Pin Shanhe

Murong Xiao's lips curled into a cold smile, seemingly without anger, yet exuding a chilling sense of oppression.

"Does the Princess Consort mean that there are no women in this world who possess both beauty and virtue, or is she mocking me, the prince, for only being worthy of an ugly woman?"

The atmosphere suddenly froze, and even the air was thick with the smell of gunpowder.

If the answer is not good, it will surely anger the other party, leading to a deterioration in relations between the two countries and a renewed outbreak of war.

At that time, Shen Fu will definitely be pushed to the forefront and become the target of public criticism!

Jun Jingyan immediately stepped in to defuse the situation, saying, "Princess Xuan was thinking of the Crown Prince's reputation and had no intention of offending him. Crown Prince, please don't misunderstand."

"Hmm... I have a feeling she's deliberately humiliating and making things difficult for me."

Shen Fu slowly raised her eyes, her tone tinged with sarcasm: "Why would the Crown Prince have such thoughts? If there were no past grievances or present enemies, why would I deliberately make things difficult for you?"

These pointed remarks caused everyone present to change their expressions.

Everyone knows that the Xuan King was attacked at night by the Northern Dynasty army, and died from severe injuries after falling off a cliff!

His death can be said to be inextricably linked to the eldest prince of the Northern Dynasty.

When two countries are at war, death and injury are inevitable. Now that they have made peace, they can only put aside their past grievances.

But for Shen Fu, the person in front of her was the one who had killed her husband.

Murong Xiao instantly understood the deeper meaning behind her words.

If we admit to having a grudge, wouldn't that also bring the death of the Xuan King into the open?

King Xuan made countless military achievements for the Great Yong Dynasty, and in the end he died for the Great Yong Dynasty. If word got out that he had made things difficult for his widow, he would probably be criticized by the world.

After weighing the pros and cons, he finally suppressed the fierceness in his eyes and revealed a meaningful smile.

"I, the prince, am eagerly anticipating this selection banquet for the imperial concubine!"

No one expected that the originally perilous situation would be so easily resolved by Shen Fu with minimal effort.

Even Emperor Yong was impressed by Shen Fu. Such a courageous woman, if she were a man, would surely have made great achievements in the court.

Having just witnessed the scene, the noble ladies felt the coldness and unpredictability of the Northern Dynasty's Crown Prince.

The subsequent talent performances were all well-behaved, with no one daring to cause any further trouble.

Finally, the moment of final decision arrived.

Murong Xiao chuckled and said, "Just as Princess Xuan said, these women are all exceptionally talented and beautiful, truly putting this prince in a difficult position!"

After saying that, he suddenly changed the subject.

"Does Your Majesty still remember the promise you made to me? Whoever you choose today, I will bestow a marriage upon them on the spot?"

Emperor Yong nodded quickly: "Of course I remember!"

"What if someone disobeys the imperial decree?"

"Disobeying an imperial decree is a capital offense punishable by the confiscation of property and the extermination of the entire clan; they dare not!"

"Very good, I already have someone in mind."

When he uttered that name, everyone present was utterly shocked, hardly believing their ears.

Emperor Yong almost thought he was hallucinating, and it took him a while to realize what was happening.

"Who...are you talking about?"

Murong Xiao curled his lips into a smile: "Among those present, in terms of both virtue and talent, none other than the Princess Consort of Xuan is more worthy!"

Jun Jingyan retorted sharply, "Shut up! The Princess Consort of Xuan is a married woman; how can she marry you?"

"The Xuan King is already dead, how can she still be considered a married woman? I've heard that there are many precedents of women in your Yong Dynasty divorcing and remarrying, why can't she?"

Shen Fu lowered her eyelids, concealing the cold glint in her eyes.

It turns out that the so-called concubine selection banquet was just an excuse from the beginning.

His real purpose was clearly himself!

That's absolutely despicable and shameless!

"I am deeply grateful for the Crown Prince's favor, but I have already decided to remain chaste for Prince Xuan for the rest of my life and will never marry another!"

Emperor Yong was also surprised that he would choose Shen Fu, and was in a dilemma for a moment.

The Xuan King has been dead for less than a month, and his body is still warm. If his wife is sent to the Northern Dynasty for a marriage alliance at this time, wouldn't people gossip about him and say that he mistreated the widow of a meritorious official?

"Your Highness, there are so many noble ladies here, wouldn't you like to reconsider?"

Murong Xiao's tone was resolute: "I only want her!"

Seeing that Emperor Yong was hesitant, his tone had taken on a threatening tone.

"His Majesty has personally promised; a ruler's word is law. Do you intend to break your promise? The Northern Dynasty's million-strong cavalry are not to be trifled with!"

This is clearly a blatant threat!

Jun Jingyan knew that Shen Fu was targeted by Murong Xiao because she was trying to help them.

If they were to send her to the Northern Dynasty for a political marriage, they would feel guilty and Anning would live with remorse and self-blame for the rest of her life.

Even if he personally leads troops to conquer the Northwest and fights to the last moment, he will never let Shen Fu make a sacrifice.

"Murong Xiao, don't push your luck! The Princess Consort of Xuan is the wife of a meritorious official; she will not be allowed to be humiliated by you!"

"I intend to marry her and bestow upon her the title of my principal wife. How can this be considered an insult?"

Although he didn't get the Seventh Princess, having a Princess Consort Xuan wasn't a complete loss.

He and Xiao Xuanjin were irreconcilable enemies, and he dreamed of trampling him under his feet!

If only I could possess his woman and watch her beg for mercy beneath me...

Murong Xiao had already conjured up that extremely pleasurable scene in his mind, and a trace of cruel pleasure flashed in his eyes.

"It seems you intend to break the marriage alliance? In that case, this prince need not concern himself with sentimentality any further!"

Emperor Yong was greatly alarmed and quickly said, "Calm down, we can discuss this!"

If we offend the Northern Dynasty now, war will surely reignite.

With no capable generals like Prince Xuan left in the court, who else can protect the peace and stability of the Great Yong region?

To protect his kingdom, he was willing to sacrifice even his own daughter, so what was a mere Princess Xuan?

He had made up his mind and was about to speak when a hurried shout suddenly rang in his ears.

"Oh no! Princess Xuan has fainted!"

Emperor Yong looked up and indeed saw Shen Fu lying in the arms of a maid.

Even if a decision has to be made, you can't ignore the other person's health!

"Quickly, summon the imperial physician!"

A cold glint flashed in Murong Xiao's eyes.

First, the Seventh Princess died suddenly, and then the Princess Consort of Xuan fainted. How could there be so many coincidences?

This woman is destined to be his; he will never let her go!

When the imperial physician arrived, he immediately took Shen Fu's pulse.

Within moments, his expression suddenly changed drastically, and he shook his head repeatedly.

"This...this is impossible!"

He must have seen wrong!

He quickly reached out to probe again, but the result was no different.

Jun Jingyan had previously heard Jun Anning mention that Shen Fu had experienced dizziness and discomfort. With the concubine selection banquet in full swing these past two days, he couldn't help but worry about her health.

He quickly asked, "What happened to Princess Xuan?"

"The Princess Consort's pulse... indicates pregnancy!"

These words struck like a thunderbolt, leaving everyone's faces filled with astonishment and disbelief.

What?! Shen Fu is pregnant?!