Chapter 316: Disappearance (Third Update)

Word by word, clearly and distinctly.

Emperor Jiawen gazed deeply at Chu Liuyue.

After a long moment, he finally spoke

"The daughter of the Imperial Guard Commander, Chu Ning—Chu Liuyue—is gentle, elegant, dignified, and poised. I am very pleased. Today, my seventh son, Prince Li, is of marriageable age. To honor the beauty of this lady, I hereby decree that Liuyue shall be betrothed to Prince Li as his Princess Consort. The wedding shall be set for a chosen day!"

Emperor Jiawen's deep, powerful voice echoed clearly in everyone's ears!

Everyone fell silent for a moment.

Before this, no one had expected that Prince Li would actually ask to marry Chu Liuyue.

These two people, who seemed to have no connection, had actually become a pair.

Furthermore, now that the imperial decree had been issued, everything was settled.

Rong Xiu's thin lips curled slightly.

"Thank you for your grace, Imperial Father."

This single sentence finally brought everyone back to their senses.

The crowd scrambled to express their gratitude and offered successive congratulations to Chu Ning.

No matter how one looked at it, from this day forward, Chu Liuyue was a Princess Consort; her status was naturally vastly different from before.

Although Prince Li's health was poor and he held no real power, judging by today's situation, His Majesty's favoritism toward him was extraordinary.

Relying on this connection, Prince Li's life would not be too difficult.

As for Chu Liuyue...

She had previously broken her engagement with the Crown Prince. Although she had now become a genius envied by all, that matter was still quite sensitive.

Now that she was granted a marriage to Prince Li, and one that Prince Li had personally requested, it truly could not be better.

Overall, this marriage was more beneficial than detrimental for both parties.

Amidst the atmosphere of joy and celebration, only Rong Jin's expression looked unpleasant.

He looked toward Chu Liuyue in a daze, only to see her already standing up and walking to Rong Xiu's side to support him.

Rong Xiu coughed a few times, his face turning even paler.

Rong Jin grit his teeth.

If anyone else had obtained Chu Liuyue, he could have accepted it.

But why did it have to be Rong Xiu!?

In the past, his mother could not compete with Rong Xiu's mother; now, he could not compete with Rong Xiu either!

He had long known that Imperial Father treated Rong Xiu differently, but now it seemed it was even more severe than he had imagined!

As long as Rong Xiu wanted something, if he simply opened his mouth, Imperial Father would likely give it to him!

And he, having fought tremulously and worked diligently in the position of Crown Prince for so many years, had gained nothing in the end. Instead, he had been humiliated by Imperial Father in public and was even nearly deposed!

How could he find balance in his heart?

Having secured Rong Jin's position as Crown Prince, the Empress finally breathed a sigh of relief.

And hearing Emperor Jiawen grant the marriage between Rong Xiu and Chu Liuyue, she felt even more fortunate in her heart.

In this way, Chu Liuyue would no longer be able to bewitch Rong Jin!

From now on, Rong Jin should also give up completely and stop wasting his time and energy on Chu Liuyue!

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Rong Jin looking at Chu Liuyue and Rong Xiu with a sense of loss.

She closed her eyes irritably, trying to make her voice sound gentle and calm.

"Your Majesty, regarding the Crown Prince—"

"The Crown Prince, Rong Jin, is impulsive, willful, and insolent! From this day forth, he shall remain in the Crown Prince's Manor to reflect on his mistakes. Without my command, he is not permitted to come out! No one else is permitted to enter to visit him!"

This was effectively house arrest.

Although there had been a punishment involving house arrest last time, most people were unaware of it.

However, this time, in front of so many people, Rong Jin had completely lost all face.

But regarding this outcome, the Empress was already quite satisfied.

As long as Rong Jin had not been deposed, everything could still start anew!

"Crown Prince, why haven't you thanked His Majesty for his mercy!"

The Empress gave Rong Jin a warning glare.

Only then did Rong Jin snap out of it.

"...Thank you, Imperial Father, for your forgiveness."

Emperor Jiawen found even looking at him annoying; he gave a cold snort and turned to leave.

The Empress and the others hurriedly followed.

Eunuch Min first offered congratulations to Rong Xiu, Chu Liuyue, and the others, and only then walked to Rong Jin's side to offer a few words of persuasion

"Your Highness, His Majesty and Her Majesty have already left. You have been exhausted all day; please go back and rest!"

After speaking, he gave a meaningful look to the people nearby before walking away quickly.

After walking a distance, Eunuch Min turned back to take one last look, flicked his whisk, and shook his head.

This Crown Prince, even if he secured his position today, would likely find no peace in the future!

The people from the Crown Prince's Manor hurried forward, wanting to help Rong Jin up.

Only then did Rong Jin realize that countless eyes were staring at him.

Mockery, ridicule, disdain!

A powerful sense of humiliation suddenly surged in his heart, and his face turned ashen.

Chu Xianmin walked over

"Your Highness, let us go back..."

Rong Jin shoved her aside

"Get out!"

Having said that, he left in a hurry, filled with resentment.

Chu Xianmin was pushed to the side, but she said nothing, merely following him silently.

Their figures soon disappeared from everyone's sight.

Many people sighed inwardly.

"Who would have thought that the Crown Prince, who once enjoyed such deep imperial favor, would have a day like this..."

"Isn't that the truth? Even if he is still the Crown Prince, after what happened today, it's hard to say what will happen in the future..."

"By comparison, the Third Prince is more outstanding; at least he has illustrious military achievements! Unlike the Crown Prince, who goes back on his word and is untrustworthy..."

"I actually think it's quite a pity for Chu Xianmin. The once glorious Third Miss of the Chu family has now fallen to such a state... It seems the Crown Prince doesn't treat her very well either!"

"Everyone has their fate! I heard she bullied Chu Liuyue quite a bit back then; this can be considered karma!"

Chu Liuyue looked at Rong Xiu, her gaze slowly sweeping over the wounds on his body, feeling a pang of heartache.

Rong Xiu seemed to know what she was thinking; his pale lips curled slightly as he gave a gentle nod.

As long as the goal was achieved, it was all worth it.

Chu Liuyue felt a slight ache in her heart, yet she was also immersed in an indescribable sense of relief and happiness.

So, in this world, there was such a person who was willing to risk everything for her.

Watching from the side, Chu Ning's eyes narrowed, his expression complex.

So Prince Li had liked Yue'er for a long time!

Previously, he had always wondered why Prince Li had repeatedly stepped in to help them father and daughter; now it seemed everything finally had an answer!

Thinking carefully, Prince Li was actually a good choice, it was just a pity his health was a bit weak...

But compared to someone like Rong Jin, he was much better.

He walked toward Rong Xiu

"Prince Li..."

Rong Xiu smiled warmly

"Lord Chu Ning, now that this Prince and Yue'er have an engagement, there is no need for such formality."

Chu Ning hesitated for a moment before finally saying

"There are a few words I wish to say in private..."

"You are not allowed to bully that girl, Liuyue!"

Before Chu Ning could finish, Ye Zhiting, who was standing nearby, spoke up first.

His face bore a rare look of seriousness as he looked at Rong Xiu warningly.

"She is this old man's only personal disciple! If you dare to fail her, don't blame this old man for being unkind to you!"

Chu Ning: "..."

Fine, even his lines were being snatched away.

Rong Xiu's smile deepened

"Naturally. Please rest assured, Elder Ye and Lord Chu Ning."

Ye Zhiting wanted to say something more, but Elder Wei Yun suddenly let out a cry of alarm

"Dean! This is bad! That ferocious beast has disappeared!"

(End of Chapter)