The bright moon hangs high, beckoning him down from his pedestal.

The banquet atmosphere reached its climax amidst singing, dancing, and games, and Wulan Yun felt the time was right.

She glanced at Shen Qingruo, whose eyes were glazed over, and sneered inwardly.

It's a pleasant surprise that this bitch is drunk. I just hope she gets even more drunk so she won't cause any more trouble.

She straightened her phoenix robe sleeves, put on a graceful and dignified smile, rose, and bowed gracefully to Shen Wangxi, who was seated in the main seat: "Your Majesty."

As the music in the hall gradually subsided, everyone's attention turned to the Empress.

"On this Mid-Autumn Festival, it is a rare occasion for all the ministers to gather together. I am overjoyed," said Wulan Yun in a gentle voice and earnest tone.

"Speaking of which, Ayan is eighteen this year, not young anymore. Now she is being taught manners by the Imperial Concubine herself in Yilan Palace, and I heard that she is making great progress."

"Your Majesty, I wish to take this opportunity to ask for your favor."

She glanced at Shen Jingyan, who was holding her breath nervously below, then looked at Xiao Yu opposite her, and continued:

"The marriage between Ayan and Xiao Yu, the heir of the Duke of Zhenguo, has already been arranged. The two children are of similar age and are in love. Your Majesty, I humbly request that you choose an auspicious day for them to get married as soon as possible, so that I may finally put my mind at ease."

These words elicited various thoughts from the people in the hall.

Some took it for granted, while others secretly speculated about His Majesty's intentions.

Shen Jingyan's heart pounded, her fingers gripped the hem of her clothes tightly, and she stared longingly at Shen Wangxi.

Shen Yinian gently patted the back of her hand, signaling her to calm down.

Xiao Yu's heart sank. He had long since decided he was unwilling to marry this princess whose temperament did not suit him, but he maintained a calm expression.

Shen Wangxi held his wine glass, his expression calm and unwavering, and did not answer immediately.

He remained silent for a moment, and just when everyone thought he was weighing the pros and cons, he suddenly turned his head to look at Shen Qingruo, who was unusually docile because of her drunkenness.

Shen Wangxi's voice was not loud, but it clearly echoed throughout the hall, "Your Highness, the Princess is now learning etiquette in your palace."

"In your opinion, how well has she learned the rules? Is she fit to leave the palace and marry?"

"hiss--"

Someone couldn't help but gasp during the meal, and the sound was particularly clear in the now quiet hall.

Wu Lanyun's smile froze.

Shen Yinian frowned, his face grim.

Shen Jingyan looked at her father in disbelief, her eyes instantly reddening with tears, heartbroken.

Why? Her marriage, that of a legitimate eldest princess, actually required the approval of a concubine, a half-sister whom she had once looked down upon?

Her father had so blatantly disregarded her dignity, trampling her last shred of self-respect underfoot.

All eyes were on Shen Qingruo.

She seemed a little slow to react because of the alcohol. She blinked her watery eyes, looked at Shen Wangxi, and then followed his gaze to Shen Jingyan, whose face looked unpleasant below.

She didn't actually intend to keep Shen Jingyan confined in the palace forever.

It's better to just not see it.

So she nodded obediently: "Your Highness has learned the rules quite well recently. It is permissible for you to leave the palace and marry."

Her words, spoken casually, were the final word.

Shen Wangxi breathed a sigh of relief. Heaven knows that he felt a little nervous when he asked the question.

He feared that she still harbored resentment from the Qingyi Palace incident and might act recklessly under the influence of alcohol, refusing to release him.

Shen Wangxi turned her head and glanced down. "Since the Noble Consort also believes that the Princess has established the proper etiquette, then we shall grant the Empress's request."

"By imperial decree, Princess Shen Jingyan and Prince Xiao Yu, heir of the Duke of Zhenguo, shall choose an auspicious day to get married."

"The specific wedding date will be jointly determined by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau and the Ministry of Rites."

Xiao Yu and Shen Jingyan stood up at the same time, composed themselves, put on standard fake smiles, walked to the center of the hall, and kowtowed to express their gratitude.

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace!"

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace!"

Shen Jingyan lowered her head, tears welling up in her eyes, but she held them back.

She was finally able to leave the palace.

Xiao Yu also lowered his head, a joyful smile on his face, but his heart was ice-cold.

He was ultimately forced to walk this predetermined path, and the beautiful figure who had captured his heart and soul in a fleeting glance would forever remain forever out of his reach.

The two kowtowed, composed themselves, and accepted the congratulations from everyone at the table with smiles.

Only they themselves knew what kind of feelings were hidden beneath those smiles.