The delegation from Ganli Kingdom was delayed for a while before finally having the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Empress’s presence. During this period, as Shen Meng had expected, several imperial princesses went all out to win the favor of the handsome prince.

Displaying rare and exotic treasures showcased their abundant wealth, while demonstrating privileges in the military and government offices served as indirect confirmation of their prestigious status. Different from ordinary young people pursuing their beloved, the princesses’ methods of obtaining the prince’s approval were largely similar.

The core was to exert all efforts to showcase their uniqueness, their dominance, and their unparalleled nobility. This kind of display easily aroused favor due to the admiration for authority and could conquer the hearts of most men in the world.

After all, power is intoxicating. Although it is said that “the higher the climb, the colder the fall,” its beauty is indeed particularly enticing.

However, unfortunately, when formally entering the court to meet the current Empress, none of these princesses succeeded in winning the heart of the prince from Ganli Kingdom.

Not for any particular reason, as one of the most favored princes, he already enjoyed too many privileges. What the princesses offered him was what he already possessed, and these things were not enough to move his heart.

The accompanying envoy privately asked his highness, “Your Highness, which of the princesses from the Heavenly Dynasty do you favor?”

“The older ones are too old, I’m afraid they’ll die too soon. The younger ones are too immature, I don’t like being married to someone younger than me.”

According to his words, the envoy continued, “So, does that mean you are interested in the one in the middle?”

“The one in the middle is too ugly. I can’t stand looking at that face all day; I’d vomit. I’m afraid I’ll starve to death before giving birth to a daughter.”

The envoy sighed, “So, you’re not interested in any of them. Can you tell me which one you’re interested in?”

Recalling the chaos from a while ago, she hurriedly spoke before her prince, “Please don’t tell me you’re really interested in that Shen Meng.”

As the daughter of a Ministry of Rites official, she was only a sixth-rank official herself, and she already had a son, married to the son of a Deputy Minister.

“You’re overthinking it. The princesses wouldn’t even consider being a secondary wife, let alone someone from the Shen family.”

Despite bearing the mission of a political marriage, his goal had always been the main wife, not a concubine. Anyway, although the imperial family’s female descendants were scarce, after so many generations, they could always find a suitable one among the relatives of the imperial family.

The envoy nodded approvingly, with a hint of flattery in his tone: “It’s best that you think this way. As for other matters, just give your orders, and we will ensure everything is done properly.”

Innocent Shen Meng was bombarded with several bursts of sprays. Under Liang Jue’s strong insistence, she reluctantly put on the extremely thick garment.

Liang Jue muttered while helping Shen Meng straighten her clothes and accessories, constantly reminding her, “There’s a banquet in the palace tomorrow, and all civil and military officials will attend. It’s cold at night, so you should wear more.”

Shen Meng looked at her reflection in the floor-length mirror. She used to love wearing wide-sleeved robes, loose-fitting gowns, a matching belt, and simple tied-up hair, looking fresh and energetic.

The key was that it made her look particularly elegant and charming. In one word, beautiful. But now, what was that lump in the mirror?

Liang Jue seemed not to care if she would be crushed by the clothes, pulling out the thickest garments he could find in the wardrobe, stuffing one after another into the oversized robe, wrapping her up like a rice dumpling. Her originally slender and graceful figure was turned into a ball by his fussing.

It was simply too ugly! Shen Meng raised her eyebrows at her reflection in the mirror, feeling extremely disgusted with this look.

She protested strongly, “Hurry up and help me take off these clothes.”

Reluctant and unwilling, Liang Jue hesitated and refused to lend a hand: “It’s so cold outside, wearing a few more clothes won’t hurt.”

Shen Meng glared at him, “Hurry up, I can barely breathe.”

Liang Jue reluctantly stepped forward and removed one piece of clothing: “There, can you breathe properly now?”

Shen Meng said, “Not enough, take off another one.”

Liang Jue hesitated and procrastinated, but finally, he reluctantly helped her take off another piece.

Shen Meng moved her arms and felt more flexible. She immediately took off all the extra clothes on her body, tidied herself up, and then prepared to leave with satisfaction.

Liang Jue looked at the mess of clothes on the bed, then glanced at his wife, who had regained her elegant and handsome appearance. The resentment in his heart was about to overflow.

Shen Meng thought for a moment, had one foot stepped out of the threshold, then turned back again: “Don’t worry, the Empress should announce the marriage during this banquet. You don’t need to worry too much; there won’t be any trouble.”

Shen Meng’s face was tense, her lips pressed into a straight line. Even after Liang Jue’s reassurance, he still couldn’t shake off his worries and said bitterly, “Are you sure nothing will go wrong?”

“You can rest assured, it won’t happen. The banquet won’t last long, just wait for me to come back, everything will be fine by night.”

She wasn’t fat at all. Even if Liang Jue deliberately tried to make her look ugly by wrapping her in clothes, it wouldn’t work. Her face was still thin.

Her appearance wasn’t the type that would easily captivate someone at first sight. Shen Meng was very aware of her own charm, unlike Liang Jue, who always saw her through rose-colored glasses and thought everything about her was great.

“Then you must come back early, absolutely, definitely!” Liang Jue’s mood remained low. Because of boosting the prince’s presence, besides him, the only men attending the banquet were the Empress and his sons. He wanted to accompany her, but he didn’t have the opportunity.

Shen Meng comforted him a few more times before boarding the carriage to the banquet. Liang Jue stood at the door, watching him disappear from his sight. Although he had instructed his mother and elder sister to look after Shen Meng, for some reason, he still felt a little uneasy, as if something was about to happen.

The envoys followed the procedure to meet the Empress, exchanged some flattering words, presented gifts, and conveyed their intentions.

Amidst a joyful atmosphere, this banquet with hidden intentions proceeded as planned.