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

As the banquet drew to a close, the atmosphere appeared harmonious, but undercurrents were swirling beneath the surface.

Amidst the clinking of glasses, Shen Jingyan gave Wu Lanyun several meaningful glances.

Wu Lanyun understood immediately. Looking at Sun Hongwen, who was full of enthusiasm despite his humble background, and then glancing at Shen Qingruo with her head bowed, the last trace of hesitation in her heart dissipated.

Well, we'll have to send him away eventually. This young master Sun seems sincere, so it'll save Ayan from worrying if we settle things sooner.

She cleared her throat, a dignified and gentle smile on her face: "Young Master Sun."

Sun Hongwen was racking his brains for a few more flattering words for the Empress when he heard the voice and immediately stood up, bowed, and said excitedly, "Your humble servant is here!"

"I think you're quite good, and you and Princess Qingruo..." Wulan Yun turned her gaze to Shen Qingruo, about to issue an imperial decree to bestow a marriage upon her.

"His Majesty has arrived!"

The eunuch's high-pitched voice interrupted Wulan Yun's words.

Everyone was taken aback, and they all stood up and knelt to welcome them.

Shen Wangxi, dressed in a black casual suit, walked slowly into the pavilion. He had just finished reviewing the memorials and, thinking of his youngest daughter who had recently won his affection, had come anyway.

He walked to Wulan Yun's side, helped her up, and then his gaze fell on Shen Qingruo.

"Rise." He said indifferently, and walked to the main seat to sit down.

Ulan Yun smiled broadly: "Your Majesty, what brings you here? I was just thinking of arranging a marriage for Qingruo..."

Before she could finish speaking, Shen Qingruo suddenly moved.

She raised her head, looked at the obsequious Sun Hongwen, glanced fearfully at Wulan Yun at the head of the table, and finally, her eyes, filled with panic and helplessness, looked straight at Shen Wangxi.

She didn't speak, she just looked at him as if to say: She doesn't want to, Father, please...

Shen Qingruo's resistance, fear, and grievances were all conveyed in her silent gaze.

Shen Wangxi paused, her hand poised to serve tea.

His gaze lingered for a moment on Shen Qingruo's uneasy little face before turning to Sun Hongwen, who was even more excited because of his arrival.

Sun Hongwen was the son of Sun Ming, the Minister of War.

Shen Wangxi had an excellent memory and knew everything about the court officials and their families. He recalled the evaluation of this young man that his secret guards had once reported:

He was a dissolute playboy, indulging in brothels and living a life of utter depravity.

Shen Wangxi turned her head and looked at Shen Qingruo's frightened appearance. She immediately understood and felt a little angry.

This anger was not entirely due to Sun Hongwen's incompetence, but rather directed more at Wulan Yun.

He asked her to choose a husband for Shen Qingruo because he trusted her and hoped that she would find someone with a respectable family background and good character. How could she have picked such a person?

Are you so eager to make a decision on the spot?

Was she genuinely unaware, or simply indifferent?

Shen Qingruo was, after all, his bloodline.

Shen Wangxi put down her teacup with a soft, crisp sound.

The pavilion became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

He raised his eyes, his gaze calm as he looked at Wulan Yun, his voice devoid of emotion: "What did the Empress want to say just now?"

Wu Lanyun's heart tightened under his gaze, and her smile froze. She keenly sensed Shen Wangxi's displeasure, and seeing Shen Qingruo's expression, she understood immediately.

She secretly resented Shen Qingruo for putting on an act, for not saying she was unwilling earlier, but waiting for His Majesty to arrive before making a gesture, thus sowing discord.

Despite gaining Shen Wangxi's favor again, Wulan Yun knew her limits and dared not offend him at this moment, so she could only force a smile and say:

"It's nothing, I just think that Young Master Sun is quite warm and sincere."

Shen Wangxi didn't reply, but instead turned her gaze to Sun Hongwen. With just a brief glance, Sun Hongwen felt as if he had fallen into an ice cellar, cold sweat poured down his back, his legs went weak, and he almost knelt down on the spot.

"Enthusiasm? Sincerity?" Shen Wangxi repeated, her tone enigmatic.

He looked away from everyone and simply said, "The Spring Banquet is over."

After saying that, he got up and left without looking at Wulan Yun again, nor did he say another word about Shen Qingruo's marriage.

Wu Lanyun's face turned pale.

Shen Jingyan stomped her foot in anger and glared at Shen Qingruo.

Shen Qingruo kept her head down, and from an angle where no one could see, she loosened her clenched fingers.

She won her bet.