You're the one who wants to marry a mistress, and I'm marrying someone else, yet you still

When Xie Wanru saw them off, Xiao Long deliberately walked slowly, letting Shen Cong'an get into the carriage first. Shen Cong'an didn't ask any questions. He guessed that His Highness the Crown Prince had something to say to Xie Wanru alone, so he obediently got into the carriage and waited.

“Wanwan, Xuanyi asked me to tell you something. I hope you will accept my good wishes, because my wish has been fulfilled. She said that as long as I say it like this, you will be able to guess what it is.”

Xiao Long's eyes clearly showed joy, something that hadn't been present during their earlier conversation.

Xie Wanru immediately understood.

"Then... congratulations to Your Highness the Crown Prince. This matter must indeed be kept secret, as someone might also be watching it and it could be detrimental to Sister Xuanyi."

She had previously met Wu Xuanyi and revealed to her that Wu Xuanyi would become pregnant when the peonies bloomed.

Many things changed because of her, but these things did not; they continued to unfold according to their original course.

"Wanwan, I don't know why you suddenly found out about these things, or why you chose to believe me, but I promise you, I won't let you down. If you help me, I will help you. I won't let your Xie family be harmed."

Xiao Long sincerely assured him.

He had never understood his father’s favoritism towards the Xie family before. After all, it was unprecedented to bestow the title of princess upon the daughter of a subject.

Then he learned that he had almost miscarried, and it was Xie Wanru's mother who saved him. Moreover, Xie's aunt had developed a chronic illness as a result and eventually died after giving birth to Xie Wanru. He was grateful to Xie Wanru's mother and, through his interactions with her, he also learned about the Xie family's character. He was willing to trust such people.

After saying that, he got into the carriage.

Xie Wanru called out to Shen Cong'an, who leaned out of the carriage window. "What's wrong?"

"You don't know martial arts, and Xiao Yan has tried to win you over many times without success. He's a very petty person and definitely hates you. You should be careful."

She was just subconsciously trying to give a heads-up, since if anything happened to Shen Cong'an, it would all be because of her.

After all, if she hadn't woken him up in advance, Shen Cong'an would still be unconscious. Even if he woke up in ten years, he would still be the prime minister, but with crippled legs, his remaining life would not be happy.

"Thank you for your concern, Princess Yongchang. I will be more careful. Mo'er may need to stay in Void Mountain for a while longer. The situation is still uncertain, and it is not safe for him to come back. I will bring him to see you again when he returns."

"Also, I don't know who plotted against Shen Yanzhi, but the day before you came back, he walked from the east gate to the west gate banging a gong, shouting that he was Shen Nian'an's son, making the whole of Xuancheng know that he was an illegitimate son."

After he finished speaking, Xie Wanru also seemed puzzled. Clearly, Xie Wanru didn't know who had done it either.

"Evil people will get their just desserts. Anyway, just be careful."

Xie Wanru didn't take it to heart. Perhaps because Shen Yanzhi was too young when he was reborn, her hatred for him wasn't as deep.

She simply disliked this person.

Shen Cong'an bowed to Xie Wanru to express his gratitude, and Xie Wanru nodded before their carriage gradually drove away.

Xie Wanru admired the person who could manipulate Shen Yanzhi so easily, since she hadn't been able to do it. From the beginning, her goal was to get revenge on Shen Nian'an and Fu Rou, so she hadn't gone all out.

But this person also helped her vent her anger, making her feel much better after returning to Xuan.

The Lin Mansion in Xuancheng at this moment.

Minister Lin met with his friend in his study, and they had a very pleasant conversation.

Lin Qing felt she had seen that handsome man somewhere before, and she even found him somewhat repulsive, but no matter how hard she tried to recall, she couldn't remember him. She couldn't understand why her father was so fond of him.

During their conversation, Minister Lin nodded frequently in approval, which was unprecedented.

"Qing'er."

Minister Lin called her, and she snapped out of her reverie.

"Father."

Lin Qing rarely showed such a well-behaved demeanor; she's usually very outgoing and carefree.

"This is my father's close friend, Lord Shen Cong'an," Minister Lin introduced to Lin Qing, his eyes full of admiration and trust. "Lord Shen has come here today to discuss important matters with me. You can listen in and learn more."

Upon hearing this, Lin Qing was slightly startled. Shen Cong'an? She was familiar with this name; he was one of Xie Wanru's enemies. No wonder she had found this man somewhat annoying; he must be from the Shen family.

She couldn't help but glance at the handsome man a few more times, secretly wondering about his intentions.

Xie Wanru and Shen Cong'an did not tell Lin Qing about their private relationship, so Lin Qing naturally felt that Xie Wanru and the Shen family did not get along well, and since she had plotted against Shen Yanzhi, Lin Qing wondered if this person was here to interrogate her.

Shen Cong'an smiled slightly, his gaze lingering on Lin Qing for a moment before he nodded politely, seemingly oblivious to Lin Qing's surprise.

Minister Lin seemed to pay close attention to the interaction between the two, but he didn't say much. "Your younger brother really went too far this time. Not only did he cause your father to lose his official position, but he also made your Shen family a laughing stock in Xuancheng."

At this time, Minister Lin was unaware that the biggest joke was actually done by his daughter.

Shen Cong'an looked slightly embarrassed, but he quickly put on a warm smile again. He didn't really care about his own family's affairs, but he still had to pretend a bit in front of outsiders.

"Lord Lin is right. Our Shen family has indeed wronged Princess Yongchang in this matter. However, now that the divorce is finalized, Princess Yongchang is finally free."

Shen Cong'an's frank admission that the Shen family was at fault in this matter earned him praise from Lord Lin. After all, Shen Nian'an's problematic behavior did not necessarily mean that Shen Cong'an was also problematic.

"Indeed, but now that you are the Vice Minister of War and a good friend of His Highness the Crown Prince, you should be careful in your actions to avoid being taken advantage of by those with ulterior motives."

Minister Lin did not make his words too explicit.

But Shen Cong'an understood perfectly well. He nodded gratefully, "Thank you for reminding me, Lord Lin. I understand."

Shen Cong'an's official position was granted by the Emperor; he did not climb up the ranks step by step. Whether he can hold onto this position depends on his own future fortune.

Minister Lin's words were also a direct address to him.

Minister Lin nodded in satisfaction, then steered the conversation toward business, "There's another matter I wanted to discuss with you today."

Shen Cong'an's expression hardened, and he listened attentively.

Minister Lin continued, "The Northern Barbarians have played a trick on the Xie family this time. I have a feeling they have ulterior motives."

Upon hearing this, Shen Cong'an frowned. "Does Lord Lin have any specific clues?"

Minister Lin shook his head. “There are only some clues at the moment, but I can sense that it is not simple. I suspect that someone in our Great Zhou Dynasty has close ties with the Northern Barbarians, so I would like to ask you to help me investigate this matter secretly. I trust your abilities, and your people can travel to and from the Northern Border, which will make the investigation easier.”