The voice of the Regent was deep and resonant, instantly filling the entire courtyard.
Ye Chen, lost in thought, suddenly had a fleeting idea—who knew that having a loud voice was also a requirement for leadership?
Pei Guanjing stood up, and Ye Chen followed suit a moment later. Pei Guanjing then raised his wine glass, prompting Ye Chen to hurriedly lift his own. Following Pei Guanjing's lead, he glanced around at everyone present.
Pei Guanjing slowly spoke, "This is Liu Chen, son of King Huai'an, and my future wife. I hope everyone will take good care of her from now on."
After finishing his words, Pei Guanjing tilted his head back and downed the wine in his glass. Seeing this, Ye Chen prepared to drink as well but was suddenly stopped by Pei Guanjing gripping his wrist. In the next moment, Pei Guanjing set down his empty glass and took Ye Chen's cup, finishing the wine inside it in one gulp.
Watching Pei Guanjing's protective gesture towards his future wife, the crowd couldn't help but speculate among themselves. It seemed that Pei Guanjing was quite willing about this union, contrary to the rumors of reluctance.
Once Pei Guanjing finished drinking, everyone quickly raised their glasses in agreement, saying, "Wishing you both a hundred years of harmony and early blessings with children!"
Hearing these words made Ye Chen speechless, his head filled with dark lines. "You all can have children yourselves; you sound like a baby-making brigade."
What was supposed to be just a family banquet felt oddly strange to Ye Chen due to the behavior of these royal relatives. Then there was Miss Lin from the Anling Marquisate; ever since he sat next to Pei Guanjing, she had been glaring at him fiercely, her big watery eyes nearly popping out.
Unable to contain his curiosity any longer, Ye Chen asked Pei Guanjing about her identity. Pei Guanjing explained.
It turned out that a few years ago, the Regent had intended to arrange a marriage between Pei Guanjing and Miss Lin from the Anling Marquisate. At that time, Pei Guanjing had no one he favored, so the arrangement was naturally made by the Regent. But things were different now; with Ye Chen in the picture, Pei Guanjing no longer paid attention to Miss Lin, who found it hard to let go.
When Pei Guanjing looked in the direction Ye Chen pointed out, he could still see the anger simmering in Miss Lin's eyes.
Upon noticing Pei Guanjing looking over at her, she quickly lowered her head and adjusted her expression to prepare a sweet smile for him. However, Pei Guanjing had already shifted his gaze away and continued to thoughtfully serve food to Ye Chen.
The originally charming smile froze on her face. Miss Lin gripped her handkerchief so tightly that it felt as if she might tear it apart, before slowly relaxing her hold.
Suddenly, she stood up and addressed the Regent, "Uncle, Guan Jing has returned after a year away, and Wan Ting has just practiced a new dance. It would be a perfect opportunity to celebrate the reunion of you and Guan Jing. I hope you will allow me to perform."
The Regent glanced at Ye Chen, who was still happily indulging in food beside Pei Guanjing, and waved his hand dismissively, saying, "Granted."
Thus, Lin Wanting took to the stage with a group of dancers, captivating everyone present.
She wore a Hu skirt that accentuated her slender waist and smooth back. The men in attendance were immediately entranced, their eyes glued to her as they erupted in applause. However, Pei Guanjing remained focused on feeding Ye Chen, as if that were the most fascinating thing in the world.
Seeing Pei Guanjing's indifference to her performance made Lin Wanting anxious. In a moment of desperation, she waved the colorful ribbons in her hands towards Pei Guanjing and Ye Chen. The ribbons danced through the air, releasing a rich floral fragrance.
The intoxicating scent of flower water wafted through the air, even attracting a few butterflies that flitted about. The audience responded with cheers and applause.
Yet, even after she finished her dance, her beloved Pei Guanjing did not glance her way; he simply placed a crystal elbow into Ye Chen's bowl.
As the music ended, Lin Wanting forced a smile while retreating backstage. She bowed her head to hide the tears welling in her eyes and found a secluded spot behind a rockery to cry alone.
"Who is shedding tears?"
Suddenly, a large hand reached out before Lin Wanting, holding out a handkerchief. " Miss Lin, are you still unable to let go of your elder brother?"
The newcomer was none other than the man in red whom Ye Chen and Pei Guanjing had encountered earlier that day.
"Guan Wei, it's you," Lin Wanting said through sobs, tears brimming in her eyes as she appeared pitifully vulnerable, evoking sympathy from anyone who looked upon her.
Pei Guanwei stepped forward gently, offering her the handkerchief in his hand. He lowered his head to look at her and softly said, "Wipe your tears; your makeup is smudged, and it won't look good."
Lin Wanting glanced at him before taking the handkerchief to wipe away the tears from the corners of her eyes. Turning away, she quietly asked, "Are you here to laugh at me?"
The Anling Marquisate and the Regent's residence had been intertwined for a long time, and the children of both families grew up together, naturally becoming quite familiar with each other.
Since childhood, Lin Wanting had paid special attention to Pei Guanjing, always following him with her gaze but never truly looking at Pei Guanwei. Now, the most beautiful woman in the capital had suffered emotional setbacks; everyone knew she had long harbored feelings for Pei Guanjing, who was now engaged to the son of King Huai'an. She had likely become the laughingstock of all Tianqi.
Pei Guanwei's gaze was deep and intense as he greedily swept his eyes over Lin Wanting's back, which was turned away from him. Her bare skin was as smooth and white as jade; it felt as if he could sense its delicate texture without even reaching out to touch it.
The desire in Pei Guanwei's eyes grew stronger. Noticing that Lin Wanting remained oblivious to his presence behind her, he seized the opportunity to wrap his arms around her from behind and said, "Ating, I've liked you for a long time. Why do your eyes only see Pei Guanjing and not me, Pei Guanwei? Am I really not as good as him?"
In that instant when Pei Guanwei embraced her, Lin Wanting's heart raced wildly, nearly leaping out of her throat. She struggled to break free but was afraid of making too much noise and being seen by others.
She fought with all her might, but for someone like Pei Guanwei from Tianqian, her struggles were nothing. Soon enough, Lin Wanting found herself tightly restrained by him.
Pei Guanwei leaned closer to her ear and whispered softly, "Marry me, Lin Wanting; I will love you more than Pei Guanjing ever could."
Lin Wanting froze completely as she felt his restless hand on her waist. She wanted to struggle but was momentarily stunned by the words "marry me."
Indeed, Pei Guanjing did not love her and was marrying someone else; why should she waste her youth on him?
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