The three of them walked out of Sheng Mansion together and set foot on the road to the palace. Along the way, Sheng Yunrong and Pei Jinxiao walked side by side, and Xiang Zhu followed closely behind Sheng Yunrong.

"Pei Jinxiao, how are you going to deal with the banquet in the palace today?" Sheng Yunrong suddenly asked, with a hint of worry in her eyes.

Pei Jinxiao frowned slightly and said in a deep voice: "At today's banquet, the emperor intends to choose concubines for me and the prince, so I can't agree easily."

Sheng Yunrong gently held Pei Jinxiao's hand and said firmly: "I will accompany you. No matter when, I will be by your side."

Pei Jinxiao looked at Sheng Yunrong, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart. He held Sheng Yunrong's hand tightly and smiled, "With you here, I have infinite courage."

As they were talking, the three of them had already arrived at the palace. Outside the palace gate, the palace officials had been waiting for a long time, and when they saw them coming, they all bowed.

Sheng Yunrong and Pei Jinxiao entered the palace, while Xiang Zhu stayed outside the palace gate. Sheng Yunrong looked at Pei Jinxiao's back and prayed silently in her heart, hoping that today's banquet would be safe.

The emperor had been waiting for a long time in the palace. Seeing Sheng Yunrong and Pei Jinxiao coming, the emperor smiled and said, "Pei Jinxiao, Sheng Yunrong, you are here."

Pei Jinxiao and Sheng Yunrong saluted together. The emperor said, "No need to be saluted. At today's banquet, I intend to choose a concubine for you. Do you have any ideas?"

Sheng Yunrong's heart tightened, but her expression remained calm. She raised her head slightly, looked at the emperor, and said, "I already have someone I like. I wonder if Your Majesty can help me get married?"

The emperor was slightly stunned, with a hint of surprise in his eyes. He looked at Sheng Yunrong and said, "Oh? Then who is the person you like?"

Sheng Yunrong held Pei Jinxiao's hand tightly and said bravely: "The person I admire is Pei Jinxiao."

The emperor was silent for a moment, then suddenly laughed: "Okay, okay, since you two love each other, I will grant your wish."

Sheng Yunrong and Pei Jinxiao knelt down at the same time and thanked loudly. The emperor looked at them and secretly sighed in his heart that this young couple was indeed a perfect match.

The banquet continued, Sheng Yunrong and Pei Jinxiao sat together, smiled at each other, and their happiness was beyond words. Xiang Zhu watched them from a distance, and was also happy for them.

However, at this moment, a palace maid hurried into the palace and whispered something in the emperor's ear. The emperor's face suddenly changed, and he immediately stood up and said, "Pei Jinxiao, Sheng Yunrong, follow me."

Pei Jinxiao and Sheng Yunrong's hearts tightened, and they followed the emperor closely. When they walked out of the palace, they saw a general hurriedly coming and reporting to the emperor: "Your Majesty, there is an urgent report from the border. The enemy is attacking in large numbers. The situation is critical!"

The emperor frowned, looked at Pei Jinxiao, and said, "Pei Jinxiao, are you willing to lead the troops to the battle?"

Pei Jinxiao stepped forward without hesitation: "I am willing!"

Sheng Yunrong looked at Pei Jinxiao's back, feeling both worried and proud. She knew that Pei Jinxiao was doing this for the country and the people, and she also wanted to cheer him on.

Xiang Zhu looked at Sheng Yunrong and secretly swore in her heart that no matter when, she would stay by Sheng Yunrong's side to protect her happiness.

Pei Jinxiao led his troops to war, while Sheng Yunrong waited anxiously in the palace. She would go to the temple every day to pray for Pei Jinxiao, hoping that he would return safely.

Day by day, Sheng Yunrong's worries grew. However, just when she was about to despair, Pei Jinxiao led his troops back in triumph, bringing back a report of victory.

Sheng Yunrong looked at the familiar figure, tears welled up in her eyes. She hugged Pei Jinxiao tightly, fearing that all this was a dream.

Pei Jinxiao gently patted Sheng Yunrong's back and whispered, "Yunrong, I'm back."

Sheng Yunrong's eyes froze instantly. She looked at the jade pendant in Pei Jinxiao's hand in disbelief. The totem on the jade pendant was the amulet she had worn since she was a child. Her heartbeat accelerated, her lips trembled slightly, but she tried to remain calm.

"Pei Jinxiao, this jade pendant...how did you get my jade pendant?" Sheng Yunrong's voice trembled a little.

Pei Jinxiao smiled lightly, with a sly look in his eyes: "Miss Sheng, this jade pendant was given to me by you personally."

Sheng Yunrong frowned and tried to recall, but she couldn't remember when she had given Pei Jinxiao such a jade pendant. The maid Xiang Zhu beside her was also confused, as she had never seen the eldest lady give such a jade pendant.

"Pei Jinxiao, don't talk nonsense." Sheng Yunrong said coldly, "I have worn this jade pendant since I was a child and have never taken it off."

Pei Jinxiao shook his head gently and said slowly: "Miss Sheng, have you forgotten our encounter in the peach blossom forest that day? You once told me that this jade pendant was a relic of your mother, representing your identity and beliefs."

Sheng Yunrong's face turned pale, and she finally remembered what happened in the peach blossom forest that day. At that time, she did have an indissoluble bond with Pei Jinxiao because of the jade pendant, but she did not take it to heart afterwards.

"Pei Jinxiao, what exactly do you want to say?" Sheng Yunrong said in a cold tone.

Pei Jinxiao smiled slightly and took the jade pendant into his arms: "Miss Sheng, I just want to remind you that the totem on this jade pendant is not an ordinary thing. It represents an ancient legend."

Sheng Yunrong's heart tightened, she knew that what Pei Jinxiao said was true. The totem on this jade pendant was given to her by her mother before she died. It was said that this totem was inextricably linked to her family.

"What legend?" Sheng Yunrong asked.

Pei Jinxiao smiled mysteriously: "The totem of this jade pendant is called 'The Moment of Destiny'. According to legend, the person who possesses this jade pendant will shoulder the responsibility of saving the common people."

Sheng Yunrong's expression became solemn. She knew Pei Jinxiao was not a man who would make false statements. She pondered for a moment, then turned to Xiang Zhu and said, "Xiang Zhu, go check the origin of this jade pendant."

Xiang Zhu took the order and left, while Sheng Yunrong and Pei Jinxiao were speechless. For a moment, the atmosphere in the room became tense.

Soon, Xiang Zhu came back in a hurry, holding an old book in her hands. She placed the book in front of Sheng Yunrong and panted, "Miss, this book records the legend of 'The Moment of Destiny'."

Sheng Yunrong opened the book and found that it recorded in detail the origin and legend of the jade pendant. It turned out that the jade pendant was a family heirloom, representing the family's glory and mission. Her mother had been the guardian of the family, and she was destined to shoulder this responsibility.

Sheng Yunrong's eyes flashed with determination. She raised her head and said to Pei Jinxiao: "Pei Jinxiao, since this jade pendant represents destiny, then I am willing to accept this mission. But I have one condition, you must assist me."

Pei Jinxiao smiled and nodded: "Miss Sheng, I have already made preparations. As long as you say the word, I am willing to serve you at any time."

Sheng Yunrong's eyes flashed with gratitude. Pei Jinxiao was a trustworthy person. She clenched the jade pendant in her hand and vowed to complete the family's mission and save the people.