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

The Duke of Dingguo was leading the Crown Prince and a group of officials in toasts and lively conversation, completely unaware of what was happening here. Gu Shile shook her head, stood up helplessly and stepped forward, "Mother, don't cause trouble for Father."

Before Jiang could react, she turned to Jiang Jin'an, bowed, and said, "Second brother, cousin, I'm sorry, eldest sister was really out of control today. I hope you won't hold it against her."

Jiang Jin'an nodded.

Although Jiang was unwilling, she knew that it was not advisable to continue the stalemate. She could only take Gu Shiyi's hand and whisper, "Stop making a fuss and come back with me."

Gu Shiyi was filled with resentment. She glared at Jiang Jin'an and then glanced at Shen Jingshu beside her before reluctantly turning and leaving with Jiang Shi.

Gu Changyi watched their retreating figures and sneered, "That's more like it, they just had to make a fool of themselves." Then she snapped her folding fan shut, raised her hand and tapped Gu Shile's head, laughing, "Consider yourself to have done something good today."

Gu Shile smiled faintly and said, "Second brother, I advise you not to return to the manor tonight, lest you suffer an undeserved disaster. May you have good fortune."

After saying that, he turned around and returned to his seat.

He shrugged and turned to look at Jiang Jin'an. "Let's go find Miss Shen."

The two walked together, and upon approaching, they first bowed to Shen Zizhong and Song Wan with the proper etiquette of juniors, displaying their refined manners.

The second son of the Duke of Dingguo's mansion came together, and this time Shen Zizhong did not glare at Jiang Jin'an.

Wen Yin had already run over, and the two were huddled together, occasionally letting out a few clear and melodious laughs. When she saw Jiang Jin'an coming over, she couldn't help but shiver.

After the ceremony, Gu Changyi turned to look at Shen Jingshu. Being naturally carefree and unrestrained, he teased, "Miss Shen, you'd better keep a close eye on Jiang Jin'an. He's the kind of guy who attracts all sorts of women and is always looking for a fling."

Jiang Jin'an shot a sharp glare at Gu Changyi, who chuckled, completely unconcerned. Instead, he waved his folding fan, looking utterly content.

Shen Jingshu paused for a moment, glanced at Jiang Jin'an, and, having just seen Gu Shiyi stop him, smiled and said, "Then he must be a formidable character. If you keep an eye on him, you're in for a rough time."

For her, Jiang Jin'an was more of a guarantee she had found for herself. She was not deeply infatuated with him and could not extricate herself. If one day something unexpected happened to Jiang Jin'an, she could resolutely let go of him.

After all, what she sought was far more than just a romantic relationship.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Jin'an felt that she trusted him completely, and his aura softened considerably.

Xie Wanqing sat alone in the back, her eyes filled with fear and unease.

She couldn't get a word in edgewise, nor did she dare to make the slightest move.

Recalling the scene of falling into the water in the Imperial Garden, she knew clearly in her heart that Shen Jingshu had pushed her in. But she didn't understand. Did Shen Jingshu already know about her thoughts and plans?

As everyone was talking, Wen Huaizhang walked over.

Upon seeing this, Shen Zizhong and the others quickly bowed in greeting.

Wen Huaizhang raised his hand slightly and said with a gentle smile, "There is no need for such formalities, everyone. I have known Jin'an for many years and we have a deep friendship. My father previously arranged a marriage between Jin'an and Miss Shen. Although they are not yet married, it is still a joyous occasion. I have come here to offer my congratulations."

Shen Zizhong quickly thanked him, his words full of humility.

Looking at the dignified and upright Crown Prince before her, Shen Jingshu couldn't help but sigh inwardly, thinking of his fate of being deposed in his previous life. However, she maintained a polite smile and curtsied, saying, "Thank you, Your Highness."

"It's just a pity about the Marquis's prized student, Fu Zijin. I heard that he and Miss Shen were once very close. Now that things have turned out this way, I wonder if Father Emperor has separated the lovers."

Wen Huaiqing appeared out of nowhere and spoke at that moment, his face showing a half-smile, his eyes lingering on Shen Jingshu.

Shen Jingshu's face darkened, and she said coldly, "I urge Your Highness to be careful with your words. There is no need to bring up the past. Your Highness should refrain from saying anything irrelevant here, lest you cause trouble."

Jiang Jin'an stepped forward and stood beside Shen Jingshu. "Today is Her Majesty the Empress's birthday banquet. Please, Your Highness, be mindful and refrain from mentioning irrelevant people, lest you disturb the harmony of the banquet."

Wen Huaiqing said, "I was just saying it casually, why is the Commandant so nervous?"

Gu Changyi, fanning himself with a folding fan, walked to the other side of Jiang Jin'an and said, "Your Highness Prince Jing's casual remark is perhaps a bit inappropriate. In such an occasion, one should speak auspicious words."

As she spoke, she turned back and winked at Shen Jingshu, indicating that she didn't need to worry about it.

Seeing Wen Huaiqing's behavior, Wen Huaizhang narrowed his phoenix eyes slightly. "Fourth brother, today is a joyous occasion for Mother, with all the officials gathered. You should be careful with your words and actions. To question Father's decision like this, should I write a memorial for you and submit it?"

His relationship with Wen Huaiqing was already tense. Wen Huaiqing had been trying to get rid of him in order to seize the position of crown prince. Naturally, he would not easily let go of the opportunity to suppress Wen Huaiqing.

Seeing the tense atmosphere, Shen Zizhong quickly stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Highness Prince Jing, all of us ministers hope to enjoy this grand banquet together and share in the Emperor's grace. My daughter's marriage to the Commandant is also by His Majesty's decree. We are grateful for Your Highness's concern, but such matters of love and affection are not appropriate to discuss at a royal banquet. Your Highness is always wise and I am sure you understand this."

When Xie Wanqing heard Prince Jing mention Fu Zijin, she was first stunned, then a look of wild joy flashed in her eyes.

She thought back carefully and realized that the "benefactor" behind Fu Zijin might actually be Prince Jing!

This is a God-given opportunity!

If I could seize this opportunity to curry favor with Prince Jing, how could I not trample Shen Jingshu underfoot? With Prince Jing's support, Fu Zijin would surely rise to a high position, and my status in his heart would also rise accordingly.

Thinking of this, she couldn't hide her excitement. A blush rose on her originally pale cheeks, and the corners of her mouth turned up, as if she could already see herself winning the game.

Wen Huaiqing snorted and was about to retort when a eunuch rushed over and whispered a few words in his ear, causing his expression to change drastically.

The men he had just arranged had already been wiped out by Jiang Jin'an's subordinates and were currently being escorted to the Dali Temple.

Jiang Jin'an raised an eyebrow, his voice indifferent and cold, "Your Highness Prince Jing, is something troubling you?"

Wen Huaiqing gritted his teeth, then regained some composure. "The Commandant is indeed extraordinary. I admire him." With that, he strolled away leisurely.

After Wen Huaiqing walked away, Shen Jingshu approached Jiang Jin'an and quietly asked, "How did things go?"

Jiang Jin'an bent down slightly and whispered in her ear, "Don't worry, it has already been handed over to the Dali Temple."

Upon hearing this, Shen Jingshu smiled, her eyes crinkling, "That's good then."