Chapter 29: The Crippled Young Lady (29)

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Chapter 29: The Disabled Young Lady (Twenty-Nine)

“Ha! I never imagined that one day I would see the saying ‘Even a hero can be undone by a beauty’ come true for my Imperial Uncle. Very well. Since Imperial Uncle is fond of her, I have no reason to play the villain and separate the lovers. Someone, bring Miss Feng forward.”

With a wave of his hand, Yuan Chen spoke with magnanimity.

Before long, palace attendants wheeled Su Kui before the throne. Her expression was somewhat stiff, and her mind was a chaotic blur.

Even so, she lowered her head slightly and made a token curtsy with both hands. “Your Majesty, I am beset by many inconveniences. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me.”

Yuan Chen was in excellent spirits and did not mind that Su Kui had failed to kneel and pay her respects. “There is no need for such formality. I believe you heard everything just now. Although a marriage arranged by one’s parents and matchmakers is the proper path, I would still like to ask your opinion.”

“I…” Su Kui parted her small lips. Before she could voice her refusal, a gaze as cold as an ice blade lashed across her.

The chill made her shudder violently. She glanced discreetly at the culprit and pursed her lips, signaling with her eyes: What do you mean?

Jun Mo merely smiled without answering, his expression inscrutable: I’ve given you the hint. Figure it out yourself.

Their gazes tangled in the air, sparks flying between them.

Su Kui ground her teeth. Can I… refuse?

Jun Mo’s phoenix eyes curved into the sly gaze of a fox. You can~ But afterward, you’d better consider the consequences carefully.

She glared at him furiously. You win!

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Su Kui was the first to surrender. She withdrew her gaze and did her best to tug her lips into a reserved, bashful smile. “To be favored by His Highness is this lady’s honor. How could I possibly be unwilling?”

Inside, however, she was seething. Damn man! Wretched man! How could someone be so repressed and devious? This was nothing like the script!

“Excellent! Why wait for an auspicious day when today will do? Tonight, I shall grant you both a marriage decree. Jun Mo, Feng Yiran, receive the decree!”

Yuan Chen clapped his hands and laughed heartily, as though he himself had brought about a splendid match.

“I have heard that Feng Yiran, the eldest daughter of the Grand Tutor, is outstanding in both appearance and character, refined and gracious. I am delighted to hear of her virtues. Now, as the Regent Prince Jun Mo approaches the age of thirty, it is time for him to marry. Feng Yiran remains unmarried, and she is perfectly suited to the Regent Prince. In order to bring about this union, I hereby betroth her to the Regent Prince as his princess consort. All ceremonial arrangements shall be entrusted jointly to the Ministry of Rites and the Director of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau. An auspicious date shall be selected for the wedding.”

The solemn words rang out with force, echoing through the great hall long after they had been spoken.

For a moment, absolute silence descended.

Only when Su Kui and Jun Mo lowered their heads to offer thanks did the stillness break.

“I receive Your Majesty’s decree.”

“This subject’s daughter receives Your Majesty’s decree.”

As soon as the words were spoken, congratulations and good wishes suddenly rang out throughout the banquet hall. Jun Mo appeared to be in an excellent mood, responding to each guest with a clasped-fist salute.

He was really enjoying his performance. Su Kui rolled her eyes.

Still, the saying that one could enjoy the shade beneath a great tree was not without truth. But there was another saying—

There was no such thing as a free lunch. The bill always had to be paid.

And this time, the price was her entire person.

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It was impossible to say whether she had profited or suffered a loss. After all, although Jun Mo was several years older than her, he possessed status, looks, and an exceptionally fine physique.

Broad shoulders and a narrow waist—she could not help wondering what sort of beautiful sight lay beneath his clothes.

Very well, Su Kui admitted it. From the very first moment she had seen Jun Mo, she had begun entertaining improper thoughts about him.

This marriage decree could certainly be called an unexpected delight, but it seemed that someone did not see it that way.

At least, Grand Tutor Feng did not. From the moment the Emperor granted the marriage, he had worn a forced smile. Yet upon returning home, he flew into a thunderous rage.

He did not know how Feng Yiran had managed to befriend the Regent Prince, but he knew one thing with absolute certainty: the Regent Prince’s downfall was not far away!

He had exhausted every effort to send his carefully nurtured third daughter into the palace. He had never imagined that she would turn around and make a fool of him.

Feng Yiran, you have done well. Very well indeed!

Almost finished!

End of Chapter