After becoming pregnant, the cold-hearted nobles all went mad.

Gu Qinghong spent three years taking the imperial examinations, witnessing firsthand the true colors of powerful families and experiencing the harsh realities of life.

His parents hoped he would be successful, but in the first year his name was taken by a scion of a prominent family, in the second year his travel expenses were stolen on his way to the capital, and in the third year, which is this year, he has been greatly disappointed.

Knowing that Gu Qinghong was truly talented, the shopkeeper advised, "Try again next year. The imperial examination is coming up soon, and you might just pass this time."

Gu Qinghong shook his head again. Amid the shopkeeper's sigh, he consigned the water conservancy map to him for sale. Before leaving, he took one last look at the place that had tormented him for three years.

Just as he was about to put everything down and move forward, a richly dressed young woman called out to him. She was wearing a precious Yao Huang color, which is usually the most difficult to wear, but Gu Qinghong couldn't see it on this young woman at all.

This outfit seemed tailor-made for her; every smile and gesture radiated brilliance.

Gu Qinghong had met so many scions of noble families, yet he felt utterly inferior in her presence: "What can I do for you, young lady?"

Shen Lingyi held the water conservancy map in her hand. "Is this yours?"

Gu Qinghong saw the water conservancy map in her hand, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes, but he said, "It's mine, but I've already sold it to the bookstore owner."

Shen Lingyi glanced at the blueprints. To others, it seemed like she was just casually flipping through them, but in reality, she was marveling at Gu Qinghong's talent.

Even though she didn't understand water conservancy projects, she could see the value of the blueprints.

It's such a waste to leave such a capable person to Shen Tingjiao; she might as well go with her.

After Shen Lingyi extended the invitation, Gu Qinghong's cheeks flushed red, as if he had been humiliated: "I would rather die than become someone else's male concubine!"

Shen Lingyi's hand froze as she felt gazes from all directions. Eight words flashed through her mind:

You make me feel ashamed.

Shen Lingyi thought expressionlessly, "I'd better leave this person to Shen Tingjiao."

In the end, she still brought the man back. Shen Lingyi made it clear to Gu Qinghong that she wanted his water conservancy map, but even more so, she wanted what he could do.

"You can live here from now on, and you don't need to worry about money," Shen Lingyi said in front of a private residence.

Upon seeing her arrival, the steward in charge of the house immediately stepped forward, "What brings you here today, Second Miss?"

"He will live here from now on. I will have someone send him money for food regularly. He will move out after the imperial examination."

After the steward left, Gu Qinghong hesitated and stepped forward to her, saying, "Second Miss didn't say I was to stay here... and even if I were to stay, I might not be able to repay you."

He had already learned from the conversation in the carriage that Shen Lingyi was the second young lady of the General's Mansion.

Gu Qinghong was utterly puzzled as to why someone of his status would value him.

Shen Lingyi knew he didn't believe her, so she said, "In recent years, there have been frequent floods. Considering this, His Majesty might change the exam papers this year."

Hearing her words, Gu Qinghong's hope was rekindled. Why didn't she participate in the imperial examination and instead wanted to go back to her hometown in the countryside? Wasn't it because she felt she had no chance of passing?

If given the chance, who would give it up so easily?

Peony came over and said that the curfew at the manor was approaching.

Shen Lingyi then had the steward make arrangements for Gu Qinghong, and then took a carriage back home.

After the New Year, tender buds soon sprouted on the branches. As March approached, the weather was still a bit chilly, and the charcoal brazier in the house was still burning.

It was still barely dawn when Shen Lingyi came out of Shou Kang Palace after paying her respects to the Empress Dowager. She bumped into Shen Tingjiao, who had come to the palace with Xu Yanqing to pay her respects.

She looked at Xu Yanqing, who inexplicably avoided her gaze.

Shen Lingyi chuckled and stepped forward to greet him, saying, "Sister, you said you wanted to go to the palace. My carriage gave you a ride when you left the manor. There's no need to trouble His Highness the Crown Prince."

Wrapped in a fluffy cloak, Shen Tingjiao's snow-white fox fur made her small face appear even more fragile. When facing Shen Lingyi, she habitually took a step back and gave way, making her look like a pitiful little oppressed person.

Ever since Shen Su told the old lady to take good care of herself, she really did fall ill. For more than a month, medicine was sent to Ning Shou Tang intermittently.

Shen Tingjiao's greatest reliance was the old lady. Since the old lady fell ill and could not get out of bed, her voice naturally became softer, and Shen Lingyi had not seen her for many days.

But it must be said that it did allow her to have a few days of quite peaceful time.

Shen Lingyi wished things could continue like this forever, but it seems that this wish cannot be fulfilled now.

Shen Tingjiao pursed her lips: "Your Highness only gave me a ride along the way. If Sister Lingyi doesn't like it, I'll ask Your Highness not to give me a ride next time."

He coughed a few times after speaking.

Upon hearing this, Xu Yanqing frowned deeply, his face showing disapproval: "Jiaojiao, your health is already so poor, and the coachman treated you so poorly, not even letting you use the windproof curtain. If you really ride in that carriage, you'll freeze to death."

Although he didn't say anything to Shen Lingyi, she inexplicably seemed to have become a villain who deliberately bullied her elder sister.

Shen Lingyi remained silent, wanting to see how long this drama would continue, and also to see what Xu Yanqing really meant.

Xu Yanqing quickly looked over, his tone displeased: "Why didn't you wait for Jiaojiao before you went to the palace?"

Peony couldn't help but step forward to argue, but Shen Lingyi stopped her and retorted, "How would I know that you were going to the palace, sister? Why don't you have someone inform me next time so I can drive my carriage and wait outside?"

Xu Yanqing's tone was still dissatisfied, but this time there was also a hint of disappointment: "You're being too unreasonable. You should know that Jiaojiao hasn't been doing well lately, yet you're still making things difficult for her."

"Never mind, Your Highness." Shen Tingjiao tugged at his sleeve, the gentle force not so much as a gesture of dissuasion, but rather as a pleading gesture. Sure enough, she started coughing again after only saying one sentence.

Her already thin body trembled in the cold wind, like a falling leaf.

Shen Lingyi couldn't bear to see others being so affectionate in front of her, so she turned and left.

She didn't let the driver drive away, but waited on the road she had to take to court, knowing that Xu Yanqing would definitely come over once he had made arrangements.

Before long, Xu Yanqing's aloof and otherworldly figure appeared, parting the mist as he walked towards them.

Seeing Shen Lingyi waiting for him there, he was surprised: "Second Miss is waiting for me?"

"I'm afraid His Highness won't come."

Shen Lingyi straightened her cloak. She was wearing a snow-white cloak, but unlike Shen Tingjiao, who looked sickly and weak as soon as she put it on, she only exuded a sense of nobility, both luxurious and reserved.

Xu Yanqing's gaze fell on her slender figure. The girl's delicate face was flushed with a faint blush. When her lips parted slightly, her appearance overlapped with that in his dream. However, she was far bolder and more unrestrained there, and the words that came from her mouth were not as cold as these.

"Does Your Highness regret it?"