Chapter-1. Marry the Prince

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In the dim light, a young man floated softly, his pale skin as white as snow jade. He was strikingly beautiful, resembling a masterpiece of art.PtHctSfxdmRsXsKrUmLndVroWGSClR

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His long eyelashes, like the feathers of a crow, occasionally fluttered in the gentle breeze that moved through the space. His lips bore a tender shade of light red, and his complexion hinted at vitality.qkaerMZhHmCmUZpyjGfbkTinOQARVC

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“Ding—The binding life extension system is ready to grant you permission. If you successfully bind the system, you will receive an extra year of life to complete your task. Completing the task earns you fifty years of life here; failing means you lose all life value and remain in this task world forever. Do you agree to bind?”nYjliFWAcqksaYeDBXpHWMSOznpCXP

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The cold, mechanical voice resonated in the stillness.meMPDGkRgYICAToKYzqkErlhgciMkB

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After a moment, a soft voice replied, “I agree.”WJMJaSRrtMbcCOEEmXikTlBetKazBU

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In an instant, a brilliant white light enveloped the young man. For just a heartbeat, his eyelashes fluttered, and just before he vanished, he opened his eyes slowly—qrlWRNLrXnkXpgjtlOJXEdhRHnaznf

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His pupils sparkled like morning stars.VIhrUuSoOmUZCbDCFvMIiIIPpXtVsj

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A warm musk scent filled the air, very pleasant and comforting.GADCGUtFojUNBCWJZqyjTipTzwTNiG

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Shen Mingyu hummed gently, not contradicting the system’s words.FhjeilyegIAZTkInhDEStNrEuwZANW

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System: …hUGlHfCmRAUxBXbpnpBKFYXgFZgnGf

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An electronic voice cleared its throat in his mind: “Host, Yin Junheng will return shortly. It’s best if you don’t look around.”OCIFAIZcTBjMPVmsmHfdgnXKUAzivC

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Sigh…VnIeCydFwXopoelpCOJbIxwAipVAAk

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The room was filled with antique, luxurious decor.xHWFudjeGcjeVBrJssBoxUrUkWorpo

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Shen Mingyu had expected the prince to be displeased, but the depth of his unhappiness surprised him.ChKsZAPJPzeygItivECDLAEZuwiWgX

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From the system’s briefing, Shen Mingyu understood he was the second son, sent to marry in place of his elder brother. The original bride should’ve been his brother, Shen Mingtang, but Prime Minister Shen couldn’t bear to part with him, choosing instead to send his less prominent second son.gfNVYMgotIxiRkdXBtdGocNfwYgDkL

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Previous hosts had struggled with such tasks, resorting to extreme measures without even clearing the first emotional hurdle.IptZHgqBnlzPWAVznNdoBudhuPUfCf

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The dilemma was that no one knew how to help those difficult attackers navigate their emotions successfully.zjUwLEzCfdkoEFQBbvzbLanxFyQqdA

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But considering the challenging task ahead, the system hesitated before saying, “Since this is an imperial marriage, it’s expected there may not be feelings. You can develop those over time. Blind and mute marriages were common in ancient times!”QuYjBltxzlfRQlUgqURrAbGKIHkseE

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Abruptly—NXuukXRTksaFxCQVuvxSQyOAkArMEq

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Not far away, there was a beautifully carved screen with fragrant mist curling up from a golden incense burner. On a lavish Nammu table, a pair of wedding candles featuring dragons and phoenixes sat alongside a purple gold wine pot and matching cups.kVgtfLFfCGWxWhupDwDiJedyzPQYgn

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The system, clueless about Shen Mingyu’s thoughts, looked at his gentle and calm expression and felt unsure about explaining what was to come.LUTlmjpItQvUTNXBbvcLDYwwZFTOBm

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Indeed, when Prince Yin Junheng married, he hadn’t appeared himself but sent a shadow guard instead. It was no wonder that Shen Mingyu, lacking this knowledge, might misinterpret the situation.sSquODPqKpsiONAoRUBacSBIZQlRjj

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Recalling his marriage, Shen Mingyu smiled faintly, surprised, “Is the prince unwell? I thought he was ill.”VkhisoOKJSYnWbpgYYfsvQitWYJFQD

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Yet, since this task was tied to an extension of life, the challenge was within his capacity. He held no resentment toward the system.gvfowmYuyFBbnHSbyCSnLOXCLQumei

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According to the story, Shen Mingyu would face harsh treatment from three troublesome attackers who viewed him merely as a substitute. Only when these attackers overcame their emotional hurdles and aligned with the true main character, the immortal lord, would Shen Mingyu’s task be deemed complete.MxDkyMCYCHBIYhMeWjzuUcltnYJmgU

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The area was decorated with red silk and luxurious crimson embellishments.EGRADHuxsZDLmLCjJSJZAxjTwWdIca

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Though he was ill, he was not oblivious.ZyezXBVrSYIEioqecKEmZAHxLHllHC

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Shen Mingyu cautiously lifted a corner of the bright red veil with his delicate fingers and peered out from beneath the swaying tassels.ejvoiSoZbxVTzoLtunDVllsXhNaAXz

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Who would have imagined that a novice, already unwell, would be assigned this challenging SSS-level task!jxKYjWiuifsklVZpjYvUkSIOFgSaQD

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This task unfolded in a world defined by the trope of a substitute, where Shen Mingyu played the role of a stand-in for an immortal lord.SumsZvgCPeYqkeQVWlKIBUWGSFhCbN

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“System, what should I do next? You mentioned this is a danmei novel; should I try to win the prince’s affection?” Shen Mingyu spoke calmly, maintaining his gentle tone.nxSpYYdxghliOxagNHYaetGItJnOAL

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Upon hearing Shen Mingyu’s composed voice, the system found itself momentarily choked.JmlQEFQvqxcqrmbQFXoaRFdJQufONo

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After a pause, it managed a dry laugh and said, “Well… there are multiple protagonists in this world, not just the prince. As for your role—”XbhKAMHCNdkGJQjFunUSISdSKXSkmi

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Shen Mingyu listened carefully, his demeanor serene.sptPXYPuIWJGMRmYqbgkzPamdhfqFM

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The system glanced at his porcelain-like face, which bore a hint of fragility, wanting to say, “You are merely a substitute,” but decided against it.BngTIJAnoqUAQsCrhGyjLLELRpKvxe

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Changing the subject, it said vaguely, “Your role is to support them in overcoming their emotional challenges and ensuring they find happiness, allowing them to proceed smoothly.”XYLBmkzPWHrOfVuXTvKDtzdMLRoaQJ

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Shen Mingyu remained quiet for a moment before smiling slightly in the system’s anxious gaze.hjhyRvZvSyfNxKgrDabPIEBVGyYuJs

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“I’ll do my best,” he responded softly.CqAYlEJEzekrRgPsmbaTnlyUfwpatz

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After a brief pause, he added gently, “I’m new at this and don’t understand many things. Thank you for your guidance, system.”EXNdzoKZmkLOJAMRnYwYOVEikLsZNv

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The system felt a wave of guilt wash over it.OQNDwTxsLGtSAPmnKWCZipNusYNHcL

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After deliberating for a moment, it found an excuse to step away and discreetly slipped into the data stream, seeking other systems to share experiences with.sjKbsdwJsTGIflJlhHqhPsnFrbGThH

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Although it was not particularly adept, it still wanted to assist Shen Mingyu; otherwise, he would be left in a tough spot…wAtoXdzicGXJXhOupfPlMXyFzyZUyK

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·
Prince Yin Junheng did not return as quickly as the system had suggested.QZksOYQxmxUcFHCEzVWIjppMnQlQnk

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Once the system left, Shen Mingyu waited from noon until dusk.mVQmPWYVoHxhyabevhzdnWcXmxHcUM

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The cold winter month was fine during the day, but the moment the sun set, a biting wind swept through. Through the screen, he could see faint snowflakes swirling in from the hall.pLxWhpMTrQxEZuTBUrzMQqrUjewTUW

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Shen Mingyu’s delicate brows tightened slightly as he wrapped himself tightly in his elaborate but chilly wedding gown. He coughed a couple of times and called out, “System?”luCDYKfAOnHjHUZqkPWtrYprSglpbi

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There was no reply.tkMPHvfVsmZyCbHFuzwCViRNLUMyOt

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After waiting a while, unable to bear the cold any longer, he slowly stood up and walked towards the door.zkiQSymuiVBvoRKWqTnuRWggGUpYnW

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He hoped to see if anyone was about; perhaps someone could light the heated bed or at least provide a charcoal pan.KagQHcbyXeIwInERwMPOAigcJLwCFX

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But outside, it was empty and very cold.DHKsqNkuLxQFSaLFyBAgZFNhpljtpi

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With no other choice, Shen Mingyu closed the door and returned to the room.eNqnZdrgGGmfgRmjVcViCxOerMPiQi

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Even after shutting the door, the cold remained; the bed had not been warmed, and he felt a tickling in his throat, a metallic taste rising in his mouth.EVhWBkeTqodyJBjiyCMuwErymDrKBQ

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He guessed this body might have a weak respiratory system, knowing tuberculosis was a severe illness in those times. So, he pulled the bed curtains, curled up, and leaned against the soft bedding.AButpbKOltJtXIgwbTzbutglderqKS

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Shen Mingyu had held on without eating or drinking until now. Once lying down, the comforting musk scent and the warmth of the bedding lulled him into a daze, and he soon drifted off to sleep…DWxVQyCmYMKogWIzhmyKMUwVxJplZT

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.
Later, at the third watch of the night, outside the imperial city.qgefQMOhsPnMlytFQaebfBMoQnSHKQ

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Darkness enveloped the scene, with the lanterns at the city gate casting a bright glow on the damp, snow-covered ground.EcKTQrExyoVILkdmEaNdeMSYkvqCwZ

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The cold wind carried snowflakes through the city, while guards clad in thick cotton uniforms swept the snow with large brooms, clearing a broad, wet path.jrNuPsQGKcTslomtLUlejtRYSQmKxV

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Suddenly, a group of galloping horses entered the city, all dressed in fitted black garments, their cloaks billowing. Beneath their hats, sharp, bright eyes glimmered like eagles.lZnKmmAWdsJcTOiwuSeuUjbKpFkWNw

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The thundering hooves stomped across the freshly cleared road, leaving dark marks as they raced toward the palace, a gust of wind making passersby stop in their tracks.GuBpyFckeTRvZLmUbCBYNLLoukeGfU

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Gradually, the horsemen moved further away. Some of the street-sweeping guards looked up and caught a glimpse of a silver eagle pattern peeking from a cloak.ywpIIkKXNemupyWVYoeLOjRucCVLdJ

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Confusion filled the guards.mOahqPYvwosYMKChejmSRadGAvQsIG

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Wasn’t that the prince’s emblem?XyGwOFmoHfCpyIPqFrcxdvZdQYczAR

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Had the prince finished his business with the Changsheng San case… and returned?NDfXzhAkIoCkXYoRWNKwyhgjuFRBWu

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Suddenly, one guard jolted, realizing something, and he picked up the lantern beside his broom, trembling as he illuminated the dark marks left by the horses.ezUMkxtafYDNYWgPVjaoZHYMTlZStD

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It was dark red, unmistakably a few drops of blood.vblDTwugHdavXGrnXRjOEDYOUwIZvo

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The guard’s heart sank.UiHyFStWwcLDnZcxbbVObZXyvlPQni

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If the prince returned after handling the case, this imperial city was about to see a change…uxZeJubHglXrxDtkytQgzkmaDXsUui

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·
Deep in the night, a group of light cavalry quietly halted outside the back door of the prince’s residence, dismounting one by one.CfRzeRSUgGMvjMEKnaPcjTRjsEtWLZ

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The shadow guards dressed in black light armor glanced at a large red lantern swinging by the back door, their expressions puzzled.YHDChVPswmTyhcuFRkDdULKHFiOMbU

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Was there a celebration at the prince’s residence? How come they hadn’t heard their master mention it amidst the busy case investigations?dUaVFpDxWxAtSzqXCjSfAytxblbfqp

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A tall, slender figure stepped out from the back.ddEDhxNjZNjLmRPgLFTTQSRuSrQXaO

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He removed his hat, revealing a pair of narrow phoenix eyes shining like cold stars.QfmVdvCiQXmZdnQesxXBzrJEsdzBvd

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In unison, everyone bowed and said, “Your Highness!”McaTIbyHyYmeQEFkzTJDfHnDcGctan

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Yin Junheng looked up, snowflakes landing on his straight nose and thin, indifferent lips. His rugged features were stunning, as if chiseled from stone.NSSOGdYQerBptOOcOzVLyQJXtXtOTk

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He paused for a moment, gazing at the two glaring red lanterns overhead, then squinted and spoke evenly, “Thank you all for your hard work during the Changsheng San case. Qi Zhi, take everyone to the treasury for their rewards.”ABFhEOTJWZWEltUMmpBxQSBAVSWHfy

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A shadow guard responded, leading the others away.nQvlvlOoGAMEhVGCVzImmxURhUfLxM

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Before long, the back door closed quietly, and the footsteps left behind were quickly blanketed by a fresh layer of snow.fkUtqWAgwaoOawlsXGVZHUxjiASwVy

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Yin Junheng declined the steward’s offer to greet him and instead took a windproof alum lantern, slowly making his way to the west courtyard.UfkZGyuolloVgXLdLXEdCFUsxQMYvr

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The wind and snow whipped around him, but Yin Junheng walked slowly, his expression flat, even somewhat foreboding.lQHSySJYdRJnHKdvPGlAFpwxZWVLjR

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In truth, he was reluctant to return.ZYAvPULPCakLjPLEomKQZYfpVrVxQj

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He didn’t want to confront a marriage forced upon him.odsdZzhrmwFsDJEsEuaerTnIWVlkSD

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The Immortal Lord Wuchan was beyond reach, a cloud in the sky and snow on distant mountains.tHdYykzJKtMjivhvBQwCbwxRJxewOm

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Did people think that because he appeared sickly, they could treat him differently?hVocAsSEaCASKvLfJWIaZKfohqYUhc

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Especially since he was a mere pawn meant to curry favor with the Shen family and bolster imperial power.CQEFJfDACPCVmGEpQBhJbCyoVLUvXe

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Not to mention, he held no romantic notions about the Immortal Lord Wuchan.QOyhEcnazCVrprSOiIPMofadyCYRyD

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The cruel judgments of those around him only deepened his disgust and stirred thoughts of violence.TuVFUbeiRNIPhKWwVDXxwQdLqtkWDA

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But now was not the time; he had to endure.ZRHTnmWXaKPbuJIiSBUACoNXqJUlij

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The cold air made his knuckles tighten around the lantern handle, the veins on his hand bulging…NAbqyzSHbhTuhmzyKrnOsRjwzIUixe

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About half an hour later, the chill of the wind and snow dissipated the boiling rage within him, and Yin Junheng finally entered the west courtyard.lxOUMemITwmwPHrovmXiKRfFdbfCLH

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He stepped lightly onto the stairs, the edges of his black cloak brushing against them, the dark red staining the snow.PoWwHrxBraZnLUVvEIXioJFeTcszIE

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He tossed the lantern aside, and as he opened the door, the flickering light from the two red dragon and phoenix candles on the table inside wavered in the draft.IRJhoraQFuellQMaIwsepwrxxJlwic

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As he approached the bedside, Shen Mingyu remained deeply asleep, oblivious to the extent of the prince’s disdain for him, revealing a pair of crimson brocade boots that tilted off the edge of the bed.iPCfUXYNNdpaPHvvsweYGIIpQMOQJu

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Seeing those boots ignited Yin Junheng’s already simmering frustration; it was one thing for his father and Prime Minister Shen to view him as a tool. Did this second son of the Shen family also wish to assert dominance?WqycGNwnLAOLBpJzoGHejBwXhBDYQR

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With a cold expression, he stepped forward and yanked back the bed curtain.ElrTcfcDoTBsFfLXIngPebTeOwiboS

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A slender figure nestled in a complex wedding gown, half-hidden by the veil. Only a portion of a snow-white neck and a delicate jaw, exquisite as jade, was visible.qnkdtEHAOHhByqMaxIbQxnnQkVhcno

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Yin Junheng cared little for the beauty before him; he reached out, gripping Shen Mingyu’s shoulder and pulling him upright.YOFeNEyCEKiaDpNvqKjplFohrImIZA

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At that moment, the silk red veil slipped aside with his motion, unveiling a stunningly beautiful face.IXLYBzCeNpHkNmYKetOhgzaYTwgtaw

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This face bore a striking resemblance to the Immortal Lord Wuchan, yet exuded an entirely different presence.OcTEHXbbiHkXdypntfbQsIeTTMQRWm

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Yin Junheng’s pupils dilated in surprise, and he instinctively tightened his grip on the slender shoulder.DAllIkLPWKDeyOduraCPZezWdhXpTT

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Soon after, a pair of slightly dazed, starry eyes with red corners opened, long eyelashes fluttering as they revealed confusion, the voice soft yet hoarse.UNsdhbyninRPIXXbpzSSxoRUjAChGh

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He looked at Yin Junheng and murmured, “Your Highness?”gHPCOycFatZkjEBYHuDVxuCwkwyrtH