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Fu Rushang stood, dumbfounded, immobilized for a moment. By the time she rushed over, the carriage was already departing.

"Zhou Rendong!" Fu Rushang ground her teeth in rage, "One day, I'll make you pay!"

The carriage swayed subtly. Fu Yicen stifled his laughter so much that it was almost painful, causing his shoulders to quiver slightly in amusement.

Zhou Rendong was embarrassingly slow to realize, his face turning a deep shade of red. He wished he could vanish into thin air.

How could he ever think of vying for a man's attention like that?

Utterly mortifying!

Noticing Zhou Rendong's deepening embarrassment, Fu Yicen quickly touched his nose to hide his grin, drawing him into an embrace.

"Dong'er, you're something else!"

Zhou Rendong grasped his hand, toying with it as one might with a cherished trinket, his head bowed in silence.

"It should always be like this," Fu Yicen encouraged. "I'm yours, and no one else is allowed to touch."

Hearing those words, Zhou Rendong grew even more bashful, burying his face deep into Fu Yicen's embrace.

"What's the matter?" Fu Yicen teased, unable to suppress his laughter. "Where did that boldness go?"

"No... no more talking about it!"

His words were spoken with feigned anger, yet the soft, elongated tone revealed his endearing vulnerability, truly melting Fu Yicen's heart.

"Alright, I'll drop it."

Fu Yicen gently stroked his back, and after a long while, the man in his arms finally looked up with eyes shimmering like dew-kissed leaves.

"General."

"Hmm?"

"I won't do it again." Zhou Rendong's gaze traced every feature of Fu Yicen's face, each glance deepening his reluctance to look away. Finally, he averted his eyes, murmuring, "I won't annoy you or anger you anymore."

Fu Yicen's heart gave a jolt, a sense of inexplicable panic darting through him.

"I'll never tire of you," Fu Yicen replied earnestly. "I was thoughtless before, but it won't happen again. Trust me, okay?"

A foreboding sensation gripped him, though he couldn't place it, and his final words bordered on desperation.

Zhou Rendong, who had never heard such humility in his voice, was momentarily taken aback. But before he could ask, the coachman's voice rang out, "We've arrived at the main gates of the palace. General, please disembark."

"Stay close and behave," Fu Yicen whispered, tousling Zhou Rendong's hair before helping him out of the carriage.

Fu Rushuang, who was hot on their heels, approached with a stormy expression, seemingly ready to confront Zhou Rendong.

Fu Yicen gave her a sharp look, saying, "Mind your manners at the palace entrance. Don't create a scene and embarrass us in front of the other officials."

Sure enough, the words struck a chord with Fu Rushuang, who always dreamt of being queen. She immediately composed herself, donning her veil with dignified grace.

Fu Yicen silently sneered in amusement.

Back then, it was this very visage of an elegant maiden that had ensnared his heart.

Zhou Rendong was still pondering the authenticity of the last sentence spoken in the carriage when Fu Rushuang appeared. His gaze fixed solely on her, and he felt his heart sink.

He sighed, chuckling at his own naivety.

"Brother Cen," Fu Rushuang shifted her gaze to Zhou Rendong with a smile, "The esteemed guests should proceed this way. Shall he... come with me?"

Zhou Rendong faltered, shaking his head vigorously. He clutched onto Fu Yicen's robes, biting his lip, his eyes filled with fear.

He didn't want to go!

Strangers were terrifying, especially a group of women he had never interacted with.

Fu Yicen regained his composure and took Zhou's hand. "There's no need."

With that, he led Zhou Rendong at a leisurely pace towards the palace gate.

Unable to find an opportunity to use her poison, Fu Rushuang's face darkened. Clutching a tiny vial, a hint of a plan seemed to form, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

The imperial gardens were brightly lit, adorned with festive decorations. The melodies of stringed instruments filled the air as a group of graceful young women danced, drawing appreciative smiles from the officials present.

Fu Yicen's seat was right below the emperor's. He settled Zhou Rendong comfortably, pouring him warm tea himself, lest the servants mistakenly serve him wine.

Like a shy child, Zhou Rendong edged closer to Fu Yicen until their arms touched. Only then did he feel at ease.

Realizing that Fu Yicen hadn’t caught on to his subtle actions, he allowed himself a secretive smile.

At that moment, Zhou Heng, accompanied by Zhou Shi, entered the scene. Zhou Muran followed closely behind Lady Zhou, taking their designated seats among the family members.

Her eyes darted around and upon spotting Fu Yicen, they lit up, a smile gracing her lips.

To think Zhou Rendong shared a seat with him!

Even her own mother wasn't given such meticulous attention by her father!

Truly, Fu Yicen was a commendable suitor.

Zhou Rendong noticed her gaze. When he saw her smiling in their direction, assuming it was a friendly gesture towards him, warmth spread within him, and he responded with a smile.

Back in the Zhou household, Zhou Shi took out his frustrations on Zhou Rendong through physical abuse, while Zhou Muran seldom interacted with him.

She always held herself aloof, deeming him beneath her notice.

As long as she wasn't cruel to him, Zhou Rendong believed she was a good person.

He had initially intended to approach her about the relief funds, and seeing her amicability now, his guard lowered slightly.

However, to Zhou Muran, his smile was perceived as provocation.

Lowering her gaze, she obediently took a seat next to her mother. Yet, her thoughts raced, plotting how to privately meet Zhou Rendong and reclaim her position as the general's wife.

Fu Rushuang arrived fashionably late. As soon as she settled, she noticed the palace maid she had bribed approaching Fu Yicen's table.

Her lips curled slightly, and her previously sullen face brightened a tad.

With their minds preoccupied, the attendees found their seats.

As a palace servant announced his arrival, Emperor Xia Zhijin, donned in a resplendent golden dragon robe, walked in with an imposing demeanor.

His gaze rested on Zhou Rendong, intense and probing.

Fu Yicen's brow imperceptibly furrowed, and he set his wine cup down with a resonant thud.

Tension filled the room instantly. Officials exchanged uneasy glances, silent as winter cicadas.

Xia Zhijin arched an eyebrow, offering a wry smile. He inquired deliberately, "Why is the wife of the general, a scion of the Prime Minister, a man?"

Holding Zhou Rendong's hand, Fu Yicen rose gracefully and replied, "When I sought permission from the previous emperor to marry, it was indeed the Prime Minister's second son, Zhou Rendong. Due to his gender, the decree ambiguously referred to the Prime Minister's daughter."