After the rebirth of the wronged soft girl, the devil's crematorium

Looking at Shen Wenqin, who was in the middle, everyone's eyes fell on this young man from a commoner family. Although there was some admiration for his appearance in their eyes, there was more undisguised contempt.

"She's good-looking, but it's a pity she's from a commoner family."

"Even if I have talent, what good does it do? Can I still hold a position at the Central Government?"

The Queen Mother ignored the reactions of the others and looked at Shen Wenqin and asked, "Where are you from? How old are you this year?"

"I'm from Yangzhou, and I'm twenty years old."

The Queen Mother was silent for a moment, then heard Emperor Jing say, "Mother, this person is an advisor brought by Minister Liu Ai. He is said to be very talented. Minister Liu Ai wants to add some unique flavor to this banquet."

The Queen Mother nodded slightly, but she felt a little disappointed. What a pity for such a beautiful face. If it weren't for her family background, Liuli would be a good match for her.

Su Wan, seated in the guest hall, looked at Shen Wenqin, who knelt on the ground, a complex expression on her face. She had been keeping tabs on Shen Wenqin these days, learning that his talent at the elegant gathering had garnered considerable attention in the capital, and that the Liu family had, for the first time, broken boundaries and accepted him as a disciple. She had wanted to dissuade him from taking such a risk, but the capital was crowded with people, making a meeting difficult.

Su Wan's emotions were mixed, while Zhu Muning was incredibly excited. She had been imagining when and what it would be like if they met again. But today, when she saw that the usually aloof and aloof Shen Wenqin had become an advisor to the Liu family, she was overwhelmed with heartache and resentment.

She felt sorry for Shen Wenqin. In her opinion, if Shen Wenqin was not limited by his family background, then what would the Liu family mean to him!

Zhu Muning stared at the man in the middle, tears glistening in her eyes. She didn't understand why Shen Wenqin made such a choice. Was there no other way out? She felt sorry for Shen Wenqin's situation, but also angry at his decision.

The Empress Dowager seemed to be in a good mood today and even rewarded Shen Wenqin with some items. After everyone left, the banquet began to play music again. On the surface, there was a scene of singing and dancing, but little did they know how many hearts were hidden beneath the music: jealousy, sadness, and forbearance.

After several rounds of drinking, His Majesty and the Empress Dowager, already somewhat exhausted, dismissed the others. The young eunuch congratulated the Su family and told them that the Emperor's decree of reward would be delivered soon. Su Yanshu smiled and thanked His Majesty, but his heart was filled with mixed emotions.

After leaving the palace, Shen Wenqin explained some things to Liu Yuting and returned home. When he came to the East Market, he took his long-time attendant to buy some daily necessities and food.

"My lady, let's not follow him." In the carriage, Liusu looked at Shen Wenqin who entered the pastry shop, and then looked at Zhu Muning.

However, Zhu Muning kept staring at the white figure without saying a word.

Counting it all, they hadn't seen each other for half a year. Back at Yunkai Academy, they were inseparable. Zhu Muning looked towards the pastry shop again, her pink lips curled slightly, revealing a bitter smile.

Shen Wenqin loved walnut cookies, and they first met when he was buying them. At the time, she was being mocked by her classmates for her height while disguised as a man, but Shen Wenqin stood up for her. He said that in this world, just because someone is more knowledgeable and intelligent than him doesn't mean they are superior.

When he stood before her, Zhu Muning felt a sense of security for the first time. From then on, they ate together, went to school together, and discussed poetry together, despite strange looks. It was also then that she first realized how joyful it was to like someone, but the thought of her engagement brought her to a state of melancholy. Before, she knew her mission and was content to wait, but after meeting Shen Wenqin, she felt revitalized and had a vision for the future.

A tear welled up in Zhu Muning's eyes. He was unwilling to accept it. Perhaps it was because he had felt free and moved. The Zhu Muning who was once the most obedient in the eyes of others now had the urge to resist the marriage.

"Ma'am, he's out."

Zhu Muning turned her head suddenly with red eyes, but she met a complicated look and she felt a little frightened.

Shen Wenqin, upon seeing the carriage, felt a bit uncomfortable. Seeing Su Wan dressed as a man, he finally realized that the younger brother he considered a close friend was actually a woman. After meeting at the banquet today, he understood why Zhu Muning was so sad on her way home. She was getting married, a tool to someone she didn't like.

But he couldn't help her.

Shen Wenqin could only offer a comforting look. Turning around, he raised his hand and made a fist. It was a signal between them, meaning: Move forward, don't be afraid.

Zhu Muning could no longer hold back his longing and grievances, and immediately burst into tears. Liusu beside him also felt distressed.

"My lady, we still have to go see the young master of the Wang family." Liusu's eyes were wet and her voice was as soft as a mosquito.

Zhu Muning's crying stopped abruptly. She wiped away her tears with a handkerchief, and when she looked up again, she had returned to her usual cool and dignified appearance.

"Let's go."

The carriage moved slowly.

……

Xie Mansion

After today's meeting, except for Wang Qing, the rest of the Wang family gathered in Xie Sinian's study.

"Where are you going?" Minister of Justice Zhu Huaiyuan had just entered the courtyard when he ran into Xie Yin, who was about to leave. "Come with me to your father's study. You're old enough, and it's time for you to fulfill your duties."

Xie Yin narrowed his eyes and smiled, "If I go, I'm afraid that my uncles will be uneasy. I won't go and cause trouble."

"You!" Looking at Xie Yin's departing back, Zhu Huaiyuan shook his head helplessly and went to the study.

But before Xie Yin had taken a few steps, he was stopped again.

"stop!"

Xie Yin turned around and saw his mother, Madam Xie, standing there looking at him with a sullen face.

"Where are you going when it's late?"

"My son is used to wandering around and doesn't care about time anymore. But don't worry, mother. I will be back soon."

"Are you going to see someone?" Madam Xie stared at Xie Yin. Her intuition told her that Xie Yin was going to see Su Wan. Although she and Xie Yin didn't interact much, she knew her son's temper. Today, Su Wan was being targeted, yet he appeared with Emperor Jing. So the Queen Mother's words were not false.

"If you want to achieve great things, I won't stop you, but you must choose the right path." Madam Xie didn't think Xie Yin would fall in love with Su Wan; he was simply using her to get closer to the Su family. However, if this matter were to get out, it would ultimately be detrimental to the Xie family's reputation.

"Thank you very much, mother, for your reminder." Xie Yin bowed to his mother and left. He first went to Qianwei Tower and when he arrived at Su Wan's yard, it was already time for lighting.

At that time, Su Wan was leaning against the window in a daze when suddenly a figure loomed over her. She looked up and saw Xie Yin looking at her with a smile in his eyes. That smile was as gentle as a spring breeze, almost making her forget the sinister look in his eyes when they first met.

"What? Is the county lady unhappy?"

Su Wan smiled faintly, "Thank you, Chief, this is not funny."

Xie Yin raised his hand and handed the thing to Su Wan, and a burst of fragrance came to her nose.

"Qianweilou has glutinous rice wine and soft cheese. Would you mind trying some?"

Inside the house, in front of the case.

The mellow aroma of glutinous rice wine spread through Su Wan's mouth, with a slight sweetness, and a warmth gradually spread throughout her body. Then, she took a bite of the soft cheese. The delicate texture and sweet taste made her face bloom with a satisfied smile.

Xie Yin quietly looked at the very satisfied person in front of him.

Su Wan then realized that she had been a little rude, so she wiped her mouth and looked at Xie Yin and said, "I have two questions for Chief Xie."