chapter 7
“Xie Shuyin, have you gone mute?”
“Ruoruo did nothing wrong. It is I who wish to break off the engagement.”
“Apologize to her. As for the wound on her forehead, I will not hold it against you.”
I looked at Chu Heng and couldn’t help but curl my lips in a faint smile.
I must have been blind.
I actually always thought he was wise and astute.
“Hong Yan, is His Majesty in the front hall?”
I turned to look at the maid beside me.
Hong Yan nodded blankly.
I lifted my skirt and walked forward.
Chu Heng followed closely behind:
“What are you planning to do?”
“Father Emperor is traveling incognito this time. He did not summon the ladies of the court.”
Of course I knew.
I am merely a minister’s daughter; my Birthday Banquet is hardly enough to warrant the Emperor lowering himself to grace my residence with his presence.
But why is His Majesty here?
Because both my elder brothers are at the frontier, sending back victory after victory.
Because my father has just resolved the flood disaster, earning widespread praise among the people.
Because for a hundred years, most of the pillars of the court have come from the Xie Clan.
Yet Your Highness the Crown Prince has knelt for three days and nights, insisting on breaking off our engagement.
His Majesty fears chilling the hearts of my father and brothers.
Even as the Eunuch announced my arrival, Chu Heng was still closely following behind me:
“Shuyin, do not use your birthday as an excuse to ask Father Emperor for things that do not belong to you.”
“I have already promised Ruoruo the position of Crown Princess. I will never go back on my word.”
“If you insist on marrying me, then… then you can only be a secondary wife!”
I turned and glanced at Chu Heng.
As he said, he was born the Crown Prince.
His entire life has been far too smooth.
He has never realized what the position of Crown Princess-and who holds it-truly means to him.
Perhaps my gaze was too cold; Chu Heng was momentarily stunned.
Just then, the Emperor, seated at the head, spoke: “Shuyin, you seem eager to see me. Is there something urgent?”
The hall was full of guests.
I knelt down: “Your Majesty, today is your subject’s birthday. May I be so bold as to ask Your Majesty for one wish?”
“Your Highness the Crown Prince and Miss Liu have shared hardships together. I truly envy their deep bond.”
“I fear I might ruin their vow to grow old together, to remain united in heart.”
“Your Majesty, please annul the Marriage Contract between your subject and Your Highness the Crown Prince…”
“And grant them marriage!”
I knelt reverently on the ground.
The room fell silent; one could hear a pin drop.