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

Every night, he would dream of her back, lonely and cold, yet out of reach.

He knew nothing about her, had no idea what she looked like, didn't know her name, and had no way to track her down in a legitimate way. This longing for her was like a tree without roots, with nowhere to rest.

During this period of time, the sisters' unexpected discoveries were like a stone thrown into still water, causing ripples and revealing the unknown secret hidden behind the Concubine Pei, who was admired by everyone.

This truth spread rapidly in his chest like a wildfire, igniting the long-suppressed fire of resistance in his heart.

If Concubine Pei's power collapsed and the woman he cared about was safe, why would he continue to be entangled in taking advantage of Miss Wu's feelings and weaving this fruitless love network?

On the night of the Lantern Festival, the moonlight was as bright as a silver thread. He was walking alone in the deep and seemingly endless corridor of the mansion. The dim light barely illuminated the way ahead. The silence around him formed a sharp contrast with the turmoil in his heart.

An unprecedented feeling of fatigue suddenly surged into his heart, causing him to question the so-called imperial power and the throne - as a descendant of the Pei family, was he really qualified and capable of reaching that position above everyone else, alone and helpless?

I am afraid that, in the end, I will be nothing more than a pawn in the hands of others, sacrificing myself for the sake of others' grand ambitions and achieving their glory.

For him, ascending the throne might mean being labeled as a betrayer and a treasonous person. As a usurper of the throne, his ending would usually not escape the judgment of history and the contempt of the world, and it would be difficult for him to have a good ending.

At this moment, he actually longed for the quiet life of an ordinary family, just like his cousin, who married a gentle and virtuous wife and had a pair of children. Although his life was not eventful, it was filled with warmth and happiness that lasted for a long time.

His thoughts drifted back to the depths of his memory. When he was about five years old and ignorant, he was full of envy for the life of his uncle's family.

It was the family of Pei Sina's father. The atmosphere at home was harmonious and the days were leisurely, as if the disputes in the world had nothing to do with them.

Every Mid-Autumn Night, when the moon is full and round, the whole family sits together, laughing and talking, filled with strong family ties and joy. What a desirable scene it is.

Looking back at my own family, power struggles, hypocrisy and flattery have become the norm, which is so cold that it makes people feel chilled.

As he grew older, Concubine Pei brought him into the palace and drummed into his ears day after day the importance of power and status, telling him that as a man he should be ruthless and do whatever it takes to climb up.

Gradually, the pure and beautiful wish in the heart of a five-year-old child was almost lost in the ocean of power and desire.

At this moment, when he re-examined all of this, whether it was power or status, in the final analysis, it was just to find dignity and the realization of self-worth in the long river of life.

Would you choose to stand at the pinnacle of power and endure the loneliness and coldness that no one can match, or would you rather be surrounded by your wife and children and enjoy a simple and warm family life?

He has to make a choice between two completely different life paths.

Just when Pei Chi'an decided to leave the store and was about to go to the Wu family to cancel the engagement, fate took an unexpected turn.

Halfway through, a group of guards in black with expressionless faces appeared out of nowhere and blocked his way.

These are undoubtedly Concubine Pei's subordinates.

It turned out that the Concubine Dowager had become suspicious of his recent frequent visits to the Wu Mansion, and immediately ordered him to return to the palace.

In order to avoid unnecessary complications and spark unnecessary suspicion, Pei Chian had to calm his thoughts for the time being and follow the call to step into the magnificent hall.

As we entered the room, we saw broken porcelain all over the floor, indicating that there had just been a storm here.

"Girl, what's wrong with you?"

Although Pei Chi'an was full of doubts, he did not stop and walked quickly towards Concubine Pei, who was sitting next to the dragon throne with a gloomy face.

The concubine's voice was a little jealous: "You seem to have visited the Wu Mansion too frequently recently."

This sentence was like a heavy hammer, hitting his heart, making him so nervous that beads of sweat rolled down his forehead.

"If the lady doesn't like my behavior, I will never set foot in the Wu Mansion again."

Hearing this, the haze on Concubine Pei's face dissipated slightly. She sighed softly and revealed a more difficult problem: "The emperor wants me to prove my identity. Please help me go to the Pei family's old house to find a few old friends and tell them that I am Pei Jingliu."

Pei Chi'an's eyes flashed with a complicated light, and then he answered firmly: "Okay, nephew will arrange it for you right away."

Concubine Pei looked slightly relieved, and her gaze stayed on Pei Chi'an for a long time. Deep down in her heart, she found it hard to accept the possibility of betrayal by this man whom she had personally cultivated and treated as her own son.

However, that lingering doubt, like an invisible crack, quietly spread between the two of them.

"When will you bring someone here?"

Pei Chi'an asked in a low voice.

"On my birthday, I will publicly declare in front of the entire court and the entire world that I am Pei Jingliu!"

There was unquestionable determination in Concubine Pei's words.

Pei Chi'an's expression darkened slightly, and a barely perceptible smile appeared on his lips.

That day was indeed the best time.

He will arrange everything on that day.

The next morning, Gu Linjun's order was executed, and the mysterious manual left by Song Yulin was carefully delivered to the princess's mansion.

The manual consists of five volumes, beautifully bound, and was carefully and respectfully held by two well-trained servants.

Yunyi and Siqi hurried forward to greet them and told the palace maid to take the manual.

Su Wanyu took out a volume and gently stroked the cover. Her fingertips felt the delicate touch and she already had some expectations in her heart.

When she opened the manual, the first thing that caught her eye was some novel and unique pattern designs, which made her frown and instantly understand the meaning of Gu Linjun's words "difficult to replicate".

These patterns are not only complex in craftsmanship but also unique in design. At first glance, it is difficult to even tell what their purpose is.

Yun Yi, who was standing by, came over curiously, and when he saw the picture page in Su Wanyu's hand, he said in surprise, "Your Highness, isn't this the kind of bellyband we often wear?"

Su Wanyu looked at the pattern again. It was indeed a bellyband style, but the design was more sophisticated, and even had two special raised parts marked on it.

She gently turned the pattern, doubts rising in her mind: "Is this really a bellyband?"

Yun Yi smiled brightly and nodded in agreement: "Yes, it is a bellyband, but it seems to be stuffed with something. It looks quite special."

As she spoke, Yun Yi gestured at herself, with a blush on her face: "If I could also wear such a bellyband, then..."

Her innocent words made Siqi and other palace maids around her cover their mouths and laugh softly.

Yunyi is young and her body is still underdeveloped. Although her overall lines are soft, her chest is flat, which makes her feel a little embarrassed occasionally, especially when bathing with the plump Siqi. She always lowers her head silently, trying to avoid the embarrassment of the contrast.