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

These days, Xie Wanru has been incredibly lenient with Shen Yanzhi's upbringing, and since he caught a chill after falling into the water, she has been providing him with the best food and drink.

Even the academy is a place he can go to if he wants, or not if he doesn't. Moreover, Aunt Dongzhu often gives him money.

Shen Nian'an and his son caused a scene outside the Plum Garden, but Xie Wanru did not show up.

It ended with Shen Yanzhi getting a beating.

The invitation to the banquet was for a time after noon.

The wives of officials would pay their respects to the Empress, while the men would pay their respects to the Emperor.

Xie Wan was deliberately keeping a low profile today, but as soon as she arrived at the Empress's place, the Empress summoned her for questioning.

The Empress had also heard about the adoption by the Shen family.

The Empress's gaze was gentle. Although she was the mother of the nation, she was not difficult to approach. When Xie Wanru approached, she took Xie Wanru's hand and asked her to sit next to her.

"Wanwan has lost weight."

The Empress felt quite sorry for Xie Wanru. She was unaware that Xie Wanru had previously been in love with the Third Prince. By the time she found out, the Emperor had already issued an imperial decree to grant them marriage.

The Empress gently stroked Xie Wanru's hand, her eyes full of affection. "These days, your household has been very busy, which must have been very worrying for you. But remember, no matter what difficulties you encounter, the Emperor and I will always be there to support you."

Xie Wanru smiled politely and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. It's just a small matter, it's alright. Everyone goes through this."

As soon as Xie Wanru said this, some of the ladies cast sympathetic glances at her.

All women in the world are like this: if they marry a man who knows how to behave properly, and the mistress of the house can maintain balance in the household, then they can live a harmonious and happy life.

If you encounter a muddle-headed ruler, life will only be chaotic and disorganized.

"Ugh."

The Empress sighed and said nothing more. It was not appropriate to discuss such an unpleasant topic on such an occasion.

"Wanwan, come visit me often in the future."

The Empress looked somewhat disappointed.

She was close to Xie Wanru's mother, and Xie's mother had even miscarried her, which caused her to develop health problems and die young.

But she failed to take good care of her only daughter.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Xie Wanru smiled gently, but there was a hint of bitterness in her smile. Her acting skills were now superb. When she put on that wronged look, others would think twice and feel a little sorry for her.

The Empress was mostly talking about family matters, and perhaps because she felt guilty towards Xie Wanru, she kept Xie Wanru by her side.

On the Emperor's side, the princes and many young men were also chatting and laughing together, having put aside their usual dignified airs.

"You are... Shen Cong'an?"

The Emperor looked at Shen Cong'an, who was leaning on a cane, and his gaze lingered on him.

The eldest son of the Marquis of Yong'an was an outstanding child, but unfortunately, for some unknown reason, he suddenly fell into a coma. With such a person by the Crown Prince's side, he was originally quite happy.

"It is indeed your subject Shen Cong'an. I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's concern."

Shen Cong'an bowed respectfully. Although his voice was slightly weak due to his illness, each word was clear and revealed an indomitable tenacity.

Upon hearing this, the Emperor nodded slightly, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes: "You have been intelligent since childhood, and I have always placed high hopes on you. Now that you have recovered from your illness, you must work even harder and contribute to the country and the people of our Great Qi."

After speaking, the Emperor looked at Shen Mo beside Shen Cong'an and asked with some doubt, "Who is this?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Yanzhi immediately made Shen Mo kneel down and bow, respectfully saying, "This is my adopted son, Shen Mo. Not long after I adopted him, I awoke from my serious illness. He is my lucky star."

As soon as Shen Cong'an said this, everyone's eyes turned to Shen Mo, who was standing next to him.

Shen Yanzhi, standing next to Shen Nian'an, looked even more disgusted.

How could that bastard show his face in front of the Emperor? He is the real child of the Shen family, while Shen Mo is nothing.

Shen Nian'an's hands clenched tighter and tighter.

He now deeply regrets his soft-heartedness in letting Shen Cong'an go. As long as Shen Cong'an is alive, everyone's attention will only be on him. But he is also the legitimate son of the Yong'an Marquis's mansion. He is too!

Shen Mo felt the complex gazes directed at him, especially Shen Nian'an's fiery stare. He remained unmoved, simply bowing his head even more respectfully, maintaining his composed demeanor. He knew that everything he was facing today was the beginning of a shared journey with Shen Cong'an, and the first step for him to gain a foothold in the Shen family.

After hearing this, the Emperor's gaze lingered on Shen Mo for a moment, as if he were scrutinizing this suddenly appearing "lucky star".

After a short while, he smiled slightly and said, "Since you are Shen Qing's stepson, you must be a smart child. I hope you will study diligently in the future and live up to Shen Qing's high expectations."

A warm feeling welled up in Shen Mo's heart. He had already been deeply moved by Shen Cong'an's introduction, and now he quickly kowtowed to express his gratitude: "Your subject Shen Mo will remember Your Majesty's teachings and work diligently to repay Your Majesty and my father for their nurturing kindness."

This scene made everyone present look at Shen Mo with new respect. A child could be so composed, humble and polite in front of the emperor.

Even Shen Nian'an, who was dissatisfied, had to admit that Shen Mo's composure and demeanor were exactly like Shen Cong'an's, making him someone others could only look up to.

Compared to the attention garnered by his eldest son and step-grandson, Shen Zhan, the Marquis of Yong'an, was rather lackluster, which was one of the reasons why Shen Zhan had never been fond of this outstanding son.

"Good, good, good boy, haha."

The Emperor's face lit up with joy, and he bestowed upon Shen Mo a finely crafted peace buckle in front of everyone.

Everyone gained a new understanding of the Shen family.

When Shen Cong'an awoke, the Emperor began to consider supporting the Shen family. In addition, given Shen Cong'an's previous close relationship with the Crown Prince, anyone with common sense could now guess the future situation.

The Shen family is about to grow stronger once again.

Xiao Long was originally worried that his father would blame him for not resolving the snow disaster in the northern border. He wanted to ask Shen Cong'an for help, but he was afraid that his father would not be pleased.

Seeing that his father was very fond of the Shen family father and son, he felt relieved.

Shen Mo, a small boy, had a racing heart, yet he desperately maintained the proper etiquette. The process of him going from an orphan from a poor family to the stepson of the Shen family meeting the Emperor had been too fast.

The emperor then asked the others, and the entire hall was peaceful, at least on the surface.

After discussing for a while, news came from the Imperial Garden that the Empress and the others had been waiting for a long time, just waiting for the Emperor to come over to start the banquet.

So, the group headed towards the Imperial Garden.

Shen Cong'an held Shen Mo's hand and said, "Mo'er, you did very well today. Tomorrow, I will bring you a gift as a token of our first meeting, and also as a reward for your outstanding performance."

After saying that, Shen Cong'an looked down and smiled at the safety buckle on Shen Mo's waist.