His words made Liang Jue furious, but he couldn’t help but laugh inwardly. He realized that it was the same in the previous life—just because of a single statement from Master Hui Yuan, Xue Ning could shamelessly snatch his destined spouse. It was utterly ridiculous.

“Third Prince, your ability to distort the truth is truly shameful. I married my wife first, in accordance with customs and with a harmonious marriage. Before our wedding, there was no mention of the Third Prince in the capital.”

“Just because you haven’t heard of it doesn’t mean Shen Meng and I haven’t met.” Because of their previous connection and Master’s prediction of their destined marriage, he had long regarded Shen Meng as his future wife.

To have everything snatched away by a man of lower status, even one with remarkable looks, was unacceptable.

If it were someone else, he might have tolerated it, but Xue Ning had been favored by the Empress since childhood. He never failed to obtain what he desired. Anything else he could have let go, but his future wife? That wasn’t something he could easily give up.

“Even if there was a previous connection, there was no betrothal. Otherwise, my wife would rescue any stray animal. Everyone would come clamoring to repay the favor, and the Shen Mansion would be overrun with people.” Liang Jue sneered, “They say the Third Prince is wise, but I think the rumors are misleading. You can’t even distinguish basic logic and causality.”

Xue Ning was indeed a distinguished guest of Meng Zhai, and in this life, Liang Jue hadn’t really taken his wife from him.

Liang Jue didn’t want to offend him too much, so he softened his attitude, “Marriage cannot be forced. With the Third Prince’s charm and status, he is worthy of even the most elegant and refined match. Why hang yourself on the tree of my wife’s already claimed affection?”

However, Xue Ning didn’t buy it. He looked at Liang Jue’s face, feeling that there was a hint of sarcasm in his words. But just as he was about to retort, Shen Meng, who was outside refilling the tea, entered the room with a tea pot in hand.

She still had a smile on her face as she poured tea for the guests and Liang Jue, saying, “I thought you might be thirsty after all that talking.”

“No need for more tea. It’s late, and we’ve said what needed to be said. I think I should go back.” If Liang Jue didn’t have memories from the previous life, maybe they could maintain some semblance of peace.

But Shen Meng couldn’t completely grasp his thoughts now. She had been gone for quite some time, intending to give the two some space, but she couldn’t stay away too long, lest things become too strained between them, which wouldn’t be good for Liang Jue or their little family.

Seeing her enter, Xue Ning’s demeanor softened considerably. He had many things he wanted to say today, but Shen Meng’s words and actions were all in defense of Liang Jue. Their harmonious and tacit understanding didn’t allow for his interference.

As a prince, Xue Ning had his pride. He might want a woman who wasn’t entirely devoted to him, but he wouldn’t want one whose heart was set on another man.

The words exchanged earlier between Liang Jue and Xue Ning were just expressions of resentment needing an outlet.

Shen Meng looked at Liang Jue with some surprise, clearly asking her husband, “What did you and Xue Ning talk about?”

Liang Jue seemed even more surprised than her. After all, Xue Ning had come in aggressively, but just as things were heating up, he suddenly seemed to back down, leaving Liang Jue with a sense of inexplicable frustration.

But if Xue Ning was truly giving up, it was a good thing. Now was the time for graciousness. Liang Jue stood up and said, “Let my wife accompany Third Prince as he leaves.”

Outside the warm chamber, the wind howled, and snowflakes occasionally fell from the gray sky. Despite the harsh weather, Liang Jue had no intention of keeping the guest.

As they reached the door, Xue Ning suddenly stopped and asked Shen Meng, “Does Lady Shen like this kind of life now?”

Liang Jue tensed up, his fingers clenching into fists within the wide sleeves, his eyes fixed on Shen Meng, afraid she might say something unfavorable.

Shen Meng paused, then smiled, “Since it’s Shen’s own choice, naturally, she likes it.”

“Then Xue Ning wishes Lady Shen no regrets in the future. Farewell for tonight.”

Before leaving, Xue Ning turned back and silently said something to Liang Jue.

Being fluent in lip-reading, Liang Jue easily understood the meaning: “I didn’t lose to you; I lost to Shen Meng.”

Feeling his husband’s unstable emotions, Shen Meng subtly moved the umbrella towards him. “Ping An is still waiting for both of us. It’s cold outside. Let’s go in first.”

Liang Jue tightened his grip on her warm, dry hand. Hearing the tinkling laughter of their child coming from inside the house, he smiled. Yes, no matter what Xue Ning did, he was still a lonely loser.

But now, and in the future, Shen Meng would be by his side, watching over him and their child. And he would accompany Shen Meng, whether in the peak of power or in retirement. That was enough.