Everyone had a different expression.
Prince Li was…
Rong Xiu had already looked at Emperor Jiawen and bowed. "Father, please forgive me for being late." He couldn't stop himself from coughing twice after he said that. It seemed like he had been sick for a long time.
Emperor Jiawen shook his head with some disapproval. "You've had a weak constitution ever since you were a child. You must take good care of yourself now that you've just returned to the Imperial City. Why are you pushing yourself by coming?"
Rong Xiu looked smilingly at Rong Jin. "It is Brother's birthday banquet. As his brother and his subject, how can I not come?"
Rong Jin sneered inwardly, but he wore a smile on his face. "Seventh Brother, you're being too polite. It's only a birthday. I'll feel bad if your sickness gets worse. Quickly, sit!"
Rong Xiu followed his advice and took his seat beside the Third Prince, Rong Jiu.
He coughed a few times after removing his cloak. It seemed that he was suffering on this trip.
The crowd exchanged looks among themselves.
Indeed, Prince Li looked like he was in bad shape.
Some noble ladies were disappointed. He might have the looks, but there wouldn't be much of a future with his weak body. A pity. He was so handsome and exuded such a magnificent presence.
Rong Xiu didn't seem to care. He sat, greeted a few people around him, and quieted down.
What a gentle and humble gentleman.
Rong Zhen had no impression of her seventh brother. However, she was disgusted by him after he offered his handkerchief to Chu Liuyue. She sneered and turned her attention from Chu Liuyue to him. "Brother, you seem to care greatly for Big Chu Missy. Is it possible that you already know each other?"
Rong Xiu simply smiled. "I've only been back to the Imperial City for a month. This is my first outing. How can I know anyone?"
Rong Zhen remained skeptical. "Then why did you help her?"
Rong Xiu's smile slightly faltered. "I just feel that it's really not good to see blood as today is my brother's birthday banquet. Besides… I'm late. I don't know what happened earlier, and this place is actually in such a mess?"
He poured himself a cup of tea and casually said, "If I remember correctly, Miss Chu is engaged to my brother. I wonder who is bold enough to treat the Crown Prince's wife-to-be in such a manner on his birthday banquet."
Rong Zhen choked.
Rong Jin looked even more embarrassed.
Wasn't he being accused of letting others bully Chu Liuyue under his nose?
The Empress sensed that things had taken a wrong turn. She said warmly, "Prince Li must be mistaken. Rong Zhen felt close to her even though it was their first meeting, and she wanted to give the Golden Python to Miss Chu. They were merely taming the python earlier."
Rong Xiu was a little surprised. "Tame the Golden Python? Big Chu Missy is born with a crippled Yuan meridian, and she can't cultivate. How can she possibly tame it?" His perplexed question made the Empress and the others suddenly feel extremely embarrassed.
Rong Jin frowned. He felt that Rong Xiu had set the trap on purpose. However, judging from his shocked expression, he seemed to be asking the question out of genuine concern. Besides, Rong Xiu shouldn't know about what happened to the hunting ground. Rong Jin couldn't tell what Rong Xiu was thinking for a while, so he didn't say anything.
Rong Zhen, however, couldn't stop herself from arguing. "She obviously made the mistake of selling the deed for Brother's hunting ground to others! She has gone too far by doing that."
After a moment's silence, Rong Xiu asked as he fondled his teacup, "How did she do that if the deed belongs to the Crown Prince?"
There was dead silence in the palace.
Everyone naturally knew her name was on the deed, but anyone with a brain could tell that the Crown Prince highly valued the hunting ground.
The fact that she sold it meant she was screwing the Crown Prince over big time!
The Crown Prince was furious. He obviously wanted to deal with her today. Otherwise, why would a loser from the Chu family have the right to be present at a palace banquet?
Everyone was well-aware of this. Even the Empress had acquiesced to it.
When a man of Prince Li's status had pointed this out, it made the Crown Prince look exceptionally bad.
Chu Liuyue wiped the bloodstains off with the white handkerchief as she hid a smile. Since Rong Xiu had the intention to help her, she would seize this opportunity. "Your Highness, there is something you might be unaware of. Although my name is on the deed, it is still my fault for selling it away just like that because the Crown Prince and I have not been officially engaged. Earlier, the Fourth Princess also promised to let the matter rest if I can tame the Golden Python. Am I right, Princess?"
Rong Zhen glared at her with bulging eyes. "When did I say that? Don't put words in my mouth!"
Chu Liuyue looked at Emperor Jiawen in confusion. "Is that not what you meant, Your Majesty?"
Emperor Jiawen didn't expect Chu Liuyue to be so direct, and he felt embarrassed. He coughed and waved his hand. "It is just a hunting ground. Since Liuyue has already tamed the Golden Python as agreed, let's leave it at that. Zhen Zhen, you're not to talk about this again."
This wasn't just a warning for Rong Zhen alone, but also for everyone present.
Rong Zhen was annoyed, but when she saw the seriousness in Emperor Jiawen's eyes, she could only agree reluctantly. "Yes."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Chu Liuyue had no intention of letting it go so lightly. She sighed softly and wore an aggrieved expression. "Your Majesty, I know in my heart that you personally granted the title deed to me all those years ago, and I naturally treasure it very much. However, I would have never sold the deed if I had not been forced to do so."
Emperor Jiawen was stunned. "What is it? Is there something else?"
Chu Liuyue breathed deeply. "Your Majesty, life hasn't been easy because I was born with a crippled Yuan meridian, and my father had been seriously injured many years ago. If I had a choice, I wouldn't have to sell the deed away to raise some taels to sustain our living…"
First Elder stood up immediately and shouted out in anger. "Chu Liuyue! What nonsense are you babbling?" Is she trying to implicate the entire Chu family?
Emperor Jiawen looked displeased as he glanced at First Elder. "Let her speak!"
First Elder was furious, but he didn't dare to interject anymore.
"There was a time when my father and I sought help from the Crown Prince, but we couldn't even meet him. Before I sold the deed, I tried to talk to the Crown Prince about it. Alas, I was turned away. So…"
Rong Jin turned blue as he listened. This is some story from Chu Liuyue!
"Out of desperation, I was forced to do what I did. Your Majesty, I seek your wise judgment." Chu Liuyue's words were half-true, but the people in the palace were inclined to believe her.
Almost everyone in the Imperial City knew what kind of lives Chu Liuyue and her father were living. It was entirely possible that the Crown Prince had shut her out.
Wasn't it normal for the Crown Prince to do this when he loathed her so much?
If that was what happened, then Chu Liuyue wasn't to blame.
Emperor Jiawen looked more dignified when he looked at Rong Jin. "Crown Prince, I'm sure you have put in a lot of effort into that hunting ground. However, if you hadn't neglected Liuyue all these years, she also wouldn't have done this. If my memory serves me well, her birthday is in two days. You will be formally…"
Rong Jin's heart skipped a beat. Is it possible that Emperor Jiawen wants me to fulfill my marriage agreement with Chu Liuyue? Absolutely no way!
Rong Jin jumped out of his seat at this thought. "Father, I have a request." He pointed at Chu Liuyue. "I wish to dissolve my marriage agreement with Chu Liuyue!"
Chu Liuyue had sold the hunting ground without consulting him. Rong Jin had initially planned to use this incident to sow discord between Emperor Jiawen and her. Thus, bringing about the dissolution of their marriage agreement.
He didn't expect things to turn out like this. Chu Liuyue had a valid reason to sell the deed, and it was the result of her being bullied by the Chu family and him. He had no way of pulling himself out of this mess. It was a waste of time to dwell on this. Besides, the situation had become worse. This evening's events had put the royal family at a disadvantage.
He knew this was something his father wouldn't want. He had to cut the Gordian knot and propose to dissolve their marriage agreement immediately to make a clean break. Even if it resulted in him being criticized, it was better than his father having dissatisfaction with him.
Emperor Jiawen was silent; his expression solemn.
It was so quiet in the palace that one could hear a pin drop.
A penny for a pound. Rong Jin stated bluntly, "Father, I have no feelings for Big Chu Missy. Even if we marry, we wouldn't be happy. It would be better for us all if we dissolve the marriage agreement."
Chu Liuyue's lowered her eyes to hide her contempt.
This man was not only irresponsible; he was also cunning and sinister. He gave such a grand presentation because he felt that she was a loser and unworthy of his status as Crown Prince. Throughout their years of having this marriage agreement, he had never said he wanted to dissolve the agreement. Instead, he chose this moment to bring it up.
Naturally, Chu Liuyue could guess his reason. He was a noble prince, whereas she was a born loser. If he had brought this matter up sooner, he would be ridiculed for being a snob.
He lived an indulgent life without any care while Chu Liuyue suffered in the Chu family. Perhaps, he knew that she wouldn't live past the age of 14. If she had died sooner, he would have resolved a major problem without breaking a sweat. Never did he expect her to retaliate against him!
With what happened today, he must propose the dissolution of their marriage agreement.
Emperor Jiawen narrowed his eyes. Nobody could read his thoughts.
"Have you considered this?" Emperor Jiawen spoke in a deep voice a while later.
Rong Xiu suddenly advised warmly. "Crown Prince, Miss Chu is actually quite nice. Didn't she tame the Golden Python earlier? Even though she doesn't have force in her body, it seems she may have the strength after what happened."
Rong Jin's face fell. In fact, he was quite shocked when Chu Liuyue killed that Golden Python just now. But after careful observation, he had not sensed any force fluctuating within her.
The main reason Chu Liuyue won was that she was ingenious enough to find the Golden Python's weakness and attacked it with all her might.
This kind of strategy was fine when used once or twice. It would be ineffective when overused.
The bottom line was strength.
After more than ten years of having a crippled Yuan meridian, could Chu Liuyue have recovered? At this thought, Rong Jin replied with certainty. "Yes, I have."
He was going to inherit the throne in the future. Someone like Chu Liuyue would be a stain to his status. "Of course, in order to compensate for the harm caused, I am willing to make amends to Miss Chu." As he said that, he looked at Chu Liuyue. "Feel free to state your terms. I will do my best to satisfy them."
Is he attempting to put me down further, or is he trying to erect a benevolent plaque for himself? How in the world could anything be so good? Chu Liuyue lifted her chin, looked at Rong Jin, and pursed her lips. "Your Highness, you… Actually, I once admired you…"
Rong Xiu, who had just lifted his teacup, froze. He then set the teacup down as though nothing was amiss. His eyes scanned the girl before him.
Chu Liuyue felt a chill at the back of her head suddenly and inexplicably.
As Rong Jin listened, he frowned. Is Chu Liuyue unwilling to break off the engagement? Maybe. Even if she is stupid, she knows how precious the position of Crown Princess is. A moment ago, she deliberately accused me of neglecting her and her father. Now, she says she admires me? She is indeed a greedy girl!
The thoughts that Rong Jin had when he saw Chu Liuyue's face earlier had completely vanished. He cut her off impatiently. "I told you. State your terms. There's no need to say anything else."
Chu Liuyue's lips were pale. Her eyelashes quivered, followed by a bitter smile. "Your Highness, please don't worry. I know I'm unworthy of you, so I've never deluded myself. I know there is another person in your heart." As she said that, her eyes drifted toward Chu Xianmin. "In the past, I never had the chance to attend any of your birthday banquets. Third Sister would always describe the parties to me vividly whenever she came back. I didn't get to see you much throughout all these years. Third Sister would tell me everything about you. That's the only way I could get to know you."
She paused and lowered her head. Her voice was calm and clear. It made her audience's hearts ache for her.
"She knows what tea you like to drink, what books you like to read, and what incense to burn to make you sleep more soundly… I, on the other hand, know nothing."
Chu Xianmin's heart skipped a beat. This is not right! Why does this sound so wrong?
As the crowd in the palace listened, they began to work out what was going on. Eyes began to fall on Chu Xianmin.
It didn't sound like she had good intentions; she was clearly showing off on purpose! How dare she say all that when she knew for a fact that Chu Liuyue and the Crown Prince had a marriage agreement?
Besides…
To know his preferred tea and books was one thing, but she even knew the incense he burnt when he sleeps. This was…
"Tsk tsk. I thought Third Missy was extremely talented, gentle, and virtuous. I didn't expect her to be so bold."
"There are countless noble ladies in the Imperial City. Why is the Crown Prince partial to her? So that's what it's all about."
"Even if Chu Liuyue is useless, she's still her sister. But treating her like this, heh! What kind of woman gets together with a man who is engaged to their sister?"
"She looks quiet and virtuous. Who knows what is underneath that facade?"
Chu Xianmin's face reddened as if a fire wildly burned in her chest!
Chu Liuyue's words had directly ruined her reputation!
She stood up without a thought and snapped with a shriek. "B*tch! What nonsense are you talking about? I'll rip your mouth off!"
Everyone heard the insult clearly.
Chu Xianmin panicked as soon as the words came out of her mouth. Her shrewish actions were bound to displease the Empress and the Crown Prince!
She looked toward Rong Jin and saw that his expression had indeed turned from shock to disgust.
Chu Xianmin's heart sank all the way to the abyss, but Chu Liuyue sighed as if she was relieved of a great burden.
"Your Highness and Third Sister are a perfect match. I'm willing to withdraw and break off my engagement with you. I don't need any compensation."
Emperor Jiawen finally opened his mouth. "Liuyue, you are a good child. This is the Prince's fault. How about this? I will give you and your father 100,000 taels of gold. In addition, I can see that your martial arts are quite good. Why don't I find you a master from Tianlu Academy to teach you properly?"
Many people dreamed of the opportunity to be taught by Tian Lu Academy's teachers.
Chu Liuyue muttered to herself for a moment. "Your Majesty, I want to enter Tian Lu Academy for cultivation on my own."
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