After being rejected, he emptied the mansion and went into exile

Chapter 450 He can

With the new emperor's ascension to the throne, there are many matters, both big and small.

First, he received a group of talented scholars who had just finished the imperial examinations, including Shen Zhixue, who was the third-ranked scholar in this year's examinations.

Although some ministers questioned the emperor's sudden serious illness, the imperial edict had already been issued, and the emperor was found to be unconscious, so they could not entertain any further thoughts.

The people knew in private that something big must have happened this time.

Otherwise, why would the Xiang residence have been burned down, and why would there be signs of fighting and killing in the residences of other ministers?

What's even stranger is that when the Xue family was imprisoned, General Xiang's second wife was also reportedly locked up, and General Xiang resigned from his post.

However, ordinary people don't care about these things; they only care about how much tax they pay and whether there will be another war.

The Shen family is very busy.

The shop reopened, and the Third Master and Shen Zhiye were so busy they could barely stand.

With a third-place scholar emerging from the family, the Shen household was once again busy welcoming and seeing off guests.

After the Xiang family mansion was destroyed, Xiang Hongxuan moved to the Shen family mansion.

The two were staying in Shen Jinyao's courtyard and could no longer sleep in separate beds.

Shen Jinyao was initially a little uncomfortable, but Xiang Hongxuan left early and returned late every day, and he would only come back when she had already gone to bed.

Shen Jinyao is not a hesitant person; she had already thought about her answer during this time.

Although she lived with Xiang Hongxuan every day, they were like two strangers.

We can't see each other at all.

This completely eliminated Shen Jinyao's unease.

That evening, Xiang Hongxuan quietly pushed open the door and saw Shen Jinyao sitting at the table as if waiting for him.

These days, he feels somewhat uneasy when facing Shen Jinyao.

He knew that once Shen Jinyao had thought things through, she would definitely take the initiative to contact him.

He was both excited and worried.

After all, he had witnessed Shen Jinyao rejecting others.

At the time, Shen Jinyao's marriage to him was merely a temporary measure.

He promised Shen Jinyao that if she wanted to leave, he would let her go and agree to a divorce.

"Jin'er, why aren't you asleep yet?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Jinyao looked over, her eyes somewhat unfocused due to the long wait.

"Are you back? Have you eaten yet?"

Xiang Hongxuan lowered his eyes to look at Shen Jinyao, his gaze filled with tenderness.

"Have you eaten? Were you waiting for me?"

Whether it was because it was so dark or because Shen Jinyao had just dozed off, she found Xiang Hongxuan's voice somewhat alluring.

Thinking about the topic I was going to talk about, and looking into the eyes of the person opposite me who was staring at me, I couldn't help but feel a little timid.

"Well, I'm waiting for you."

Upon hearing this, Xiang Hongxuan sat up straight.

"You have something to say to me?"

Shen Jinyao nodded.

Xiang Hongxuan: "Say what you want to say. It's getting late, and staying up late is bad for your health."

He knew that Shen Jinyao was somewhat prone to sleepiness.

Shen Jinyao was looking at by Xiang Hongxuan with such a complicated gaze, and she was somewhat at a loss for words.

She mustered her courage and brought up the topic.

"Do you remember what we said before? It's in my space."

This was the second time Xiang Hongxuan had heard the word "space".

He nodded.

He appeared completely calm, but his palms were already slightly sweaty.

He looked like a prisoner awaiting sentencing.

"I said I would explain it to you once I had thought it through."

Shen Jinyao continued, "My arrival here was an accident. At that time, I was engaged to you, you..."

Shen Jinyao chuckled softly, as if she had thought of something.

“Back then, you were a bit annoying. You always acted superior, looking down on women and on me.”

Xiang Hongxuan hurriedly explained, "No, I have never looked down on you. I just never thought I would have anything to do with a woman."

Shen Jinyao: "So, do you want to have entanglements with men?"

Xiang Hongxuan: ...

Shen Jinyao laughed out loud. Xiang Hongxuan knew she was joking, but he still gave the woman a glare that wasn't too harsh.

Shen Jinyao continued, "At the time, I was thinking about how I would live if I married you. Who knew that later the Shen family would be exiled and the Xiang family would break off the engagement so hastily."

"This was a good thing for me. But I never expected that we would still run into each other later, and I saw the changes in you."

"I admire your talent, your ability, and... your care and consideration for me."

"By a twist of fate, I really married you. At the time, I was only thinking about how to avoid entering the palace to appease the emperor, but I never thought about what would happen between us."

"But people aren't plants or trees. When we spend a lot of time together, we always find common ground, and perhaps... I've also developed feelings for him."

Upon hearing this, Xiang Hongxuan's heart, which had been in turmoil, finally calmed down.

Jin'er said she also fell in love. Does that mean she also has feelings for him?

"But I've already said I don't belong here."

“If we divorce, I will have my own yard, my own business, and I can take a stroll around the neighborhood in my spare time. I won’t have to worry about my secrets being exposed, and I won’t have to compete with other women for a man.”

"But I don't want to deceive myself; I am indeed tempted."

Xiang Hongxuan noticed Shen Jinyao's expression, which showed some hesitation and apprehension.

"Jin'er, tell me, what are you worried about?"

Shen Jinyao smiled upon hearing this, "Perhaps I am selfish, but I am worried that if I marry you, I will be trapped in a small world."

“I’m unwilling and resentful of spending every day surrounded by concubines, fighting over a man, and never being able to leave the courtyard.”

Xiang Hongxuan pressed further: "Is that all?"

Shen Jinyao blinked. "Well, of course, I also have many flaws and bad habits that you might not be able to tolerate."

"for example?"

"For example, I don't like being told rules, I don't want to be jealous or competitive, and I want to do my own thing every day... well, there are many more."

She had made up her mind. Tonight, she would belittle herself to nothing. If Xiang Hongxuan could accept it, they would be together; if not, they would break up.

Xiang Hongxuan was a typical powerful man in ancient times. As the mistress of a general's mansion, he not only had to show his face in public every day, but he also could not accept concubines or other women.

She thought he would definitely refuse.

Xiang Hongxuan remained silent.

Although Shen Jinyao had a smile on her lips, the smile on her face had calmed down.

Just as she thought, men in ancient times found it difficult to accept her statement.

But it doesn't matter. Since the two of them can't be together, the remaining issue is to solve the problem of her space being exposed.

At that time, she will form an alliance with Xiang Hongxuan...

"I can."

Ok?

what?

Shen Jinyao looked over and saw that the other person's eyes were fixed on her with determination.

"Can what?"

Xiang Hongxuan: "I can let you have no worries, no rules to follow, and do whatever you want. Just let me know everything."

"I can have only one woman, and not touch anyone else, not take concubines or arrange mistresses. If you are willing, I will take you with me to the battlefield."

Life is too short. All I want is to be with you. Nothing else matters.

"If you believe me, I swear a solemn oath; if I can't, you can use your space to kill me."

Shen Jinyao was shocked.

Xiang Hongxuan actually agreed.