She remarried a cold-faced, powerful man, and the scumbag regretted it and cried his heart out.

After leaving Xuanqing Gate, Jiang Jin'an mounted his horse. Although his face remained ashen, his fingers tightened unconsciously around the reins. He wanted to see Shen Jingshu immediately.

Upon reaching the gates of the Marquis's residence, he nimbly dismounted, straightened his clothes, and knocked on the door knocker.

Upon seeing him, the gatekeeper hurriedly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Commander, you've come at just the right time. Are you here to see my young lady? I'll inform her right away."

Jiang Jin'an nodded slightly. "Thank you for your trouble."

Shen Zizhong was in the main hall, flipping through a book in his hand, when he heard the servant report that Jiang Jin'an had come to visit. He sighed inwardly, put down the book, looked up and asked, "Did he say what brings him here?"

The servant scratched his head and replied truthfully, "I don't know, but the Commandant looks hurried, as if he has something important to attend to."

Shen Zizhong scoffed. What important matter could it be?

He wasn't young before.

Most likely, the Emperor had already told him about the marriage, and now he couldn't wait to come and see his daughter.

Thinking of this, Shen Zizhong waved his hand, signaling the servant to leave, and then straightened his clothes, preparing to greet the guests.

Before long, Jiang Jin'an strode into the main hall, saw Shen Zizhong, and respectfully bowed, "Uncle, it's been a long time."

"What do you mean 'long time no see'? We just saw each other yesterday!" Shen Zizhong felt angry as soon as he heard him speak.

Before, he would avoid the Commandant's office whenever he saw him.

But now that this relationship has been established, and looking at Jiang Jin'an, he seems like just a junior. Without realizing it, they unconsciously put on the airs of an elder.

Jiang Jin'an was not annoyed by the rebuke, and remained humble, saying, "Uncle is right to reprimand me. It was I who was impolite."

Shen Zizhong snorted, his words tough but his expression softening somewhat. "Alright, alright, stop being so glib."

Jiang Jin'an stopped beating around the bush and cupped his hands, saying, "Uncle, to be honest, I have come here to tell you that His Majesty has just summoned me to the palace and arranged my marriage with Jing Shu. The imperial decree will be issued in a few days."

"Is that all?" Shen Zizhong glanced at him. "Let me ask you first, now that Lord Jiang and Madam Jiang have passed away, have you managed to arrange everything for their subsequent marriage?"

Jiang Jin'an said solemnly, "The Ministry of Rites will handle it."

Shen Zizhong nodded.

After a moment of silence, Shen Zizhong stepped forward and patted Jiang Jin'an on the shoulder.

“I served in the same court as your father for over a decade. He valued you the most during his lifetime. Now that you have found a good match, he will surely be gratified if he has a spirit in the afterlife. From now on, do not fail this marriage, and... do not disgrace your father.”

Jiang Jin'an lowered his head, his hands slightly clenched at his sides, and after calming his emotions, he replied, "I remember every word of yours, Uncle. I have never forgotten my father's expectations and teachings. He always required me to act with integrity, to be sincere, to be filial to my family, and to be loyal to my country. This marriage is a great favor from His Majesty and a great honor for me. I am overjoyed, but I also feel a great responsibility."

After saying that, he looked directly into Shen Zizhong's eyes and said, "In the future, at home, I will do my best to protect Jing Shu. In the court, I will also fulfill my duties, live up to my father's expectations, and not damage the reputation of the Marquis's mansion. I only hope to be with Jing Shu year after year, to watch the flowers bloom and fade in the courtyard, and to experience the ups and downs of life together."

Shen Zizhong almost burst into tears on the spot.

He raised his hand to lightly touch the corner of his eye, cleared his throat, and said in a feigned calm tone, "Go on, I haven't told Jing Shu about this yet. This happy event should be told to her by you yourself."

With Shen Zizhong's approval, Jiang Jin'an followed the maid to the backyard. Passing through the winding corridors, the fragrant flowers and vibrant colors of the garden seemed to have no appeal to him.

In the garden, Shen Jingshu wore a light pink silk spring dress with a moon-white ribbon tied around her waist. The ribbon hung down and swayed gently in the wind, perfectly outlining her slender waist.

She stood quietly under the crabapple tree, pink and white petals fluttering down, a few strands of hair brushing against her cheeks, making her appear even more gentle and charming.

Seeing Jiang Jin'an approach, she was somewhat surprised, then a faint smile appeared on her face: "What brings you here, sir? Are you here to return the gift?"

Jiang Jin'an felt as if a long time had passed since they had met that morning.

"I'm not here to ask for a return gift." Jiang Jin'an stepped forward, the distance between them subtly closing. "His Majesty has bestowed this marriage upon us."

Shen Jingshu stared wide-eyed, frozen in place. After a moment, she came to her senses and instinctively clenched the handkerchief in her hands, twisting it into a crumpled mess.

"His Majesty has bestowed this marriage upon us... This means a lifetime commitment, with no room for negotiation, no divorce, no separation. Does that mean we are..."

Before she could finish speaking, Jiang Jin'an leaned forward slightly, reached out his hand, and interrupted her.

His eyes were deep and unfathomable as he gazed intently at her and said earnestly, "I am delighted to marry you."

Shen Jingshu's cheeks flushed involuntarily, and she looked up to signal Yaoqin and Jinse to stay nearby.

After making sure no one was around, she blushed and mustered her courage to speak frankly: "My lord, to be honest, the marriage we agreed upon was just a temporary arrangement. My intention was simply to use you to achieve my own goals, and I didn't want to ruin your life. If the imperial decree for marriage is issued, unexpected changes will occur, and I will feel truly guilty."

Jiang Jin'an raised an eyebrow, a rare hint of amusement appearing on his usually cold face. Looking at the flustered person before him, he said in a low voice, "How do you know I haven't gone to great lengths to make you use me?"

Shen Jingshu was taken aback, her face showing confusion. Before she could ask, Jiang Jin'an spoke slowly.

"When I first saw you after the Spring Banquet, you were trapped in a dangerous situation but showed no fear, which made me realize you were different from others. When I found you, you were already unconscious. The assassin at the banquet was Wen Huaiqing's henchman, and I was naturally concerned about your involvement. However, I watched over you for two whole days and nights, but saw nothing unusual, so I assumed you were innocent. I know that women value their reputation, so I had Lin Yu subtly lure the people from the Marquis's mansion who were looking for you here. I originally planned not to meet you again to avoid any further complications."

"Then what happened later?" Shen Jingshu pressed.

Jiang Jin'an lowered his eyes and saw her anxious appearance. The corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up, forming a very faint arc. "I have also heard the rumors in the capital. That day at the tavern, you were dressed in red, holding a soft whip, and you injured those who maliciously provoked you. It was only to defend yourself and protect yourself. Seeing you like that, the thought of protecting you arose in my heart."

His gaze was intense, looking directly into Shen Jingshu's eyes.

“You took the initiative to seek an alliance with me, wanting to get rid of Fu Zijin. I thought to myself, since people have mouths, some misunderstandings and intentions should be clarified. I saved you and took good care of you for two days, during which I took many risks and put in a lot of effort. How can I let others take advantage of the situation and claim the credit? I don’t want to see you kept in the dark, deceived and manipulated by others.”