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墨書 Inktalez
The Emperor continued to show me a friendly demeanor, but after a long while, he still hadn't gotten to the point. I was anxious and had no choice but to speak up, "May I ask, Your Majesty, why have you summoned me to the palace today? My fiancée is in grave danger at home, and I am desperate to find a remedy for her."
The Emperor looked at me reassuringly and said, "There's no need to worry. I know you are looking for Qilin Grass; the Imperial Medical Institute has it in stock."
Hearing this, I was overjoyed. Suddenly, the words of that divine doctor flashed through my mind: "As long as you are willing to give up something."
What did the Emperor fear from me? What did he want most from me?
Military power.
I held great authority and could rebel against the court at any moment.
Which emperor throughout history would willingly delegate military power to a general?
If he wanted it, let him have it, as long as it could save my Yan Xi.
So I spoke solemnly, "I wish to obtain that Qilin Grass from the palace; I am willing to surrender my military power."
I kept my gaze fixed on the Emperor, and I naturally caught the glimmer of delight in his eyes.
Indeed, had he been waiting for me all along?
Fine, if that's what it takes.
I thought that by surrendering my military power, the Emperor would grant me the Qilin Grass. However, I never expected that he would have another demand.
"Since Your Majesty is so agreeable, I have one more request: marry my daughter, Jin Ping."
I showed a troubled expression. "Your Majesty, I already have a fiancée at home. If I were to marry again, wouldn't that make me a traitor?"
The Emperor's anger was palpable. "Is my daughter not worthy of you?"
Seeing his fury, I quickly knelt and lowered my stance. Although I held great disdain for this foolish and tyrannical emperor, I couldn't show it: "Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
"Forgiveness? You see me, the princess of the Li Kingdom, as no more than a village woman. What do you take me for? Do I even exist in your eyes?"
The Emperor was furious, sweeping the fine porcelain off the table with a single motion.
Seeing this, I understood his intentions clearly; he was looking for an excuse to deal with me.
I remained silent, unwilling to compromise my dignity.
The Emperor seemed to realize he had gone too far, but as I knelt with my head bowed and ignored him, he had no choice but to temper his imperial demeanor.
"Your Majesty, you know I am not a foolish ruler who does not appreciate talent. Otherwise, how could I have gained such a capable general like you? I only hope we can be closer. If you become my son-in-law, we can surely make the Li Kingdom even stronger."
He paused for a moment. "Moreover, without Qilin Grass, she wouldn't survive anyway. Marry Jin Ping, and Qilin Grass will be yours; I will not go back on my word."
I found myself in an incredibly difficult position; your life from my past was in my hands.
If I wanted you to live, I couldn't be with you. But being with you meant your chances of survival were slim.
I thought there could be no more painful choice in this world than this.
Seeing my expression waver slightly, the Emperor pressed on. "As long as there is Qilin Grass, that girl from Your Majesty's family can live. You can also marry a princess; why not take advantage of this? You must think carefully."
I compromised; for your sake, I was willing to give up everything.
The wedding seemed premeditated. On the third day after my agreement, it was grandly held. I had secretly arranged for you to stay in another courtyard and told you it was for your recuperation.
I feared that if you learned about my impending marriage to Jin Ping, it would further strain your already fragile health.
Fortunately, you did not suspect anything and obediently followed my arrangements.
On the day of the wedding, nearly all the dignitaries and nobles of the capital attended.
After all, it was the Emperor's most beloved princess marrying me, Prince Xuan, who was currently in high demand. If few people showed up, it would surely embarrass the Emperor.
I looked at the people who were not on my guest list, feeling a deep sense of frustration in my heart, as if there was a lump stuck in my chest. However, in order to obtain the Qilin Grass, I held it all in.
With a cold expression, I brought Princess Jinping out from the palace to my residence.
The sound of drums and gongs filled the air as we made our way, and the unaware citizens standing by the roadside praised us, casting envious glances.
The wedding proceeded on schedule, everything unfolding like a dream. I even felt numb, as if I had lost all sensation.
After completing a series of rituals she was required to perform, I took hold of the large red silk cloth and led her into the main hall.
I certainly wouldn’t allow my father to take a seat at the high table, so only the Emperor and the Mother of Jinping occupied that place. The Emperor and that consort were smiling brightly, while the officials surrounding them showered compliments. Listening to them made me feel nauseous.
Having been outside for so many years, I had learned to hide my emotions. Despite feeling utterly disgusted by the wedding situation, I maintained a stern face, observing the flattery and sycophancy of those around me with cold indifference.
The Master of Ceremonies stood at the edge of the empty space in the hall and shouted, “The auspicious time has arrived; let the wedding begin.”
“Bow to the earth.”
“Bow to the high hall.”
“Couple…”
I moved like a puppet, following the Master of Ceremonies' prompts.
“Mu Xuanche!!”
At that heart-wrenching shout, cold sweat broke out on my back. Yan Xi? How did you get here…
Turning around, I saw Yan Xi standing at the entrance of the hall in plain clothing.
Her beautiful hair was tied up with a wooden hairpin, with some loose strands falling by her ears. Her delicate face was free of makeup, her brows slightly furrowed, and there were traces of tears on her cheeks. She looked so frail that she seemed like she would topple over with just a gust of wind.
“Mu Xuanche.”
Another faint and sorrowful cry echoed through the air.
Seeing you like this truly broke my heart. In a moment of impulsiveness, I disregarded the emperor still seated at the high table and threw down the bright red silk before rushing towards you. Jin Ping lifted the magnificent red veil with a furious expression, shouting loudly at my retreating figure, "Mu Xuanche, come back! We are not yet married!"
At that moment, I had already embraced you from my past life, softly asking, "Yan Xi, why did you come here? Why aren't you resting properly in the other courtyard?"
Upon hearing my gentle words, tears streamed down your face like a continuous string of pearls.
You sobbed quietly in my arms, and as I watched your pain, I felt helpless to stop it, so I could only hold you tighter.
"Mu Xuanche, do you not want me anymore? You think I'm a burden, don't you? I can only drag you down; it's better for you to be with the princess who can elevate your status."
Hearing your words, I urgently explained, "It's not like that, Yan Xi. This situation is very complicated, but you have to believe me. I have always loved you. There is a reason for what I've done; please trust me!"
You wiped your tears away with your hand and pushed me back a step, pointing at Jin Ping who had lifted the veil. To my surprise, Jin Ping smirked at you defiantly upon seeing your gesture.
Seeing this made you even angrier. "How can I trust you? You're about to marry her and have kept me in the other courtyard without letting me know! How can I believe you?"
It seemed you had exhausted all your strength in disbelief.
After shouting that last sentence, you couldn't help but cough uncontrollably. My heart ached for you, but I dared not approach for fear of provoking you further.
The situation was unclear and complicated; I regretted not telling you the truth sooner and instead choosing to escape by hiding it.
The room was silent; no one dared to speak as they watched this dramatic scene unfold.
Tsk, the royal face had certainly been lost in this performance.
The emperor sat in his main seat with a darkened expression, silent as ever. Jin Ping observed our interaction and stepped forward arrogantly. "Mu Xuanche, tell her that you're marrying me! If you don't comply, it will be seen as defying the emperor's orders!"
I quickly calculated the pros and cons of my different choices in my mind, feeling as if my head might explode.
Before, I had been numb and unaware; now it was nothing short of unbearable.
You noticed my hesitation as I looked at you, and thought you were truly right. With a sense of despair, I finally asked, "Mu Xuanche, is this your choice?"
Jin Ping also believed I would choose her, and became even more arrogant, saying, "Hurry up and tell him, Mu Xuanche, don't disturb our auspicious wedding time!"
I saw the despair and pain in your eyes. At that moment, I simply could not bear to leave you to marry Jin Ping. Even if it meant defying orders and disrespecting authority, I could not let you be hurt.
So I embraced you tightly, my hands gently stroking your trembling back to comfort you.
"Yan Xi, I'm here. How could I possibly give you up? You know how much I love you. We've been through war together, shared so many memories. How could I ever let you go?"
I kept whispering in your ear until you finally calmed down.
(End of Chapter)
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