After the divorce, I was adorned in a phoenix robe, while my ex-husband's entire family dug up

Xue Jin looked at her bright smile and his heart stirred slightly.

He discovered that Pei Ran's domineering behavior was not unreasonable, but a way of protecting herself.

In this complex and hierarchical royal palace, if she showed even the slightest weakness, she would only be bullied.

From that day on, Xue Jin began to speak to Pei Ran in the first place.

Sometimes when Pei Ran came to see him, he would talk to her about the contents of the book or discuss current events. Although Pei Ran was a woman, she had unique insights into current affairs, which often impressed Xue Jin.

Pei Ran also discovered that Xue Jin was not only erudite, but also had a heart for the world and lofty ambitions.

She gradually understood why he was unwilling to be a gigolo; such a life was indeed unworthy of him.

That day, Xue Jin's old friend Shen Qing came to his door, looking panicked. "Jin, something terrible has happened! My father has been framed and imprisoned. He could be executed at any moment!"

Xue Jin's expression changed. "What happened? Who framed your father?"

"It's Li Kun, the Vice Minister of Revenue. He's coveting my family's property and plotted to frame my father for embezzlement!" Shen Qing stamped her feet anxiously. "I've asked many people, but no one dares to help. Ah Jin, you have to think of something!"

Xue Jin frowned. He was now living under someone else's roof and could barely take care of himself, so how could he help Shen Qing? He looked at Pei Ran beside him with a complicated expression.

Pei Ran saw everything. "Young Master Shen, don't worry, I'll help you with this."

Shen Qing and Xue Jin were both stunned. "Your Highness, this..."

"Li Kun is a treacherous person, and I've disliked him for a long time," Pei Ran said firmly. "You go back first, and I will have someone investigate the truth and rescue your father."

Xue Jin looked at Pei Ran, his heart filled with gratitude. "Princess, thank you."

"You're welcome," Pei Ran said, looking at him. "I just don't want to see anyone wronged, nor do I want to see you in a difficult position."

In the following days, Pei Ran used the resources of the Prince's Mansion to gather evidence from all directions. Xue Jin was not idle either; relying on his past connections, he found key evidence that Li Kun had framed Shen's father.

With their combined efforts, the truth finally came to light, Shen's father was acquitted, and Li Kun received his due punishment. Shen Qing made a special trip to thank Pei Ran, expressing her deepest gratitude.

After the matter was resolved, Xue Jin was drinking in the courtyard when Pei Ran came over and sat down opposite him. "What's wrong? Looking troubled?"

Xue Jin raised his wine glass, "A toast to the princess, thank you for your help."

Pei Ran clinked glasses with him. "I told you, you don't need to thank me."

"I know you could have ignored it," Xue Jin said, looking at her. "Why did you help me?"

"Because I think you're a good person," Pei Ran said frankly. "Besides, we're friends now, right? When a friend is in trouble, it's natural to help."

A friend? Xue Jin felt a warmth in his heart. He had wandered for many years, enduring hardships and seeing through the coldness and warmth of people's hearts. He never expected that he would make a true friend to him under such circumstances, and that the friend would be a princess.

He tilted his head back and drank the wine in his glass. "Pei Ran, thank you." This was the first time he had called her by her name directly, without any prefix or formalities.

Pei Ran smiled, a particularly bright smile. "You're welcome, Xue Jin."

Time flies, and the six-month period is almost over.

Xue Jin's heart was filled with increasing turmoil. He realized that he had already fallen for Pei Ran. He liked her frankness, her domineering nature, her kindness, and everything about her.

But he said he would leave after six months if he didn't like it. If he stays now, wouldn't he be contradicting himself?

Moreover, he was just a down-on-his-luck young master, while she was a high-ranking princess. Given their vastly different social statuses, could they really be together?

Pei Ran was also a little nervous; she didn't know what Xue Jin was thinking.

Over the past six months, her feelings for Xue Jin have grown deeper and deeper. She hopes he can stay, but she doesn't want to force him, so she can only wait patiently.

On the last day of the deadline, Xue Jin didn't sleep a wink.

As soon as it was light, he got up and walked towards Pei Ran's courtyard.

Pei Ran was already waiting for him in the courtyard, looking somewhat uneasy. "You've arrived."

"Yes." Xue Jin looked at her, his eyes firm. "Pei Ran, I've thought it through."

Pei Ran's heart leaped into her throat. "You...you want to leave?"

Xue Jin shook his head. "I'm not leaving."

Pei Ran froze, unable to believe her ears. "What did you say?"

"I said, I'm not leaving." Xue Jin stepped forward and took her hand. "Over the past six months, I've realized my true feelings. I love you, Pei Ran. I don't want to leave. I want to stay and be your husband, the kind we'll marry."

Pei Ran's eyes lit up instantly. She looked at Xue Jin, her eyes slightly red. "You...you're not lying to me?"

"No," Xue Jin said earnestly. "I used to think you were domineering and unreasonable, but after spending time with you, I've realized you're a wonderful woman. I, Xue Jin, am willing to treat you well and protect you for the rest of my life."

Pei Ran could no longer hold back and threw herself into his arms, bursting into tears.

All the anxiety, unease, and anticipation of the past six months turned into tears at this moment.

Xue Jin gently hugged her and patted her back. "Don't cry, I've stayed, haven't I?"

Pei Ran looked up at him with teary eyes, "Xue Jin, you can't go back on your word."

"I will never go back on my word." Xue Jin wiped away her tears and lowered his head to kiss her. This kiss was gentle and lingering, without the coercion of before, only overflowing with love.

Just then, Pei Yi and Wei Zhaoning walked in, saw this scene, and smiled at each other.

Pei Yi coughed lightly, "Alright, alright, let's be mindful of our behavior in broad daylight."

Pei Ran stepped out of Xue Jin's embrace, her cheeks slightly flushed, but she made no attempt to hide her joy. "Brother, sister-in-law, Xue Jin and I are getting married!"

Wei Zhaoning smiled and nodded, "Congratulations, Aran, congratulations, Young Master Xue."

She thought to herself, "Didn't this child say before that he would never get married and would only keep male concubines?"

Pei Yi looked at Xue Jin and said in a serious tone, "Xue Jin, although my sister is a bit spoiled, she has a kind heart. You must treat her well in the future and not bully her."

"Your subject obeys the decree," Xue Jin said solemnly. "Your subject will be good to the princess for the rest of my life and will never betray her."

Pei Yi nodded in satisfaction. "Alright, in that case, I'll grant your wish. I'll have the wedding arrangements made."

Xue Jin and Pei Ran exchanged a glance, both seeing happiness in each other's eyes.

In the past six months, from initial resistance to getting to know each other, and now to falling in love, they have walked an extraordinary path.

Xue Jin knew he had met the right person, and Pei Ran understood that her persistence was not wrong.

"Don't you only keep male concubines and never get married?" Wei Zhaoning joked.

Pei Ran was furious. "Xue Jin is such a good person, how could I bear to give him only the status of a male concubine? Besides, is there any male concubine with such backbone as him? The status of a prince consort is more worthy of him!"