A feeling called inferiority engulfed Ye Zhi.

Looking up, the little traitor in front of her, with black official shoes and a crimson gown embroidered with moon patterns, appeared elegant and dignified like a noble orchid and jade tree.

He was strikingly handsome, needing no words as he stood there, rarely failing to capture the hearts of young ladies.

Shen Chen, who had just returned from court, exuded an air of authority, as if it were innate.

At this moment, his expression was cold, yet he patiently explained to the delicate girl: "The affairs of the court are hectic, you shouldn’t overthink it."

Ye Zhi was not listening: "Ever since you were ranked first in the imperial exams, you’ve been very busy. Why haven’t you announced that you are my fiancé?"

Only the Ye Mansion and a few acquaintances knew about their engagement.

Rumor had it in the capital that the noble and talented champion scholar was still single, without even a concubine.

Many noble girls in the capital were eager to try their luck, dreaming of plucking the unattainable flower that was the champion scholar~

Shen Chen pondered: "Should I then send Qin Yin to proclaim our relationship in every street and alley today?"

"Yes, it would be best if the whole world knew, putting an end to those little girls’ fantasies." Ye Zhi gritted her teeth as she said this.

The girl and boy locked eyes.

Silent together.

Ming Yan, inheriting Ah Tao’s wisdom, tugged her mistress’s sleeve, leaned in, and whispered, "Miss, I could spread the word too. You’ve scarcely seen the young master, try to rein in a bit. Don’t scare him. You know those young girls outside can act all innocent. It wouldn’t be good if he were bewitched."

The maid’s words dawned upon her.

Ye Zhi forced a smile, rubbed her nose, her long eyelashes quivering slightly, casting a shadow beneath her eyes.

She tried to appear unconcerned: "Xiao Chen, I was just joking with you. Right now, you are heavily favored by the Emperor, very popular, frequently visiting the Imperial Study Room. I feel uneasy, so I acted this way."

Love can transform a person.

Ye Zhi never thought she would see such a day.

She seemed to care more and more about the little traitor...

Shen Chen sighed softly, stepped forward, and gently touched the neatly braided double bun of the young girl: "Just started the position, the work is overwhelming. When things calm down a bit, I’ll take you out to relax."

Suddenly, his knee was given a gentle shove.

He looked down and saw that at some point the young prince had stood between them, keeping them apart.

The young prince looked at him, his expression innocent and childish: "Before you marry, you cannot touch my aunt."

Ming Yan clicked her tongue, scooped him into her arms to prevent disruption: "Come, let sister hold you, don’t block the way."

The lady and the young master haven’t had many opportunities to meet recently; she hoped they’d bond more lest the young master be charmed away, yet here was a three-and-a-half-year-old obstacle.

But Xiao Ah Che wouldn’t relent, struggling and insisting: "Auntie hug, Auntie hug~"

The child was relentless, and Ye Zhi reached out to embrace him.

A hand, slender and jade-like, stopped her.

She was puzzled: "Why?"

Shen Chen did not speak, his gaze cold and unattached as he glanced at Xiao Ah Che, quietly watching him.

Under the piercing gaze, the child gradually quieted down, snuggling into Ming Yan’s arms.

Uh, this time Ye Zhi was astonished; was this the technique described in Concubine’s Favor, where the treacherous Prime Minister Shen could silence a child?

Qin Yin, who had been quietly standing at the side, weakly asked: "Mr. Shen, should I still inform everyone in the streets and alleys that Third Lady is your fiancée?"