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

Su Wanrou was in a terrible mood because Yan Zhi was out of favor, and Pei Jingnian was not in a good mood either.

It was only because he had thoroughly investigated Duan Huaiqing that he found that the man was indeed a man of great literary talent. Although his family was not as wealthy as the Marquis's, they still had some assets. However, he was frugal by nature and did not care much about his appearance.

In addition, he has a good appearance and a righteous demeanor, so he is indeed a good match.

Having reached this conclusion, Pei Jingnian found himself increasingly at a loss for words when faced with his mother's questioning.

All I can say is that I need to learn more about it, since it concerns my cousin's lifelong happiness.

Wang Shi always trusted her son, and seeing how much he cared about Yun Shuang's marriage, she felt a little happy and didn't say anything.

Shen Yunshuang knew Duan Huaiqing and also knew that Pei Jingnian was trying to learn about him through various means at the request of his aunt.

Facing Wang, she naturally did not raise any objections to the matter, only showing a faint shyness, appearing obedient and compliant to her aunt's decision.

Secretly, she would wait by the lotus pond whenever Pei Jingnian finished his shift.

Pei Jingnian returned from outside and passed by the lotus pond. Noticing a crowd of people, he called out, "Who goes there?"

After a while, Shen Yunshuang appeared, carrying a small lantern, and gracefully approached. She raised an eyebrow, but her voice unconsciously softened: "Cousin? What brings you here?"

Yesterday's autumn rain has made today somewhat bleak and chilly.

Looking at Shen Yunshuang in her thin dress, with her pale pink lips and slender figure, one can't help but feel pity for her.

Shen Yunshuang greeted him, and when she looked up, her eyelashes were still wet with tears. She said softly, "Cousin, please don't be offended... My mother loved lotus flowers the most when she was alive. With the anniversary of her death approaching, I couldn't bear the longing in my heart, so I came here and disturbed you, cousin."

Pei Jingnian was already heartbroken by her tears, and after hearing her story, he remembered that she had lost her mother at a young age and that her stepmother had treated her badly and that her own father did not value her. He couldn't help but soften even more.

"What's wrong with missing your aunt? It's just that it's late and the dew is heavy, especially by the pond. You're not well, so you should go back soon."

After listening, Shen Yunshuang did not leave. She was accompanied by a personal maid, while Pei Jingnian was alone because he had just returned from outside.

She looked up and met Pei Jingnian's gaze, then said softly, "I heard you've been inquiring about someone for me, cousin?"

Pei Jingnian was taken aback and found it difficult to answer. Before he could organize his thoughts, Shen Yunshuang said, "So, cousin doesn't understand my heart."

These words were rather ambiguous. After the confusion and surprise in his heart dissipated, Pei Jingnian felt his heart pounding like a drum. A possibility was emerging in his mind, but his throat felt like it had something in it, and it took him a long time to say it.

"Cousin... you're not satisfied with Duan Huaiqing? Could it be that you have someone you like?"

Shen Yunshuang lowered her eyelashes, hesitant to speak. She glanced at Pei Jingnian, her eyes glistening with tears: "The only people I see every day are my aunt and cousin... What about someone I admire?"

Pei Jingnian felt a jolt in his heart; he couldn't say he felt relieved, but rather a little disappointed.

He wanted to say something, but seeing Shen Yunshuang's beautiful eyes filled with mist, he scolded her, "Cousin, just consider me shameless."

After saying that, she left without looking back.

Pei Jingnian pondered the look in Shen Yunshuang's eyes when she left, and the words she had said.

He felt a pang of sadness and tenderness in his heart. He realized that he felt differently about Shen Yunshuang, but he also knew that his thoughts were truly despicable.

He already has a wife; if his cousin were to marry him, she would only be able to become his concubine.

However, even though my cousin's family background is not prominent, she is as beautiful as an angel. It would not be difficult for her to marry a scholar like Duan Huaiqing as his principal wife. My mother has always doted on her and has been planning for her in this way.

Therefore, Pei Jingnian knew that this was impossible.

But what if his cousin also has feelings for him?

Pei Jingnian's Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and his hand unconsciously touched the jade pendant at his waist, feeling that he couldn't figure out Shen Yunshuang's intentions.

His gaze lowered, and he noticed a white handkerchief on the ground. He bent down to pick it up, and a faint fragrance wafted out—the fragrance of Shen Yunshuang.

Pei Jingnian looked at the handkerchief and finally put it into his bosom.