Water shimmered in her eyes, a hint of tenderness gracing her expression.

She looked as she had eight or nine years ago.

Xie Jin Yan's tense heart warmed slightly. He pursed his lips, took Qing Wu's hand in his, and comforted her, "Shijie (Senior Martial Sister), there's no need to worry. It's just the same few groups of people."

"The remnants of the former deposed emperor or the old Wei Dynasty's royal clan, they've always disliked me."

"In the eyes of those relatives, I… am like my mother, a foreigner, unworthy of being a prince, let alone the crown prince of this great Wei Dynasty."

"But what can be done? No matter how unwilling they are, no matter how much they exclude me, I am still the Emperor's eldest son, and the rightful master of the Eastern Palace. They are helpless and can only rack their brains day and night to take my life."

"Since I was ten years old, poisoning, releasing venomous snakes… it must have been tens of thousands of times, right? It's a pity, my life is too hard, and I haven't been able to fulfill their wishes."

Xie Jin Yan raised an eyebrow, his handsome face full of arrogant pride, but his eyes grew increasingly desolate.

Yu Qing Wu sat before him, watching him silently, and suddenly remembered Xie Jin Yan when he was young, timid and fearful, easily startled by any slight disturbance.

She never understood why a boy would be so timid, but now, after hearing his words, she suddenly understood.

She couldn't help but recall how Jin Yan carefully tried to please his Shixiong (Senior Martial Brothers) when he was young.

At that time, he looked like a little girl, and his appearance was slightly different from the Wei people, so at first, the Shixiong didn't want to pay attention to him.

Until one day, Jin Yan's identity as the crown prince was revealed, and these people changed their tune.

Later, he became increasingly eccentric and cruel, becoming the most absurd and vicious crown prince in the history of the Wei Dynasty…

A touch of heartache colored her eyes. Yu Qing Wu didn't speak, but drew her hand out and gently stroked Xie Jin Yan's forehead.

Just like when they were young, comforting him in a way that only the two of them understood.

Seeing her like this, Xie Jin Yan's cold eyes softened a little, and he smiled, "Shijie, I'm not a child anymore. If you want me to feel better…"

"Why not…" He raised his hand, his slender fingers pointing lightly to his lips, "Be a little more practical."

His thin lips curved upward, his complexion clearly haggard, but his eyes were as charming and frivolous as ever…

Yu Qing Wu blushed instantly, slapped his hand heavily, and glared at him, "Xie Jin Yan, can you be serious?"

"Look at your frivolous behavior, be careful you die in bed one day…"

"Then I'll die in your bed, Shijie."

"…" She shouldn't have said anything!

Yu Qing Wu was speechless…

She glared at him and changed the subject, "His Highness is so injured, will he still be able to attend the Rong Country Duke's mansion ceremony in a few days?"

This woman, he was injured like this, and she was still thinking about the Shen family's concubine acceptance ceremony!

Xie Jin Yan was slightly displeased, but he didn't argue with Yu Qing Wu.

His eyes darkened slightly, and he became serious, looking at her solemnly, "Shijie, I warn you, you can seek revenge, but don't think about using my horse to hurt that old Ning Prince. I still need him now."

"Don't worry, I won't," Yu Qing Wu nodded, her face unreadable.

She was always like this, looking delicate and easily bullied, as if anyone could see her emotions, but in fact, she was the most reserved.

Taking a deep look at the woman, Xie Jin Yan took her hand again and instructed, "Shijie, now that you are a Liangdi (Consort of the Fifth Rank) of the Crown Prince's residence, you must prepare the congratulatory gifts in advance. Furthermore, you must prepare a separate gift, after all, Shen Zong Yuan is your uncle, so you must put on a show for outsiders."

Xie Jin Yan spoke slowly, his tone like a teacher instructing a student, or a husband talking to his wife about family matters.

For a moment, Yu Qing Wu had the illusion that maybe she and Xie Jin Yan could really become a loving couple.

Attending the Rong Country Duke's mansion ceremony was a few days later.

Early in the morning, Yu Qing Wu got up to dress and groom herself. The elaborate dark blue ceremonial dress was wrapped around her several times, and her hair was styled for the better part of an hour.

Finally, she added the ruby hairpin and earrings awarded by Empress Zhou, which made her look radiant and added to her aura, standing beside Xie Jin Yan, a match made in heaven.

As they stepped down from the carriage, Qin Yi Liu and Shen Ke were there to greet them.

Seeing Yu Qing Wu, both of their expressions changed.

Shen Ke was astonished and unwilling.

Qin Yi Liu was jealous and resentful, especially when she saw Yu Qing Wu's set of ruby jewelry, her eyes almost spitting fire.

However, when her gaze fell on Xie Jin Yan beside her, she put on her usual gentle and dignified face, stepped forward gracefully, and greeted Xie Jin Yan softly, "This humble woman greets His Royal Highness the Crown Prince…"

Her watery eyes held a hint of seduction, as she eagerly said, "Your Highness, the ceremony has not yet begun. Perhaps, this humble woman can lead you to the inner hall to rest first?"

Hearing this, Xie Jin Yan didn't answer, but smiled lightly at Yu Qing Wu.

Yu Qing Wu understood, looked at Qin Yi Liu, and, with the air of a crown princess, replied for Xie Jin Yan, "Elder Cousin's Wife, I'm very familiar with the Rong Country Duke's mansion, so I won't trouble you."

"You should take care of yourself first." She stepped forward, gently patted Qin Yi Liu on the shoulder, and said with a sneer in a voice that only the two of them could hear, "Qin Yi Liu, I don't know why you always pick on me, but Xie Jin Yan is not Shen Ke, he doesn't like the kind of woman that every man can have…"

Her words were calm, but every sentence was full of humiliation…

Qin Yi Liu was shocked, her face turned green, and she subconsciously looked at Xie Jin Yan, hoping that Xie Jin Yan could control his arrogant concubine.

But unfortunately, Xie Jin Yan didn't even look at her, and, pulling Yu Qing Wu along, walked straight inside.

As he stepped into the inner courtyard, he smiled and raised his eyebrows, "Shijie is very jealous today, but… your arrogance and provocation will probably make that Qin woman not let you off easily."

What she wanted was for Qin Yi Liu to cause trouble, otherwise, this wedding banquet would have been a waste of time.

Yu Qing Wu curved her lips and gently leaned close to the man's ear, with a hint of playfulness, "If Your Highness doesn't allow me to cause trouble, then this storm can only be stirred up by others."

"Your Royal Highness, the Crown Prince." Yu Qing Wu was speaking when suddenly a warm voice came.

Hearing that voice, Yu Qing Wu's body stiffened abruptly, and she couldn't help but tense up, suddenly looking towards the old man in brocade and silk.

Seeing her, the Old Ning Prince was also stunned, then strode over and asked Xie Jin Yan with a smile, "Your Royal Highness, is this… your newly acquired concubine?"

"This appearance is indeed exquisite, it even stirs the heart of this old man." He touched his lips, looked Yu Qing Wu up and down, his eyes extremely lewd.

This little vixen, after growing up, is indeed as beautiful as her mother, or even more so. If… he could bring her back to his residence to taste her flavor, wouldn't that be delightful?