Even the crown prince is getting a marriage of convenience? Why are you in such a hurry to stop bein

Shen Qinglan's long eyelashes trembled, her face paled slightly, and she gripped the maid's hand tightly, frowning as she gave a stern warning.

"You must not tell anyone about this, especially not your parents, understand?"

The maid felt wronged, but she also knew that her mistress had not yet consummated her marriage with Prince Kang, which was not something to be proud of, so she just silently endured it, feeling extremely aggrieved.

Seeing this, Shen Qinglan gently patted her hand and sighed softly.

"Alas, how could I not know that you are doing this for my own good, but now that I have married into the royal family, I will not have much freedom."

"His Highness doesn't like me, that's his business, and we can't force it. Rather than telling Father and Mother and making them worry unnecessarily, it's better to let things take their course."

The young maid was even more worried, "But what about Consort Xian..."

Shen Qinglan smiled slightly, with a hint of bitterness, "Anyway, it's not the first time. It's just kneeling for an hour or two to copy Buddhist scriptures. I can bear it. Our Shen family is a respectable family after all. Even if we don't care about the Shen family, for the sake of Prince Kang's dignity, Consort Xian won't go too far."

"If news of a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law conflict were to spread one day, it would implicate the Third Prince."

"But... is there really no other way? If Prince Kang doesn't change his mind, Miss, you'll have to silently endure this every day. That would be too unfair to you."

Shen Qinglan's face showed even more bitterness. How could she not know? But Prince Kang was of noble birth, what could she say? Prince Kang probably didn't like her because her looks and knowledge were not enough to impress him, nor were they enough to catch his eye.

Shen Qinglan then chatted with the maid for a while, her words all advising her to calm down and be patient for the time being. Xiao Lie frowned as he listened to these words.

"You can endure it for a while, but are you going to endure it forever like this?"

Upon seeing Xiao Lie appear, the master and servant were startled and immediately bowed.

Shen Qinglan smiled faintly, trying to cover up the matter.

"Your Highness, what's wrong...?"

Xiao Lie ignored her words and bluntly said, "The reason why Jiang Heng has no interest in you is not for any other reason than that he has been in cahoots with Lin Wan'er for a long time and has a separate agreement."

"Instead of blaming herself and tying her future to an uncertain person, the princess should make other plans as soon as possible."

Hearing this, Shen Qinglan's expression grew increasingly grim, but she didn't break off the relationship. She knew that Xiao Lie was willing to say this to her, and it was probably true.

Her face paled, and she couldn't help but give a bitter smile. "But, since I've married into the royal family, what choice do I have? Even if His Highness Prince Kang doesn't like me, I..."

Xiao Lie couldn't stand her listless attitude. He narrowed his eyes slightly, took a few steps closer, and whispered.

"Jiang Heng and Lin Wan'er were childhood sweethearts and developed feelings for each other, but they were forcibly separated because of Consort Xian's arbitrary decision. And you were chosen by Consort Xian. What do you think Jiang Heng will think of you? It's a great thing that he doesn't resent you."

But that's impossible.

Jiang Heng appears gentle, but in reality, she is extremely aloof and proud, and does not accept arrangements made by others. Consort Xian is autocratic, and Jiang Heng is dissatisfied with Consort Xian's arrangements, but she cannot go against her filial piety. As a result, she can only hate Consort Xian.

Upon understanding Xiao Lie's words, Shen Qinglan swayed, almost collapsing. She was about to ask a few more questions when she realized that Xiao Lie had already drifted away. She stared blankly at the man's departing figure, lost in thought.

……

While ensuring safety is fundamental, seeking wealth is of paramount importance.

Upon learning that the seemingly ordinary wooden beaded string was actually a consecrated offering placed before the God of Wealth, Lin Yu's expression immediately changed. She put the string on her wrist, admiring it with obvious delight as she did so.

"Excellent, excellent, this is exactly the kind of thing that suits my style."

"Old Xiao, you're really thoughtful. Don't worry, with the God of Wealth's blessing, our cooperation this time will definitely be very profitable."

Xiao Lie specially set aside a portion of his money and gave it to Lin Yu, asking her to secretly purchase a restaurant and operate it for profit.

The emperor has a clear understanding of his current businesses, and he urgently needs new shops and new income to prepare for the future of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion.

Lin Yu was initially uninterested in his request, but upon hearing about the reward, her eyes lit up, and she became enthusiastic, patting her chest and guaranteeing it.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of this."

Lin Yu is extremely proactive.

However, just ten days later, a building that was neither new nor old was slightly decorated, renamed, and opened its doors to customers. All people knew was that it had a new owner, and they didn't even know who had taken over.

Sixteen was watching the bustling crowds at Yuelai Tower when he spoke up quietly from behind.

"Master, Master, why don't we give it a try too?"

Xiao Lie angrily tapped him on the head with his folding fan.

"Are you afraid they won't know I'm behind this?"

Sixteen rubbed his forehead and mumbled an "Oh." Xiao Lie, not wanting to see, simply tossed him a bag of silver, telling him to spend it as he pleased. Sixteen happily took it, his face beaming with delight as he revealed the pressed flowers.

In just a few days, Yuelailou's revenue continued to rise. Thanks to its delicious dishes and eye-catching song and dance performances, it became an instant hit in Beijing and even attracted the attention of many powerful and influential people.

When Lin Yu learned of this, he even specially sent someone to deliver a letter.

After reading it, Xiao Lie was quite incredulous.

"My aunt, Madam Liu, is actually planning an exorbitantly priced banquet at the Duke's mansion?"

The messenger spoke in a deep, muffled voice, "Yes, that's why the master specifically sent me to inquire with the young master whether this banquet should really be held."

In an instant, Sixteen seemed to remember something, and immediately landed, whispering in his ear. In just a few seconds, he changed Xiao Lie's mind, and smiled slightly.

"Yes, it will be done. In fact, it will be done on a grand scale. Don't worry, the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion will take care of it."

After everyone left, Sixteen asked, puzzled, "Master, you didn't soften your heart again, did you?"

Xiao Lie scoffed, "How could that be? My agreement this time is just a ploy to lure them into a trap and expose their true colors. Perhaps someone is always trying to use the Liu family to crush me."

Since someone wants to play the filial piety and family ties card, he might as well shut up the situation immediately. A short-term pain is better than long-term suffering.

On the other side, Liu was filled with anxiety, and she tugged at her son's sleeve and asked in a low voice.

"Sweetie, is it really okay for us to do this?"

Wang Fugui smiled and shook his head, thinking she was naive. He slightly raised his chin, with a hint of pride and smugness.

"Mother, you're just too soft-hearted and easily frightened. We're family by blood, and we've been through so much together. Do you really think the young master would hold a grudge over something so trivial?"

"But that time..."

"You were wrong that time. The young master was already holding back his anger, and you rushed in without warning, giving him an opportunity to vent. I bet he was upset after we were kicked out and was waiting for a way to back down. Now is the perfect time."