Lu Wenzhao hated Shen Qingwan to the core.

It was because of her that he lost everything and became a cripple.

If he could, he would have killed her without hesitation.

Although Su Ruoyun despised Lu Wenzhao for becoming a cripple, their fates were now intertwined—his downfall would also mean hers.

She could not stand by and watch him be destroyed by that woman.

Moreover, Lu Wenzhao had done many things for her father over the years and knew many secrets about the Su family.

There was no way she would abandon him now.

Prime Minister Su also believed that the most urgent matter was to eliminate that woman before she ruined their plans.

In the spring of the 183rd year of Mingde, the imperial palace held a Spring Banquet.

Prince Liang and Prince Huainan were among the invited guests.

The banquet was jointly hosted by Noble Consort Liu and the Empress.

All the high-ranking officials in the capital and their families were invited, including Prime Minister Su’s family.

Shen Qingwan originally had nothing to do with such gatherings.

However, as the newly recognized eldest daughter of the General’s household, she had no choice but to attend.

Her father had yet to return to the capital, and her mother had been invited, so she had to accompany her.

This banquet felt different, and even as an outsider, she could sense the tension.

Worried about Ye Minglan, she was determined to go.

Ye Lingxue, somehow, managed to get an invitation and also attended the banquet.

Perhaps because of this, she had been unusually quiet for the past two days.

She had put great effort into dressing up to win the favor of the War King.

Draped in a peach-colored gauze robe that made her look like a celestial maiden, her beauty was further enhanced by a dazzling pink crystal headpiece.

The sight of her was breathtaking.

Shen Qingwan observed Ye Lingxue’s outfit with deep thought.

Crystals this brilliant didn’t exist in this era—it was clearly a modern craft.

This confirmed her suspicion: Ye Lingxue not only possessed a dimensional space but also had access to modern objects or the means to acquire them.

This ability was far superior to Shen Qingwan’s own ability, which only allowed her to freeze time within her space.

Shen Qingwan herself wore a sky-blue gauzy dress, with a simple white jade hairpin securing half of her hair while the other half cascaded over her shoulders.

She exuded a quiet elegance, like an ethereal figure stepping out of a painting.

Her slender fingers and flawless complexion only added to her aloof and otherworldly presence.

Standing near her, Ye Lingxue’s extravagant attire seemed garish in comparison. Fortunately, they hadn’t arrived at the banquet together, so Ye Lingxue was unaware that Shen Qingwan was attending as well.

By the time Shen Qingwan arrived at the palace with Ye Minglan, the banquet had already begun. Fortunately, with so many guests, no one paid much attention to their late arrival.

However, two people noticed her immediately—Bei Chenyuan and Lu Wenzhao.

One looked at her with gritted teeth, while the other had a complicated expression.

Lu Wenzhao was the one gritting his teeth.

He had to admit that Shen Qingwan was far more beautiful than before, and the thought of keeping her by his side had crossed his mind. But in his heart, his feelings for Su Ruoyun were still stronger.

More importantly, it was Shen Qingwan who had ruined him—he could never forgive her.

Beichen Yuan, watching her graceful figure approach, silently emptied his wine cup.

His grip tightened around it, veins bulging slightly, revealing the force he exerted.

“Hey? Why does that girl look familiar?” Ning Huaian tugged at Bei Chenyuan’s sleeve, lowering his voice.

Beichen Yuan remained silent, his gaze still following Shen Qingwan.

Ning Huaian smacked his forehead and suddenly exclaimed, “I know why she looks familiar! She resembles that kid Shen Qing. Even her aura is similar. Could she be his sister?”

He kept observing her and continued, “I always thought Shen Qing was rather handsome, but I never imagined his sister would be this stunning. Look at that figure—what man wouldn’t be enchanted?”

Before he could take another look, the tea cup in front of him was suddenly smashed by a powerful palm strike.

The sound, though not loud, was terrifying enough to make Ning Huaian shiver.

“What was that for? Who provoked you now?” he grumbled. “Can you stop flying into a rage so easily?”

Xuantian quietly stepped away from Ning Huaian.

Anyone daring to covet their master’s woman was practically asking for death.

“Don’t forget why you’re here,” Beichen Yuan reminded him, his expression serious.

Ning Huaian smirked confidently. “Relax. Not even a fly will escape tonight. The Second Prince’s repeating crossbows are practically divine weapons—long-range, highly accurate, and capable of rapid fire. It’s a pity only a thousand were made, but it’s enough for tonight.”

Beichen Yuan pressed his lips together, looking across at Prince Liang and Prince Huainan. “Those two old foxes won’t be easy to deal with. They must have backup plans, so we can’t act rashly.”

On the other side, Prince Liang and Prince Huainan, noticing Bei Chenyuan’s gaze, raised their cups toward him.

He lifted his own in return, exchanging a silent toast.

Prince Liang, Xiao Heng, was the youngest son of the late emperor.

At thirty-two, he was in his prime.

Handsome and well-maintained, he looked no older than twenty-seven or twenty-eight.

His mature yet refined aura made him stand out, drawing the attention of many noblewomen at the banquet.

Despite his age, Prince Liang had yet to remarry since his first wife passed away.

Many noblewomen had their eyes set on him, seeing him as a highly desirable match—wealthy, powerful, and possessing his own fief.

Even with a new emperor on the throne, his status remained solid.

Seated beside him, Prince Huainan appeared much older.

At over forty, with a beard adding to his aged appearance, he looked even more senior compared to Prince Liang.

While the two princes exchanged drinks and pleasantries, they were each harboring their own schemes.

Compared to the undercurrents on the men’s side, the women’s section of the banquet was much simpler—filled with gossip.

And the hottest topic of discussion was, of course, the scandal surrounding the Lu family.

Ye Lingxue, intent on tarnishing Shen Qingwan’s reputation, subtly spread rumors.

“That girl is the long-lost daughter of the Protector General’s household? And she’s already married? Even as a stepmother?”

“I heard she was abandoned by General Lu. Now that he knows her true identity, do you think he regrets it?”

“Everyone in the capital knows how devoted General Lu is to Miss Su from the Prime Minister’s family. They’re a model couple! That Shen Qingwan should know her place and not interfere.”

“That’s not fair! General Lu was the one who betrayed her. She has every right to demand an explanation!”

“I was just wondering who that beauty was. Turns out she’s General Lu’s wife. What a pity.”

As gossip spread rapidly, Shen Qingwan could feel the increasing number of curious glances directed at her.

However, she paid them no mind.

“The Crown Prince arrives! The Empress arrives!”

At the eunuch’s announcement, all eyes turned toward the main hall.

The Crown Prince, dressed in bright yellow ceremonial robes, entered with the Empress at his side.

As they took their seats on the high platform, the hall fell silent.

Even from a distance, Shen Qingwan could see the Crown Prince’s pale complexion and frail frame. He looked as if walking a few steps had exhausted him.

Everyone stood to pay their respects, and the Crown Prince and Empress gestured for them to rise.