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

In the afternoon, Shen Qingruo was carefully escorted back to Yilan Palace by palace servants.

As soon as she settled down on the soft couch in the inner hall, Xiao Jiu's light sphere in her sea of ​​consciousness lit up impatiently, her voice excited: "Aruo, Aruo, look! This morning, the dogs were fighting over in Jiaofang Palace. It was quite a spectacle!"

The flashing light ball presented Shen Qingruo's mind with the scene of Liu Rusi being humiliated by Wulan Yun's tea-splashing and then being dragged outside the hall to kneel as punishment.

Shen Qingruo raised her hand to gently cover her lips, unable to suppress a faint smile.

After the initial excitement wore off, Xiao Jiu's aura flickered a few times, seemingly hesitant, but still transmitted another image: "And this, Aruo."

"This is the scene from last night when Shen Wangxi went to Jiaofang Palace and talked with Wulan Yun."

The smile on Shen Qingruo's face gradually faded.

She watched as Shen Wangxi calmly analyzed the past on the screen, shattering the kindness that Wu Lanyun relied on for survival with each word, and completely severing the indulgence that lasted for twenty years.

The scene ended, and the inner hall fell silent.

Shen Qingruo leaned against the pillow, gazing out the window with a hint of melancholy in her eyes.

She suddenly asked herself softly, "Xiao Jiu, what kind of people were Shen Wangxi and Wulan Yun before?"

Xiao Jiu's ball of light quieted down, and her childish voice became more serious:

"According to the records, Shen Wangxi is the undisputed protagonist of this small world."

"He was exceptionally talented from a young age, with both literary and martial skills far surpassing his peers."

"But unlike his aloof and cold appearance, he is extremely sentimental at heart."

"Family ties and gratitude hold great weight in his heart."

"In his youth, he deeply respected his father and elder brother. After his father and brother passed away one after another, he transferred this profound affection almost without reservation to his wife and two children."

"In my past life, until he passed away, this love never changed."

"As for Wulan Yun, in her youth, she was Shen Wangxi's unwavering admirer and the most devoted supporter of the Shen family's desert royal court."

"She was open-minded, cheerful, bright and kind. She once said in public that it would be an honor for her father and brothers to die for the royal court."

Shen Qingruo listened quietly, imagining the vibrant and faithful Ulan Yun she had never met before.

Xiao Jiu's voice carried a hint of regret, "But later, Wu Lanyun probably had too much, her position was too secure, and she lived in the harem for many years. She gradually lost her former magnanimity and vision, and became just like you see now."

"She forgot her original self, and she also forgot the proper roles of ruler and subject."

"In their previous life, the two of them always treated each other with respect and never had a quarrel because Shen Wangxi was extremely indifferent and self-disciplined when it came to women."

Even when ministers advised him to choose a concubine and presented him with countless beautiful women, he refused them all and never gave them a second glance.

"Therefore, the conflict between them did not have the conditions to erupt and was kept hidden all along."

"Until this lifetime, your appearance made him see you first, and then everything else happened."

Shen Qingruo lowered her long eyelashes.

Are you sentimental?

So what kind of affection does his growing tenderness for her represent?

How long can this feeling last?

Will there come a day when, like with Wulan Yun, the kindness has been worn away, leaving only cold scrutiny and resolute rejection?

she does not know.

But she remembered that she had once been a victim in their love.

-

Half a month later, at the border, where the Wei family army was stationed.

Inside the tent, Wei Zheng heard his subordinates report the news that Shen Yinian had spread. His face turned ashen, and he slammed his hand on the table.

"I knew it! Shen Wangxi has no sincerity at all. He's just lustful and greedy for A Ruo's youth and beauty!" His chest heaved, and his eyes burned with anger.

"How long has it been? And now there's a new Consort Liu in the palace. What does his behavior mean for Aruo?"

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, feeling that his daughter's situation was even more precarious in that den of wolves and tigers.

Just then, a guard entered and reported: "General, Grand Tutor, Lord Zhou has arrived."

Wei Zheng snorted coldly, suppressing his anger, and exchanged a glance with Grand Tutor Yun.

Zhou Mingxuan walked steadily into the tent, still looking calm and composed.

His gaze swept over Wei Zheng's unpleasant expression, and he had already guessed most of what was going on. He smiled slightly and asked, "General Wei, have you heard the news of a new noble lady in the palace?"

Wei Zheng turned his face away, unwilling to pay any attention.

Zhou Mingxuan didn't mind and sat down on his own, slowly saying, "I've come here today for two reasons. First, the agreed-upon half-month period has arrived, and second, I want to explain this matter to you both."

He looked at Wei Zheng and said sincerely, "That Consort Liu in the palace has a special status."

"She is a long-time friend of His Majesty's ancestors and the only remaining bloodline of the Liu family. His Majesty originally only sought her out to show some care and bestow upon her the title of County Princess, to ensure the Liu family's prosperity and longevity."

Wei Zheng frowned, remaining silent.

Zhou Mingxuan sighed, "It was just a twist of fate, involving some schemes of the Empress and Prince Xiaoyao, which ultimately led to Lady Liu entering the palace and obtaining the rank of Noble Lady."

"But according to reliable sources in the palace, His Majesty did not favor her. This move was more about preserving the old friendship between the two families and giving an explanation to the old agreement."

"Moreover, the rank of Noble Lady is no threat to Consort Zhao's status and favor in any way."

"His Majesty's feelings for the Imperial Concubine have not changed in the slightest because of this matter."

Wei Zheng's expression softened slightly.

Seeing that the time was right, Zhou Mingxuan got to the point: "This matter is now clear. So, what have you two thought about the matter I raised half a month ago?"

Wei Zheng's lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but Grand Tutor Yun gently tugged at his arm.

Grand Tutor Yun looked at Zhou Mingxuan, slowly rose, bowed solemnly in the direction of the capital, and then said, "Lord Zhou's words last time were truly enlightening."

"The previous dynasty is dead, corrupt and decadent, and certainly not a wise ruler."

"The Great Zhou Dynasty has just been established. His Majesty is a man of great talent and is working diligently to govern the country. The people are now at peace."

"General Wei and I, though we served the previous dynasty, are not blindly loyal. We cannot bear to see our soldiers suffer further displacement due to pointless disputes, nor do we wish for the century-old glory of the Yun and Wei families to end, nor do we wish for the Imperial Concubine in the palace to be attacked again because of us."

"I, Yun Wenhan, representing the Yun family, have persuaded General Wei and his Wei family army to submit to the will of Heaven, surrender to the Great Zhou, and await His Majesty's command."

After these words were spoken, the tent fell silent.

Wei Zheng slowly loosened his clenched fist. Although he didn't speak, his silence was an admission of guilt.

Zhou Mingxuan smiled, stood up, and solemnly returned the greeting to Grand Tutor Yun and Wei Zheng:

"The Grand Tutor and the General are wise and righteous, which is a blessing for all the people and also for the Imperial Concubine."

"I, Zhou, will certainly travel as fast as I can to report this good news to Your Majesty."