The beloved is reborn as a substitute, and the tyrant begs for forgiveness every night.

Jiang Yunxue looked puzzled, as if she really didn't know about the relationship between Zheng Zhihe and Xu Leyao.

Looking at her bewildered expression, Zheng Zhihe felt a rare pang of guilt.

Indeed, I went a bit too far.

If word gets out, they will be accused of sharing a husband.

This could potentially damage Jiang Yunxue's reputation.

Thinking of this, Zheng Zhihe spoke again, his voice becoming even softer.

“Yunxue, although this is your maternal niece, she can be included in the next selection of candidates.”

Jung Ji-hak believed his hints were clear enough.

Sure enough, Jiang Yunxue trembled slightly upon hearing this, looking as if she was about to fall over.

Seeing this, Zheng Zhihe quickly helped her up.

Jiang Yunxue took his hand and asked in a slightly trembling voice.

"Does Your Majesty intend for my maternal niece to enter the palace? But she is not yet of marriageable age!"

As she spoke, Jiang Yunxue's eyes revealed a hint of sadness at her lover's betrayal and heartache for Xu Leyao.

Faced with her complex gaze, Zheng Zhihe couldn't bring himself to get angry.

He sighed helplessly.

"Even so, she is indeed to my liking."

If he hadn't made himself clear just now...

At this point, it's practically obvious.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yunxue's face turned ashen.

It seems that Xu Leyao's entry into the palace is a done deal.

This world belongs to Zheng Zhihe.

Let alone expecting the aunt and niece to share a husband.

Even if Zheng Zhihe were to take all the women in the world as his concubines, it would be an honor for them.

Thinking of this, a shadow crossed her eyes.

Jiang Yunxue glared at Xu Leyao with a vicious look, but her words were full of concern.

"Although His Majesty thinks so, he still has to ask the child if he is willing."

She once again steered the conversation toward Xu Leyao, determined to get her to make a statement today.

Xu Leyao understood Jiang Yunxue's meaning and couldn't help but find it amusing.

Jiang Yunxue really thought she was a young girl who hadn't reached marriageable age!

Having spent so many years in the palace, Xu Leyao already understood the intrigue and deceit involved. How could she possibly be fooled by Jiang Yunxue's few words?

The fact that she's making her state her position now is simply an attempt to cut off Xu Leyao's escape route.

If she says she's unhappy today, it will probably spread throughout the entire capital tomorrow.

But if Xu Leyao agrees, then the rumors that will spread throughout the capital will be that she is eager to marry the emperor when she returns home.

It's quite remarkable that Jiang Yunxue could come up with such a difficult choice.

Jiang Yunxue. After bringing up the topic, even Zheng Zhihe couldn't help but watch Xu Leyao's performance.

Although he likes Xu Leyao, he doesn't necessarily need her.

If Xu Leyao shows even the slightest hesitation today, he will immediately abandon her.

In the end, Xu Leyao still disappointed him.

Xu Leyao hesitated for a moment before slowly kneeling down.

“Your Majesty, it is not that I am unwilling to enter the palace, but there are already rumors circulating in the capital. If I were to enter the palace, I fear it would damage Your Majesty’s reputation. In that case, I would rather spend my life with a Buddhist lamp and a Buddha.”

In the end, Xu Leyao's words were resolute.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Zhihe was immediately moved.

When Zheng Zhihe last went out of the palace to watch Xu Leyao's entry into the family genealogy ceremony, he had already heard some rumors in the crowd.

He could disregard these things, but Xu Leyao could not.

Xu Leyao's words truly touched his heart.

Zheng Zhihe's expression softened, and he personally bent down to help Xu Leyao up.

"Weiwei, this is not something you need to worry about. You just need to trust me."

His words were full of affection, but Jiang Yunxue, who was standing next to him, almost tore the handkerchief in her hand to shreds.

Weiwei?

Zheng Zhihe called her in a very affectionate way.

It turns out that long before she even realized it, the two of them had already been having an affair!

Thinking of this, Jiang Yunxue gritted her teeth in hatred.

But with Zheng Zhihe still by her side, she didn't dare to show it.

Otherwise, if she were accused of disrespect, Jiang Yunxue would inevitably be confined to her quarters.

She forced a smile, interrupting their "affectionate" eye contact.

"What Weiwei said really made Auntie feel gratified."

As she spoke, Jiang Yunxue revealed a kind smile.

Zheng Zhihe released Xu Leyao's hand, turned around and looked at her smile, and couldn't help but shudder.

This was the first time he had ever seen Jiang Yunxue with such a kind smile.

But looking at it this way, it just seems really strange.

Suppressing the strange feeling in his heart, Zheng Zhihe gently patted Xu Leyao's shoulder again.

"Just trust me."

He spoke with an air of authority, and then added...

"It's getting late. Why don't you go back to your residence and rest for a while? I'll come to see you when I have some free time another day."

He said this without any regard for Jiang Yunxue's presence.

Jiang Yunxue felt ignored and couldn't help but feel heartbroken.

Zheng Zhihe used to treat her very well.

How did they end up like this?

He knew perfectly well that if he brought Xu Leyao into the palace, Jiang Yunxue would inevitably have to bear the harm caused by those rumors and gossip.

But Zheng Zhihe didn't care at all.

As her thoughts raced, Jiang Yunxue felt as if her heart was being torn apart.

But at this moment, she had no choice but to greet them with a smile.

"Yes, Weiwei, you should go back and rest today."

Seeing that both of them had said so, Xu Leyao naturally had no intention of refuting them.

She nodded, and Zheng Zhihe then sent Li Huanian to personally escort her back.

After returning to the Jiang residence, Xu Leyao was summoned away by Jiang's mother.

Xu Leyao walked down the street, feeling utterly hopeless.

It was so much more carefree when I was a ghost!

These days, my feet never stop moving.

Although she was inwardly complaining, Xu Leyao maintained a calm and composed expression on her face.

She entered Jiang's mother's courtyard and found Jiang's father there as well.

Xu Leyao raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Jiang's mother is now old and faded, and is not as favored by Jiang's father as she used to be.

Therefore, unless there is a reason, Jiang's father would not easily set foot in her yard.

The two of them met together today and summoned me here, so they must have something important to tell me.

Xu Leyao's mind raced, but she remained outwardly calm as she sat down on the embroidered stool.

She no longer wanted to pretend to bow in front of Mr. and Mrs. Jiang.

"Father and Mother, did you call me here today for something?"

Faced with Xu Leyao's direct question, Jiang's parents exchanged a glance.

Then Jiang's mother spoke, carefully considering her words.

"Weiwei, you're about to come of age, and it's time to think about your marriage. Your mother called you here today to ask if you have a suitable husband?"

Xu Leyao was taken aback by Jiang's mother's cautious probing.

Was Zheng Zhihe's performance not obvious enough?

Why would Mother Jiang ask such a question?