Jiaojiao is getting married, and the male leads fall for her and fight over her.

Chapter 312 The Crown Prince Has Been Chosen by the Princess
Shen Shuyi herself heard these rumors, but she didn't care.

She knows that she and Pei Dongzhou have a good relationship, and that's enough for her.

As for why Pei Dongzhou was so busy, it was also to help Li Yi establish himself as soon as possible.

Moreover, under Pei Dongzhou's supervision, Li Yi is increasingly showing the demeanor of a crown prince. To put it bluntly, without Pei Dongzhou's diligent assistance, Li Yi would not be where he is today.

When A-Jian returned to Fusang Courtyard that day, she looked rather pale. Seeing her tense expression, Shen Shu called her over and asked, "Who upset you?"

"No." A-Jian was still holding a grudge.

Shen Shuyi said calmly, "Speak, what happened?"

Could it be that A-Jian was unhappy because she heard gossip?

A-Jian couldn't keep anything to herself, and after hesitating, she finally spoke: "I overheard some gossip, saying that the young master has been getting close to Princess Pingyuan lately, and that Princess Pingyuan has taken a liking to him, often sending him food. She also said that the young master..."

Although she didn't finish speaking, Shen Shuyi understood. What these people meant was that Pei Dongzhou had fallen in love with Princess Pingyuan, and that the two were mutually attracted to each other.

"Next time you hear these kinds of gossips, just give them a few words of criticism. What's the big deal that could upset you?" After giving her instructions, Shen Shuyi continued looking at her account book.

Seeing this, A-Jian couldn't help but blurt out, "Aren't you worried, young lady, that the young master has really fallen for that princess? I've heard that Princess Pingyuan is as beautiful as a flower..."

“My cousin, the young master, isn’t the kind of person who would be fickle. Not only would such a thing not happen, but even if my cousin, the young master, did fall in love with another woman one day, would I have to compete with another woman for the same man?” Shen Shuyi comforted A-Jian, “Don’t believe everything you hear. You’d be foolish to care so much about rumors.”

A-Jian lowered her head: "Yes, this servant understands."

Her daughter is so wonderful; if the young master doesn't know how to cherish her, there are plenty of other men waiting for her.

The Third Young Master, Prince Zhao, and even His Highness the Crown Prince are all interested in the young lady, so she really doesn't need to be too anxious.

Anyway, anyone can be taken advantage of, but the person who is taken advantage of is definitely not a girl.

After figuring it out, she stopped worrying about it.

On the other side, the Prince's Mansion.

Pei Dongzhou and Li Yi had just come out of the study when they saw Princess Pingyuan waiting for them.

Li Yi winked at him suggestively: "It seems that Ah Jiao really likes you."

Princess Pingyuan excitedly greeted Pei Dongzhou upon seeing him, saying, "Dongzhou, are you done with your work? I've been waiting for you."

Pei Dongzhou stepped back a few paces and bowed to Princess Pingyuan: "This humble official is returning to the Marquis's residence. Farewell!"

Princess Pingyuan waited for Pei Dongzhou for a full hour; how could she possibly let him leave like that?

She quickly blocked Pei Dongzhou's path: "But I've been waiting for you for an hour, and I even brought you some food. Won't you try some?"

Pei Dongzhou said coldly, "Princess, please don't waste your time on me in the future. Besides, I already have a family, and your actions constitute harassment." Princess Pingyuan's smile froze upon hearing this, but she quickly put on a smile again: "It's my business that I like you. I was just bringing you food, why make such a big deal out of it?"

Li Yi used to have a good relationship with Princess Pingyuan, but now seeing how Princess Pingyuan was trying to win Pei Dongzhou's favor, he couldn't help but sigh at how much a girl can change as she grows up.

Why does Princess Pingyuan have to like someone like Pei Dongzhou, such a blockhead?
Besides, he's already married to Cousin Shen, how could he possibly be interested in Li Jiao? Wouldn't that be humiliating?

Pei Dongzhou, not wanting to get entangled with Princess Pingyuan, turned to Li Yi and said, "Your Highness, please allow me to take my leave."

Li Yi quickly waved his hand: "Go ahead."

Princess Pingyuan wanted to follow, but Li Yi stopped her, saying, "Ajiao, forget it. He already has a beautiful wife by his side. With a wife like Cousin Shen, Dongzhou wouldn't look at you."

Furthermore, he is a married man who adheres to traditional male virtues; how could he possibly have any ambiguous relationship with Li Jiao?
"Is Lady Pei very beautiful? What does Dongzhou like about her?" Princess Pingyuan asked dismissively.

There's nothing she can't get if she wants it.

She had seen Pei Dongzhou from afar before, but had never seen his true face clearly. Ever since Li Yi became the crown prince, Pei Dongzhou had frequently entered the palace. When she first saw Pei Dongzhou clearly, she was amazed by his appearance. Only after asking did she learn that Pei Dongzhou had already married young.

But she thought that with her status as a princess, even if Pei Dongzhou got married, as long as she asked her father for a decree to grant the marriage, it would be only right for Shen to be divorced.

“Cousin Shen isn’t just beautiful; she’s very special. Many men are attracted to her, Pei Nanzhou being one of them. But unfortunately, Cousin Shen married Dongzhou. I sincerely advise you not to provoke Dongzhou. Dongzhou is no ordinary man; your status as a princess won’t be able to control him. Don’t think that Father will support you. You’re in the wrong in this matter, and Father will not pay any attention to you.” Li Yi saw through Princess Pingyuan’s despicable thoughts at a glance.

Princess Plains sneered: "That's not necessarily true!"

"If you don't listen to me, don't blame me for not warning you when you suffer in the future. I'll say it again, Dongzhou isn't the kind of man who will let a woman manipulate him!" Li Yi said this and walked away.

Princess Pingyuan stormed out of the Crown Prince's residence, but before her carriage had gone far, someone blocked its way.

She was about to lash out when she saw Pei Nanzhou's aloof and ascetic face and stopped in her tracks.

At this moment, she couldn't help but sigh that Pei Nanzhou's face was indeed quite handsome, comparable to Pei Dongzhou's.

She quickly remembered what Li Yi had said: Pei Nanzhou actually liked that Shen family too? Could it be that Pei Nanzhou suddenly stopped her because he wanted to cooperate with her?
Sure enough, the next moment she heard Pei Nanzhou say, "Those who achieve great things don't concern themselves with trifles. If I were you, I would do anything to get Pei Dongzhou. How about this, I'll give you a suggestion: First, start with your cousin, making her think that Pei Dongzhou has messed with you. Second, let everyone in the capital know that Pei Dongzhou has tainted your reputation, so he will have no choice but to marry you. With your cousin's strong personality, if she finds out that Pei Dongzhou touched you, she will definitely divorce him, and that will be your chance to rise to power!"

Princess Pingyuan sneered upon hearing this: "So you think you can reap the benefits?"

Pei Nanzhou's abacus beads were practically hitting her face.

Pei Nanzhou continued, seemingly to himself, "Recently, Pei Dongzhou has been frequently visiting the palace. This is your chance to solidify your marital relationship with him. After all, you have connections in the palace, so I believe it won't be difficult for you to drug Pei Dongzhou."

He stopped there and then lowered the curtain.

If Li Jiao truly desires Pei Dongzhou, she will definitely try to find a way to win him over. Regardless of whether Princess Pingyuan succeeds or not, he will be the beneficiary.

(End of this chapter)