Chapter 184: Choices

It was nighttime. Princess Yu Long came out of Lady Yun Nan’s room, and as soon as she came out, she saw Lord Yun Nan standing along the corridor as though he was waiting for her.

“Father, is something wrong?” Yu Long stepped forward and approached him, looking dignified.

“Is your mother asleep?” Xia Cang asked.

“Yes. She fell asleep after taking the medicine. Since Huan’er came back, Mother has been in a good mood! She can sleep peacefully for one night even without taking the medicine!” Yu Long answered with relief.

“Hmm!” Xia Cang nodded slightly, before suddenly asking, “Long’er, I will ask you again. What do you think of Prince Rui?”

Under the shadow of the lights, the woman’s ears turned reddish, and she said softly, “Prince Rui’s grace is magnificent. He is of nobility and very esteemed. He will most definitely be an important master in the future!”

“Then would you marry him?” Xia Cang smiled.

Yu Long looked up in amazement. “What does Father mean?”

“I’m merely asking if you would like to! You don’t fancy Prince Zhao, but you seem to speak well of Prince Rui. How about marrying you into Prince Rui’s Manor instead?”

Yu Long’s eyes looked to the side. “Long’er’s marriage is all up to Father’s wishes!”

Xia Cang smiled. “I just know you like that man!”

Yu Long looked down shyly. “I just don’t know how His Royal Highness Rui thinks about this…”

“Long’er, be assured that he will agree!” Xia Cang reassured her with confidence.

For three days in a row, Emperor Zhao Ping did not go to court. This caused chaos to erupt across the court, and many discussions ensued. The court officials surrounded Eunuch Bai, who served the Emperor and demanded to see the Emperor.

Amidst the chaos, Prince Zhao came out and said, “My ministers, don’t panic. I saw my father, the Emperor, yesterday. Under the diagnosis and treatment of the doctor, my father is much better and should be able to come to court tomorrow!”

Hearing this, Zhang Yuan looked deeply at Xiao Lie.

Xiao Lie’s face was dull, and he did not utter a single word.

Upon hearing that the Emperor would be able to come to court tomorrow, hundreds of officials calmed down a little.

Yao Bing and Zhang Yuan left the palace together. They awaited their meeting with the Emperor the next day!

Now that the situation seemed to be deadlocked, Prince Zhao did not dare to act rashly. They had managed to guess Prince Zhao’s next move and were ready to respond. However, they did not see him taking any steps.

Such a scenario made them even more anxious!

The day passed quickly, and all the ministers waited outside the palace gate half an hour earlier than usual. They surged forward when the palace gate opened.

It seemed that they had to see the Emperor immediately, and no delay was possible.

Usually, they would appear rather lethargic and lazy when they had to be in court on time every day. However, with the Emperor out of action for a few days, they became highly motivated.

The main gates of the Zhenggan Hall were opened, and officials of various ranks stood well in their positions. They walked inwardly with great emotion and excitement.

The Emperor was not seen in court for a few days, and everyone had their guesses as to what had happened.

The ministers stood well in line, and heard Eunuch Bai shouting, “The Emperor is here!”

“Greetings to the Emperor! May the Emperor live a long, long life!”

The ministers bowed and shouted in unison.

Emperor Zhao Ping came in from the side door, and with the help of Eunuch Bai, he sat on his throne. His voice was weak as he said, “Everyone please rise!”

“Thank you, my Emperor!”

The officials got up and held their heads low. However, Teacher Zhang and Zhang Yuan, along with the rest, could not help but look up.

They saw that Emperor Zhao Ping’s face was pale, and he looked at them meaningfully.

“If anything is of the matter, report them now! If not, the court will be dismissed!” Eunuch Bai cried loudly.

Several ministers came forward and reported on some local affairs. Emperor Zhao Ping seemed very tired, and he was very different from how he was normally. He would only nod to let them know that he was aware. He did not discuss and deliberate on the matters further.

Yao Bing and Zhang Yuan saw that the time had come. When they stepped forward to report Xie Shiyun’s case, they heard Emperor Zhao Ping getting up and saying, “I’m unwell. We shall end today’s court as it is. Everyone, go back!”

Zhang Yuan and the others were astounded. He looked up and saw that Emperor Zhaoping’s face was uneasy as his voice began to weaken. Eunuch Bai hurriedly stepped forward to help the Emperor.

Xiao Lie frowned, and when he was about to step forward to help him, he noticed Emperor Zhao Ping turning around and shaking his head slightly at him.

Xiao Lie immediately stopped in his tracks.

Everyone knelt and bowed to Emperor Zhao Ping. Xiao Jing lowered his head as well, his lips sneering coldly.

Emperor Zhao Ping returned to Yangxin Hall with Eunuch Bai’s help. As soon as he entered the hall, he began coughing out blood.

Xiao Jing came up from behind, took out a pill, and gave it to Eunuch Bai, who then fed it to Emperor Zhao Ping. He smiled and said, “Father performed very well earlier, and your son is very satisfied!”

After taking the medicine, Emperor Zhao Ping took a break and he looked slightly better. He sneered and said, “Jing’er, I never knew that you thought so hard and so viciously!”

He gave him a poison that would be activated within an hour. Had he said anything in court that morning, or let Xiao Lie and the others come to rescue him, he would have probably been poisoned to death in less than an hour!

“I was also forced into this! This is because the ministers are too uptight. Therefore, I am forced to make this decision. I’m sorry to have made Father suffer so!” Xiao Jing smiled coldly and asked, “Father, do you still refuse to tell me where the jade seal is? If you say it, you won’t have to suffer all these hardships anymore.”

Emperor Zhao Ping lay back on the bed, closed his eyes, and said nothing.

Xiao Jing calmed down. “Then let’s just bid our time. I’ll see how long you can hold me back!”

He told the servants to take good care of Emperor Zhao Ping, before turning around and walking out.

At Prince Rui’s Manor, several ministers sat in the study, all with heavy looks on their faces.

“The Emperor’s situation is not good!” Zhang Yuan said.

“Prince Zhao dares to let the Emperor appear in front of us. He is indeed fearless! The Emperor must have been poisoned, and he had to cooperate with Xiao Jing!” Yao Bing analyzed the situation.

“I heard that the Empress Dowager visited the Yangxin Hall yesterday, but did not meet the Emperor.”

“Prince Zhao and Jin Sheng covered the sky with one hand and controlled the inner palace. This is worrying!”

Zhang Yuan chimed in, “At this time, it seems that the evidence we have about Xie Shiyun can’t be presented to the Emperor. It will fall into the hands of Prince Zhao immediately if we hand it over. We cannot act rashly!”

“Yes!” Yao Bing nodded. “We can’t act rashly without full assurance!”

Xiao Lie’s face was gloomy as he said softly, “I have negotiated with General Nangong accordingly. If there is any suspicious activity, he will immediately rush into the palace!”

“The Emperor being kidnapped is almost certain. Prince Zhao’s next step is to make himself the Crown Prince so that he can legally…” Zhang Yuan did not complete his sentence, but everyone understood what he meant.

As long as Prince Zhao did this and the Emperor died, he could rightfully reign as king.

“Why is Prince Zhao not taking any actions? What is he waiting for?” Yao Bing asked.

“Jade seal!” Xiao Lie abruptly replied, “He did not find the jade seal!”

Everyone suddenly felt relieved. As long as Xiao Jing could not find the jade seal, the Emperor was at least safe for now.

Everyone discussed it for a while more and then left. Only Yao Bing stayed behind.

“His Royal Highness, things are urgent and can’t be delayed any longer! Prince Zhao will not wait forever either. He must have moved quite a bit in the past few days. Since he has not been able to find the jade seal, the next step that he may take is to start winning over Lord Yun Nan. Only if you marry Princess Yu Long will Lord Yun Nan not act recklessly. Lord Yun Nan has been staying in Shengjing so that he can marry Princess Yu Long off to the court. If you don’t marry her, Lord Yun Nan will choose Prince Zhao instead. Prince Zhao will become even more powerful, and things will become even more difficult for us!”

Xiao Lie frowned. “I’ve already said it. I will not marry Princess Yu Long!”

“Your Highness, please think twice about this matter! We cannot drag this on any longer! If not, the Emperor’s life will be in danger. Even the imperial concubines and the Empress Dowager will be in danger as well! If Prince Zhao becomes the Crown Prince, he will not let you go as well, Your Highness!”

Xiao Lie’s eyes were glacial. “If Xiao Jing dares to do that, I will certainly take off his head myself!”

“Your Highness, you are so determined! It must mean that there is someone you want to marry. Might it be the lady in Qiao An’s manor, named Su Jiu?” Yao Bing asked with his head bowed.

Xiao Lie sneered, “You have checked up on my matters very clearly indeed!”

“Your Royal Highness, please forgive my sins! In truth, I did not need to investigate at all. You often go to Qiao An’s Manor, but it is impossible to always look for Qiao An to discuss matters. Therefore, you must have been there meeting that lady. However, have you thought about it, Your Highness? If Prince Zhao gains power, not only will Your Highness be in a precarious situation but that Miss Su will be in danger as well!”

Xiao Lie abruptly turned his head, his eyebrows downcasted. He knew that Xiao Jing had sent someone to assassinate Su Jiu before.

“So, whether it is for the Emperor or the imperial concubine, or Miss Su, you cannot give up the quest to be Crown Prince, Your Highness. The most important thing in front of you is to win over Lord Yun Nan, and never let Xia Cang turn his loyalty over to Prince Zhao!”

“Does this mean that if I marry Princess Yu Long, Lord Yun Nan will not turn to the rebel instead?” Xiao Lie sneered.

“No one dares to say that Prince Zhao is a rebel now. Moreover, Lord Yun Nan didn’t even ask about the Emperor for the past two days. He had been staying silent! Your Highness, did you not understand his attitude? He is forcing you to make a choice!”

Yao Bing spoke with a heavy voice. He then knelt on the ground, and his weathered face was slightly agitated. “His Royal Highness, this old minister implored you! Consider the overall situation and make it your priority! Marry Princess Yu Long first!”

Xiao Lie closed his eyes, a thick sense of heaviness forming between his eyebrows.

At this time, someone suddenly knocked on the door. Ding Fei walked in and greeted, “His Royal Highness!”

“Speak!” Xiao Lie said hoarsely.

“Someone from inside the palace reported that they could not access Yangxin Hall. Both the inside and outside of the Yangxin Hall have been heavily surrounded by the forbidden army. Even the internal servants who served the Emperor have been imprisoned and replaced by the army. Additionally, outside the hall, everything is supervised by Jin Sheng himself!”

Jin Sheng was skilled in martial arts. He only had a few enemies who could match up. Otherwise, he would not have been selected as the leader of the forbidden army.

Xiao Lie frowned. “Is there no other way?”

Ding Fei replied in a deep voice, “No, all the methods have been used. The forbidden army has a very strict hold on this matter. Even the people who send meals are from the forbidden army. No one else is allowed to approach the place!”

Since Xiao Jing had already done it, it was natural that he did it airtight. If there was a mistake, all of his previous efforts would go down the drain.

What was more important was that someone like Jin Sheng was planning things for him.

Jin Sheng was able to lie quietly in the palace for ten years and was trusted by Emperor Zhao Ping. Thus, his scheming nature was highly incredible.

“His Royal Highness! We can’t wait any longer. If this continues, the Emperor will be in grave danger should Prince Zhao find the jade seal or join hands with Lord Yun Nan! Even if you have no intention of being on the throne, please remember the love of your father, the love of mother and son, and the bigger picture!” Yao Bing knelt on the ground and yelled in desperation.

Xiao Lie slowly clenched his fists, hiding his painful turmoil in his bottomless eyes. It was as if he was making the most difficult choice in his life.

“His Royal Highness, you and Miss Su have come a long way. If she knows the plight that Your Highness is facing right now, in the future, she will most definitely be very understanding towards you, Your Highness!”

“His Royal Highness, if this world is under Prince Zhao’s control, can you be sure that you can protect your loved ones?”

“Your Royal Highness!”

Their words kept buzzing in Xiao Lie’s mind. It was as if he was being pulled by a tight string, and each of his nerves was in pain. He felt that he was being sliced into pieces.

Yao Bing’s words kept colliding back and forth in his head. He knew that he was right, but if he married Princess Yu Long, would Ah Jiu forgive him?

However, if he did not marry her, would he drag Su Jiu down, and there would be no peace for her in the future?

Ah Jiu…

Ah Jiu!

Xiao Lie closed his eyes in pain. The strings in his mind were pulled so hard by the tension that they suddenly broke!

After a while, the man said slowly, “Tell Lord Yun Nan that I’ve agreed!”

Yao Bing raised his head in astonishment. “Yes! On behalf of the many officials and the many commoners, we thank you, Your Royal Highness!”

With that, Yao Bing stood up and marched out excitedly.

Ding Fei stood there, staring at the pale Xiao Lie. It seemed that he could feel his sorrow too.

“His Royal Highness!” Ding Fei frowned and wanted to say something to comfort him, but he could not think of anything of a matter to speak about.

Xiao Lie’s voice carried a tinge of bleakness in it. He laughed a little, but it was a burst of heart-wrenching laughter.

“Mother is right. As a prince, we do not have the right to give up the throne!”

If he gave that up, he would be giving up his own life and the life of his loved one!

He could give up his own life, but he couldn’t take Ah Jiu’s life! Therefore, he could not lose to him!

Su Jiu was taking a nap in the afternoon when she suddenly woke up. The sunlight shone on her, and she found that Xiao Lie was sitting on the edge of her bed. A pair of sinking eyes looked at her deeply with emotions she could not fathom.

Seeing her awake, he quickly took off his outer coat and put it behind her.

Su Jiu was in her pajamas. She smiled and asked, “When did you come? Why didn’t you wake me up?”

Xiao Lie’s handsome face was warm and inviting. She could not sense anything amiss from observing his face. He raised his hand and pushed some stray hair behind her ear, seeming to want to say something. After a while, he said, “Ah Jiu, I want you to do something for me. Just one thing!”

Su Jiu nodded, with a pure and innocent look across her eyes. “Say it!”

“Go to Fuyang on my behalf. The governor of Fuyang colluded with local merchants to gather unscrupulous money for Prince Zhao. Help me find evidence. This matter must be a secret. I don’t trust other people, so you have to go!” Xiao Lie said softly.

“Is this the Emperor’s intention, or yours?” Su Jiu asked.

Su Jiu also knew a little about the dispute in the imperial courts. If Xiao Lie was the one instigating this, it meant that he and Xiao Jing had reached a point of impasse. Xiao Jing must now be removed.

If the Emperor knew about this and ordered people to check, at least Xiao Lie’s situation was a little better.

“It is my father, the Emperor’s decision. He ordered the imperial censor to investigate. I had a lead, so I just took this opportunity to find evidence that Prince Zhao colluded with the magistrate.”

“Well, I will leave immediately for Fuyang tomorrow morning!” Su Jiu bobbed her head in excitement. “I must find the evidence as soon as possible!”

Xiao Lie’s eyes pained as he stretched his arms out to hold Su Jiu in his embrace. “Ah Jiu, when you come back, let’s get married!”

“Will your father, the Emperor, agree?” Su Jiu chuckled.

“He will agree!” Xiao Lie closed his eyes and kissed her gently between her temples. “I can’t bear to leave you!”

“Within a month, I will come back!” Su Jiu smiled.

“Okay! Within a month, I will finish everything here and wait for your return!”

“Xiao Lie, is there something wrong happening in the imperial court?” Su Jiu did not know why but suddenly felt uneasy.

“No! Don’t worry! It’s just that my father, the Emperor, is not in good health these days!” Xiao Lie got up and stroked Su Jiu’s face. “Take care on the road, and don’t worry too much!”

“Mm!” Su Jiu gave a subtle smile. “Don’t for me too!”

“When you arrive in Fuyang, you must pay attention to your safety! Don’t make me worry for you!” Xiao Lie repeatedly ordered.

“Okay!”

Early the next morning, when the sky was bright and the city gate opened, Xiao Lie sent Su Jiu out of the city.

Only Qiao An was informed of Su Jiu’s trip to Fuyang. Thus, she brought no one with her except for Er Mao, who drove the carriage.

“Be sure to write to me when you arrive in Fuyang!” Xiao Lie’s face was gentle, but he had a worried look in his eyes. He was holding tightly onto Su Jiu’s shoulders, reluctant for her to leave!

“Relax!” Su Jiu’s pair of clear eyes flashed under the faint morning light. She then turned and walked toward the carriage.

“Ah Jiu!”

Xiao Lie suddenly yelled, stepped forward, and hugged Su Jiu from the back. “Ah Jiu, when you come back, I want everyone in the world to know that you are Princess Rui!”

Su Jiu looked up at the rising sun and nodded slowly. “Okay!”

She turned around and smiled with her lips pursed. “The Emperor is unwell. There may be changes in the imperial courts, so you must be careful!”

Xiao Lie had things that he could not speak of, so he could only give her a slight nod.

Su Jiu turned around, got on the carriage, and bade goodbye to Xiao Lie.

Er Mao quickly took the carriage onto the road, and it gradually went away.

Xiao Lie stood in the same spot for a long time, staring at the direction where the carriage went.

The sun had risen by then, and commoners were heading towards the city gate. As they passed the man, they could not help but glance at him.

His ink-black hair was stained with a mist, and he was standing there, as still as a statue.

Suddenly, the sound of riding horses came from nowhere. It was Ding Fei. He dismounted and said, “His Royal Highness, Master Zhang and Master Yao are waiting for you outside the palace gates. Please enter the palace now!”

Xiao Lie turned around. The softness on his face had since disappeared. It was replaced with a coldness that mirrored the morning mist. A pair of long eyes made the man look firm and steady. Without any hesitation, he got on the horse and quickly rushed towards Shengjing City.

In court that morning, the rare Lord Yun Nan was also here.

Emperor Zhao Ping, like the previous day, looked haggard and very tired while sitting on his throne.

“If anything is of concern, report them now! If not, the court will be dismissed!” The unpleasant cries of Eunuch Bai’s harp voice rang throughout.

“Reporting to my father, the Emperor!” Xiao Lie stepped forward and said softly, “I would like to marry Princess Yu Long from Lord Yun Nan’s Manor. I hope that Father will give me his wishes!”

Stunned, Prince Zhao looked up suddenly. His eyes peered at Emperor Zhao Ping, and he constantly made eye gestures at him.

Qiao An gaped at Xiao Lie, also shocked when he heard this. At this time, he understood why he wanted Su Jiu to go to Fuyang.

Qiao An frowned and lowered his head. He looked around and found that several ministers in court, including Zhang Yuan, were not too surprised. This insinuated that they had discussed it before the revelation on this day.

Why did Xiao Lie suddenly want to marry Princess Yu Long?

Qiao An raised his head a little, watching the black and blue shades between Emperor Zhao Ping’s eyebrows, and then thought of the strange happenings in courts over the past few days. Realization dawned upon him, and he suddenly understood everything!

Emperor Zhao Ping’s yellow eyes flashed, hinting that he did not see Xiao Jing’s gestures at him. He looked at Lord Yun Nan. “Lord Yun Nan, what are your thoughts?’

Lord Yun Nan bowed with respect and answered, “His Royal Highness is magnificent, handsome, and talented. I am naturally delighted by his decision!”

“Good!”

Emperor Zhao Ping just uttered one word, when Xiao Jing abruptly interrupted him.

“Father Emperor, I think that this is very inappropriate! Please think twice!”

Emperor Zhao Ping looked at him lightly and said, “Princess Yu Long is clever, dignified, and presentable. She is very compatible with Lie’er! I grant this marriage!”

“Thank you, Father Emperor!” Xiao Lie’s face was almost expressionless as he said this.

Xiao Lie’s fists clenched under his robe, his eyes flashing cold.

“Lord Yun Nan has limited time in the capital. Let’s choose a good day. Lie’er and Princess Yu Long will get married as soon as possible!” Emperor Zhao Ping said.

“Yes! Your son will obey Father’s wishes!”

“Congratulations to His Royal Highness Prince Rui! Congratulations to Lord Yun Nan!”

Hundreds of officials congratulated them in unison!

After speaking several words, Emperor Zhao Ping no longer felt good. Eunuch Bai hurriedly asked the court to dismiss.

Hundreds of officials retreated and wanted to congratulate Xiao Lie and Lord Yun Nan.

Xiao Lie’s face was rather expressionless, and he didn’t talk much. Instead, he left quickly.

In the Ji Manor early in the morning, Jin Feng entered the study, holding a letter in his hand. He handed it over to Ji Yuxian.

Ji Yuxian opened the letter and glanced at it. It was a letter from Fuyang. Several businesses had started operations and invited Ji Yuxian over to watch the ceremony.

He casually threw it aside. He wanted to tell Jin Feng to reply that he would not go, but his eyebrows moved, and he turned to look at the letterhead again.

Fuyang?

It was the Su Family’s hometown.

He remembered the lady from the Su Family who had disappeared. The man’s eyes changed into a darker shade of color as he said quietly, “Prepare the carriage and write to Fuyang. This time, I will go there by myself!”

Jin Feng was a little surprised. “Eldest Young Master, are you going?”

The Ji Manor’s businesses had spread far and wide. Many local shops were already opened in Fuyang, but Ji Yuxian rarely headed over to inspect things. Why was he going over in person this time around?

“Yes!”

Ji Yuxian responded faintly, without giving further explanation. He merely instructed Jin Feng to get some of the shopkeepers of Shengjing over.

When they arrived, Ji Yuxian arranged Shengjing’s affairs with them. With that settled, he set off in the afternoon and rushed to Fuyang.

In the afternoon, Chang Huan learned that Su Jiu had gone to Fuyang. He also saw the letters that Su Jiu left him, asking him to take good care of the businesses and restaurants while she was not around.

He understood that Su Jiu wrote this letter to him so that he would not go and find her.

Disappointed, he returned to the manor. Upon entering the backyard, he heard a few servants discussing matters.

“Our manor is going to have a wedding soon!”

“Yeah, I heard it was urgent. It will happen over the next few days!”

“Such a joyous occasion between Princess Yu Long and His Royal Highness! Why must it happen in such a hurry?”

“Probably because the lord is going back soon!”

…

At this moment, a servant saw Chang Huan and knelt to pay her respects. “This servant pays her respects to the Crown Prince!”

“We servants pay their respects to the Crown Prince!” The others kneeled as well.

Chang Huan was too astounded by what he heard. He did not ask them to get up from the ground. Instead, he hurriedly rushed over to the inner courtyard.

He walked a little too quickly and almost bumped into Yu Long, who was about to go out. His actions also scared Qinglan, who screamed, but hurriedly greeted him, “This servant pays her respects to the Crown Prince!”

“Why are you in such a hurry? What happened?” Yu Long stepped forward and gently smoothed out Chang Huan’s clothes, asking gently.

He looked straight at her. “Are you going to be married to Prince Rui?”

Yu Long dropped her hands and gave a generous smile. “Yes! Father came back from the palace to announce it! However, you were not in the manor, so you didn’t hear it.”

Chang Huan frowned and looked at her. “Don’t you know that the person Prince Rui likes is…”

“Chang Huan!” Yu Long interrupted his words and laughed. “After I am married to His Royal Highness Rui, your Chief will be free again. Aren’t you happy when that happens?”

Chang Huan was astonished as he heard this. He stared hard at the woman in front of him.

Yu Long stroked Chang Huan’s shoulders and smiled. “I know you like Su Jiu. Previously, when you refused to acknowledge your birth parents, it was all because of her, right?”

Not waiting for Chang Huan to answer, Yu Long continued, “According to logic, you are the Crown Prince and Su Jiu’s identity is not worthy for you! However, Su Jiu is our family’s benefactor, so our parents will surely be gracious about this. I will also help you and speak up on your behalf. When you get married, you can take her to South Yun Nan with you. This will kill two birds with one stone.”

Chang Huan’s long and handsome eyes flashed lightly. He looked at Yu Long faintly, and a sneer appeared on the corner of his lips. “…Then I have to thank my elder sister for this in advance!”

“We are family! There’s no need for such politeness!” Yu Long smiled dignifiedly. “Well, Mother is looking for you. Hurry and go see her!”

“Mm!” Chang Huan replied indifferently.

“Huan’er, you have to understand that we are your real family!” Yu Long smiled lightly, but she gave him a look that suggested a deeper meaning behind her words.

Chang Huan’s face was calm. Without speaking further, he turned and walked along the corridor.

The next morning, the court chose the date of the marriage and presented it to the Emperor.

After Emperor Zhao Ping read through it, he chose the most recent day, which was the 22nd of May. It was in about half a month.

Although the amount of time was short, everything was handled by the interior department. Therefore, Prince Rui’s Manor and Lord Yun Nan’s Manor would not be overwhelmed with preparations.

Xiao Lie naturally hoped that the sooner it happened, the better it would be. He agreed immediately.

Lord Yun Nan also had no opinion on the matter, so the date of the marriage was determined accordingly.

Emperor Zhao Ping returned to his hall, and Xiao Jing followed him. He naturally lost his temper at his father.

However, the recent turn of events had made him a little more fearful. This time, Xiao Lie had the authority of Lord Yun Nan on his side. If he wanted to be the Crown Prince, even if he found the jade seal, there was now an extra layer of difficulty for him to ascend to his new position.

After all, if Lord Yun Nan acted against him, along with all the officials in court that allied with Prince Rui, he would not succeed!

In the end, Lord Yun Nan chose Prince Rui instead!

Xiao Jing’s face turned cold, and his determination to seize power was now ever greater.

Emperor Zhao Ping was still in his hands. This was his biggest trump card. He could now be sure that Xiao Lie knew that the Emperor had been coerced by him. Thus, he insisted on the marriage to be hastily held.

He also wanted to see how they would intend to turn the tide towards themselves.

In the afternoon, as soon as Yu Long went out, she saw the carriage from Prince Rui’s Manor waiting outside the door.

She raised her eyebrows and hurriedly walked over, laughing. “Since the Prince is here, why don’t you enter the manor?”

Xiao Lie raised the carriage curtain, and his handsome face had a gentle look. “I want to discuss matters with you, Princess. May the princess please board the carriage.”

Yu Long’s eyes flickered as she smiled. “Okay!”

With that, she lifted her skirt and got on the carriage. As soon as she sat down, Ding Fei had already hurried the carriage to leave.

After a while, the carriage stopped by the Huanhua River. The two got out of the carriage and got on a quiet boat.

On the boat, other than the boatman and the servant, there were only the two of them. They stood at the bow. The boat swayed gently as they moved through the river.

The man stood up tall. With a straight posture and a handsome face, he appeared as gentle and approachable as he could be. However, his indifference also made people feel significantly distant from him.

Yu Long looked at the man with her head tilted. Her lips could not restrain the joy she felt, and she grinned. “His Royal Highness invited me to come here. I guess it is not just to enjoy the scenery!”

Xiao Lie said lightly, “Princess, do you know why you and I are getting married?”

Yu Long’s eyes flashed, and she nodded calmly. “I’ve known a little here and there!”

“Princess, you are wise. I shall be honest then! I didn’t want to marry you. The person I truly like is Su Jiu, and in my heart, she is the only one who is Princess Rui! My marriage contract with Yun Nan Manor was forced by circumstances, so I had to do it.”

The smile on Yu Long’s face slowly faded. She barely managed to keep the smile on. “Yes, I understand!”

“Princess, you can share my words with Lord Yun Nan. Is it necessary to continue this marriage contract? Your manor can decide on it again. However, I must tell you these words!”

Yu Long lowered her eyes, and in them, tears slowly clouded her sight. Nevertheless, she looked up and smiled at the man. “What Your Royal Highness is saying, I understand! Rest assured that I will not tell my father!”

“Since neither of us is that willing on this marriage contract when things are done and settled, I will naturally be separated from you. I also know that this is unfair to you, so I can agree to any compensation that you want, Princess!”

Yu Long’s lips curled into a seemingly absurd sneer. She turned to gaze at the river and said awe-inspiringly, “Your Highness’s words are heavy! Firstly, I am also a citizen of the court. I too find it appropriate to make a sacrifice for it and the Emperor. Secondly, Su Jiu is the benefactor of the Yun Nan Manor. How can I rob her of her beloved? So…”

She then looked back at Xiao Lie. “We shall proceed just as you suggested, Your Highness. I don’t need any compensation. Take it that I am grateful to Su Jiu for saving Huan’er and that I am compensating her!”

Xiao Lie’s eyes shone brightly. “Princess, you are well-informed, and you value relationships. I am extremely grateful!”

“You’re welcome, Your Highness!”

Xiao Lie’s heart was placated upon learning of Yu Long’s easy-going nature. After sending Yu Long back to her house, he concentrated on planning his next steps. He awaited the day of his marriage. Once he had everything settled and done, he would personally marry Su Jiu and get her into his manor.

Yu Long and Xiao Lie bade goodbyes outside the Yun Nan Manor. However, once she was in her courtyard, her gentle face completely switched. She immediately asked, “Where is the Crown Prince?”

“Reporting to the Princess, the Crown Prince just came back, and is in his room!” a servant replied.

“Mm!” Yu Long nodded and walked quickly into the Chang Huan’s courtyard.

She pushed the door open. Chang Huan was sitting at the desk, looking at the account book of the commercial house.

Yu Long picked up the tea poured by the servant and placed it on the table. She then chuckled and remarked, “These things can be left for others to do. Huan’er, you can’t always be the shopkeeper of the business!”

“I had planned to do it forever!” Chang Huan lightly took the tea that was served and opened his lips lightly.

“If Su Jiu becomes your concubine in the future, what need will there be for you to open your own commercial house?” Yu Long said gently.

“Chief will not go to Southern Yun Nan, and neither will I go,” Chang Huan replied softly.

Yu Long no longer intended to discuss this matter with him further. She stood beside him with inkwells. Afterward, she spread rice paper on the table, picked up the pen, dipped it in ink, and handed it to Chang Huan.

“Huan’er, write a letter to Su Jiu!”

“Chief will write to me when she arrives in Fuyang!” Chang Huan said.

“No, I want you to tell Su Jiu about the relationship between me and Prince Rui, and get her to come back to watch the wedding ceremony!” Yu Long said slightly, gently raising her eyebrows.

Chang Huan was stunned. He looked at Yu Long with a deep gaze and asked coldly, “What do you mean?”

“Huan’er, don’t you understand? Xiao Lie sent Su Jiu to Fuyang because he didn’t want her to know that he would marry me. He intends to deceive Su Jiu, how can we possibly live with that? Also, only if Su Jiu sees Xiao Lie marrying me, will she have a clean break with Xiao Lie! In this way, Huan’er, you will then have a chance!” Yu Long said slowly and calmly.

Chang Huan gawked at her, stunned. Suddenly, he didn’t seem to know the woman in front of him.

Yu Long put the pen in Chang Huan’s hands and smiled softly. “Although your elder sister is selfish, I’m doing it for your sake. In short, this is beneficial for both of us! Don’t hesitate and write, Huan’er!”

“No!” The pen in Chang Huan’s hand dropped, and he shook his head in panic. He felt that it was inappropriate.

“Huan’er!” Yu Long placed the pen in his hand again, solemnly saying, “Lord Yun Nan’s Manor is not as prosperous as it appears on the surface. The Emperor already had plans to withdraw the prosperity, wealth, and power of our family. Therefore, the Yun Nan Manor must be wise, and accept the wedding arrangement with Prince Rui! As the Prince of Yun Nan Manor, you must do this! This is your responsibility!”

Chang Huan’s face was ghastly pale. The hand holding the pen trembled on the paper.

“Huan’er, you are also doing this for Su Jiu. You are doing this in order not to deceive her. There is nothing wrong with it!”

“Without the Eldest Young Master from the Ji Manor and Xiao Lie, Su Jiu will see you, Huan’er! For your love, you can be a little selfish!”

“Even if Su Jiu knows all this, she will be grateful to you!”

Yu Long kept persuading him relentlessly.

Chang Huan took a deep breath. The hesitation on his face gradually changed to a determined look, and he began writing the letter.

As soon as he finished writing the letter, Yu Long took a look at it and giggled. “Your writing is much better than mine!”

She carefully folded the letter. “I will send it out immediately. Huan’er, you have fulfilled your elder sister’s happiness, and your elder sister will always be grateful to you!”

“Hurry up and take it away!” Chang Huan’s face was cold as he said lightly.

“Okay! Have a good rest, Huan’er! Your elder sister will not bother you anymore!”

Yu Long said softly and turned away.

Chang Huan closed his eyes, a sudden uneasiness welling up in his heart. He got up and wanted to chase Yu Long, but his legs did not budge at all.

So be it!

Xiao Lie deceived Su Jiu. He should, therefore, be punished for it!

He did the right thing!

He had the right to let Su Jiu know the truth!

Yes, he did nothing wrong!

He was not only doing it for his selfish reason to get Su Jiu but also to keep Su Jiu from being blinded by Xiao Lie!

Chang Huan was constantly self-consoling himself, but the more he did it, the whiter his face became. His chest felt panicky and uneasy, and he always felt that something bad was going to happen.

Xiao Lie returned to the palace, and at a glance, he saw Qiao An standing outside the palace waiting for him.

“Your official is paying his respects to His Royal Highness Prince Rui!”

Xiao Lie nodded lightly. “Please come in, Master An!”

Qiao An looked around, and he had an ice-cold look on his face. “No need! Your official only has a few words to ask His Royal Highness. I will leave once I am done asking!”

He originally thought this matter was strange, but when he heard that the date of the marriage was settled in court on this day, he could confirm that Xiao Lie genuinely wanted to marry Yu Long. Thus, he knew that he had to come and ask Xiao Lie clearly on this.

Xiao Lie had already guessed what Qiao An wanted to ask, and he muttered, “My promise to Su Jiu will not change. Master An be, rest assured!”

“Your Royal Highness, you are about to marry the princess. Where then do you intend to place our Chief? Your official understands that the situation has changed in the courts, and there is no room for personal relationships in light of the overall situation. However, what is to happen to our Chief? How will you give her an explanation?” Qiao An said sharply.

Xiao Lie put on a tough attitude. “Qiao An, what I said will naturally not change, and getting married to the princess is only an expedient measure. Today, I discussed the matter with the princess. I will have no relationship with her, and we will divorce shortly.”

Qiao An’s eyes widened. “Your Highness, are you serious?”

“When did I ever deceive you, Master An?”

Qiao An’s face loosened up a little, and he bowed. “Your official has misunderstood your intentions, Your Highness. May Your Highness forgive me for any disrespect I’ve shown!”

“I know that you are doing this for Ah Jiu, so why would I blame you? Master An, be rest assured that when Ah Jiu returns, I would have taken care of everything.”

“Yes, your official believes in you, Your Highness!”

Although Qiao An felt a little uneasy, at the current time, he had to choose to believe Xiao Lie. Furthermore, with his understanding of Xiao Lie, he knew that he would not deceive him on this matter.