Chapter 2

Chapter 2

I entered the palace and waited outside the Study Hall. Jin Ye was summoned inside, and the eunuch serving the Emperor even thoughtfully brought me a chair.

I stood there with perfect propriety.

When Jin Ye came out again, his face was deathly pale. The look he gave me was full of venom.

The Empress followed behind him and smiled at me. “Ningning, Jin Ye was only confused for a moment. Don’t take it to heart.”

I curtsied and took my leave.

So he really had no attachment to the throne at all?

Apparently true love was worth only that much.

Chu Mumu caused a scene for a long time, but it no longer had anything to do with me.

What was more, my spies in the palace reported that Jin Ye wanted the crown princess and the side consort to enter the residence on the same day.

It was enough to make me laugh. Why did Chu Mumu think I would compromise?

Why did she think she deserved to be a side consort?

Because she quoted Li Bai’s “Bring in the Wine”? Or because she kept talking about one lifetime, one partner?

The wedding was exhausting. By the time I reached the bridal chamber, my neck felt as though it were about to snap beneath the heavy phoenix coronet.

After what felt like forever, Jin Ye’s voice finally drifted in.

I exchanged a look with Chun Ci. She had drugged our marriage wine.

The matchmakers helped us finish the last of the rites.

Jin Ye sat upright on the edge of the bed. There was not a trace of warmth in his eyes. Even now, I still didn’t understand.

When had the boy who once looked at me as though I were the whole world, the boy who had been determined to marry me, become like this?

I had learned manners for him, cooked for him, and sewn pouches and sachets for him.

But after he came to the Duke of Jin’s mansion to break our engagement and made me the laughingstock of the capital, even that last bit of warmth was gone.

Once everyone had left, Jin Ye shot me an angry look and turned to go.

I looked at him coldly. “If Your Highness walks out tonight, what will become of my family’s honor? Are you really going to treat me like this? What did I ever do wrong?”

Jin Ye turned back. There was still a shred of reason in his eyes, and with it, guilt.

I threw away the last softness in my heart. Guilt? It was the one thing I had no use for in this life.

The medicine took hold, and Jin Ye’s reason vanished completely.

He knew there would be something in the wine on a wedding night. I had simply switched it for something stronger.

Afterward, Jin Ye fell into a deep sleep. My whole body ached, but I still propped up my legs with a pillow.

I didn’t know whether it would work, but before Chu Mumu entered the residence, I had to make sure I was carrying his child.