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

Su Wanyu stood in a dark corner far away, staring into the deep dungeon. She slowly gave orders to the guard who was lazily leaning against the door frame. Her voice was cold and firm, "Make sure to send her clean water and food every day. Don't let her take advantage of the opportunity to end her life on her own."

After she finished speaking, a complex emotion passed across her delicate face, a complex emotion of hatred and pity.

This woman was once a thorn in her heart, indirectly causing the early death of her parents. Her hands were stained with the warm blood of innocent people. Her fate might be her own fault in the eyes of others, but in Su Wanyu's heart, it aroused complex emotions.

She would not allow this sin to be forgiven in an easy way, as that would be a betrayal to all the victims.

Turning around to leave, the hem of her skirt gently swept across the stone floor, making a tiny sound. At this moment, a bright yellow figure came into view. It was the noble and slightly naive Emperor Xuan.

His eyes flickered, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated. That kind of discomfort was quite rare in an emperor.

Su Wanyu's lips curled up slightly, a gentle smile like a spring breeze blowing across her face. She asked softly, but there was an imperceptible sharpness hidden in her tone: "Royal brother, if you have anything to say, just speak frankly, there is no need to hesitate."

Facing his sister's gentle inquiry, Emperor Xuan hesitated with a childlike trepidation. After a moment, he finally mustered up the courage to speak: "Sister, are you...are you close friends with the fifth young lady of the Tan family?"

Having said this, his eyes revealed a hint of anticipation that was hard to conceal.

Su Wanyu caught the unusual look on her brother's face. Her eyes flickered as if she could see through people's minds. She pretended to be mysterious, with a meaningful arc at the corner of her lips: "We are not very familiar with each other, but... we are close friends who can talk to each other heart to heart."

As soon as these words came out, it was like a ray of sunshine piercing through the dark clouds. Emperor Xuan's eyes lit up instantly. The previous loss was replaced by pure joy at this moment. He spoke faster, and excitement jumped between his words: "That's great! Sister, do you know where she usually prefers?"

Ever since the chance encounter that night and learning that the mysterious woman was Tan Xinyue, he sent people to take turns guarding outside the Su Mansion day and night, hoping to see the beauty again.

However, several days of waiting ended in disappointment, and his inner anxiety forced him to ask his sister for help.

"Xinyue usually goes to the Tan family's weapon workshop quietly, but why is your brother suddenly so concerned about her?"

Su Wanyu's eyes were sharp, as if she could see straight into people's hearts. She asked questions directly, with a probing tone in her words.

Facing his sister's scrutiny, Emperor Xuan was speechless for a moment, his eyes flickered, and he hesitated for a long time: "I... just asked casually."

There was a clear lack of persuasiveness in his words, as if he was deliberately avoiding something.

Su Wanyu noticed this evasion and couldn't help but feel suspicious: "Brother, are you..." Her tone rose slightly, as if guiding him to tell the truth.

Emperor Xuan quickly waved his hands to deny it, his expression showing a panic that could not be concealed: "No, I just think that the fifth young lady of the Tan family is more interesting than those flowers in the greenhouse."

These words were a bit childish, but they also revealed his sincere curiosity and affection for Tan Xinyue.

Hearing this, Su Wanyu felt mixed emotions, feeling relieved but also worried.

Tan Xinyue was indeed an anomaly among the noble ladies in the capital. Her character and talent were praised by everyone. However, she was not a suitable resident within the deep palace walls.

How could a woman who longs to roam freely between heaven and earth be willing to be trapped in the square cage of the Forbidden City?

A picture emerged in Su Wanyu's mind. If Tan Xinyue really stepped into the palace, she would probably not be able to escape the tragic ending of dying after giving birth. Another beauty would turn into a wisp of sorrow within the palace walls.

"Royal brother, Xinyue is not an ordinary person. What I admire is her intelligence and independence. She comes from a family of military commanders and her personality is very different from any of the concubines in your harem."

Su Wanyu spoke earnestly, hoping to awaken her brother's reason.

Emperor Xuan seemed to understand, avoiding his sister's probing gaze, and smiled childishly: "Sister, you worry too much, I know what I am doing."

Seeing his response, Su Wanyu stopped forcing him and cleverly changed the subject: "Sister, have you set a date for your wedding with brother?"

"Wedding date?"

Su Wanyu paused slightly and had to admit that this younger brother could always accurately touch the softest part of her heart.

Gu Linjun ignored the rumors outside and resolutely decided to marry into the princess's mansion. The pressure and preparations behind this marriage did trouble her.

Emperor Xuan seemed to see through her thoughts at a glance: "Sister, your worries must have been considered by your brother. Don't worry, even if the sky falls and the earth collapses, your brother and I will hold up the sky for you."

"If you have any ideas, just go for it. With us here, you won't have to worry about anything."

His words were sincere, and his childishness gradually faded, replaced by a reassuring firmness.

Su Wanyu felt a warm current flowing through her heart when she heard this. She nodded with emotion, and a gleam of light flashed in her eyes: "Okay."

Afterwards, Emperor Xuan mentioned: "Sister, please don't rush to the two fiefs that my father has given you. Stay in the capital to accompany me."

Su Wanyu responded with a gentle smile: "Don't worry, I won't be going anywhere in the near future."

The affairs in the capital have not yet been sorted out. Besides, the Tan family's roots are here, so she has no reason to leave in a hurry.

Today, even though Concubine Pei has been arrested, the Pei family's power is still deeply rooted.

Although Master Pei and Pei Chi'an tried to draw a clear line with Concubine Pei, their ambitions were obvious. Keeping them would undoubtedly be a hidden danger, a potential threat to both his brother and himself.

The downfall of Concubine Pei allowed the Pei family to escape the charge of deceiving the emperor with the support of Pei Chi'an, but it also brought new challenges - without the shade of the Concubine Dowager, they lost their umbrella of protection, and even the trust of King Liang became shaky.

The master of the Pei family was very worried about this. He summoned Pei Chi'an to his room that night and sighed: "Why didn't you discuss the palace affairs with me earlier!"

Pei Chi'an had anticipated this scene and answered calmly: "Father, His Majesty is clear-minded. The concubine's impersonation will be exposed sooner or later. I just gave him a reason to deal with it in advance to avoid more involvement."

The master of the Pei family sighed again and said earnestly: "As a man, you should have the world in your mind instead of being around women all day. The new number one scholar Luo Wenxuan has emerged. You should interact with him more and expand your father's network of contacts."

"Luo Wenxuan?"

Pei Chi'an raised his eyebrows. As far as he remembered, the Concubine Dowager had indeed tampered with the imperial examination, causing him to miss the palace examination. However, this person miraculously escaped and eventually won the first place. This made him feel mixed emotions.

He didn't know why, but whenever his eyes inadvertently passed over Luo Wenxuan's figure, an indescribable unhappiness would surge in his chest.