Steal my marriage? Turn around and marry the tyrant to take the throne

Chapter 1251: The Emperor and His Concubine Are Alone Together (143 million reward points plus addit

At this point, Zhan Weiran paused, his tone becoming deeper. "It's just... the elders of the Lin family all think that my sister-in-law, as a divorced woman, is a disgrace to the family and has tarnished the reputation of the Lin family."

"If I hadn't considered that she had been pardoned by the Imperial Noble Consort herself, I'm afraid... I'm afraid I would have forced her to end her life with a white silk thread."

"Although the Lin family elders didn't force my wife's sister to death, they forced her to cut her hair every day and go to the Shuiyue Temple outside the city to live out the rest of her life under the green lamps and ancient Buddhas..."

Handan was outspoken and could not help but complain: "How unreasonable!"

"If it weren't for Miss Lin Wan's intelligence and decisiveness, the Lin family would have been thrown into the execution ground along with the Liu family! Not only are the Lin family ungrateful, but they're also forcing people to become monks?"

"How...how ungrateful!"

Fuqiu stood aside, her expression calm, but her tone carried the coldness of someone who had seen through the world: "Handan, have you forgotten? When Madam Zhan fell into the water and was rescued, didn't the Lin family force her to commit suicide for the sake of their so-called reputation?"

"This is not the first time they have acted like this."

When talking about the old incident where his wife was nearly forced to death by her family, Zhan Weiran's eyes suddenly turned as cold as ice. The veins on the back of his hand holding the sword were slightly bulging, and it was obvious that he was still brooding over the incident.

He took a deep breath, suppressing his surging emotions. He said, "My wife couldn't bear to see her sister suffer this torture, so she begged me earnestly. I have already taken her out of the Lin family, and she is now temporarily living in my residence."

"But... this is not a long-term solution after all."

For a woman who has divorced and returned home to live with her brother-in-law for a long time, it is also detrimental to her reputation and etiquette.

Shen Zhinian listened quietly, his fingertips tapping the table unconsciously.

Lin Wan left a deep impression on her.

The other party was able to lurk in a dangerous place like the Duke Dingguo's Mansion and decisively pass on information at the critical moment. Her intelligence and courage were beyond the reach of many men.

It's such a pity to be forced by the family to live out his life like this.

Now that Shen Zhinian has just ascended to the position of Imperial Noble Consort, it is the time to recruit people. She especially needs subordinates who are smart and courageous and who have cut off all ties with the old forces.

Thinking of this, Shen Zhinian raised his eyes to look at Zhan Weiran, his voice calm, but with an unquestionable power: "Commander Zhan, I think Lin Wan is a rare person of wisdom and reason."

"If she has nowhere to go for the time being and doesn't want to be confined to a nunnery for the rest of her life... I can make some arrangements for her."

"Of course, it all depends on whether she is willing to share my worries."

When Zhan Weiran heard this, a light of surprise instantly flashed in his eyes.

This is truly a ray of hope!

He immediately knelt on one knee and saluted, "On behalf of my wife and sister-in-law, I kowtow to thank Her Majesty the Imperial Concubine!"

"Your Majesty is willing to offer my sister-in-law a way out. I... I am deeply grateful and will convey your words to you word for word!"

Everyone knew that the Imperial Noble Consort was now in the emperor's good graces and possessed immense power. To Lin Wan, gaining her favor and working for her was a life-saving opportunity.

It’s a million times better than going to a cold nunnery!

"Get up."

Shen Zhinian said calmly, "Just go and take care of your official duties."

"I will retire at the end!"

Zhan Weiran saluted again, stepped back a few steps, and then turned and strode away. His steps were obviously much lighter than when he came, as if he had taken off a heavy burden.

Silence returned to the hall.

Shen Zhinian picked up the teacup beside him, his eyes looking deep.

If nothing unexpected happens, she will soon have a new subordinate.

As for the Lin family... Shen Zhinian sneered in his heart.

Such a pedantic and mean family will never achieve anything.

Her gaze fell on Fuqiu and she said, "Go and fetch Imperial Physician Tang to inspect the gifts from the various palaces. Then have someone bring the register from the storeroom. I want to personally review it."

Fuqiu said respectfully, "Yes!"

On this day, the financial expenses and security arrangements for the promotion to Imperial Noble Consort all changed. Shen Zhinian handled them calmly and methodically.

Just as I finished dealing with these trivial matters, the sky outside the window had quietly turned dark blue.

The palace lanterns were lit one after another, illuminating the Zhongcui Palace with warmth and tranquility.

At this moment, Li Changde's clear voice came from outside the palace: "Your Majesty has arrived--!!!"

Upon hearing this, Shen Zhinian put down the warehouse book in his hand, stood up and straightened his clothes.

As soon as she reached the door, she saw Nangong Xuanyu walking towards her with steady steps.

He had shed his heavy crown and court robes, wearing only a dark, dark dragon-patterned casual attire. He looked less suffocating and more casual. Yet, his brows still held the depth and authority of an emperor.

Shen Zhinian bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you!"

Nangong Xuanyu quickly stepped forward, reached out and held her arm firmly, stopping her from bowing.

"No need to be polite."

The emperor's deep voice echoed in the hall.

His gaze fell on her face, and her figure was clearly reflected in his deep eyes.

This was the first time the two of them were alone together after Shen Zhinian was promoted to Imperial Noble Consort.

There were no court officials or relatives watching over them, no concubines surrounding them. There was only the lingering scent of soothing incense and the clear sound of each other's breathing.

A subtle and intimate atmosphere quietly spread, diluting all the noise and calculations of the day, leaving only tender warmth.

Shen Zhinian stood up and smiled faintly at Nangong Xuanyu, "Your Majesty, since you are here at this time, can you have dinner?"

"Not yet."

Nangong Xuanyu naturally took Shen Zhinian's hand and walked inside: "I thought your place must be quiet, so I came here to ask for food and visit Ah Xu."

The emperor's tone was unusually relaxed, with even a subtle hint of ridicule.

Shen Zhinian immediately ordered Yuanbao to prepare a light and appropriate dinner. She also asked the wet nurse to bring the Fourth Prince, who had woken up and was playing with his big black eyes open.

Nangong Xuanyu reached out and took it.

The Fourth Prince's small, soft body looked particularly delicate and innocent in his broad arms.

The Fourth Prince seemed to recognize the Emperor's aura. Instead of crying, he stretched out his chubby little hands and curiously grasped the dragon-patterned buttons on his lapel, "Father...Emperor...Father..."

Looking at the healthy and lively Fourth Prince in his arms, and then at Shen Zhinian, whose face was gentle under the lamp beside him.

The emperor's hardened heart seemed to be filled with something. The fatigue accumulated during the day due to state affairs and celebrations quietly dissipated a lot at this moment.

He clumsily but carefully adjusted his posture while holding the child, with a faint curve at the corner of his lips.

Dinner was quickly prepared.

The dishes are exquisite but not overly extravagant, and are all Nangong Xuanyu's preferred tastes.

The two of them sat opposite each other and ate, occasionally whispering a few words, all of which were about the Fourth Prince's interesting stories or some gossip.

The flickering candlelight cast the figures of Nangong Xuanyu and Shen Zhinian on the wall, interweaving together, appearing particularly warm and peaceful.

After dinner, the palace servants quietly removed the dishes and served tea.