My stepsister tried to steal the prince's hand in marriage, but little did she know I had been

Xie Jinghan dismounted, his eyes cold and sharp.

He strode past Wen Yitong without even glancing at her out of the corner of his eye.

Upon seeing this, Wen Yitong clenched her fingers into a fist.

Although Xie Jinghan in her dream was indifferent, he wouldn't be as completely oblivious to her as he is now...

Just as Wen Yitong was immersed in the past, a sharp pain came from her arm.

She looked up in surprise and realized it was Madam Wen.

"Stop with that attitude." Madam Wen's patience was wearing thin. She said in a deep voice, "If word gets out about what you did today, even the Chen family... you'll be considered to have married above your station!"

After she finished speaking, she cast a gloomy glance at Granny Lin.

Without saying a word, Lin Mama had already understood what Madam Wen meant.

—Wen Shuyao must never become the Princess Consort of Prince Jing.

These movements were so subtle that no one noticed them.

Xie Jinghan also entered the front yard at this moment.

The courtyard was piled high with dowry items, leaving almost no room to step.

Upon seeing Xie Jinghan, Duke Wen's smile became even more exaggerated.

His Majesty favors those from humble backgrounds over those from aristocratic families. In addition, the Wen State Duke's mansion has few members, making it appear somewhat weak among the aristocratic families.

Climbing onto the powerful tree of Prince Jing's mansion is now Duke Wen's only hope.

That's why he went to great lengths to make the wedding as perfect as possible.

Otherwise, he, who is usually very stingy, would never have spent so much money on Wen Shuyao.

"His Highness has arrived." Duke Wen stepped forward to greet him. "I thought His Highness was too busy..."

"I will personally handle matters concerning Yaoyao."

Xie Jinghan's short sentence put a huge weight off Duke Wen's heart.

He smiled flatteringly, his gaze constantly falling on Xie Jinghan.

But Xie Jinghan seemed to only have Wen Shuyao in his eyes.

As soon as he entered, he scanned the people in the front yard.

Lady Li smiled and said, "You cannot meet the bride before she crosses the threshold."

Upon hearing this, Xie Jinghan frowned.

Si Qing's heart skipped a beat. He had come today not only for the betrothal, but also for the Wan Niang that Wen Shuyao had mentioned last time.

If I can't see Wen Shuyao today, what method should I use to communicate with her?

However, Xie Jinghan's furrowed brows were seen by others as a sign of his eagerness to see his beloved.

Lady Li, being an experienced woman, had always admired Xie Jinghan, and in addition to her affection for Wen Shuyao, she smiled kindly and reassured him, "The wedding is only half a month away. Once the county princess enters the household, you will be able to see her every day. There is no need to rush."

The servants standing nearby also smiled appropriately.

It was truly rare to see Xie Jinghan so anxious.

A huge weight was lifted from Duke Wen's heart.

But for Wen Yitong, who was standing outside the courtyard, this scene was like needles piercing her heart.

She looked up blankly and met Madam Wen's pitying gaze.

"Tong'er," Madam Wen said softly, "there's no turning back now that the arrow has been released. This matter is settled."

"However... whatever you want, as your mother, I will always try my best to get it for you." Madam Wen sighed again.

However, Wen Yitong gripped her hand tightly and whispered, "Mother, no!"

She pleaded, "Don't worry, once the imperial examination is over, you'll see how right my choice was!"