After her transformation and rebirth, she manipulates the innocent and ruthless to overthrow the wor

Shen You lowered her eyes, feeling a tightness in her throat.

Xiao Ran saw that Crown Prince Ruiyao's lips curled slightly, but there was no smile in his eyes.

That gaze reminded her of a frozen lake in winter, seemingly calm, but with undercurrents surging beneath.

"Father."

The Crown Prince suddenly spoke up, "I believe that the wedding should not be too extravagant. With frequent droughts and floods, the people are suffering immensely. I think..."

"Eh,"

The emperor interrupted sternly, waving his hand, "The Crown Prince's wedding concerns the dignity of the nation; how can it be taken lightly?"

He turned to Shen, "What does the Grand Tutor think?"

Shen Quemin bowed respectfully.

"Your Majesty is wise. However..."

He paused for a moment, then said, "May I be so bold as to suggest that the wedding date be set for the spring of next year? That way, You'er will have time to prepare."

The emperor squinted, his fingertips lightly tapping the armrest of the dragon throne:

"Grand Tutor is reluctant to part with his granddaughter."

He suddenly burst into laughter, “Very well, let’s do as the Grand Tutor says. The second day of the second month next year, when the dragon raises its head, will be an auspicious day.”

Xiao Ran stood at the corner of the hall and saw Shen You's body sway slightly.

She knew that the second day of the second lunar month was not only the day the dragon raises its head, but also Wenming's birthday. This day was destined to leave an eternal scar on Shen You's heart.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps sounded outside the hall, and a young eunuch rushed in in a panic.

"Your Majesty, Minister Pei is requesting an audience outside the palace."

The emperor's smile froze for a moment, his brow furrowed slightly, and his fingertips unconsciously traced the carvings on the armrest of the dragon throne.

"Pei Lang? Today is New Year's Eve. Didn't he say that the case at the Dali Temple was still unresolved? Why is he here now?"

The eunuch bowed his head, his body trembling slightly: "Your Majesty, Pei Shaoqing said that he came to present a gift to Your Majesty."

"Oh?"

The emperor raised an eyebrow slightly. "This busy man of his is quite thoughtful."

"Please come in!"

"Yes." The eunuch felt as if he had been granted a pardon and quickly withdrew.

The expressions of the people inside the hall varied.

Everyone knows that Pei Yun is a loyal and upright official, and his remonstrances in the palace often anger the emperor.

The Empress's gaze shifted between the Emperor and the palace gate, a hint of unease flashing in her phoenix eyes.

Not long after, the palace doors opened again. Pei Yun was dressed in a black brocade robe, with unmelted snowflakes still clinging to his shoulders.

He walked with ease, but his gaze faltered slightly the moment he saw Shen You.

What surprised everyone even more was that there was another person following behind him.

When Xiao Ran saw the person's face clearly, her heart skipped a beat—

Hearing a sound!?

How did he end up here? He's just a poor scholar who, by all accounts, would never have had the chance to step into the palace!

"Your subject Pei Yun pays respects to Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress." Pei Yun stood upright, knelt on one knee, and bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

The emperor paused slightly, his gaze lingering on Pei Yun for a moment before he slowly spoke:

"Rise. I heard you brought gifts to see me? What rare items are they that you, Pei Yun, would personally come to the palace to present them?"

"Your Majesty, I have spent many years in the Dali Temple, where I have witnessed kindness and enthusiasm, as well as the coldness of human nature."

He paused briefly, then continued, "And these are the very elements that make up a nation. Without Your Majesty's rule, there would be no such rich tapestry of human life."

The emperor raised an eyebrow slightly, his tone carrying a hint of surprise:

"I never expected that you, who have always opposed me at every turn, would now..."

Pei Yun remained calm and cupped his hands in greeting, saying:

“When the court is thoroughly cleansed, there will surely be ministers who offer advice. Everything I do is for the sake of the nation.”

Upon hearing this, the emperor's expression softened slightly, and a hint of inquiry appeared in his eyes:

"Then tell me, what does your 'etiquette' have to do with what you're talking about?"