subo, Tu Suyun and Tu Sufeng, looked at each other and felt a little pressure. They knew that Sheng Yunrong's words were not aimless, but a question about the purpose of their trip.

"Miss Sheng, you misunderstood. We are indeed here to visit." Tu Suyun stepped forward and tried to explain.

Sheng Yunrong smiled lightly and glanced at the three people: "So, do you know that the current situation in Sheng Mansion is not suitable for receiving guests?"

Tu Subo's eyes narrowed, and he understood what Sheng Yunrong meant. He nodded slightly, "Ms. Sheng, we naturally know. But there are some things that we have to do. I hope Miss Sheng will forgive us."

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

Tu Subo's words have already made their position clear.

"In that case, please follow me inside and we'll talk slowly." Sheng Yunrong turned and walked into the mansion, followed by Tu Subo and the other two.

After entering the Sheng Mansion, Sheng Yunrong led them through corridors and finally came to an exquisite living room. The hall was filled with antique furniture and surrounded by famous calligraphy and paintings, creating an elegant and peaceful atmosphere.

Sheng Yunrong asked the three of them to sit down and ordered the servants to serve tea. After everyone sat down, Sheng Yunrong asked directly: "Tu Subo, what are you doing here this time?"

Tu Subo smiled slightly, with a hint of determination in his eyes: "Miss Sheng, the Western Wei has been plagued by internal and external troubles in recent years, and the people are suffering. Our Tu Su family hopes to join hands with the Sheng family to contribute to the Western Wei."

Sheng Yunrong's eyes flashed with something strange. She didn't expect Tu Subo to make such a direct request. She pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Tu Subo, do you know the current situation of the Sheng Mansion?"

Tu Subo's eyes flashed with determination: "Miss Sheng, we know that the Sheng Mansion has been in a difficult situation in recent years, but we also believe that the Sheng Mansion is not without a chance to turn things around. As long as we work together, we will definitely be able to achieve something."

Sheng Yunrong smiled slightly. She admired Tu Subo's courage and determination. But she still needed to be cautious: "Tu Subo, do you know what kind of risks you will face by cooperating with us?"

Tu Su Bo's eyes flashed with determination: "Miss Sheng, we are willing to take all risks. As long as we can contribute to the Western Wei, our Tu Su family will spare no effort."

Sheng Yunrong looked at Tu Subo, with a hint of determination in her eyes: "Tu Subo, since we have decided to join hands, we must go all out. From now on, the Sheng Mansion and the Tu Su Family will advance and retreat together."

Tu Subo's eyes flashed with gratitude. Sheng Yunrong's words meant that she already regarded them as a family. He smiled slightly and responded, "Miss Sheng, please rest assured that our Tu Su family will do our best."