The Ye Family was anxious, feeling helpless, as if they foresaw Ah Zhi’s future lonely life in the Cold Palace, dying miserably. For a moment, it was as if a bone was stuck in their throat, causing discomfort, but Xiao Chen’s arrival was undoubtedly a ray of hope. With a hushed voice, Ye Family said:

"Xiao Chen, you’re here. Just now, the Empress sent someone with an invitation, inviting me into the palace in two days. Nanny Gui suggests that the Crown Prince intends to take Ah Zhi as a concubine. Entering the palace is like stepping into the deep sea; henceforth, my Xiao Lang would be a stranger. I don’t want her to enter the palace; I wish she could find a good person, safe and sound, which is far better than fighting for favor among three thousand beauties in those red walls and yellow tiles."

Shen Chen was an exceptionally perceptive person, who could understand the Ye Family’s feelings with just a few words.

Ah Zhi was only thirteen years old, had no matchmaker visiting with a proposal, nor any betrothal. Refusing the Empress without reason might implicate the Lord Minister, as the Empress’s father, Zhang Mingji, held the office of Right Minister, wielding significant influence and was not to be trifled with in court politics.

Furthermore, even if the Ye Family was unwilling, the Empress might directly seek a marriage decree from the Emperor, which could lead to a family execution for defiance.

Then, whether marrying or not, she must marry.

If she marries, once the Crown Prince becomes Emperor, there would be countless beauties, and beauty ages. There are always new replacements for the old, and imperial favor is tough to maintain perpetually.

Behind the Nine Dragon Wall, the carved columns and jade steps, the red walls and green trees, how many women’s lives are locked away?

The room was silent, so quiet that even the sound of breathing was inaudible, shrouded in low pressure.

After a while.

Shen Chen seemed to have made an important decision, solemnly speaking: "I have been orphaned since childhood, benefitting from the Ye Family’s kindness, who provided me with food, clothing, shelter, and support, with no worries about silver tael. To me, the Ye Mansion is undoubtedly a second set of parents."

"If Madam does not mind, I am willing to become Ah Zhi’s child husband."

Upon these words, the Ye Family and Yun Xiu were astonished.

This...

It was undoubtedly a great solution. Xiao Chen grew up in the Ye Mansion; anyone could inquire about him from the household staff. If the Empress investigates even slightly, she can discern truth from falsehood.

However, the Ye Family knew their younger daughter’s nature, who often wielded knives and swords, skilled at causing trouble, thus concernedly reminding:

"Xiao Chen, a few days ago Brother Xun suggested you and Ah Zhi as a couple, and I did consider it. In my eyes, naturally Ah Zhi is good. You grew up relying on the Ye Mansion, and judging by your appearance, you will surely have great accomplishments. You also know Ah Fu’s situation. I’m not afraid to joke; to avoid such matters, I plan for Ah Zhi to have a husband who will not take concubines in the future."

Male dominance and multiple wives for men are commonplace.

Of course, there are exceptions.

The Minister couple and National Guardian General couple are such exceptions.

Ye Family stared at Shen Chen, wanting to capture any unexpected expressions.

Shen Chen listened and gently nodded, his calm demeanor not breaking the waves, raising three fingers in an oath: "If I am fortunate enough to marry Ah Zhi, it will be a lifetime of being one person with her, without taking concubines or establishing a mistress, and all money earned in my life will be managed by Ah Zhi."

"The last sentence is unacceptable," the Ye Family, looking anxious, urgently stopped him: "You don’t know her personality yet? She spends money lavishly, usually playing here and there. Early today, she said she wanted to stroll with Huanhuan and Qinglian, but by noon, we haven’t seen her shadow and guess she won’t return for lunch."

While she said so, her heart eased slightly.

At this moment, Shen Chen, simply with the status of the State Preceptor’s closed-door disciple, already garnered silent attention from many of the capital’s noble young ladies.