"Mi'er, tell your mother the truth, is everything alright?"
As soon as Shangguan Yan entered the carriage, she removed her mask of vulnerability and held Xunmi's hand with concern.
"Mother, I'm fine, really." Xunmi hugged Shangguan Yan's arm and acted coquettishly.
"It's good that you're alright, it's good that you're alright. Your mother was worried all night."
Thankfully, her daughter is alright, otherwise she would have insisted on the entire Prime Minister's mansion being buried with her.
"Mother, do you...do you still have feelings for the Prime Minister?"
After some deliberation, Xunmi finally asked the question. She really didn't want her beautiful mother to waste the rest of her life on that scumbag.
"So many years have passed, it's all gone now. Mother only hopes that Lu'er and Mi'er can be well, and that will be enough for her."
Shangguan Yan held one child in each hand, feeling very content. Looking at the children's bright smiles, she felt that this was enough.
"Mother, my brother and I also hope that you will be happy in your later years."
"Let's leave the Prime Minister's residence, Mother. Let's live on our own, okay?"
"I know you're staying at the Prime Minister's residence for my and my brother's sake, but you've seen it all."
"Such a place cannot protect us; on the contrary, it will push us into the abyss."
"I managed to dodge this time, but what about next time?"
Xunmi had no feelings for the Prime Minister's residence to begin with, not to mention the presence of such unpleasant people there, making her wish she would never go back.
Shangguan Yan fell silent; she was tempted by her daughter's suggestion.
only...
"Mother, I know what you're worried about. Isn't it said that women are just as capable as men?"
"Why not let us also be heroes today?"
"Who says that women can only depend on men to live? The Three Obediences and Four Virtues should be followed, and the virtues of female chastity and womanhood should not be violated."
"But on this basis, we first need to survive."
Xunmi was determined to make her mother divorce that scoundrel.
Doing this in front of the emperor would be even more satisfying, I wonder if it would give her more points.
Shangguan Yan looked at her daughter's stunningly beautiful face, then at her son's elegant and handsome figure, and silently made a decision.
She absolutely couldn't let those people ruin such a wonderful couple.
"After the audience with the Emperor, Mother will take you back to see your maternal grandfather."
Xunmi knew that her mother had agreed, and she was very happy. Her smile became much brighter.
Wenren Lu was also very happy; he was finally able to leave that oppressive place.
However, Prince An was displeased, believing that the beauty should return to his palace.
It's not some noble mansion at all, it's really disheartening.
Soon, the group arrived at the palace, where the eunuch who had come to announce their arrival was already waiting.
Because of Prince An, greetings could be heard all along the way.
Upon entering the main hall, after everyone bowed and was called to their feet, Xunmi quietly glanced at the middle-aged man on the throne.
He appears to be a very gentle and refined man, but the sharpness between his brows suggests otherwise.
The prince and the female lead from before are here too; a knowing look quickly flashed across his face.
Sure enough, an emperor is an emperor; he has spies everywhere.
"Why did Ninth Brother decide to come to the palace today?" The Emperor didn't get to the point first, but instead asked Prince An with curiosity.
The old emperor had nine sons in total. The one currently sitting on the throne is the eldest, while Zongzheng Mufeng is the youngest.
Moreover, they were all born to the Empress, which is why the other princes either died or were exiled.
Zongzheng Mufeng was the only one who was granted the title of Prince of An and also gained real power in the Kingdom of An.
"Your Majesty, I have finally met someone I like, and I was worried that you might mistreat her, so I had no choice but to come along."
Zongzheng Mufeng made no attempt to hide anything. After speaking, as if afraid others wouldn't know who he was talking about, he took Xunmi's hand and pulled her to stand beside him.
Zongzheng Muye smiled helplessly; his younger brother really hadn't changed at all.
"Then I'd like to see what kind of stunning beauty could attract your attention."
He looked at the white-clad woman, who was slightly bowing her head, half-jokingly and half-seriously, and said, "Raise your head."
She nodded inwardly; her refined and elegant demeanor alone was enough to prove that she was a beautiful woman with inner qualities.
Upon hearing this, Xunmi obediently raised her head, bowed slightly to the emperor on the throne, and smiled respectfully.
"This humble woman, the second daughter of the Prime Minister's family, has come to pay her respects to Your Majesty the Emperor. Long live the Emperor!"
The rules of this dynasty were more lenient towards women confined to their homes; in situations like this, kneeling was not required.
Zongzheng Muye was momentarily surprised; this woman was exceptionally beautiful.
She was no less wicked than Bao Si and Da Ji, who brought ruin to the country.
It's a pity such a beautiful woman can't become my daughter-in-law, but at least she's still one of my own.
"What a graceful and elegant demeanor, like a secluded orchid in a valley, a voice like a babbling brook, and a figure like a graceful green bamboo."
"Truly, her beauty is as radiant as autumn water and as slender as the moon. How come I've never heard of such unparalleled beauty as the second young lady of the Prime Minister's family?"
Everyone tends to favor beautiful things, especially a woman as radiant as the sun.
The prime minister lowered his head awkwardly, completely at a loss for words.
He had never realized that his daughter was so stunningly beautiful. If he had known earlier, this whole mess wouldn't have happened.
Seeking eyes that are clear and bright, that one glance makes it seem as if all filth has nowhere to hide.
"Your Majesty flatters me. My search is far inferior to that of my elder sister. She is the most famous beauty in the capital."
"Those who are exceptionally talented and have won the favor of the eldest sister are all lucky people."
"Of course, it is an honor to have the Crown Prince's attention, but unfortunately, I am not fortunate enough to be chosen."
So I can't stand your blind son. (I silently added to myself.)
She had already felt that jealous gaze, and gave a disdainful snort.
As for the crown prince, whose name was specifically mentioned in the search, his eyes were already sparkling with excitement.
Don't get me wrong, he wasn't mesmerized by Xunmi, but rather surprised and a little amazed.
He had seen Wenren Xunmi before, but none of them were as alluring as the woman before him.
"Your Highness, what are you looking at? This is my queen, your crown princess is right beside you."
Zongzheng Mufeng stepped forward unhappily to block Xunmi, and coldly retorted to the Crown Prince.
It doesn't hurt or itch, but it can leave the other person covered in bumps. Didn't you see that the so-called kind-hearted young lady of the Prime Minister's mansion already had a look on her face that looked like she wanted to eat someone alive?
If this is how kindness is understood, then he has certainly learned something new.
The Crown Prince was speechless after being rebuked by Zongzheng Mufeng, but he didn't dare to talk back. He was filled with anxiety.
He didn't know if his father would blame him for this, but he would not regret marrying the woman he loved.
Shangguan Yan and Wenren Lu had roughly figured out what Prince An meant while they were in the carriage. When they heard him say this in the main hall, they were not shocked, but only slightly surprised.
Wenren Xiang's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, completely losing his usual aloofness.
Zongzheng Muye looked at everyone with a meaningful expression in his eyes.