Thrown out of the house, the wet nurse enters the noble household and becomes a person of high statu

Pei Zeyu released Xiao Yiheng and returned to his original position.

His eyes regained their tranquility, but beneath that tranquility, undercurrents still surged.

"The late emperor's death has shocked the court and the public. If the old ministers in the court knew that the Second Prince, who has been missing for many days, was living a peaceful life in the countryside wearing his wedding attire, how heartbroken they would be?"

How could Xiao Yiheng not understand the hints and warnings in his words?

"Young Master Pei, you are overthinking it. Royal family ties are inherently weak, and besides, the Second Prince's disappearance was not his own choice. He was forced into it and had no choice but to suffer in silence."

The two exchanged witty remarks, each word sharp and pointed.

Xue Bi silently poured tea for Xiao Yiheng and Lu Ye, and then handed a cup to Liu Wenying.

"This cup is at the perfect temperature."

Liu Wenying shook her head, holding up the cup in her hand to indicate that she already had some.

Xue Bi nodded, unconcerned, and picked up the last cup.

The subtle gesture made Pei Zeyu look at him, and Xiao Yiheng turned his head.

This person may seem indifferent to worldly affairs, but in reality, he is calculating and scheming, and is not someone to be trifled with.

The same thought flashed through their minds at the same time.

Liu Wenying drank some hot water, rubbed her temples, and said, "Everyone here is trustworthy. Just say what you want to say; there's no need to hold back."

Pei Zeyu nodded. He didn't intend to keep pretending anymore. Going around in words and testing each other would only waste time.

Their infighting and scheming against each other makes it easier for outsiders to take advantage and reap the benefits.

Pei Zeyu turned to Xiao Yiheng and asked directly, "What do you plan to do?"

Xiao Yiheng didn't mince words, "What else can we do? The most urgent thing is to get my health back on track. My eyes are damaged, and ordinary medicines are useless. I need the eye-brightening pills prescribed by the imperial physicians in the palace."

Liu Wenying said at the right moment, "Today's fake marriage is for two reasons: first, to make the child's birth legitimate; and second, to give His Highness a covert identity."

Pei Zeyu realized his mistake and stopped there.

Xiao Yiheng has a special identity and is being hunted down by Xiao Chenlin, so he urgently needs a plausible identity to hide his whereabouts.

The status of a live-in husband is lowly, but it is the safest. No one would associate a live-in husband from a rural estate with the missing second prince.

Xiao Yiheng has a heavy burden on his shoulders. Once he recovers and his eye disease is cured, he will definitely return to the capital.

At that time, his marriage to Wenying will naturally fall apart.

It was indeed a plan that killed two birds with one stone.

"I'll find a way to get my hands on the Bright Eyes Pills," Pei Zeyu said in a deep voice.

Xiao Yiheng cupped his hands in thanks: "I naturally believe in Young Master Pei's abilities. Thank you in advance."

He then changed the subject, saying, "There's just one thing I don't understand yet."

"explain."

"How did you manage to leave the palace? I know my elder brother's temperament best. Since he has become suspicious of the Pei family, he will not let you leave the palace easily."

Liu Wenying also looked at Pei Zeyu. She didn't know the specific situation in the palace, but the way Pei Zeyu arrived in such a disheveled state explained everything.

Pei Zeyu remained silent, then said heavily, "It was my elder brother. He resigned from his post as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice."

When Xiao Chenlin ascended the throne as the new emperor, he wanted to establish his authority and consolidate power, and the first family he targeted was naturally the Pei family.

Pei Zeyu's gaze returned to Xiao Yiheng, a smile playing on his lips.

"The Imperial Censor Wang, the Minister of War Li, the Grand Counselor Zhao... all of the Second Prince's former supporters have now been slaughtered and purged by Xiao Chenlin."

"Your Highness is not focused on returning to the capital to take charge of the overall situation, but instead has the leisure to enjoy a comfortable life here. This is truly disheartening for your old ministers."

This wasn't the first time he'd mentioned it, but now that the lives of his former subordinates and relatives had been added, it made the pain all the more profound and piercing.

Xiao Yiheng's smile froze.

Lord Wang was his confidant, Lord Li taught him riding and archery, and Lord Zhao mediated for him... With Xiao Chenlin taking power and himself disappearing, it was no surprise that they all met a good end.

But being pointed out in such a bloody way brings a different kind of grief and helplessness, with a heart full of self-blame that is hard to calm down.

Once a person's spirit is broken, everything is over.

This principle is understood not only by Xiao Yiheng, but also by Liu Wenying.

She quickly said, "Second Master, His Highness was seriously injured at the time, and he barely escaped with his life. Even if he rashly went to the capital, he would be no different from sending himself to his death, being completely defenseless."

"His staying here to recover from his injuries is also a temporary measure."

Pei Zeyu looked at Liu Wenying, the coldness in his eyes faded a bit, but a hint of bitterness appeared.

"You're just too kind-hearted; you pick up all sorts of cats and dogs around you."

Xue Bi and Lu Ye exchanged a glance and nodded in unison.

Pei Zeyu may be a harsh person, but what he said is absolutely right.

Xiao Yiheng adjusted his breathing, "Once I recover, I will return on my own. There's no need for Second Young Master Pei to bring it up again."

Pei Zeyu wanted him to say those words himself.

As long as Xiao Yiheng still harbors the ambition to return to the capital and seize the throne, he will not truly do anything to Liu Wenying, nor will he linger here and become a hidden danger.

"Haa..."

Liu Wenying covered her mouth and yawned.

She was indeed exhausted today. From getting ready in the morning to attending a banquet in the evening, and experiencing a series of changes, her eyelids were so heavy that she could barely lift them.

A yawn made all four men in the room tense up at the same time.

Xue Bi was the first to react: "Wen Ying is sleepy, let's all go."

"Leave? I'm the groom, I should stay." Xiao Yiheng raised an eyebrow, refusing.

Pei Zeyu scoffed, "You're staying?"

"My eyesight isn't good, and it's dark at night, so naturally I should stay."

Xue Bi immediately stepped forward, took his arm, and forcibly helped him up, saying, "It doesn't matter if it's dark tomorrow. I helped you here, so I'll help you back home as well."

Xiao Yiheng gritted his teeth inwardly. She really is kind-hearted…

Xue Bi half-helped, half-dragged Xiao Yiheng away from the room. Before leaving, Xue Bi didn't forget to give Lu Ye a look.

Only Pei Zeyu, Liu Wenying, and Lu Ye, who had remained silent, were left in the room.

Liu Wenying sat on the edge of the bed, her wedding dress a glaring red, her eyes revealing an undeniable weariness.

Pei Zeyu wanted to stay with her, to tell her how much he missed her during the days he was in the palace…

But how could Liu Wenying dare to keep him?

Tonight is her wedding night. If it is discovered that the person in the bridal chamber is not the groom, but another man, it will be a huge shock.

"There's still a room for the Second Master in the manor, with new bedding and plenty of charcoal..."

Liu Wenying spoke softly, not daring to look him in the eye.

Pei Zeyu's Adam's apple bobbed; he still wanted to try.

Lu Ye spoke up at the opportune moment: "I am the guard of the manor and am quite familiar with it. I will take Second Master Pei there."

Pei Zeyu glanced at Lu Ye, who was half a head taller than him and had a muscular build. He seemed easier to handle than Xue Bi, but he knew that a dog that bites doesn't bark.

"Second Master Pei, please." Lu Ye stood by the door.

"Wenying, you should get some rest," Pei Zeyu said, before reluctantly leaving.

…………