What she wanted was a lifetime of honor, not just a fleeting moment of fame.

Thinking of this, Shen Ruojin covered her face and said, “It’s really not worth it for the prince to do this for me. If the prince insists on this and damages his relationship with his parents, I can only leave and beg for mercy.”

Duke Ling saw that Guan Muyun was determined to protect Shen Ruojin. Now that the situation had escalated, even the Emperor might get involved. Continuing this standoff was pointless.

Guan Muyun only wanted Shen Ruojin to have the title of co-wife. So, Duke Ling agreed: “Shen can remain your wife, but you must marry another wife. She will handle social events, palace banquets, and her name will be the one on the family tree and official records. What do you say?”

Duke Ling was playing with words here.

Shen Ruojin would technically be a “co-wife,” but without the official title and position. Though called a co-wife, in reality, she would be like a concubine.

Before Guan Muyun could respond, Shen Ruojin said, “I agree.”

Seeing that she agreed, Guan Muyun didn’t know what to say. He just lowered his head and gently tucked her messy hair behind her ear: “I’m sorry for making you suffer like this.”

For now, his parents had control. But when Guan Muyun became the head of the Duke’s Mansion and a close minister to the Emperor, he would make Ruojin his proper wife.

Madam Guan glanced at Shen Ruojin’s pained face and said with disdain: “We’re still a kind family. The Marquis’ Mansion deceived us, but it wasn’t easy to keep you. If you don’t believe it, just look at your own sister. She’s only a concubine of an ordinary fourth-rank official. Logically, you shouldn’t even be considered a concubine in the Duke’s Mansion.”

When Mrs. Guan thought about cleaning up the mess for Shen Ruojin, she felt a strong sense of disgust. 

Now that things have come to this, there’s no point in saying more. They can only keep a close eye on her and find a good wife for Guan Muyun to reduce the impact of this situation.

_

When Tao Sheng returned home from work, she saw Ji Yanming and Xie Huaian walking toward her outside the Ji residence.

Xie Huaian has recently gained a lot of recognition from the leaders of the Hanlin Academy.

Ji Yanming is preparing for his diplomatic mission to Ling State. His focus during this time has been on this task. Since Xie Huaian started working around the same time as Ji Yanming, many of Ji Yanming’s previous tasks have now fallen to Xie Huaian.

Now, Xie Huaian is the busiest of the three, and he hasn’t been to the Ji residence for a while. This time, he came with Ji Yanming to express his condolences after hearing about Tao Sheng’s situation.

Xie Huaian had guessed what was happening before. He thought Tao Sheng might be free and unwilling to go back, but he didn’t expect the Shen family to be so shameless and do so many terrible things. It was truly shocking.

Xie Huaian handed Tao Sheng condolence gifts: two boxes of fashionable fruits and rabbit lanterns.

Tao Sheng accepted the gifts with a smile and thanked him.

Xie Huaian added, “I heard there’s a maid in the mansion who is quite remarkable. She speaks up for justice and is not afraid of power. I wonder how many wrongdoings the Shen family has committed to make even their closest maid turn against them.”

Tao Sheng smiled, said nothing, and turned her gaze to Ji Yanming.

Ji Yanming was making tea for them, so his facial expression was hidden.

Xie Huaian must be really busy, as he left quickly after a few words. Before he left, he told Tao Sheng not to be too sad and to look forward.

“The court needs you now, and the emperor can’t do without you. These people will eventually fade into history, and no one will remember them. It’s not worth getting hurt because of them.”

“I’m not angry,” Tao Sheng said, her eyes curving into a smile. She always maintained a positive attitude and handled big and small matters calmly. “I just worry they might suffer a loss and take it out on me.”

Ji Yanming had returned late the previous day, and she had only told her parents and aunt what happened. She hadn’t had time to talk to him.

Now that Xie Huaian knows the whole story, she thinks Ji Yanming does too.

After Xie Huaian left, Tao Sheng hesitated to speak to Ji Yanming.

Eventually, Ji Yanming broke the silence: “Is there something you want to ask?”

“I have just one question,” Tao Sheng said. “What did my cousin do to help Amber’s family that made her so devoted to you?”

“When I was assigned to the Ministry of Justice, I overturned a wrongful case against her brother,” Ji Yanming replied. “The Shen family is very good at twisting the truth, so I made some plans ahead of time.”

Tao Sheng was too principled to get involved with these people. She thought she could live peacefully if she kept her distance, but she didn’t realize that a ruined family like the Shen family would be unreasonable.

Although Tao Sheng despised the Shen family, it was still seen as a respectable family in society. There were complicated issues about respecting elders, so conflict was unavoidable.

Ji Yanming didn’t want her to suffer even the slightest harm.

Tao Sheng sincerely thanked Ji Yanming.

Recently, when she was out with Princess He’en, she learned that Prince Rui had once wanted her for himself.

Now, looking back, when Ji Yanming teamed up with the King of Chu and Grand Master Luo to challenge King Rui, it was likely not just because they disliked him but also because of his intentions toward her.

With a little thought, it became clear that Ji Yanming has been quietly protecting her all these years, always helping her at critical moments without seeking recognition or reward.

Tao Sheng felt a bit guilty.

“My cousin has helped me so much, both openly and secretly. Just saying thanks feels inadequate. I don’t know how I can repay you.”

“Then let me take a day off,” Ji Yanming suggested.

“What?” Tao Sheng thought she had misheard.

“Take a day off.” Ji Yanming’s voice was as clear and pleasant as always. “His Royal Highness the King of Chu has invited us to go on an outing in the suburbs of Beijing.”