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

In the past few days, Shen Qinglan, under the pretext of mourning her deceased mother, invited the monks and nuns of Qingtan Temple to hold a chanting ceremony in her mansion. On the surface, it was to wish the deceased liberation and the living joy, but in reality, she wanted to take advantage of the monks' comings and goings to transfer all the dowry in the mansion.

Upon learning that a half-Buddhist ceremony was to be held, Jiang Heng frowned and came looking for him in displeasure.

"If you miss your mother-in-law, you only need to offer a lamp at Qingtan Temple and donate some money for incense. Why make such a fuss? What have you done to the Prince's Mansion with a whole room full of monks and nuns? People would think the Prince Kang's Mansion has been turned into a Buddhist temple."

"The sound of chanting sutras filling the garden is giving me a headache."

But Shen Qinglan didn't even open her eyes. She hummed softly, fiddled with the prayer beads, and lightly placed the word "filial piety" on Jiang Heng's head.

"Your Highness, His Majesty is not only a ruler but also a father. If he knew that Your Highness also has filial piety towards your mother-in-law, he would feel even more gratified and would feel more paternal affection towards Your Highness."

"As for the court and the public, there is no reason not to praise Your Highness's reputation for filial piety, which is also beneficial to Your Highness's current reputation."

Jiang Heng paused, pondered the matter carefully, and realized that it seemed to be true.

She continued slowly.

"Moreover, the Dharma assembly benefits not only the deceased but also the living. Your Highness has been suffering hardship these days; have you not considered that you might be plagued by bad luck? Let these monks chant some sutras to dispel the bad luck from the Kang Prince's residence and Your Highness; perhaps things will improve then?"

These words struck a chord with Jiang Heng. He was already skeptical, and his doubts began to waver. "Is this ritual truly so effective?"

Shen Qinglan found it amusing. "It's just a try. Even if it doesn't work, it won't do Your Highness any harm. But if it does work, wouldn't it solve a huge problem on Your Highness's mind?"

Jiang Heng's thoughts raced, and he nodded in agreement.

"You're right. The Japanese king has been having a lot of bad luck lately, so it's indeed time to invite some masters to perform rituals."

He looked at the garden full of bald monks, paused, and then said.

"Since it's such a good thing, why confine it to Qingyi Garden? Let these masters move around so that this wonderful Dharma, which brings unparalleled blessings and wisdom, can benefit the entire Kangwang Mansion."

Since the Prince of Kang had spoken, Shen Qinglan naturally had no choice but to respond. Her casual reply made Jiang Heng on the other end feel as if a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He suddenly let out a breath and walked away feeling completely relieved.

Seeing his departing figure, Shen Qinglan felt reassured, closed her eyes again, and murmured scriptures.

Yunxiu moved closer to her and carefully reminded her.

"Miss, those things have been packed in batches and can be transported out of the manor the day after tomorrow."

"Hmm, well done. Keep a close eye on things these next few days, make sure the people from the Kang Prince's Mansion don't notice anything amiss, and don't let any other strangers sneak into Qingyi Garden."

"This servant understands."

Meanwhile, Sixteen also successfully returned to report.

His eyebrows and eyes lit up with joy, barely concealing his delight, which suggested he was eager to claim credit.

"Your Highness, I have successfully brought the person here."

A handsome young man with delicate features walked out from behind the sixteen. He was tall and slender, yet possessed a hidden strength and vigor.

Sixteen let him walk a few steps, and suddenly the young man seemed to change as he walked. His steps were unhurried, his eyes were raised and his head held high, and he had a dashing demeanor, as if he were a person raised with gold and silver, with an air of nobility.

Xiao Lie raised an eyebrow. If at first glance this person only resembled the Fifth Prince by three points, now, considering his words and actions, he had reached five points.

Sixteen reported, "Your Highness, I will ask a master of disguise to make him look more convincing."

Xiao Lie clapped his hands and laughed, "Not bad, not bad, you did a great job. You two will be richly rewarded after this is over."

The two were overjoyed and immediately knelt down to express their gratitude.

Xiao Lie was already stroking his chin, imagining what would happen after the incident.

Jiang Heng, don't blame him for being ruthless. Shen Qinglan was too generous, and even for the sake of money, he had no choice but to do it.

For the safety of the North, he had no choice but to be sacrificed.

Xiao Lie raised his chin. "Alright, you can start preparing for the rest."

The two men accepted their orders and took their leave. Xiao Lie then took out a packet of aphrodisiacs from the box, stuffed it into his pocket, and slowly walked towards the West Garden.

After entering the room and dismissing the servants, Xiao Lie slammed the packet of aphrodisiacs onto the table.

"Give this to Jiang Heng to drink."

"What is this?"

"You don't need to know what this thing is. You just need to know that with this thing, Prince Kang and Lady Shen will definitely divorce. At that time, the backyard of Prince Kang's mansion will be quiet and there will be no mistress. Then your opportunity will come."

Upon hearing this, Lin Wan'er just wanted to spit on him.

"Xiao Lie, have you no shame? You...you've already...touched me! How could there still be any possibility between me and Prince Kang?"

Jiang Heng showered her with countless compliments, but after their intimacy that day, nothing more came of it. He claimed that their identities were morally questionable and they were embroiled in controversy, so they shouldn't have too much contact and needed to lay low. But what did their private correspondence need to consider?

After much thought, Lin Wan'er had to admit that those excuses might just be a pretext. What Jiang Heng truly disliked was that she had long since lost her innocence.

Thinking of this, Lin Wan'er couldn't help but glare angrily at Xiao Lie.

If Xiao Lie had any conscience, how much better it would have been if he had said that when she first entered the manor? Now that she has lost her innocence and her reputation is ruined, why is he still clinging to her? Is he trying to make her Jiang Heng's mistress, someone he can't see in public?

No, she's even lower than a mistress. At least a mistress isn't criticized, unlike her, who's practically drowning in spittle now.

Xiao Lie glanced at her suspiciously from head to toe, then narrowed his eyes and asked.

"So resolute, have you really let go?"

Lin Wan'er gritted her teeth and sneered, "Heh, things have come to this point, what's the point of arguing about whether to let go or not? It's all meaningless now."

"You say you want me to do things for you, but you'd better give me something practical. Don't try to fool me with the title of Princess Consort of Kang, which even a fool knows I can't possibly attain."

Xiao Lie couldn't help but look at her with newfound respect. In the past, he thought this woman was blind and deaf, unable to see the bigger picture. But now, listening to her, Xiao Lie suddenly realized that she actually had some self-awareness when it came to her own affairs.

"Sure, you can ask for silver notes and jewelry directly. If you don't want them, I can grant you one request, as long as it doesn't violate morality or harm the interests of the Xiao family."

"Demands? You make it sound nice, but who knows, you might turn your back on them one day and forget about them."

Just by listening to Xiao Lie, even a fool would know which option is better. But having dealt with Xiao Lie for so long, Lin Wan'er now dares not gamble on his character.

Silver notes and jewelry are tangible things that can be carried around, but that request might be void one day, depending entirely on his mood.

Xiao Lie couldn't help but smile, "You've become quite clever now."