Best friends dressed up in ancient times to become mistresses? You run, I run too!

"Shut up, or I'll hit you."

Shen Ningzhu glared coldly at Shen Ningxue, slowly moving her wrists as she threatened.

Jiang Wanwan could no longer hold back, "You...you get out of here, the Shen family has no daughter like you."

Suppressing her excitement, Shen Ningzhu maintained her arrogant demeanor, looking down at Jiang Wanwan and Shen Ningxue with a half-smile, and said, "Are you sure? That's not up to you."

After speaking, she looked up at Jiang Xuan Yan, who had a stern face like Bao Gong's, blinked her exquisite fox-like eyes, squeezed out two tears with all her might, and said in a pitiful, accusing manner:

"Your Highness, look at them. The Shen family doesn't welcome me. Please take me away, okay? Waaah—"

Everyone: "..."

"Has Shen Ningzhu gone mad? She actually asked His Highness the Crown Prince to take her away? Where to? It's like she's eloping."

"How shameless! Is she planning to cling to His Highness the Crown Prince even if it means her death?"

"What bad luck has His Highness the Crown Prince had to be entangled with this infatuated and vicious woman?"

"I feel more sorry for Madam Shen. She raised that ungrateful wretch for over ten years, only to have him raise someone else's child and suffer such humiliation. Her own daughter endured so much hardship from a young age, and now that she's finally back, she's been beaten and humiliated in public by this wicked woman for no reason. It's truly a tragedy!"

Jiang Xuan Yan had always known that Shen Ning Zhu was unreasonable, but this was the first time he had seen it in person.

At this moment, he was utterly shocked.

"solitary……"

"Your Highness..." Jiang Wanwan knelt down in front of Jiang Xuan Yan in a few steps, crying uncontrollably, "Your Highness, please retract your order. My Shen family would never dare to take in Shen Ningzhu."

Jiang Xuan Yan's expression was rather unpleasant.

Jiang Wanwan glanced at Shen Ningxue, whose face was swollen and deformed on one side, gritted her teeth, and her eyes became resolute.

He bowed deeply to Jiang Xuan Yan.

“Your Highness may not know, but Shen Ningzhu is arrogant and domineering, and has a vicious mind. Ever since my daughter came back, she has not had a single day of peace. She has tried to poison Xue'er several times and almost killed her.”

Everyone was shocked. Could this really be true?

There was no word of it outside, which means it was suppressed by the Shen family. It seems that the Shen family has been more than kind to Shen Ningzhu.

“Mother~~~”

Shen Ningxue hurriedly called out to Jiang Wanwan and shook her head slightly.

Jiang Wanwan took her hand, her face full of heartache and guilt, "Xue'er, don't be afraid. I know you are kind by nature, but you have to be selective about who you are with. Shen Ningzhu is not worthy of you."

I used to think that she was about to come of age, and if her reputation was ruined at this time, her life would be over. That's why I kept covering for her. But what did I get in return?

It seems that sometimes being kind to bad people is being cruel to oneself. As a mother, Jiang Wanwan would rather die than let others bully her own daughter again.

Therefore, she was going all out today, even if it meant offending His Highness the Crown Prince.

Jiang Xuan Yan noticed that in a corner where no one could see, Shen Ning Xue smiled smugly, then quickly changed to a pitiful expression.

I felt an overwhelming sense of disgust in an instant.

The women in the inner quarters were indeed all cunning and skilled actresses.

However, since Jiang Wanwan had already said this, and in front of so many people, if he insisted that the Shen family recognize Shen Ningzhu as their adopted daughter, it would seem like he was abusing his power.

"Get up, we'll discuss this later."

"Your Highness, this humble woman..."

"I've already said I have my own plans. Madam Shen, do you have any further objections?"

"My wife dare not."

Jiang Xuan Yan stepped forward with a cold expression, suddenly getting close.

He wrapped his arm around Shen Ningzhu's slender waist and scooped her up by her legs.

His chest was strong and broad, and he had a faint, pleasant scent of cedar. As soon as she got close, the fragrance filled her nostrils, making Shen Ningzhu feel a little dizzy.

When she realized what was happening, she screamed in fright.

"Your Highness—"

The other person lowered their head, their deep phoenix eyes piercing like swords, and Shen Ningzhu's heart skipped a beat.

Those emotionless eyes swept over her inch by inch, like sharp swords cutting into Shen Ningzhu's body bit by bit, frightening her into silence.

Seeing that she was behaving herself, Jiang Xuan Yan let out a cold snort, then lifted her arm up and strode towards the second-floor lounge.

At that moment, someone whispered something.

"Princess Qingyi has arrived."

Jiang Xuan Yan paused in his steps, and soon the eunuch's shrill voice rang out, "Princess Qingyi has arrived—"

Everyone bowed and greeted Princess Qingyi.

"Well, everyone, please don't stand on ceremony. We're just here to have a good time. There's no need to be so formal."

Jiang Xuan Yan didn't rush to leave, but turned around to look at Princess Qing Yi. Shen Ning Zhu's eyes also flickered, her gaze passing over the crowd to a group of people walking towards them in the distance.

A young woman in a pink palace dress led the way, her slender fingers neatly crossed in front of her chest. She walked gracefully in her gorgeous embroidered shoes, her makeup exquisite, each step like a lotus blossom.

Her voice was soft and gentle, like a cat's, or like a warm spring breeze, making one's heart soften and feel an unconscious sense of intimacy.

Shen Ningzhu clicked her tongue repeatedly.

She truly is a lady of high birth; just listen to her voice, it's so pleasant to listen to!

Her tone was so gentle, and even her walk was so graceful.

Behind the woman were a group of maids and servants, lined up in three neat rows, looking very impressive.

But when her gaze fell on Jiang Xuan Yan and she saw Shen Ning Zhu nestled in his arms, her expression froze for a moment.

"Hey, Ah Yan, what's going on?"