The upcoming scene still required the cooperation of the Regent. He wanted to watch the show, not realizing he was already part of it.

In a corner where no one could see, Feng Muqing gave Jun Ruye a look.

It's up to you now.

Jun Ruye inexplicably understood the hidden meaning in Feng Muqing's gaze and she found it amusing.

Truly a witty person. Jun Ruye thought to himself.

Feng Wanwan?!

Is it the famous Feng Wanwan from the capital?

What is Prime Minister Feng planning?

The thoughts of the crowd varied, and in a short moment, the noisy wedding banquet became so silent that one could even hear a pin drop.

Feng Wanwan panicked; she covered her face as she sneaked glances at Jun Ruye.

Jun Ruye's expression was icy. His eyes narrowed as he noticed Feng Wanwan's gaze. He channeled his internal energy to generate a burst of flames that burned the mask in his hand completely.

Not even a speck of dust was left.

"Second Miss Feng, I demand an explanation."

The words that left his thin lips were icy; Feng Wanwan felt a sharp pain from his words.

Tears welled up in Feng Wanwan's eyes. She threw herself at Jun Ruye's feet, tightly grasping his robe.

"My Lord, it was all my fault. I have admired you for a long time and made a mistake because of it. Please, for the sake of my sincere heart, grant me this wish."

"That's ridiculous! Countless women in Beiyi admire me as a prince. Should I marry all of them?"

Jun Ruye laughed coldly with a sharp gaze.

"Or perhaps, did Prime Minister Feng also play a part in this?"

Feng Wanwan hesitated, then shook her head, "It was my mistake. My father had nothing to do with it."

Really?

Jun Ruye wasn't a fool. How could Feng Wanwan have orchestrated this on her own? Someone must be behind it.

But who...

He glanced at Feng Muqing.

He wondered what role she played in this.

Given the current situation, Feng Muqing wasn't on Feng Tianling's side.

"You, Feng Wanwan, don't have the capability of getting a mask that is only available in the martial world." Feng Muqing's cold words debunked her excuse.

For over a decade, Feng Wanwan had taken pleasure in bullying her. Feng Muqing, who always remembered grievances, wouldn't let go of an opportunity like this.

When she examined her own body, she found that it was poisoned. She was covered in numerous scars, both old and new ones.

Her hands were rougher than a maid's and her body marred everywhere. Even her growth was stunted, making her shorter than Feng Wanwan.

Her life as the legitimate daughter was worse than a servant's.

Thankfully, Feng Muqing had arrived.

"I..."

"Mo Ying, take her away."

Before Feng Wanwan could speak, Jun Ruye interrupted coldly.

As the words left his mouth, a shadow landed swiftly to escort Feng Wanwan away immediately.

Feng Wanwan panicked as she tried to speak, but she was speechless.

While others might be clueless, Feng Muqing saw everything clearly.

When Mo Ying was escorting Feng Wanwan, he had silenced her by hitting a specific point.

Jun Ruye's subordinates are really considerate.

Feng Muqing thought.

"Now that everything is clear, I'll make a move."

Seeing the matter concluded, Feng Muqing knew staying would be pointless. She turned to leave.

"Wait!"

Feng Muqing paused.

What was he up to?

She turned to face Jun Ruye, puzzled. "What else do you need, my Lord?"

"Were you aware of this scheme?"

Feng Muqing quickly denied, "By the time I realized what was happening, I was already in the wilderness. I don't know whether Prime Minister Feng knew or not, but I can assure you that I was kept in the dark."

Jun Ruye tapped on the armrest of his wheelchair; he was silent for a long moment.

"Since this marriage was decreed by the Emperor, do you think you can leave the Regent's Manor?"

Feng Muqing hesitated, then inquired, "You want to marry me?"

"It's the Emperor's command."

Feng Muqing's eyes widened in shock. She couldn't believe this man would willingly obey a command.

Although she thought of taking him as one of hers own earlier, she hadn't considered committing herself for life.

The world is so vast; isn't it more exhilarating to roam freely?

Why would she want to be confined to this small courtyard?

"Do you have any maidservants or concubines?"

"None."

"Do you have any close female friends?"

"None."

"If you marry me, you can only have me for the rest of your life."

"That suits me."

"I get jealous easily."

"That means you care about me."

"I'm ruthless."

"It means you won't be bullied. That's good."

...

Everyone looked as the two exchanged words, not knowing how to respond.

They wanted to speak but couldn't find an opportunity.

What's with this strange atmosphere?

"Look at my hands. They are rougher than a servant's hands. My hands are covered in scars; they are not like those of a noble lady."

Everyone stared at her hands full of calluses and were rendered speechless.

They knew the Eldest Young Lady of the Prime Minister's Mansion wasn't favored, but they hadn't realized it was to this extent.

Jun Ruye stared intently at those hands, a peculiar emotion welling up inside him.

It felt like pain, yet it also resembled pity.

"From now on, no one can humiliate you as I'll take care of you."

His resounding words echoed, leaving Feng Muqing speechless.

What did he mean?

Why would he keep her by his side?

Did he suspect her?

Feng Muqing was confused.

"Today's matter will not be overlooked by Prime Minister Feng. Furthermore, this is the Emperor's decree. You are the Princess Regent."

Feng Muqing pondered as she touched her chin.

Her life in the Prime Minister's Mansion wasn't good. Feng Tianling would definitely blame herfor what happened today. Having the title of Princess Regent was indeed beneficial for her.

But she wondered what Jun Ruye was truly plotting.

"I meant what I said earlier. I won't tolerate any wrongdoing. Do you understand me?"

Jun Ruye nodded without hesitation, a smile forming on his lips.

"Let's start the wedding ceremony then." Feng Muqing went to stand beside Jun Ruye.

The ritual resumed after the interruption. The master of ceremonies wiped his sweat away.

Working in the Regent's Manor was not easy.

Having witnessed the farcical wedding, everyone left in trepidation.

They weren't sure if the Regent would take any drastic measures.

The sky was adorned with a crescent moon, casting shadows of trees dancing around. The rustling of the wind played a melody in the silent night.

In the bridal chamber.

Feng Muqing looked at the peanuts and dates on the table. Without a word, she began eating voraciously.

She hadn't had a bite all day, let alone a proper meal.

She was starving.

Feng Muqing struggled to swallow the dry snacks. She grabbed a jug of wine and drank directly from it.

Pff—

As Jun Ruye entered, he caught sight of Feng Muqing's ravenous eating and couldn't help but laugh.

It was truly a rare sight for him to see such a carefree woman.

Feng Muqing paused her feasting as she heard the sound. She glared at Jun Ruye.

"Mo Ying, have the kitchen send some easily digestible food."

Feng Muqing spotted a shadow darting by, swift as a storm.

Jun Ruye slowly wheeled himself closer to Feng Muqing. He felt a sense of hunger when he saw her eating without restraint.

"Is there any more wine?"

Feng Muqing shook the jug and realized there was not a drop left.

"This was the ceremonial wine."