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

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty's wife..." Lou Yao stammered, unable to find the right words to respond. She could only look to Xiao Yan for help, hoping he could help her out of this predicament.

However, Xiao Yan also looked embarrassed at this moment. In front of Prince Rui, his words did not seem to be very effective, and since his uncle had not targeted him, he would definitely be scolded if he came out now.

With that thought in mind, Xiao Yan distanced himself even further.

"Xiao Yan, you certainly have a unique eye." Xiao Yunli's lips curled into a playful smile, his gaze shifting back and forth between Xiao Yan and Lou Yao. "However, as for this calligraphy, it's best to keep it for your own enjoyment. Hanging it in Princess Yongchang's residence would make my painting seem somewhat superfluous."

After saying this, he gently waved his folding fan, and Lou Yao's calligraphy fell to the ground like fallen leaves, with no one daring to pick it up.

Whispers and laughter filled the air.

Lou Yao felt a burning pain on her face, as if she had been slapped in public.

Xie Wanru found it amusing to herself, but remained outwardly composed. She quietly instructed Dongzhu, "Keep His Highness Prince Rui's painting and jade pendant safe."

Dongzhu hastily put away Lou Yao's painting. Everyone present was a prominent figure, and it wouldn't be good to let this farce continue.

Lou Yao forced a smile. She knew that she had completely lost this round, not only in terms of talent, but also in terms of connections and status.

As soon as Prince Rui arrived, he sided with Xie Wanru. No matter how bold she was, she wouldn't dare to be presumptuous in front of Prince Rui.

Xiao Yunli, as if he had completed a task, sat leisurely to the side, occasionally exchanging a few words with Xiao Long, Shen Cong'an and others, his words revealing a carefree and wise demeanor that transcended worldly affairs.

After all that commotion, Xie Wanru's housewarming party proceeded in a lively manner. Xiao Yan, fearing that Xiao Yunli would scold him again, secretly took Lou Yao away.

He couldn't afford to offend his imperial uncle, that powerful figure.

Xiao Yunli left only after he had eaten and drunk his fill.

When he left, Xie Wanru naturally saw him off. When they reached the threshold, they walked closer together, and Xie Wanru realized that although Xiao Yunli did not look tall and imposing, he was actually really tall!

However, his loose robe made him appear somewhat thin. He had helped her a great deal today, and although Xie Wanru was not a flatterer, she knew she should thank Prince Rui properly.

Xie Wanru then gave a slight curtsy and spoke as softly as possible, "I am deeply grateful for His Highness Prince Rui's help today. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will certainly repay him handsomely."

Xiao Yunli stopped and turned to look at her, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes. "Princess Yongchang, you flatter me. I simply cannot stand such bullying and cowardly behavior. Besides, you and I are... old acquaintances, so it is only right that I lend you a hand."

"An old acquaintance?" These two words surprised Xie Wanru greatly. When had she ever met this Prince Rui? She was about to ask when Prince Rui avoided the topic.

"The feast today was excellent, especially the sticky rice chicken, it was truly delicious. Will we be able to have it again in the future?"

Xie Wanru was numb. She looked up and said, "If Your Highness likes it, you can have it anytime. It's a specialty of one of the chefs in the manor."

Xiao Yunli chuckled lightly, unfolding his folding fan with an elegant air. "Very well, with Miss Xie's words, I am relieved. I will come again tomorrow. It is getting late, so I will take my leave now. Miss Xie, please return."

After saying that, he turned around and strode away, his back view exuding an undeniable sense of nobility and ease.

Xie Wanru watched his departing figure, but wondered why Prince Rui, who had been so aloof just now, was acting like this when it came to her.

An old acquaintance? Xie Wanru was still a little confused and decided to think about it again later when she was busy.

Back at the banquet, Xie Wanru continued to entertain the guests, but her mind was no longer as focused as before.

His Highness the Crown Prince, Wu Xuanyi, and Shen Cong'an were the last to leave, while Lin Qing said she wanted to stay and keep Wanwan company. Xie Wanru figured she would be bored by herself anyway, so she let her stay.

Then Lin Qing learned that Xie Wanru and Shen Cong'an were actually allies in private.

"So that's why Shen Cong'an came today! It turns out you...you..."

Lin Qing was utterly astonished.

Shen Cong'an stayed by the Crown Prince's side all day, acting as his friend, and didn't say a word to Xie Wanru the entire time.

After all, Xie Wanru and Shen Nian'an were divorced, so how could he, as her former elder brother, be close to her? Besides, their alliance was something that couldn't be made public.

"It's a secret."

Shen Cong'an smiled.

Shen Mo, who was beside him, relaxed and then took out his congratulatory gift.

It is a small wooden box.

"Aunt Wan, this is a gift from Mo'er for you."

Shen Mo presented the gift with both hands. He was the only child there, and everyone looked at him when he spoke.

Xie Wanru gently accepted the wooden box and said softly, "Thank you, Mo'er. I'm so happy that you could come."

She slowly opened the wooden box, and inside was a pair of exquisite earrings. The round jade pendants on the earrings were of warm and lustrous quality, and it was clear at a glance that they were very valuable.

"Did Mo'er buy this?"

Xie Wanru looked at Shen Mo with some surprise.

Shen Mo scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "This is the money you gave me. I've saved it all. I don't know how to earn money yet, but when I can earn money in the future, I'll give Aunt Wan a much bigger congratulatory gift. Please accept this, Aunt Wan, as a small token of my appreciation."

Xie Wanru was touched. The little bit of money she had given the child was probably not enough to buy the earrings, and the child hadn't even spent any of it.

"Mo'er, this gift is too precious, Aunt Wan cannot accept it."

Xie Wanru declined, saying that there was probably a lot of Shen Mo's meager monthly salary in there, which was truly valuable.

Shen Cong'an smiled and said, "Princess, please accept it. Since Mo'er has such a kind intention, it would be a waste of his feelings if you didn't accept it."

Lin Qing chimed in, "Yes, Wanwan, just accept it. Mo'er is so adorable, how can you bear to refuse him?"

As he spoke, Lin Qing touched Mo'er's little face, and Mo'er blushed slightly with embarrassment.

Xie Wanru smiled helplessly, but ultimately accepted the gift. She gently stroked Shen Mo's head and said softly, "Thank you, Mo'er. Aunt Wanru likes it very much."

However, Xie Wanru secretly decided that she had to teach this child how to spend money properly. If she was always so frugal, it wouldn't be good if she became stingy in the future.

Upon hearing this, Shen Mo's face broke into a bright smile, as if he had achieved the greatest satisfaction.

He was not fond of spending money recklessly, and since his food and lodging were taken care of, he had nowhere to spend money. However, as soon as he heard that Aunt Wan was moving, he immediately took out all his money and finally chose this gift.