The pregnant woman pressed down on the wife, and the cousin collapsed into the prince's arms.

Shen Yunshuang's humble and unassuming demeanor won her a lot of goodwill. Only Lü Lanxun was extremely jealous. She wanted to say a few sarcastic words to Shen Yunshuang, but she didn't dare to show it in front of Pei Jingheng and could only keep her anger to herself.

Without further conversation, Pei Lingrong and the others returned to Rongchun Hall, where they told Wang and Su about solving the puzzle box, expressing their great admiration for Shen Yunshuang.

Madam Su couldn't help but glance at her. She knew her eldest son's talent, but she never expected that Shen Yunshuang was not only beautiful but also talented.

Since losing his wife five years ago, Pei Jingheng has seemed to be living a carefree life, refusing to take a second wife even when asked to do so. It's unclear what possessed him.

They tried to persuade him in every way, but to no avail. They had just heard Rong'er say that their elder brother also admired Shen Yunshuang.

Su couldn't help but think a little more, but she quickly dismissed the idea. No matter how talented she was, she was still Wang's niece, and she couldn't possibly elevate her status.

Seeing Shen Yunshuang become the center of attention, Su Wanrou wrung out her handkerchief, thinking to herself that Shen Yunshuang was no simpleton. She made a big splash at someone else's third birthday celebration and even made the Third Miss treat her affectionately. What a clever trick!

But no matter what, she couldn't show her malice towards Shen Yunshuang.

As for Madam Wang, she was naturally depressed because her son was childless, but now that Shen Yunshuang had saved her some face, she was quite happy.

As Wang said, the banquet was attended not only by the Pei family, but also by many noblewomen from various families in the capital.

Shen Yunshuang naturally attracted their attention as well. After returning from the second branch of the family, Wang received many invitations.

But just as Shen Yunshuang had guessed, these families were far inferior to the Marquis's mansion.

Some of them come from wealthy and powerful families, but the young masters themselves are disgraceful, lacking both official rank and fame, and are fond of womanizing. This Wang family would definitely not be interested in them.

Some of them are successful candidates in the imperial examinations and have promising careers, but their families are too poor. Shuang'er has never lacked money. Is she going to live a hard life? No way.

After much deliberation, only Duan Huaiqing caught their eye. He was a scholar who had passed the imperial examinations and was already an editor in the Hanlin Academy at the age of eighteen. At that age, he was considered to have outstanding literary talent.

As for his family background, although the Duan family is not a prominent clan, it is still a scholarly family, and one of their ancestors was a prime minister. However, after several generations, the family has declined somewhat, but Duan Huaiqing is still expected to support the family.

Moreover, Wang had considered things clearly: even a starved camel is bigger than a horse; the Duan family had considerable ancestral property, so Shuang'er wouldn't have to live a hard life after marrying into the family.

Madam Wang truly doted on Shen Yunshuang, considering everything very thoroughly. She even called her son over, wanting him to inquire about Duan Huaiqing's character.

After all, women don't travel as much as men and know as much information.

"Marriage is a major event in a woman's life, and your cousin is frail. How can I not make extra plans for her? You should also care for her more and inquire about the reputation of Duan Huaiqing. That would be a good way to give your cousin some security."

After Wang finished speaking, she looked at her son.

In the candlelight, Pei Jingnian's face remained as noble and elegant as ever, but the dazed look in his eyes betrayed his absent-mindedness.

After returning from the baby's third-day celebration, he couldn't stop thinking about Shen Yunshuang, about her every smile and gesture. He had to admit that he was irresistibly attracted to his cousin.

He despised the thought in his heart, but he couldn't control it.

But what can he do? He already has a wife, and his cousin is only seventeen years old, in the prime of her life.

On the one hand, he told himself that his mother was right to arrange a marriage for his cousin, and that he should take this opportunity to extinguish his fantasies and get everything back on track.

On the other hand, he felt extremely uncomfortable, as if something was pressing against him. The thought that his cousin would marry another man and be possessed by another man filled him with uncontrollable disgust.

Just like when he saw his elder brother's gaze lingering on Shen Yunshuang, he wanted to interrupt.

Her breathing quickened unconsciously. Seeing that Pei Jingnian remained silent for a long time, Wang asked with a hint of doubt, "Chengyuan?"

Pei Jingnian gathered his thoughts, smiled slightly, and resumed his handsome demeanor, saying, "Alright."