It's all ruined, who cares about the chastity arch

Pei glanced at Zheng Chengyan slyly, as if she had already made up her mind: "Hasn't the second brother participated in the imperial examination yet?"

Zheng Chengyuan's brows knitted into knots, and his voice was filled with helplessness: "Even if the results haven't been announced yet, so what? My father has been exiled. Even if I pass the exam by chance, I won't be able to become an official."

Zheng Chengyan's body trembled slightly when he heard this. He turned his head and the gloom on his face became even heavier.

At this moment, he could almost foresee that the official career he had once dreamed of was now out of reach, and the stage of passing the high school entrance exam had closed its door to him.

Seeing this, Pei quickly replied, "Although my second brother cannot be an official, he is handsome. If he can marry a virtuous wife of equal status, he may be able to solve our current predicament."

Zheng Chengyuan's eyes lit up, as if he saw a glimmer of hope, and he looked at Zheng Chengyan again: "Second brother, I remember that Fourth Sister mentioned the daughter of Pingxuan Marquis Mansion before she died."

"If my second brother can marry that young lady, with the help of Pingxuan Marquis Mansion, he may be able to clear my father's name and restore his reputation."

Zheng Chengyan was silent, with a complicated expression on his face. He knew in his heart that his brother and sister-in-law were actually proposing to use his appearance as a bargaining chip in exchange for a glimmer of hope for the family's survival.

"The Zheng family is no longer prosperous now. How can the Marquis be willing to marry his daughter to a person who has lost his power?"

In a low voice, he raised the question in his mind.

Pei winked and lowered her voice, sounding mysterious: "Second brother, directly proposing marriage is of course not feasible, but we can first test the Fifth Miss's attitude, make her fall in love with you, and want to marry you. It would be best if we could settle the marriage secretly."

Zheng Chengyan's brows were furrowed, and his heart was full of struggle.

Seeing that he was hesitating, Pei was still unwilling to give up and continued to persuade him earnestly: "Things have come to this point. We have no better way. This is also a chance for you to turn things around."

Zheng Chengyan was silent for a moment. Although his heart was in turmoil, he pretended to be calm on the surface and said firmly: "No matter how poor I am, I will never do such a shameless thing."

After he finished speaking, he waved his hand, turned around and left with an unhappy look on his face, leaving Pei and Zheng Chengyuan with gloomy faces. The smiles he had just had disappeared completely, and his hearts were filled with hidden dissatisfaction.

They did not truly understand Zheng Chengyan and mistakenly thought that he was strongly opposed to this plan. However, they did not know that although he refused verbally, he was actually weighing other plans in his mind.

Shortly after leaving home, he lingered in front of the gate of Pingxuan Marquis Mansion many times, and only left silently when the sun set.

The days in spring are getting longer, and the sky is still bright at 15:30 in the evening.

Nanny Xia carefully took measurements for Su Wanyu and tailored clothes for her, and did not leave until the hour of ten.

As night fell, Liu'er walked into Su Wanyu's room with fresh tea and account books in her hands. She also brought some candied fruits she had made herself to celebrate her return.

While sipping tea, Liu Er reported in detail the various news she had heard in the teahouse in recent days: "Miss, Concubine Pei has been visiting Xie's residence frequently recently."

"And Pei Qingzhi also stays indoors every day and no longer walks around."

Su Wanyu sniffed the aroma of the new tea and asked, "Is there anything else?"

Liu Er thought for a moment and continued, "Mr. Pei and his friends came to the teahouse to drink tea several times. It didn't seem unusual, but I passed by their room once and vaguely heard someone call him... the emperor's uncle..."

Su Wanyu paused, her expression solemn: "It seems that Concubine Pei is indeed planning to push Pei Qingzhi to the queen position."

"Miss, this won't do. Pei Qingzhi is ruthless and her character is not good enough to shoulder such a heavy responsibility."

Liu'er said anxiously.

Su Wanyu put down the teacup and said confidently, "Don't worry, with me here, their wishful thinking will not succeed."

Then, she casually asked, "Has Zheng Chengyan made any moves recently?"

Liu Er shook her head: "He passed by the teahouse several times, but avoided me every time. He often appeared in the wine shop."

“It’s really leisurely.”

Su Wanyu slowly stood up with a faint smile on her face. "Given his character, he will definitely try to make a comeback. A person with no talent or morals and only a shell will definitely go back to his old ways."

"Miss, what you mean is that he wants to rely on women to turn things around again?"

Liu sighed.

"Yes."

Su Wanyu nodded in affirmation.

Upon hearing this, Liu Er couldn't help but spit: "No matter how much he reads, he behaves worse than pigs and dogs."

"Humph, that's just his wishful thinking."

Su Wanyu walked to the window and stared at the outside world. "However, we can give him a glimmer of despair."

Liu'er's eyes widened, confusion written all over her face.

At this time, Siqi approached Liu'er and patiently explained: "Sister Mei, don't you understand what the young lady means? Doesn't Zheng Chengyan want to rely on women to achieve his career? Then we will send Pei Qingzhi to him and make his dream come true."

"Well said, evildoers will be punished by evildoers."

Liu Er suddenly understood, clapped her hands and laughed, "This is a really smart move."

Siqi walked lightly behind Su Wanyu and put her coat on her, being very considerate.

"Three days later, go and inform the Xie Mansion that we will definitely be present at the Hundred Flowers Banquet."

Su Wanyu instructed Siqi.

Siqi nodded: "Okay, Miss. The Hundred Flowers Banquet is just right for the occasion. Miss, will you go and enjoy the flowers with us?"

Su Wanyu smiled and replied, "Of course, I'll let you see it by the way."

If Concubine Pei's intention was really to push Pei Qingzhi to the throne, she would let Zheng Chengyan become the key person to stir up the situation and break all these arrangements.

Given the ruthlessness of the Pei family, the test Zheng Chengyan faces has just begun.

Her plan would never let him get away easily.

The next morning, in the court.

Emperor Xuan summoned all civil and military officials, not to discuss state affairs, but only to announce a happy event.

"My dear ministers, I have a piece of good news to share with you."

Inside the court, officials were whispering to each other and all kinds of speculations were flying.

"Your Majesty, is there any pregnancy in the harem?"

Prime Minister Wu stepped out and asked respectfully.

Emperor Xuan smiled and waved his hand gently: "No, the affairs of the harem do not need me to announce them in the court."

Prime Minister Wu was puzzled and asked, "Then what exactly is the joy that Your Majesty is talking about..."

Emperor Xuan stood up from his throne, stepping on the thick gold-woven carpet. Every step seemed to declare the majesty of the emperor. He slowly walked to the center of the ministers, his arms elegantly drew an arc in the air, and then announced in a deafening voice: "My eldest sister, who has been separated for many years and has had little news, has finally returned!"

These words were like a huge rock thrown into a calm lake. The usually solemn and dignified hall was instantly drowned out by all kinds of voices of surprise and doubt.

"Eldest sister? Could she be the legendary princess, your majesty's sister?"

A young courtier muttered quietly, with a gleam of curiosity in his eyes.

"What princess? There has never been any rumor that His Majesty has a daughter!"

An old official with gray hair and beard shook his head in doubt, his voice revealing a bit of dissatisfaction and confusion.