Jiang Shan Wei Pin

As autumn arrived, the capital suddenly turned cold.

Rumors had initially circulated in the court that the Secretariat was drafting a memorial urging the Emperor to appoint an empress and consorts. However, perhaps out of caution regarding the gravity of the matter, the Chancellors of the Secretariat delayed submitting a signed memorial, as if still deliberating. The entire court was stirred with curiosity, privately speculating on the Emperor's intentions, uncertain who would occupy the empress's position.

Almost simultaneously, whispers began spreading through the streets and alleys of the capital.

No one knew exactly where they originated, but the content and weight of these rumors struck like a thunderclap, reverberating far and wide. Whether it was the city's gossipmongers or idle commoners in wine shops and teahouses fond of strange tales, all were chattering lightly about this rumor.

—Gu Qin, the current Left Vice Director of the Chancellery and Vice Director of the Chancellery, was involved in an improper relationship with Shen Zhili, the eldest daughter of Grand Tutor Shen.

The term "improper relationship" was ambiguous, open to any interpretation.

Thus, this single rumor evolved into numerous versions in the mouths of the capital's populace, spreading like wildfire into countless households in no time.

But rumors were merely rumors; the lofty Important Officials in the court naturally did not take seriously these so-called strange tales concocted by idle commoners.

Before long, several Chief Administrators of the Secretariat, led by Left Chancellor Gu Qin, jointly submitted a memorial. Noting that the Emperor had been on the throne for over a year, they petitioned for the appointment of an empress.

The memorial stated that Shen Zhili, eldest daughter of the current Director of the Imperial Secretariat Shen Wuchen, was virtuous, benevolent, talented, and respectful—a model for women across the land—and requested she be made empress.

It was reasonable for the veteran officials of the Secretariat to propose Shen Zhili as empress. In the entire court, no family held a more esteemed position than the Shen family, and Shen Zhili had grown up alongside the Emperor since childhood. In terms of understanding palace protocols and the Emperor's heart, no other woman could surpass her.

Within half a day of the Inner Court receiving this memorial, a censorial impeachment against Gu Qin emerged from the Censorate.

The content of the impeachment was none other than the very rumors that had recently spread through the capital's streets and alleys.

However, this impeachment drafted by Attending Censor Qiao Bo was far more pointed than the private discussions among the commoners, sharply clarifying what kind of "improper relationship" existed between Gu Qin and Shen Zhili.

Such rumors were hardly credible, but since this impeachment originated from the Censorate and explicitly listed several instances—such as specific dates when Shen Zhili visited Gu's residence at night—it instantly lent the matter 80% credibility.

Everyone in the court knew that the Censorate had monthly "assignments" to fulfill; if they produced no censorial advice, the attending censors would face criticism. But no one expected that this time, the Censorate's assignment would target Gu Qin!

Attending Censor Qiao Bo was the same year's examination graduate as Right Rectifier Deng Tong, and Deng Tong was the young talent most admired by Left Exhorter Cao Jing in the Remonstrance Bureau. Cao Jing, in turn, was a key pillar among the new generation of capable officials led by Meng Tinghui. Sharp-eyed individuals immediately discerned the "backing" behind Qiao Bo's impeachment. For the moment, no one in the court dared act rashly, as the matter had arisen too suddenly, and no one could speak out without certainty.

Gu Qin had not remarried since his wife passed away three years earlier, and Shen Zhili, already twenty-two, had not been betrothed. Although both were unmarried and an "improper relationship" might not inherently be problematic, it just so happened that Gu Qin petitioned the Emperor to appoint Shen Zhili as empress—

This made Gu Qin appear extremely scheming!As the current Left Minister, how could he possibly propose to make his secret lover the empress? Where would that leave the emperor's divine authority? What would become of the Inner Court? If Shen Zhili were to become empress, she would undoubtedly become his ally within the Inner Court, leading to collusion between the inner and outer courts. If this isn't for personal gain, then what is?

With Xu Ting dismissed from his ministerial post, the Western Faction officials watched helplessly as the Eastern Faction's influence grew increasingly dominant. When they suddenly learned that Gu Qin was also being impeached, and for such shocking reasons, they immediately drafted memorials one after another, piling up a series of accusations. They were determined to use this opportunity to thoroughly suppress the Eastern Faction's arrogance. Even if they couldn't overthrow Gu Qin, they aimed to drastically diminish his standing in the emperor's eyes.

Meng Tinghui's faction naturally needed no urging. The young officials in the Two Departments, Six Ministries, Censorate, and Three Judicial Offices also seized this golden opportunity, taking turns to submit memorials denouncing Gu Qin's crimes. These documents flew into the palace like snowflakes, landing directly on the desks of the Secretariat-Chancellery.

Even the Imperial Academy and the National University, institutions that typically maintained an aloof and noble stance, stirred with Public Criticism this time, believing Gu Qin's actions were indeed disloyal.

For a time, the court was in turmoil. Eastern Faction officials wanted to protect Gu Qin but didn't dare, while others impeached him with all their might. The onslaught showed no signs of stopping for several consecutive days.

The successive impeachment storms involving Xu Ting and Gu Qin, two key officials of the Secretariat, genuinely unsettled the other senior ministers. Some even speculated whether the emperor was secretly manipulating events to purge the entrenched old guards.

At this critical juncture, Meng Tinghui unexpectedly submitted a memorial to the emperor. She argued that Gu Qin, a three-dynasty veteran with immense contributions, would never commit such disrespectful acts. She urged the emperor not to believe the Censorate's impeachment and requested that Censor-in-waiting Qiao Bo be arrested and interrogated in the Censorate Prison for spreading falsehoods to deceive the throne.

Who would have thought that Meng Tinghui, who had suffered so much because of the Eastern Faction in the past, would now "step forward" to defend Gu Qin? Her request to imprison Qiao Bo for interrogation was a sharp slap in the face to those who had suspected she was behind this affair!

The chaos turned everything upside down. In over twenty years since the founding of the Great Peace dynasty, the court had never seen such disorder. Everyone waited to see how the emperor would ultimately resolve the matter.

·

Shen Zhishu returned to the capital right in the midst of this turmoil.

When he left Qing Province, the court had been peaceful. But upon his arrival in the capital, instead of a warm family welcome at the Shen residence or a special imperial summons, he was met with this political storm involving his sister, Shen Zhili.

The root of this disaster was Shen Zhili's long-standing, unrequited admiration for Gu Qin.

Others might view this purely as factional strife, but Shen Zhishu knew it couldn't be baseless. If Shen Zhili hadn't been so overt and careless in her actions, how could those with ulterior motives have seized the opportunity?

As soon as Shen Zhishu entered the city, the servants sent to greet him recounted the whole story. Returning to the residence, he didn't even pay respects to his parents but went straight to Shen Zhili's room in the rear courtyard.Shen Zhili had locked herself in her room, weeping as if the world had turned dark. Upon hearing that Shen Zhishu was outside, she unbolted the door to let him in and threw herself into his arms without a second thought, sobbing, "Brother... I... I’m really going to be the death of him this time!"

Shen Zhishu held her gently with one arm while patting her back with the other, comforting her as he had done countless times since childhood. "What’s the use of crying now?" he said. "What do Father and Mother say?"

Tears streaming down her face, she shook her head and choked out, "I only heard Mother say Father is furious with me, too ashamed to show his face. He hasn’t entered the palace to see the Emperor for over ten days. I don’t dare face Father either, I..."

His brow furrowed slightly. Hearing that even his usually unflappable father had lost his temper so severely made him realize the gravity of the situation. After a moment of silence, he said, "Tomorrow, I’ll go to the palace and plead for mercy on your behalf before the Emperor."

She pushed him away abruptly, tears flowing uncontrollably. "Plead for me? Don’t you know he can’t even keep his position as Chancellor anymore? I... I’m not crying like this because I’m worried about myself..." She wiped her eyes with her sleeve, still sobbing. "I’ve wanted to ask Meng Tinghui to speak up for him before the Emperor several times, but I was afraid going to the Meng residence privately might cause more trouble. Your return is perfect timing—send an Invitation Card to the Meng residence early, saying you’ve returned to the capital and are hosting a banquet for old court friends. That way, I can seize the chance to beg Meng Tinghui for help!"

Shen Zhishu was left speechless, his astonishment plain on his face.

She wouldn’t accept his pleading with the Emperor, yet she wanted to turn to Meng Tinghui—had Meng Tinghui gained such significant influence in the Emperor’s heart?

Regardless, Shen Zhishu couldn’t bear to deny his sister’s wish.

After paying respects to their parents, he dispatched servants to deliver Invitation Cards to the residences of close court ministers in the capital, inviting them to the banquet.

Even if Shen Zhili hadn’t said much, how could Shen Zhishu not understand what was on her mind?

Although Shen Zhili’s previously spotless reputation in court had been tarnished due to Gu Qin’s involvement, the Shen family had long enjoyed the Emperor’s profound favor, and both Shen and Zeng were former officials of the old Western Capital. Thus, the Western Faction and Meng’s faction in court had directed their accusations not at Shen Zhili but entirely at Gu Qin. This was why Shen Zhili was so consumed with remorse, believing Gu Qin had been brought to his current state solely by her one-sided affections.

Shen Zhili’s temperament closely resembled her mother’s—since entering court, she had always been straightforward in her dealings, refusing to think ill of others. But Shen Zhishu understood that this matter was far more complex than it appeared. If not for someone scheming behind the scenes, how could it have unfolded so coincidentally? Having served in Chaoan North Circuit for two years, he had grown more steady and reserved. The heavy-handed officials in the Chaoan region’s several prefectures could be even more challenging to deal with than capital courtiers, so he now instinctively pondered matters more deeply, checking for hidden twists.

Moreover, since this affair involved the selection of the Empress, Shen Zhishu was cautious about probing the Emperor’s intentions at the palace and dared not act rashly. Judging by Shen Zhili’s tone, Meng Tinghui’s relationship with the Emperor had grown increasingly close. He decided to sound out Meng Tinghui’s stance during the banquet at their residence before determining his next steps.Despite the major turmoil caused by Shen Zhili, Shen Zhishu's political achievements over the past two years in Chaoan North Circuit remained evident to all. The Emperor's summons for him to return to the capital and report on his duties—whether to retain him as a court official or appoint him as the Transport Commissioner of Chaoan North Circuit—was a move no one dared underestimate. Thus, when court officials in the capital received the invitation cards sent by Shen Zhishu, they swiftly abandoned their recent stance of "avoiding suspicion" and arrived punctually at the Shen residence for the banquet.

An imperial decree had also been issued, stating that Shen Zhishu, weary from his journey, need not present himself at court immediately. He was permitted to rest at his residence for three to five days before obeying the summons to enter the palace. It seemed the Emperor was well aware of the chaos that had recently plagued the Shen household, hence granting him extra days at home to manage family affairs.

Yet the Emperor's private edict conveyed an additional implication to the court officials.

Although it was reasonable for the Emperor to show consideration for officials returning from remote circuits, bestowing such exceptional favor upon the Shen family amid such turmoil unmistakably signaled to everyone that the Emperor did not hold Shen Zhili accountable for the incident.

Consequently, officials grew even more convinced that the "guilt" lay with Gu Qin. They surmised that the Emperor must have been displeased with the Secretariat's proposal to appoint an empress, thus allowing the tide of impeachment against Gu Qin to surge unchecked.

With two upheavals in the court within a year, and the veteran ministers of the Eastern and Western Factions successively losing influence, the only ones to benefit in the long run were the young, ambitious, and fervent new talents emerging in the court.

In no time, the Meng Faction's momentum surged rapidly, solidifying the tripartite balance of power among the court's three factions.

·

That evening, the Shen family banquet commenced as scheduled, with Meng Tinghui arriving last.

By the time she arrived, the banquet was already halfway through.

The hall glittered with the shimmer of silver wine cups, and most attendees were Shen Zhishu's former peers from the Imperial College and his tenure in the archives. Others, like Di Nian, were childhood friends—all young and unrestrained in their gathering. They showed no surprise at her late arrival, merely teasing, "Minister Meng is burdened with official duties—penalty drinks, penalty drinks!"

Meng Tinghui's purpose in coming to the Shen residence was naturally not to welcome Shen Zhishu back.

When Shen Zhishu came to greet her, his smile was faint, the frivolity that once lingered between his brows now entirely gone. "Since our parting in Qing Province, I trust you have been well, Minister Meng?"

Back then, to rescue him from peril, Meng Tinghui had entered the city alone as a woman, saving him from the hands of rebel troops. Though he had never expressed his gratitude verbally, he had not forgotten this debt of kindness.

She smiled at him. "Although you were stationed in a remote circuit, Lord Shen, I doubt you missed a single court gazette. Moreover, with your privilege to submit secret memorials directly to the Emperor, how could you not know whether I've been well or not?"

Shen Zhishu laughed along.

Though he knew of her actions in the court, he remained unclear about her relationship with the Emperor. Since returning to the capital, he had broached the topic in casual conversations, but no one dared speak of it openly. Seeing her own reluctance to address it directly, he began to understand somewhat, feeling slightly more assured about Shen Zhili's situation.

Meng Tinghui's eyes swept lightly around the room, noting that Shen Zhili was indeed absent from the guests. Detecting the insincerity in Shen Zhishu's smile, she stated bluntly, "I wish to see your sister."

These words struck exactly what Shen Zhishu had in mind.He had been considering when would be the appropriate time to bring up this matter, but unexpectedly, Meng Tinghui took the initiative to speak. A thought crossed his mind—since Meng Tinghui and Shen Zhili were usually on good terms, she must also be worried about Shen Zhili. So he smiled faintly and said, "Leyan is unwell tonight. I'll have someone take you to her room." With that, he called over a maid serving at the banquet and instructed her to lead Meng Tinghui to the rear courtyard to see Shen Zhili.

The rear courtyard of the Shen residence was quiet at night. As Meng Tinghui followed the maid step by step deeper inside, her heart grew heavier. Her intentions for coming to the Shen residence tonight were far from honorable, and the closer she got to Shen Zhili's room, the more she struggled inwardly.

As soon as the door opened, Shen Zhili stood up abruptly, staring fixedly at her without a word. After a long pause, she took two steps forward and waved the maid away.

Meng Tinghui noticed the traces of tears on her face, and it felt as if her heart had been sharply pinched. She steadied herself with effort, then slightly curved her lips and asked, "What's wrong? Lord Shen said you were unwell tonight?"

Shen Zhili closed the door, turned to look at her again with an extremely complicated gaze, and said immediately, "I have a favor to ask of you."

Meng Tinghui nodded, took her hand, and led her to sit on the low couch in the room. "Is it about Chancellor Gu?"

Tears welled up in Shen Zhili's eyes as she clasped Meng Tinghui's hand tightly. "Could you please plead for me before the Emperor? Go and tell him that there is no improper relationship between me and Chancellor Gu. The Emperor will surely believe you! I beg you, please, will you do this for me?"

Meng Tinghui lowered her eyelashes. Each word of pleading felt like fine needles piercing her heart and lungs, forcing her to grit her teeth secretly before she could speak again: "What use would it be for me to plead with the Emperor? Even if the Emperor believes it, the court's widespread criticism and the flood of impeachments will not subside. Some time ago, I also submitted a memorial to exonerate Chancellor Gu. Did you see anyone in the court who believed my words?"

Shen Zhili naturally knew about her previous memorial urging the Emperor to discern the truth and requesting that Attending Censor Qiao Bo be brought before the Censorate for interrogation. She felt even more grateful to Meng Tinghui, but upon hearing that pleading with the Emperor would be useless, her eyes reddened again, and she choked out, "So, does this mean he will truly be ruined because of me?" As she spoke, she lifted her sleeve to gently wipe the corner of her eye. "If that's the case, then I... even if I were to die, I could never atone for this!"

Meng Tinghui watched her cry quietly, understanding deeply how much she was suffering.

The man she had adored for so many years was now deeply mired in trouble because of her affection—how could she possibly be at ease?

How could Meng Tinghui not understand this reasoning? To love someone is to want the best for them. Nothing in this world compares to his reputation and integrity. As long as he could be well, she would do anything.

After a long silence, Meng Tinghui said softly, "It's not entirely without a solution."

Shen Zhili looked up abruptly. "Tell me what it is. As long as it can preserve his position and his reputation, I am willing to do anything!"

Meng Tinghui met her gaze, hesitating slightly: "...To make the court officials believe that there is nothing improper between you and Chancellor Gu, you must prove it yourself. If you were in love with someone else, this matter could be resolved."

Shen Zhili was stunned, her brows slightly furrowed.

Meng Tinghui continued, "But this isn't something that can be believed just by saying it. If you truly wish to protect Chancellor Gu's reputation, the only way is for you to marry."Her tone was calm, but her heart was filled with bitterness. Only she knew how difficult it was to speak those words. By the end, her voice had fallen like dust settling on the ground, so soft it was barely audible.

Yet Shen Zhili understood. Surprise flashed in her eyes. She resisted speaking immediately, pursed her lips instead, lowered her head to think for a moment, then looked back at Meng Tinghui with a furrowed brow. "My reputation is already in ruins. Even if I were willing, I doubt anyone would want to marry me now!"

Meng Tinghui remained silent for a long while before responding, "What if there is someone?"

"Who?" Shen Zhili's frown deepened.

Meng Tinghui spoke deliberately, word by word: "Colonel Di once confided in me privately, saying he wished to marry no one but you in this lifetime. He has known about your relationship with Minister Gu all these years, yet he still holds you in his heart—proof of his deep affection. Though things have turned out this way, I believe if you're willing, Colonel Di would still want to marry you, just as before."

Shen Zhili pushed her hand away, her expression turning cold. She opened her mouth as if to refuse, but hesitated, her face flushing and paling alternately. After a long internal struggle, she turned back to Meng Tinghui, her lips trembling. "Even if he's willing to marry me, how can you be sure the court officials won't say I'm hastily marrying Di Nian just to clear Minister Gu's name?"

Meng Tinghui shook her head gently. "Have you forgotten who Colonel Di is? He's the adopted heir of the late Duke Wuguo, a decorated Imperial Army officer highly regarded by the veterans of the Privy Council! Think about it—for days, civil officials have been clamoring nonstop, but has anyone from the Privy Council uttered a single word? Those veterans fought alongside your mother in the army, sharing life and death. Moreover, General Fang, the Chief of the Privy Council, served under the late Duke Wuguo Di Feng. By sentiment and reason, they share close ties with you and Colonel Di. If you marry him, the Privy Council veterans will surely speak up for you! Then, whether it's the Hall of State Affairs, the Two Departments, Three Bureaus, or Six Ministries—what civil official would dare slander your name?"

Shen Zhili listened intently, her face growing paler. After a long pause, she said, "You've truly considered everything thoroughly. If it were up to me alone, I'd never have thought of this."

Meng Tinghui pondered further, then advised earnestly, "You know Colonel Di's character better than I do. If you marry him, he'll cherish and protect you—how could he allow others to defame you? When the time comes, I'll plead your case to His Majesty and clarify that you and Minister Gu had no improper relationship. Then Minister Gu will be cleared as well."

Shen Zhili fell silent, her long eyelashes drooping and quivering slightly, her heart evidently torn with indecision.

Meng Tinghui said no more, simply sitting quietly and waiting.

But a voice in her heart repeated relentlessly, with unwavering conviction—

Meng Tinghui, you are despicable.

The voice was so clear and deafening, reverberating in her chest, refusing to fade.

She lowered her eyes slightly, her hands hidden in her sleeves clenching until her knuckles turned white, yet she felt no pain.

...Meng Tinghui, you truly are despicable.

You meticulously orchestrated this turmoil, wishing for the impeachment tide against Gu Qin to grow ever stronger, yet here you are pretending to worry about his reputation.When you first entered the court, all the female officials looked down on you. Only Shen Zhili was willing to befriend you, assisting you in everything from the Ministry of Rites examinations to your entry into the Hanlin Academy. Over the years, she regarded you as her dearest friend, even confiding her innermost secrets to you—such profound trust! Yet you exploited her trust to scheme against her, forcing her to marry a man she does not love!

You claim Di Nian’s devotion runs deep, and even if she does not love him now, she will surely find happiness in the future. But what if she remains unhappy for the rest of her life? Would you not have committed an irredeemable sin?

"You would betray friendship for the sake of courtly gains—where has your true heart gone? For the sake of your own love, you would sacrifice the love of others. If someday someone were to betray you in turn, I fear you would weep until no tears remain.

...Meng Tinghui, you are truly despicable!"

Her organs felt as though they were twisting and tearing together, aching incessantly.

Facing Shen Zhili, who was still lost in thought, she felt so anguished she could barely breathe. For a moment, she even wanted to speak up, to confess everything in exchange for a clear conscience.

But having come halfway down this path, how could she turn back now?

Since Gu Qin had once been willing to trade high office and prestige for her heart and dignity, he could not blame her now for using such methods to protect her love and aspirations.

In the high stakes of the court, whose hands were truly clean?

This was a battlefield without smoke, yet life and death were starkly real.

She did not seek excuses for herself—what was done was done, and her motives were laid bare. She was despicable, shameless, even contemptible in her own eyes... but she had no other choice!

If not for this, how could the Chancellors of the Secretariat trust that she would not interfere in the empress selection? How could Gu Qin relinquish control over the matter? And how could Shen Zhili be persuaded to marry Di Nian?

Not causing trouble for others meant causing trouble for herself.

That night on the imperial couch in West China Palace, he had spoken clearly: in this lifetime, who remains unchanged?

But she did not know—if he learned of all she had done, would he still love and indulge her as before?

"I..."

Shen Zhili's voice abruptly cut off her thoughts.

Meng Tinghui looked up, her gaze questioning as she watched Shen Zhili, waiting for her to continue.

Shen Zhili's eyes glistened. She pressed her lips together, as if steeling herself with great resolve, before speaking: "I am willing to marry him." She paused, her voice softening. "...Did he come to the estate tonight to see my brother?"

Meng Tinghui gave a slight nod. "When I passed through the front hall earlier, I saw Colonel Di speaking with a few others. I didn't interrupt and came straight here."

Shen Zhili smoothed her skirt, stood up, and tidied her hair before a mirror. She dampened a cloth and carefully wiped away her tear stains, then turned to Meng Tinghui. "I will go speak with him now."

Meng Tinghui was momentarily stunned.

Though she knew Shen Zhili's temperament resembled her mother's—direct and decisive—she had not expected her to act so swiftly in this matter.

Seeing she was not joking, Meng Tinghui quickly rose and asked, "Isn't it too rushed? Let me speak with Colonel Di on your behalf tomorrow."

Shen Zhili shook her head, lowering her gaze. "There's no need to wait until tomorrow. I will speak with him myself tonight to confirm his feelings. Besides, settling this sooner will help calm the court earlier."

Meng Tinghui understood that Shen Zhili was wholeheartedly determined to protect Gu Qin as soon as possible. A pang of sorrow struck her heart, but she said nothing more, merely accompanying Shen Zhili out of the room and back to the main hall where the banquet was held.

As they entered, the guests turned to look, remarking with smiles that Minister Meng truly had great influence—her arrival had even drawn out the unwell eldest daughter of the Shen family.Meng Tinghui casually picked up a wine cup and walked smiling into the crowd. She offered a slight bow in all directions to apologize for her late arrival, then exchanged a few words with several young men who sought to seize the opportunity to converse with her. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Shen Zhili turning away, so she lowered her gaze and pursed her lips slightly.

Shen Zhishu stood by the hall curtain, watching Shen Zhili stride directly toward Di Nian. Uncertain of her intentions, he couldn't help but frown gently.

Shen Zhili didn't stop until she reached Di Nian's table.

Di Nian hastily set down his agate wine cup and rose to his feet, offering her a smile. Yet, unsure of her mood, he dared not be too forward.

Shen Zhili turned slightly and said in a low voice, "I have something to ask you. Would you come with me?"

Di Nian nodded eagerly. As he turned, he accidentally knocked over the cups on the table without even noticing, then followed her in large strides as they slipped under the curtain into the outer parlor.

Shen Zhili stopped and looked up at him steadily. "Are you willing to marry me?"

Though no one was around, the lively chatter and laughter from the main hall still reached their ears, buzzing with noise. She paid no mind to whether someone might pass by or eavesdrop, asking the question directly.

Di Nian was momentarily stunned, but then he nodded firmly and decisively.

She bit her lip lightly and asked again, "Then are you willing to marry me right away?"

This time, Di Nian didn't hesitate, nodding heavily once more. Yet his gaze held a trace of confusion, as if puzzled by her sudden questions.

Shen Zhili lowered her brows. "Then pick a date and draft a memorial to the Emperor to settle our matter."

Di Nian looked down at her and finally spoke. "Was it Meng Tinghui who persuaded you?"

After a moment's thought, Shen Zhili nodded. "In a way, yes."

Di Nian couldn't suppress a smile, though his expression remained serious. "Have you thought it through? Not just anything—marrying me!"

Without hesitation, she nodded.

Di Nian raised his arm slightly, intending to take her hand hanging at her side, but she subtly avoided his touch.

Without looking at him, she said softly, "Even if you know that not all the rumors circulating at court are slander, you still don't care?"

Di Nian's arm remained suspended mid-air, his fingers trembling slightly, but he nodded resolutely. "I don't care."

"Why?" Shen Zhili glanced up at him.

His lips moved as if struggling for words, and after a long pause, he said, "...Because I don't care."

Hearing this, her expression shifted slightly. She stood before him for a long while before reaching out to gently grasp his fingertips, whispering, "Thank you."

But Di Nian seized her hand, turning his palm to clasp hers tightly, and said urgently, "Believe me, I will never let you suffer the slightest grievance, not for the rest of our lives!"

Shen Zhili turned her head away slightly and said nothing more.

Though her demeanor toward him remained distant, he was already overjoyed. She had said she would marry him—she truly would!

From the first time he saw her at sixteen until now, he had loved her for eight years, yearned for her for eight years. She was the only woman he ever wanted to marry.

Even knowing her heart belonged to another, he had never considered giving up.

Back in the Western Garden of the old capital, his mother had once told him that if he ever met the one he loved, he must tell her, he must persist. Otherwise, he would regret it for a lifetime, dying with a heart full of bitterness.He once thought that if he persisted for a lifetime, it would be worth it just to earn a moment of her affection.

But now, fate had been so generous to him—after only eight years of perseverance, she was willing to marry him!

He didn’t care whom she had loved before, nor how many years that person had occupied her heart. After all, he had met her later than that person did.

At this moment, he believed even more firmly that as long as he never gave up, one day she would come to love him just as she had loved that person.