Evan Xiao Leon Zane and Bianca Whitefan

Lady Shen noticed and came over to join the conversation, making things feel quite harmonious.

"...My son Jason Zhuo is embroiled in a lawsuit lately," Lena shook her head and said. "They say he stole military supplies to sell! But I know that child—he's never lacked for money, and even if he was penniless, he'd never do such a thing!"

Lady Shen said, "Actually, the emperor assigned this case to my husband and the general to investigate. Don't worry, madam, they'll definitely uncover the truth. Jason Zhuo will surely be reinstated."

To be fair, neither Elder Shane nor Lady Shen are the type to blindly follow rumors or jump to conclusions.

Lena smiled and said, "Thank you so much, Elder Shane!"

"We don't know about other families, but the Zhuos certainly aren't short on money. If you ask me, there's no way Jason Zhuo would risk everything for a paltry sum!" Lady Shen said.

"By the way, has your daughter Sherry Shen been engaged yet?" Lena asked, holding Sherry's hand. "The moment I saw her, I thought she was so gentle and refined. I really like her."

Lady Shen immediately understood, thought for a moment, and said, "Not yet! I'm actually worried about this girl. Last time..."

She leaned closer to Lena and whispered, "She didn't win in the last martial arts contest, but for some reason, the emperor suddenly decreed that she should be the general's secondary wife. Then, out of nowhere, the decree was withdrawn, and we've been left completely confused!"

"I doubt the emperor will issue such a decree again," Lena said. "You can rest assured and boldly seek another match for Sherry!"

Lady Shen smiled especially brightly and said, "Madam, do you have anyone suitable to introduce to our Sherry?"

"Then what do you think of our Jason Zhuo?" Lena said, half-joking, half-serious. "Just a few days ago, he actually asked his grandmother to arrange a marriage for him! He even said that as the eldest, he should marry before his younger brother. Honestly... it's almost laughable!"

"Oh, Jason Zhuo is wonderful—handsome, talented, and my husband praises him often! He always tells our children to learn from him!"

"Well, in that case—"

"Princess!" Sherry Shen suddenly stood up and rushed after Princess Olivia Gu, who had run out.

Turns out, Princess Olivia Gu overheard the two ladies talking and it sounded like a marriage was about to be arranged.

She couldn't handle the shock and ran out.

Sherry Shen understood Princess Olivia Gu's feelings perfectly and hurried after her.

...

Grace told her mother and also ran after them.

When Grace caught up with them, Sherry Shen was swearing up and down that she had no idea about any of this beforehand.

Princess Olivia Gu looked miserable, her eyes red and puffy.

Grace came over and tried to comfort her too.

But Princess Olivia Gu shook her head and said, "Sherry, I'm not blaming you. I just overheard Lady Vivian Zhu say he asked for the match himself, wanting to get married before his younger brother... It just hurts."

Neither of them knew how to comfort her.

"I'm heading back now. You two have fun," Princess Olivia Gu said, turning to leave.

Grace really couldn't relax and called out with concern, "Princess..."

"Let me go back and think things through," Princess Olivia Gu said, sounding downcast. "Don't worry, I'm fine."

And so, she walked off all alone.

Grace sighed.

After sighing, she spotted Evan Xiao, Leon Zane, and Bianca Whitefan.

The three of them were standing under an old plum tree at the edge of the Consecration Ceremony Venue.