Shen Yi's expression was sincere, not a hint of being disingenuous could be found:

"When we approached Yanhui Town, we found signs of barbarian activities outside the city gate. The Wolf King's son has always been very ambitious, he had never intended to be just a subject.

"Grand Marshal was concerned about the threatening change that could occur to the Northern Frontier and had stopped to inspect the situation, he just happened to meet Your Royal Highness in the midst of wolves.

"Fourteen years ago, during his childhood, the Marshal was often with the First Princess and had the chance to meet with the consort once. When he saw you he instantly felt that you looked quite familiar, up until we sent you back to Yanhui Town, and upon seeing Xiu Niang, only then did we confirm that you are the Fourth Prince we were looking for."

"Fourteen years ago, the Marshal was just a young child, Xiu Niang had long forgotten him. At first, we originally intended to show our identities and pick you both up to go back to the capital. We did not expect to accidentally discover that Xiu Niang was in secret communication with the barbarians. In order to avoid affecting the grand scheme of things, Marshal Gu secretly transferred some men from the Western Regions to here, plotting to turn their plan against themselves.

"This time, the Eighteen Tribes' elite forces are all defeated. Their prince was also captured, and a huge amount of financial resources have gone to waste. At least we can protect the peace and stability for the Northern Frontier this year. I hope that Your Highness would take the lives of thousands of civilians living in the border to heart and not blame the Marshal for being deceitful."

Chang Geng listened, pondered for a moment, then nodded as this was all fair and reasonable: "Alright."

Shen Yi instantly felt relieved, he smiled and spoke: "That year when the Heavenly Wolf Tribes bowed down to Great Liang, they had given two treasures of the savanna to His Majesty: one was Ziliujin, the other was their Goddess. The Goddess was of exalted status, touched by their sincerity, he had made her the royal consort, and she was also the only royal consort of our imperial court.

"And as for other matters, your subject has already told Your Highness before. If the royal consort in heaven could see that you have grown up so well like this, she would be very pleased."

Chang Geng sneered inside. According to Shen Yi, wouldn't it mean that Xiu Niang - Hu Ge Er was his real blood-related aunt? The aunt was already like that, how much nicer could his real mother be?