"Lord Duke, it's not our fault, it's..."....
Before he could finish speaking, Gongsun Yuan waved his hand, and the old women rushed forward and dragged the two away.
Looking at Liu Ruyan with her "painted face," Duke Gongsun Yuan felt heartbroken.
"Ruyan, you've suffered."
He glanced at Shen Jiaojiao beside her and nodded.
"Consort Shen, please excuse my poor appearance."
Shen Jiaojiao nodded with a smile.
"Your Excellency, you are too kind. Ruyan and I are good sisters. I am happy for her that she was able to marry a man who loves her so much."
After saying that, she gave Liu Ruyan a look.
Liu Ruyan steadied herself and gave what she considered a perfect smile.
"My lord, it's because I've captured your heart that my two elder sisters have come to cause trouble for Ruyan. It's my fault, please don't blame them. They just love you too much!"
At this moment, Liu Ruyan's hair was dishevelled, blood was seeping from the corner of her mouth, and her face was disfigured. Her smile looked very "eerie."
Duke Gongsun Yuan, the Protector of the Nation, took a few steps back.
"Yan'er, the imperial physician is here. Please take good care of your wound."
Guagua, what's wrong with this old man, Gongsun? Shouldn't he go over and comfort Liu Ruyan?
Host, is it the same to be holding a delicate beauty as you are holding a dishevelled woman with a face full of injuries?
Guagua, isn't this old man Gongsun too materialistic? Could it be that he's only attracted to her youthful looks?
Host, have you forgotten why the Duke of Protectorate married Liu Ruyan?
They're truly in love, don't be so superficial!
Host, you're so naive!
Guagua, what exactly happened?
Host, of course, they are truly in love. I can only say that what's more devastating than a white moonlight is a deceased white moonlight. The Duke of Protectorate took those few steps back because Liu Ruyan was disfigured!!!
"Physician Zhao, come quickly and take a look at Yan'er, her face is injured!"
"Use the best medicine, and make sure there are no scars left!"
"No matter the cost, you must restore Yan'er to her former state."
Guagua, it turns out she was just a stand-in!
Host, what's wrong with a stand-in? If she even resembles her by a third, she'll be an absolute beauty!!!
Guagua, why are you saying this!
What do you mean? Go take a look at Emperor Jingyuan's harem another day, and see how many of those favoured concubines resemble Empress Lin. Empress Lin is still alive!
Prince An: Brother, has this kind of hobby?
Thinking back...
That's really true!
Crown Prince: Speechless...
I never imagined he was this kind of father.
Empress Lin: There is a feeling of powerlessness, like you can't slap someone.
The ministers cried out: "We didn't hear anything!!!"
Guagua, so this is the ultimate reason! No wonder Old Man Gongsun was so crazy about marrying Liu Ruyan, now I understand.
Host, it's not too late to know now~~~
Seeing how much Gongsun Yuan cared about Liu Ruyan, everyone fell silent.
Some of the older ministers slowly drifted into memories…
Prince An: Old man Gongsun is really something. He actually found his lover from his youth.
My God, no one can beat him!
Today was such an exciting day!
It's a huge loss that my elder brother didn't leave the palace.
Emperor Jingyun: There are so many important national affairs, and I am the only one carrying the burden.
Starting tomorrow, all civil and military officials must focus their energy on the affairs of the Great Yan state.
Guagua, true love conquers all. I wonder if Liu Ruyan will ever know the truth.
Host, don't worry, the Duke of Protectorate, Gongsun Yuan, will ensure she doesn't find out!
All right.
I wonder what Liu Ruyan would do if she knew the truth?
Host, of course she would pretend she doesn't know, what else can she do?
Oh wow!.
Gongsun Yao, the heir of the Duke of Protectorate: So it turns out that my father also had unrequited love when he was young!
I understand my father, but I don't agree with him.
The ministers: ...
Okay, okay, everyone in Shengjing knows now.
That night, everyone was either gossiping or on their way to gossip. Finally, Shen Mingzhu got hungry and obediently sat down at the table to have her dinner.
[Guagua, it tastes good.]
Host, absolutely. The Duke of Protectorate is very dedicated.
You can tell he put effort into this! This Buddha Jumps Over the Wall soup is quite good.
The ministers and their wives' present nodded in agreement. Indeed, this trip was well worth it!
Mother Shen: I was so worried all night. Mingzhu is so bold!
Father Shen: Madam, you'll get used to it!
Mother Shen: When we get back, we need to have a good talk with Mingzhu.
Father Shen: Don't waste your time; Mingzhu won't understand.
Mother Shen: Husband, Mingzhu is our daughter. Although we can not express her true feelings, we should still offer some guidance.
Father Shen: My wife, you are overthinking it. I have already verified that Mingzhu will be fine!
Instead of worrying about her, we should worry about ourselves.
She's truly our own daughter. She wears a protective jade pendant, is protected by her feline overlord, and has many other treasures waiting for her to use. If anything happens, she'll be completely unharmed. What we should be worried about is our own heads.
We moved house without even realizing it!
Mother Shen: ...
Father Shen: I'm telling the truth!
Mother Shen: Then I can rest assured!
Father Shen: ...
...
The next day, the weather was a bit cold, and Shen Mingzhu clearly felt that she was sealed in by the bed!
"The bed is so warm, I don't want to get up early!"
"The bed is so comfortable, I don't want to get out!"
"There's something precious in bed, i can't go out!"
Today, Shen's mother came in person to wake her up for court and to give her a few words of advice.
Shen Mingzhu covered her head; she had been a little excited last night and hadn't gone to bed late.
"Mingzhu, get up quickly."
"You'll have your salary docked if you're late for court!"
"Mingzhu, be a good girl~~~"
Shen Mingzhu: ...
Host, get up quickly! Your beautiful mother specially had the kitchen prepare bird's nest for you, ready for your journey!
Guagua, my beautiful mother, is so wonderful!
Father: Am I not good enough?
You have no idea how much your father has sacrificed for you.
How...
I, your old father, have shed countless bitter tears, yet no one cares.
Mother: Shut up!
Even porridge can't shut you up.
Shen Mingzhu drank bird's nest soup today, and her stomach was full, so she was in a good mood.
Inside the Golden Palace, she whispered to Guagua from behind.
[Guagua, what did you say? Really?]
All the officials: What juicy gossip is it now? Tell us!
Prince An: she has some juicy gossip to share!
Aaaaaah!!!
I absolutely have to watch this!
Crown Prince Yan Beichen: Suddenly, he felt like all the civil and military officials in the court had been revived.
They were all listless just now, but as soon as they heard there was gossip, they immediately perked up and became full of fighting spirit.
Host, it's true, last night was the wedding night of Duke Gongsun Yuan, the Protector of the Nation, and Liu Ruyan.
Really? That Duke of Protectorate is really something, making Liu Ruyan wear a white wedding dress to her bridal chamber. Did Liu Ruyan really agree?
Why would she refuse to?
[Well...]