When a ruler wants a subject dead, the subject has no choice but to die. In an era that emphasizes the principles of loyalty between ruler and subject, Shen Meng couldn’t refuse any request from this Empress, whether it was reasonable or unreasonable. Refusal would be tantamount to defying the imperial decree.

Liang Rong’s gaze lingered on Shen Meng’s face, unsure whether to hope for a yes or a no. If she angered the Empress, Shen Meng’s life would be in danger, and her brother would become a widower, possibly facing gossip. Even if he didn’t cause his wife’s death, no one would want to marry him again. Liang Jue’s fate wouldn’t be any better.

But if Shen Meng agreed to this marriage, the Empress couldn’t possibly let his beloved son become a concubine. However, there couldn’t be two legitimate wives in this world. Either Shen Meng would have to divorce Liang Jue, or Liang Jue’s status would have to be lowered.

Given Liang Jue’s temperament, this humiliation wouldn’t be much different from killing him.

All eyes were on her, and Shen Meng looked calmly, with a slight sheen of sweat on her forehead. Her hand clenched into a fist beneath her sleeve, and the neatly trimmed nails on Liang Jue’s fingers dug into her palm.

After what felt like an eternity but was actually very short, Shen Meng answered the Empress, “I dare not.”

Having experienced her past life, she wasn’t afraid of death, but rather cherished her life more. After all, the feeling of death was too unpleasant. Given the chance to start over, she wanted to live well.

Liang Rong sighed softly, unsure whether to feel relieved or disappointed. Most weren’t surprised by Shen Meng’s response, as they wouldn’t refuse the Empress’s request if they were in her shoes. But just as they thought so, Shen Meng’s words sent chills down their spines. “I dare not defy the decree, but if Your Majesty wishes to grant a marriage, I only want to say that I am unwilling.”

“Impudent!” The Empress finally showed some anger. There were plenty of talented individuals in this world, and most of them were in her court. Shen Meng wasn’t exceptional in any way, and the Empress didn’t want to marry her beloved son to her. However, Xue Ning genuinely liked her.

But unexpectedly, she had stepped out of line and dared to defy her. The Empress’s lips curved into a mocking smile, about to lash out and deal with this audacious courtier, when she felt her imperial robe being tugged.

She raised her eyes to her own robe, and grabbing it was a very slender and beautiful hand, the owner of which was none other than her most beloved son, Xue Ning.

In a small voice, he said, “Mother, I beg you, don’t punish her. If she doesn’t want this marriage, then don’t bestow it upon her.”

Actually, for Shen Meng, this was completely different from her previous life. In her past life, Liang Jue never visited the Third Prince’s mansion, and there weren’t any strange rumors. She and Xue Ning also didn’t have much interaction.

Their first meeting later was because she wanted to help the princess she was supporting win the Empress’s favor. To make the princess impress the Empress, she even severed her marital ties with Liang Jue and married the Third Prince.

In her previous life, she knew he was the little beggar she had saved. In this life, she pretended not to know, and the previous meeting was to avoid too much interaction. But it ended up worse than she imagined.

The Empress closed her eyes, suppressing her anger, and asked her precious son with a gentle smile, “What exactly do you like about her? If you like her so much, then you should let her suffer a bit.”

She just didn’t understand. Shen Meng’s face was ordinary, her talent wasn’t exceptional, and she didn’t come from a top-notch family. What attracted her son, who was so dear to her heart?

In her eyes, a woman who had already married and wasn’t young anymore, with only a sixth-rank official position, had no outstanding qualities and naturally wasn’t worthy of Xue Ning.

Xue Ning asked her in return, “Father isn’t the most handsome man in the world, nor does he have powerful relatives. So why is mother so obsessed with him?”

He hadn’t forgotten how the Empress treated his father. Although the imperial harem was filled with beauties, she was definitely special to his father.

Of course, this was also related to his father’s early death. Deceased people were always idealized in others’ memories, especially his father, who was gentle, beautiful, and considerate. Thankfully, his tender father died when his mother loved him the most, and even he, who couldn’t inherit the throne, enjoyed boundless favor.

The Empress could only comply with his wishes. “Since it’s like this, I’ll listen to you and let her off the hook.”