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

Shen Yuanzhou, always full of curiosity, followed Shen Jingshu around, rummaging through several drawers with great interest, his youthful spirit carrying a hint of playfulness.

Yaoqin hurried into the courtyard and reported, "Miss, the master has returned from the palace and is waiting for you in the front hall."

Shen Jingshu was somewhat surprised, "At this hour..."

I originally thought that Jiang Jin'an's visit to the palace would last until late at night, and we might even have a long talk by candlelight.

Shen Yuanzhou peeked out from behind the display cabinet, his dark hair ribbon sweeping across his eyebrows with the movement, and said with a hint of sarcasm, "Does elder sister perhaps hope that brother-in-law will spend the night in the palace?"

She spat at Shen Yuanzhou, put down the clueless object in her hand, tidied her slightly disheveled hair, and said to Shen Yuanzhou, "Let's go, let's go back too."

The siblings walked to the front hall. When Jiang Jin'an arrived, Shen Zizhong, who was about to get up and go back to his room, forced himself to sit back down when he saw him.

He straightened his back, picked up his teacup, and exuded the majesty of being called "father-in-law."

"Father-in-law, Jin'an has come to welcome Jing Shu back to the mansion," Jiang Jin'an said, bowing.

“It’s three-quarters past Xu hour.” Shen Zizhong put down his teacup. “Judging from your travel-worn appearance, you must have just returned from the palace. Why don’t you stay here for the night and go back tomorrow? It will save you the trouble of traveling back and forth.”

Jiang Jin'an nodded slightly and agreed, "Very well, I'll leave everything to my father-in-law's arrangements."

Shen Yuanzhou heard this as he stepped across the threshold, and immediately perked up, jogging forward to ask, "Brother-in-law, when will the wedding banquet be held again? Last time it was rushed, this time we must make sure that all the people of the twelve wards of the capital can witness this grand occasion..."

Shen Zizhong glared at Shen Yuanzhou and feigned anger, scolding, "What nonsense are you spouting, you little brat!"

She then turned to Jiang Jin'an, her voice tinged with reproach, "If you had known this would happen, why did you rush to change the wedding date! This hasty decision has wronged Jing Shu."

Jiang Jin'an listened to Shen Zizhong's instructions and responded to whatever his father-in-law said without arguing.

Looking at Jiang Jin'an's meek and submissive demeanor, and recalling Jiang Xiangxun's always gentle face, Shen Zizhong found himself unable to muster any anger.

He snorted, waved his hand, and sent the person away.

Shen Jingshu smiled and returned to Shaoguang Courtyard with Jiang Jin'an.

Just like before Shen Jingshu got married, Shaoguang Courtyard was spotless, and the flowers and plants in the courtyard were neatly trimmed and full of vitality.

Compared to Rakusakura-in, it's like comparing heaven and earth.

Jiang Jin'an asked, "Do you know who Cheng Wenhao is referring to as one of his own?"

"He said his name was Liu San, and that he owed him money. He asked Liu San to act as a go-between for him and Prince Gu, because he had a big business deal to do."

Jiang Jin'an nodded thoughtfully.

He knew Liu San well, and had met him a few times. Liu San was a trusted man of Gu Changfeng and had been with Gu Changfeng for many years.

Cheng Wenhao has found a good vine this time.

Shen Jingshu was thoughtful and did not press him for details about his audience with the emperor. Instead, she changed the subject and brought up the search in Luoying Courtyard. With a hint of regret in her voice, she sighed that she had arrived too late and the room was empty, with nothing left behind.

She continued, "The servant that Biyi mentioned, Mother also sent people to search the entire mansion, but he has long since disappeared."

Jiang Jin'an remained calm. "Finding them won't help. Jing Wang's men will surely die if they fail. They've probably already been dealt with properly."

Shen Jingshu sighed, and Jiang Jin'an turned to her and asked, "Are you tired?"

Shen Jingshu shook her head, but the weariness in her eyes was impossible to hide. Jiang Jin'an put his arm around her and led her into the house.

Once inside, Jiang Jin'an personally poured her a cup of tea, handed it to her, and said gently, "Today in the palace, His Majesty specifically asked about you, saying he wanted the Imperial Observatory to calculate an auspicious day."

Shen Jingshu took the teacup and smiled, "Your Majesty is overwhelmed with many matters and is almost anxious, yet you still have time to care about me, a mere wife of a military commander."

Jiang Jin'an squeezed her hand: "In my heart, you're not young at all."

Shen Jingshu blushed and pushed him away, saying, "You're saying such inappropriate things again."

Just as Jiang Jin'an had predicted, the servant had indeed died long ago and was secretly disposed of by the people of Prince Jing's mansion, leaving no trace.

Inside the Prince Jing's mansion, the courtyard is secluded and deep.

Wen Huaiqing sat leisurely in the dimly lit study, the flickering candlelight casting an unpredictable expression on his face.

Wen Yin knelt on the ground, her head bowed low.

“Your Highness, Wen Yin already has someone she loves. Please do not force her.”

Wen Huaiqing stopped tapping his fingers on the table, and the study fell into a deathly silence.

He squinted and spoke slowly, "Sweetheart? That's quite a surprise. Who is this outstanding young man who has caught Miss Wenying's eye? Could it be... the Second Young Master Gu of the Duke of Dingguo's mansion, Gu Changyi?"

Wen Yin froze upon hearing the name "Gu Changyi".

She never mentioned her feelings for Gu Changyi to anyone outside the family, not even her father. She only spoke a few words to Jing Shu. How did Wen Huaiqing find out?

Wen Huaiqing stood up, walked to Wen Yin, and looked down at her condescendingly: "Miss Wen Yin, do you know Gu Changyi? He's a dissolute and unruly man, even the Duke of Dingguo can't control him. If you marry him, I'm afraid..."

How could Wen Yin not know Gu Changyi's awkward situation in the Duke of Dingguo's mansion?

But so what? She did it willingly.

“Your Highness is mistaken.” Wen Yin raised her head. “Young Master Gu is upright and honest, with a magnanimous heart. How could he be the despicable person Your Highness speaks of?”

Wen Huaiqing sneered, "Miss Wen Yin is certainly protective of her own. He's so out of favor, what can he possibly give you in the future?"

Wen Yin's eyes were firm, and her tone was calm. "Your Highness is joking. Wen Yin's heart is with the person, not the position."

"What a fine 'love at first sight' statement!" Wen Huaiqing's eyes grew cold. "Has Miss Wen Yin considered that if I were to speak to Minister Wen, your beloved might not even have the chance to meet me again?"

Wen Yin felt a chill run down her spine. Her father was always cautious and timid, and he was most afraid of getting into trouble.

If Wen Huaiqing really comes looking for him, I'm afraid Father will be in a difficult position.

"Your Highness, why make things difficult for Wen Yin? If Your Highness insists, Wen Yin would rather..."

"What would you rather do?" Wen Huaiqing leaned down and pinched her chin, the force so great that the jade ring on her finger left a red mark on her skin. "I have already shown the Wen family extraordinary favor and taken great care of them. Miss Wen Yin, are you really going to sacrifice the entire Wen family's future for a worthless Gu Changyi?!"

Wen Yin didn't say anything.

“Your father has already made the choice for you. I am kind-hearted and will give you three more days to consider.”

Wen Huaiqing released his grip, turned around, and returned to the table. "I expect Miss Wenyin to make a wise choice."

Wen Yin stumbled and staggered away from Prince Jing's residence.

The moonlight, as clear as water, made her face appear pale. She wiped away her tears, her mind already made up.

No matter what, she had to see Gu Changyi.

At the very least, she wanted him to know how she felt.