You still have me.

Yu Lirong was flustered, clutching An Zichen’s sleeve like a timid bird seeking shelter. “Husband, I haven’t! I don’t know what this person means. Besides, how could a man understand women’s affairs? Husband, you must stand up for me!”

An Zichen knew that Sang Hongyun never lied. If he had to choose between Sang Hongyun and Yu Lirong, he would undoubtedly pick Sang Hongyun as the truthful one. But now, in the An residence, Yu Lirong stood by his side, while Sang Hongyun, dressed in men’s attire, was known to all for her reputation but few had seen her true face. Even Yu Lirong did not know that the person before her was the eldest daughter of the Sang family, whom An Zichen had pledged to marry.

He understood Yu Lirong’s nature better than anyone. If Sang Hongyun spoke to prevent her from causing harm, then Yu Lirong must have done something disgraceful. With so many eyes watching in the residence, Yu Lirong was now the young mistress of the An family, his legitimate wife. No matter what, he should protect her.

Sang Hongyun’s tone grew increasingly sardonic. Truly, they were a match made in heaven, yet none of it concerned her anymore. Such a man was never destined to be hers. To say she felt nothing would be a lie. When her grandfather arranged the marriage with An Shangshu, she had no objections. Arriving here, she followed the customs, prepared to marry a man with wives and concubines. If it was good, she would bear it; if not, she would live her own life, separate and peaceful, letting the years pass.

But who could have guessed, upon reaching the frontier, An Zichen sent her letters every ten days or so, which reached her hands. From initial indifference to mutual appreciation, she realized it was all a sham. What he valued was not her, but the military power her grandfather held.

Her grandfather, Yingzhuan, had blocked the path of certain schemers and was eliminated.

Turning away, Sang Hongyun refused to waste another word on the pair, slowly moving closer to Zhao Yi, standing upright, her gaze fixed on An Shangshu’s study.

Yu Lirong cautiously studied the expressions of An Zichen and Sang Hongyun, still stunned by the earlier surprise. Her keen observation revealed Sang Hongyun was a woman dressed as a man; suddenly, she realized this was the eldest daughter of the Sang family, the one said to hold the rank of colonel in the Northwestern army.

Even in men’s clothes, she drew all eyes—what would she be like in women’s attire?

Yu Lirong suddenly tightened her grip on An Zichen’s sleeve, trying to pull him close to assert her claim. Yet Sang Hongyun’s gaze remained fixed on her father-in-law’s study, as if both An Zichen and Yu Lirong were mere air.

Amidst her indignation, a hint of pride crept in—see, your man has become mine after all. Am I not formidable?

Unable to bear the scene, Zhao Yi whispered to Sang Hongyun, “If you don’t want to see them, return to the carriage first.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Sang Hongyun replied.

Zhao Yi could not help but admire Sang Hongyun. Even after such a blow, she remained strong. No wonder the prince, since returning from the frontier, had never forgotten her. If only he’d known that the old Marquis Sang wanted to marry her off—back then, surely the prince would have proposed first, before An Zichen had a chance. Fortunately, An Zichen was oblivious, marrying the daughter of the Prime Minister’s house, still hoping for the fortune of a man with many wives. That could never be allowed!

Now, the prince would not let go. An Zichen, you’d best look after yourself.

With these thoughts, Zhao Yi regarded An Zichen with growing contempt.

Yu Lirong whispered, “Husband, I made chicken soup with ginseng. Shall we go back and have a bowl?”

An Zichen, remembering her affair, showed visible disgust in his eyes. “Let go! Go back to your room at once. This is no place for you.”

Yu Lirong sobbed quietly, “Husband, please don’t be like this. That matter was a setup. You must believe me!” She turned to Sang Hongyun, standing not far away. “Husband, it must have been Sang Hongyun who framed me and my father. How could it be such a coincidence? Not long after rumors about her spread in the capital, I suffered that incident. It must be her!”

“So, were those rumors started by you?” An Zichen demanded.

Yu Lirong cursed herself for saying too much, blurting out about the rumors, and quickly shook her head. “Husband, how could I? I’ve always stayed inside!”

An Zichen turned away. If Yu Lirong had orchestrated it, or if she’d colluded with her father, then the events that happened that day made sense.

Sang Hongyun truly had acted!

The tension among them lingered until Li Wang Zhao Liran and An Huaiyuan, An Shangshu, emerged from the study.

Inside the carriage, the prince looked at Sang Hongyun. “Does it hurt?”

Sang Hongyun shook her head. “It’s not worth it.”

Suddenly, the prince reached out, taking her small hand in his own. “It doesn’t matter. You still have me.”

Sang Hongyun’s ears burned hot. She tried to pull her hand away, but Zhao Liran held fast, refusing to let go. “The An family and the Yu family have allied, seeking to place their people in the court. Today, I purposely mentioned Mr. Yu Qiujun in front of you. Before, I didn’t speak of him because I wanted the effect you just saw. Yu Qiujun was once the chief minister of the cabinet under the late emperor. After the emperor died, Yu Qiujun left the court. There must be a reason behind this. Fortunately, you and your father caught his attention, and you were able to keep him in Liangzhou for three years. When An Shangshu heard his name, he was visibly shocked. Don’t you want to know why?”

She hadn’t expected Yu Qiujun to hold such a position. She felt somewhat defeated. Yu Qiujun was, in a way, her friend despite the age gap, and he had kept this hidden for so long—it was truly inconsiderate.

Zhao Liran glanced at Sang Hongyun, fell silent, and let his fingernail lightly brush her palm, sending a tingling sensation through her body. Startled, Sang Hongyun straightened up.

“Your Highness, I feel dizzy. I wish to get out and walk beside the carriage.”