Chapter 7
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Immediately, someone was ushered into the hall.
“The humble subject pays respects to—”
Marquis Anping was about to bow, but Emperor Hongxing waved his hand, “No need for formalities.”
Marquis Anping straightened up and noticed the other two figures in the hall, furrowing his brows.
Jiang Juan?
What is he doing here?
Marquis Anping’s visit to the palace today was to request Emperor Hongxing to annul his engagement with Jiang Juan.
As a prideful scion, Marquis Anping had always been discontented with his betrothal to Jiang Juan. This youth from the countryside was timid, cowardly, and spoke without daring to meet anyone’s gaze, his eyes filled with gloom.
He loathed his betrothed to the extreme and refused to acknowledge the engagement. As for Jiang Juan, he was unworthy to set foot in the Marquis Residence.
But his uncle didn’t see it that way.
Marquis Anping’s parents passed away early, and he was taken in by the Eldest Princess Residence, his aunt. He was raised by his uncle and aunt, and it was his uncle who arranged this marriage.
At the time, Marquis Anping wanted to dissolve the engagement, but he had not yet succeeded to the title. According to the laws of Daxing, succeeding to the title would result in a demotion. The Eldest Princess petitioned the Emperor several times, and Marquis Anping didn’t want to cause trouble at that time, so he didn’t bring it up again.
Now that his position as marquis had been settled, and his uncle and aunt had left the capital to relax, Marquis Anping wanted to take the opportunity to cancel the engagement and request a new marriage in the palace.
By the time they returned, the situation was already set, and the Emperor’s decision was final. Even if his uncle was angry, there was nothing he could do about it.
However…
Marquis Anping hadn’t expected to encounter Jiang Juan.
Yesterday, he had made it very clear, hoping Jiang Juan had taken it to heart and wouldn’t bother him anymore.
With that thought in mind, Marquis Anping gave Jiang Juan a warning look, but the young man wasn’t as attentive as before. Instead of eagerly looking at him, Marquis Anping could only see his profile.
Standing beside Xue Fangli, his fair complexion, low-lashed eyes, and a strand of black hair falling softly on his face made him appear unexpectedly gentle and submissive.
Marquis Hou was taken aback, unsure if it was just his imagination, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that Jiang Juan seemed different somehow.
He looks like….
“Zhao Shi, what brings you to the palace today?”
Emperor Hongxing spoke, interrupting Marquis Anping’s contemplation of Jiang Juan. Recollecting himself, he addressed the Emperor, saying, “Your Majesty, I have a request.”
A few days ago, when Marquis Anping’ visited the Minister Residence to see Jiang Nian, as he was about to leave, Jiang Nian suddenly grabbed his hand, tears in his eyes, and asked, “Do you still want me, Marquis?”
Marquis Anping’ was shaken to the core, unable to find the words to respond. Jiang Nian’s voice was bitter as he continued, “…Have you truly forgotten about me?”
How could he forget?
Marquis Anping’’s heart and mind were filled with Jiang Nian. He thought of no one but Jiang Nian, even in his dreams.
Both sons of the Minister Residence, Jiang Juan was nothing special, but Jiang Nian was different. Jiang Nian was like a rare blossom, exuding elegance and grace. Despite his merely above-average looks, beauty lies in character, and Jiang Nian was hailed as the most beautiful person in the capital.
With a kind heart and boundless talent, Jiang Nian had long captivated Marquis Anping. Yet, Jiang Nian had never reciprocated his feelings. Marquis Anping had intended to silently watch over him, but he never expected Jiang Nian to reach out to him like this.
After the ecstatic moment, Marquis Anping embraced Jiang Nian tightly. “Do you still doubt whether you hold a place in my heart?”
Jiang Nian buried his face in Marquis Anping’s chest, and as the warmth of his embrace enveloped him, Marquis Anping’s tumultuous emotions gradually calmed. In that moment, he made a silent decision.
——He would break off the engagement with Jiang Juan and marry Jiang Nian.
“I humbly request Your Majesty to grant me marriage to the second son of the Minister Residence, Jiang Nian.”
After Marquis Anping spoke, his peripheral vision instinctively swept towards Jiang Juan.
In his eyes, Jiang Juan lacked foresight and tact. Even though he had married Prince Li, Marquis Anping doubted if he had the awareness befitting a royal consort. Considering Jiang Juan’s past infatuation with him, Marquis Anping feared he might break down in public.
It wasn’t just him; the subtle gazes of others also fell upon Jiang Juan. Even Chief Steward Wang couldn’t contain himself, his gaze drifting over.
Jiang Juan: “…”
Why was everyone looking at him?
The past Jiang Juan adored Marquis Anping, but what did that have to do with the present Jiang Juan?
With these thoughts in mind, Jiang Juan smiled faintly, attempting to convey his blessings and subtly affirm his innocence.
You’re the protagonist’s gong, and he’s the protagonist’s shou. It’s destiny, a match made in heaven. Please, just lock it down.
Marquis Anping met Jiang Juan’s gaze, momentarily taken aback.
The young man looked back at him, his gaze clear and transparent. His soft lips curved upwards in a gentle smile, and his eyes formed crescents.
Already possessing extraordinary beauty, his smile made him even more ethereal. However, the young man’s lips were too pale, and his figure seemed overly delicate, resembling fragile porcelain.
For a brief moment, Marquis Anping felt a sense of daze.
His demeanor has changed so dramatically?
And before, whenever Jiang Juan encountered him, he either lowered his head or nervously twisted his sleeves. He disliked his gloomy temperament and coarse behavior, never realizing how beautiful his face truly was.
But…
So what if he’s beautiful?
It’s just an attractive facade, his malicious intentions couldn’t compare to the kind-hearted Xiao Nian.
After a brief moment of distraction, Marquis Anping felt surprised.
The young man smiled without any care or concern, seemingly indifferent, as if it were just an inconsequential person requesting a marriage blessing from the Emperor, and he happened to stumble upon it.
He doesn’t mind?
Marquis Anping wondered.
Of course, Jiang Juan doesn’t mind.
Noticing Marquis Anping looking at him, Jiang Juan politely nodded to him, then withdrew his gaze and edged a little closer to Xue Fangli.
Xue Fangli glanced at him from the corner of his eye, and Jiang Juan tilted his head, blinking at him in puzzlement. Compared to Marquis Anping, he seemed more familiar and comfortable with Xue Fangli, and more willing to get closer. Xue Fangli looked at him for a while, then smiled and raised his eyes.
Rumors, it seems, aren’t always accurate.
Marquis Anping found himself locking eyes with Xue Fangli unexpectedly.
Xue Fangli stared back at him with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, exuding a bone-chilling coldness in his demeanor. Marquis Anping’s heart skipped a beat, feeling an overwhelming sense of danger wash over him, as if he were being hunted by a ferocious beast. A shiver ran down his spine, and he hastily averted his gaze.
At the same time, Emperor Hongxing spoke up, “Does my son-in-law know about this matter?”
Marquis Anping steadied his nerves and replied reluctantly, “They… they don’t know.”
Emperor Hongxing chuckled, “Are you trying to use me to pressure your uncle?”
Marquis Anping kept his head down, unable to speak. He had intended to ponder how to respond, but he found himself lost in thought uncontrollably. He couldn’t understand Jiang Juan’s attitude.
Just a few days ago, Jiang Juan had pushed Jiang Nian into the lake because of their broken engagement. Yet yesterday, Jiang Juan had insisted on keeping the token of their engagement, reluctant to see the jade pendant shattered. How could he suddenly be so indifferent today?
Marquis Anping remained silent. After some thought, Emperor Hongxing shook his head. “I feel it’s not appropriate. Marriage is no trivial matter. If I approve and later my son-in-law is dissatisfied, I’d be causing trouble with good intentions.”
Marquis Anping barely regained his composure, opening his mouth to speak, “Your Majesty….”
But Emperor Hongxing waved his hand. “I shouldn’t meddle in your domestic affairs. Wait for my son-in-law to return, and then you can discuss it yourselves.”
Marquis Anping felt deeply regretful. He had come full of confidence, only to lose focus at a critical moment, squandering his opportunity. However, he didn’t give up. After a moment’s thought, he continued, “Your Majesty…”
At that moment, someone outside the hall signaled to Chief Steward Wang, who nodded in understanding. Chief Steward Wang then whispered a few words to Emperor Hongxing, who interrupted Marquis Anping, saying, “Whatever you have to say, it can wait. First, join me for a meal.”
After a pause, Emperor Hongxing continued, “Fifth, recently Daoist Shen prepared some deer antler blood wine for me. Since you’re not in the best of health, you should taste it as well.”
Xue Fangli nodded, and Chief Steward immediately gave instructions. The serving girls entered in an orderly fashion, quickly setting up the table. Emperor Hongxing took his seat first and smiled, “Feel free to relax, no need to be formal.”
Chief Steward Wang brought the blood-red deer antler blood wine and served it to Emperor Hongxing. As Emperor Hongxing drank, he suddenly said, “Fifth, speaking of which, didn’t my son-in-law serve as your tutor before? Do you still remember?”
Emperor Hongxing’s tone was calm, but the blood wine stained his teeth red, as if he were drinking blood directly.
Xue Fangli replied, “I don’t recall.”
Emperor Hongxing didn’t say much either, just expressed regret, “My son-in-law was quite something back then, a top scholar who made a name for himself. But now…”
He sighed deeply, then turned to Marquis Anping, “Is your uncle still the same as before, spending his days idly fishing and drinking?”
Marquis Anping smiled helplessly, not knowing what else to say.
Emperor Hongxing snorted coldly, and Chief Steward Wang slowly stirred the blood wine with a spoon, the thick crimson color swirling in the cup. He then served another sip to Emperor Hongxing, whose lips gradually stained with a scarlet hue.
“Your Highness, let your servant… let me serve you.”
The maid brought the deer antler blood wine and knelt beside Xue Fangli. She struggled to hold the wine glass steady, but her fear of Xue Fangli made her tremble uncontrollably, causing the blood wine to sway back and forth in the cup.
Emperor Hongxing, hearing this, casually remarked, “Fifth, give it a try. This wine has a strong taste of blood, but it works well. If you can handle it, I’ll have Daoist Shen prepare a prescription for you, so you can drink it at home in the future.”
As he rambled on, his lips parted, revealing teeth, tongue, and even his entire mouth stained with patches of blood. The heavy scent of blood permeated the hall, and Xue Fangli watched expressionlessly for a long time before lowering his eyelids.
The maid trembled as she held the wine glass.
As the blood swayed, a woman’s voice, choked with tears, echoed in Xue Fangli’s ears.
“You are my child, carried for ten months in my womb. Why don’t you stand by me? Why don’t you stand by me?”
“You wild bastard, you should die, you should die—!”
“I want you to eat my flesh, drink my blood, and fall into the deepest hell after death, never to be liberated for eternity!”
It’s too noisy.
The throbbing in his temples intensified, a sharp pain washing over him. Before his eyes, everything turned crimson, and the nauseating smell of blood filled his nostrils. Memories of the blood-stained Hongxing Emperor flooded his mind, and his breath grew colder by the moment.
Disgusting.
His head felt like it was splitting apart, and his irritation surged. An endless tide of resentment swelled within him until Xue Fangli heard a voice.
“Your Highness, are you okay?”
The voice was gentle, tinged with concern.
At the same time, his sleeve was tugged a few times, and the scent of blood between Xue Fangli’s breath gradually dissipated, replaced by the unique herbal fragrance emanating from the young man.
Incredibly clean and pure.
In that moment, he felt like he had returned from hell to the mortal world.
“Put it down first,” Jiang Juan saw he didn’t respond and said to the nervous maid.
Following his words, the maid placed the cup down, but before it could touch the table, Xue Fangli lifted his eyes coldly. The maid met his gaze abruptly, shuddering involuntarily, and accidentally knocked over the bowl of deer antler blood wine.
“Clang——!”
The blood wine splattered on Xue Fangli’s dark outer robe, leaving the maid stunned. She burst into tears on the spot, kneeling down in panic, pleading, “Your Highness, forgive me, I… I…”
Xue Fangli was utterly exhausted, paying no attention to her, his eyes gently closed.
Jiang Juan faintly sensed that something was wrong with Xue Fangli’s demeanor and asked him softly, “Your Highness, what’s wrong?”
Meanwhile, Emperor Hongxing frowned and inquired, “Fifth, are you alright?”
Xue Fangli remained silent, and Jiang Juan hesitated for a moment before reaching out to check on him, relieved to find no injuries. Just as Jiang Juan was about to release his hand, Xue Fangli’s grip suddenly tightened around his.
Jiang Juan was taken aback, looking at him in confusion. Xue Fangli appeared calm, not meeting his gaze, but his trembling hand held onto Jiang Juan’s tightly, as if enduring immense pain.
Jiang Juan could only let him hold on.
However, Xue Fangli’s grip grew tighter, causing Jiang Juan increasing discomfort.
Emperor Hongxing repeated, “Fifth, are you alright?”
Xue Fangli still showed no intention of speaking, so Jiang Juan lifted his head, enduring the pain, and answered on his behalf, “His Highness is fine.”
Jiang Juan’s eyes were moist, his eyelashes sticking together softly, as if on the verge of tears but holding them back. Marquis Anping pretended to casually glance over, but he froze in place.
He couldn’t quite grasp his own emotions, only hearing his heartbeat pounding like a drum.
But this shouldn’t be happening at all.
How could he be attracted by superficial appearances?
Emperor Hongxing continued, “Fifth, there should be clean clothes in the Lingguang Palace where you used to reside. Go and change into a new outfit.”
This time Jiang Juan couldn’t answer for him, so he just shook his hand gently. Xue Fangli nodded faintly and replied, “Hmm,” before letting go of Jiang Juan’s hand.
Xue Fangli stood up, and someone immediately guided him out. Jiang Juan hesitated on whether to follow, but Emperor Hongxing signaled to Chief Steward Wang, who quickly put on a smile and said, “It’s the first time for the Royal Consort to enter the palace. How about letting this servant guide you around?”
In this completely unfamiliar environment, Jiang Juan instinctively sought help from Xue Fangli with eyelashes still moist. Xue Fangli’s footsteps paused for a moment, then he nodded expressionlessly. Jiang Juan agreed, “Okay.”
Marquis Anping seemed to understand something as he observed the situation.
No wonder Jiang Juan treated him as a stranger, no wonder Jiang Juan remained indifferent throughout.
He feared Prince Li.
He couldn’t even decide whether to stay or leave.
Wasn’t he just being bullied just now?
With these thoughts in mind, when Jiang Juan passed by Marquis Anping, he whispered to him, “I have something to tell you later.”
Jiang Juan glanced at him in surprise, then hurriedly walked away, pretending not to have heard anything.
Getting close to the protagonist will only bring misfortune.
Playing dead and lying low was what he excelled at.
Jiang Juan was practically broadcasting his refusal, but Marquis Anping became even more convinced of his suspicions.
Not long after, only Marquis Anping and Emperor Hongxing remained in the hall. Knowing Marquis Anping’s temperament, Emperor Hongxing understood that once he set his mind on something, he would be extremely persistent. He sighed, “What now? Are you still hoping for me to grant you marriage?”
Marquis Anping was about to say something when he inconveniently remembered Jiang Juan’s wet eyelashes and his dewy face, like jade petals moistened with dew, glistening in the light.
Almost involuntarily, Marquis Anping shook his head.”
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