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

A few days later, in the Golden Palace, Shen Jingyan reported on her task of overseeing the reorganization of the western suburban horse farm, her words brimming with self-satisfaction.

Her personal guards acted swiftly and efficiently, uncovering several former horse farm officials who had embezzled funds.

Shen Wangxi sat upright on the dragon throne, his face showing approval. "Ayan handled this matter well and deserves a reward."

Upon hearing this, Shen Jingyan beamed with joy, like a proud peacock.

After court, she caught up with Shen Wangxi and affectionately took his arm: "Father, you said you would reward your daughter! I've got my eye on that set of red coral jewelry in your private treasury, the one that was once a tribute to the Liang Dynasty palace. It's the perfect red, and it suits me so well! Please give it to me!"

She shook Shen Wangxi's arm, arrogant and confident, as if spoiled.

She had been eyeing that set of jewelry for a long time, and Shen Wangxi always indulged her, so she could usually get what she wanted whenever she asked.

To everyone's surprise, Shen Wangxi paused for a moment upon hearing this, a hint of hesitation flashing in her eyes.

In the past few days, out of his affection for Qingyi Palace, he has sent many exquisite treasures, fine silks and satins from his private treasury into her house, all in an effort to make her smile.

He had just instructed Wu Tian to find that set of red coral headdress a couple of days ago, and sent it to Qingyi Palace along with several bolts of newly arrived silk.

Looking at his eldest daughter's expectant face, Shen Wangxi gently patted her hand: "I gave that set of jewelry to Aruo a few days ago."

Shen Jingyan's smile froze instantly.

She blurted it out almost instinctively, her voice rising in disbelief, "You mean, Shen Qingruo from Qingyi Palace?"

Shen Wangxi frowned slightly, somewhat displeased that she addressed him by his given name so directly, but still patiently explained:

"Yes, she is in poor health and has been depressed. I will give her some gifts in the hope that she will cheer up."

Shen Jingyan felt wronged and angry, her eyes reddening and her chest heaving. "Why?"

"She's an outsider! A bastard of unknown origin! What right does she have to steal my things! Father, you always gave me the best things first!"

She might not have particularly coveted those things, but the challenge to that unique privilege, the one that her father placed first, was unbearable for her.

Shen Wangxi's voice turned cold, "Nonsense!"

"What do you mean by outsider? What do you mean by bastard? She grew up with you."

"Besides, she was the one who went to Daliang for a political marriage in your place and suffered grievances."

"Now that you are the Princess Protector of the Nation, with a noble status, you should be more magnanimous and give way to her."

Shen Jingyan could hardly believe her ears.

Let her have it? The Emperor actually wants her, the most noble princess of the Great Zhou Dynasty, to give way to an imposter?

As for arranging a marriage alliance for her, isn't that what that lowly woman should do? How did it become a reason for her to compensate the other party?

Seeing Shen Wangxi's disapproving look, Shen Jingyan knew that if she continued to make a scene, she would only annoy her father.

She forced a smile that looked more like a grimace. "Yes, daughter understands."

"It was a momentary misunderstanding on my part, Father is right to reprimand me."

Seeing that she had admitted her mistake, Shen Wangxi's expression softened slightly, and her tone became gentler: "Yes, it's good that you know. You are the eldest sister, you should be tolerant of others."

"Alright, I still have official business to attend to. You may go back now."

After saying that, he didn't say anything more, turned around and left with Wu Tian and the others.

Watching Shen Wangxi's departing figure, the smile on Shen Jingyan's face vanished instantly, replaced by resentment.

She wanted to go to her mother for advice.