Xu Jingming's expression changed.

He looked Liu Qiongqiong up at her again, as if he were seeing her for the first time.

This woman is courageous, decisive, and adaptable.

When faced with a desperate situation, instead of crying or making a fuss, they quickly weigh the pros and cons and make the most advantageous choice.

It seems like he's hit the jackpot to have a woman like that as his wife.

"Alright." Xu Jingming finally nodded: "Since Miss Liu is so determined, I will certainly not let you down. From now on, you are my wife, and I will fulfill my duties as a husband and protect you."

He extended his hand: "Since we are husband and wife, we should work together."

Liu Qiongqiong looked at his outstretched hand, hesitated for a moment, and then placed her hand on it.

The two hands clasped together, one soft and slightly cool, the other warm and rough.

And so began an absurd marriage, a forced union.

"However," Xu Jingming released his grip and said seriously, "before that, there is something that must be resolved."

"What is it?"

"Liu Chenchen." Xu Jingming's eyes turned cold: "She plotted against us, and this grudge must be avenged. Moreover, if we allow her to become the heir apparent's wife in the Prince Xian's residence, she will surely become a disaster in the future."

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A cold glint flashed in Liu Qiongqiong's eyes: "Young master is right. My dear sister must pay the price."

Meanwhile, at the Minister's residence, when Madam Li learned that Liu Chenchen had not only not been divorced, but had instead secured her position as the Crown Prince's wife, she was so angry that she smashed a tea set on the spot.

"That bitch! She actually dared to lie! What do you mean, a nominal legitimate daughter? When did I ever register her under my name?"

"Master, what should we do now?" Madam Li paced anxiously. "Qiongqiong is still in the Xu family. Are we just going to let her stay in that kind of place for the rest of her life?"

After a moment of contemplation, Liu Wenyuan said, "From now on, Liu Chenchen will be the legitimate daughter of the Minister's Mansion."

"But……"

"No buts!" Liu Wenyuan said in a deep voice, "The Prince's Mansion has already acknowledged Liu Chenchen. If we force her back, it will be a slap in the face to the Prince's Mansion. At that time, not only will Qiongqiong not be able to return, but our Liu family will also suffer!"

Upon hearing this, Li collapsed into a chair, covering her face and weeping.

She never imagined that her carefully nurtured daughter would be schemed against by a concubine's daughter and end up in such a state.

Dongwu Garden of the Prince Xian's Mansion

Chun Ya stood behind her, carefully combing her cascading black hair again.

The woman in the bronze mirror had delicate features and a rosy complexion; she was nowhere to be seen as the obedient and pitiful woman she had been in the main courtyard just moments before.

The two maids finally witnessed how terrifying the second young lady was.

Xia Zhi then came in from outside and began setting out the meal, her head bowed and not making a sound.

Liu Chenchen glanced at her in the mirror, a slight smile playing on her lips. It seemed she would have to check on the whereabouts of those four maids when she got back.

And then there's Granny Yu, who never appeared from the beginning. She was Liu Qiongqiong's wet nurse, and she couldn't be allowed to stay.

Xiao Shiyan came out of the inner room and sat down at the table: "Hurry up and have breakfast. We'll be going to the palace with Mother in a bit."

Liu Chenchen looked at her hair from side to side, and seeing that there was nothing wrong, she stood up and walked to the table to sit down.

Several delicate side dishes and congee were laid out on the table, all prepared according to the Crown Princess's rations.

The two ate their breakfast quietly, but the atmosphere was not awkward.

After spending time with her last night and this morning, Xiao Shiyan realized that this woman was shameless.

After breakfast, the two followed the Prince and Princess Xian into the palace, riding in two different carriages.

As the carriage drove through the busiest street, Liu Chenchen lifted a corner of the curtain and looked at the bustling crowd outside.

The sounds of vendors hawking their wares filled the air in the morning, creating a vibrant, bustling atmosphere that drew Liu Chenchen, whose mind had been constantly racing since she came into this world, into the rhythm of life.

It felt like a lifetime ago.

Seeing the woman's sudden dazed expression, Xiao Shiyan, for some reason, took the initiative to ask, "Are you nervous?"

Liu Chenchen was brought back to her senses by the man's voice. She lowered the carriage curtain and turned to look at him: "It would be a lie to say I'm not nervous. But what's coming will come, and there's no use being afraid."

It is quite clear.

The carriage stopped in front of the palace gate, and the four people got off and walked into the palace.

The palace gates are majestic and heavily guarded, displaying imperial majesty in every aspect.

Inside the Imperial Study, the Emperor sat upright on the dragon throne, reviewing memorials.

Upon hearing the eunuch's report that the Prince Xian's family had arrived, he put down his vermilion brush and raised his hand: "Summon them."

The four filed in and performed a deep kneeling bow.

In fact, kneeling and bowing were not required on ordinary days, since the emperor and his younger brother, the Prince Xian, were born of the same mother and had a very good relationship.

However, since today is to bring Liu Chenchen to meet the emperor, the proper etiquette cannot be disregarded.

"Your Majesty, I, your humble servant (your wife/your subject/your wife) pay my respects."

"Rise." The Emperor's gaze swept over the four people, finally settling on Liu Chenchen: "Is this the bride?"

Liu Chenchen stepped forward and knelt down again: "Your subject Liu Chenchen greets Your Majesty."

She deliberately emphasized the name "Liu Chenchen," both to reveal her identity and to test the Emperor's attitude.

Sure enough, a hint of surprise flashed in the Emperor's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

He gave Prince Xian a meaningful look, but did not delve into the matter on the spot. He simply said, "Get up. As a daughter-in-law of Prince Xian's household, you must serve your parents-in-law well and be a good wife and mother to your children."

"Your Majesty, I will remember," Liu Chenchen replied respectfully.

After saying a few more polite words, the Emperor instructed the Princess Consort to take Liu Chenchen to the inner palace to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager and the Empress.

After the two women left, he rose from behind the desk and said to Prince Xian and Xiao Shiyan, "Please sit down."

Xiao Shiyan consciously went to the side to pour tea, while the Prince Xian sat down below the Emperor.

"Speak, what happened?" The Emperor picked up his teacup, his tone casual yet carrying an undeniable air of authority.

The wise king sighed and recounted the events of yesterday in detail.

He didn't hide the fact that Liu Chenchen had orchestrated the marriage swap, but his words carried a hint of admiration.

"This girl is incredibly bold and shrewd. Yesterday at the manor, she managed to get all the benefits with just a few words, and no one could find any major fault in her.

The wise prince laughed and said, "Your Majesty, you didn't see it. The way she pretended to be wronged was really...tsk, she acted like it was real."

The Emperor listened with great interest: "So, you're quite satisfied with this daughter-in-law?"

"I wouldn't say I'm satisfied, but at least I don't dislike it," the wise king said honestly.

"You know Shi Yan's personality, he's cold and aloof. If he marries a wooden beauty, and the two of them just stare at each other, what's the point of their life? Although this girl comes from a poor background, she's clever and can talk to Shi Yan."

The Emperor nodded thoughtfully, then looked at Xiao Shiyan, who was brewing tea beside him: "Shiyan, what do you think?"

Xiao Shiyan served the brewed tea and then said, "Your Majesty, although Lady Liu is bold in her actions, she is indeed intelligent and handled the matter extremely well."

The words were phrased tactfully, but the meaning was clear: he accepted his wife.

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