Chapter 8

My dowry included a fair amount of farmland.

I bought a house in the capital.

The day after the divorce, Qin Yanwei came to propose again.

When the procession passed the Cui residence, Cui Shiyu stood forlornly at the gate, watching the grand parade of betrothal gifts go by.

He coughed up a mouthful of blood.

I heard about it within an hour.

People said Cui Shiyu seemed to have contracted some illness and was near death.

Just then, Qin Yanwei pushed open my door. “Li Zhao, I wish to marry you. I’ve already sent the marriage card and a letter to your parents by fast horse. Once they agree, we can have the wedding.”

Holding a bowl of milk curds, I hesitated.

“I still need to think about it.”

“Why? Did you hear that Cui Shiyu coughed up blood? He was holding a mouthful of syrup.”

The syrup did surprise me.

But that wasn’t the reason.

Qin Yanwei was even more possessive than Cui Shiyu.

An ordinary scholar would have been one thing. Unfortunately, he was the crown prince.

The future emperor.

I had no interest in going into the palace to battle other women.

“I’m not thinking of marriage at present. Please leave, Your Highness.”

Qin Yanwei looked stupefied.

“You didn’t divorce him because of me?”

“…No.”

“Then what have I done wrong? Why are you so reluctant?”

I sighed.

“You shouldn’t have lied to me, Your Highness.”

“I never intended to find myself a member of the imperial family…”

Of all the things Qin Yanwei had considered, it had never occurred to him that his status would be the problem.

He had already disposed of nearly all the few siblings he had.

He was the emperor’s only remaining son.

If he announced now that he didn’t want to be emperor, his father would probably whip him to death.

Qin Yanwei refused to give up.

“But you’ve clearly liked me very much these past few months…”

I was at a loss.

It was true. He was beautiful.

For as long as no one spoke the truth aloud, I could pretend I was blind to it.

They all said the imperial family was heartless. I’d thought Qin Yanwei would soon tire of me.

He was about to say more when a feeble cough sounded at the door.

“Surely Your Highness doesn’t intend to force her into marriage?”

Cui Shiyu entered weakly, pressing a bloodstained handkerchief to his lips.

“What are you doing here, a discarded husband?” Qin Yanwei said contemptuously. “What bad luck.”

Cui Shiyu said, “Li Zhao and I may be divorced, but we were husband and wife for several years. She’s about the same age as my younger sister. Since her parents aren’t in the capital, I shall act as an elder brother and guard her door.”

Qin Yanwei was appalled. “Have you no shame?”

Cui Shiyu sat down beside us.

“Why is Your Highness insulting me? I may have to impeach you at court tomorrow.”

Qin Yanwei gave me a pitiful look. “Zhaozhao, isn’t he disgusting? Now he’s playing brother and sister…”

I took a deep breath.

“Both of you, leave. This is my home. If you want to argue, do it outside.”

Cui Shiyu rose at his leisure.

“My sister doesn’t wish to receive visitors, Your Highness. This way, please.”

Thoroughly revolted, Qin Yanwei refused to leave alongside him and swept out.