Rebirth: After Becoming the Villainess-Chapter 144: The Decree Didn’t Say Which Miss Song
Just as he said, he had been disciplined and diligent in his studies since childhood, proving himself to be one of the most outstanding princes.
For this reason, Emperor Cheng Xiao had arranged his marriage into the Song family early on, and the intention behind it was self-evident.
That Song Lianhe may not have been a good person, but her family background was an impeccable match. If he had successfully married her, it would have been considered a wonderful union.
But who would have guessed? He didn’t like her!
And now, after making such an ugly scene breaking off the engagement, he’d actually changed his mind!
’Should I say it serves him right, or should I be glad he’s finally facing reality?’
Seeing his determination, Consort Qi had already calmed down.
She looked to Emperor Cheng Xiao and said softly, "Holy Emperor, this matter... perhaps there is still room for maneuver."
When Zhou Junlin heard that his aunt was willing to plead his case, his eyes immediately lit up, and he gazed at her gratefully.
Emperor Cheng Xiao might ignore his son, but he had always respected Consort Qi. He had once joked that if she were a man, she would have become a prime minister or a marquis had she served in the court.
Thus, Emperor Cheng Xiao tempered his anger and sat back down at his desk.
Lu Shunfu immediately presented a cup of hot tea, which the Emperor picked up and sipped.
Consort Qi came to his side and said quietly, "Just as Ziyin said, the decree concerning Prince Qing has not yet been announced to the ministers or the realm. That means there is still room to maneuver."
When the Emperor said nothing, she continued, "The Holy Emperor must be aware of the Second Miss Song’s reputation. Prince Qing has only just returned to the capital, so how could he have developed feelings for her and requested marriage? Behind all this..." She curtsied slightly. "I am merely a consort of the inner palace, so I dare not speculate wildly. I trust that the Holy Emperor will come to his own conclusion."
Emperor Cheng Xiao furrowed his brow.
Consort Qi smiled. "What the Holy Emperor is worried about is simply the decree. That is easily handled."
Emperor Cheng Xiao slowly raised his head and gave her a seemingly casual glance. Though he remained silent, Consort Qi already knew what he was thinking.
’How can the daughter of a concubine with a weak maternal family ever compare to the daughter of the official wife, who has the backing of a Marquis Mansion?’
’No matter how excellent Zhou Cangyan might be, he could not be more important than his own son. Like any father, Emperor Cheng Xiao was not blind to the advantages and disadvantages of the situation.’
’Perhaps, after all the scolding, he would even be pleased that his son had suddenly come to his senses.’
’All that was missing was the right opportunity.’
"Right now, everyone only knows that the Holy Emperor has betrothed a Miss Song to King Qing. But they don’t know... which Miss Song."
As Consort Qi’s words fell, Zhou Junlin jolted. "Aunt..."
"Be quiet."
Consort Qi shot him a glance, signaling him to say no more.
But Zhou Junlin immediately stood up and said urgently, "Aunt, does this mean you intend to betroth Lan’er to Imperial Uncle?"
Consort Qi’s attitude grew stern. "What else? The Holy Emperor has issued the decree. Even though it hasn’t been announced, after the commotion at the General Mansion last night, I’m afraid the entire court already knows! The only way to make this whole thing plausible now is to let the ’mistake’ become the truth!"
"But Lan’er..."
"You may love your Lan’er, but her mother is a mere concubine. How could someone of her status possibly be a match for you?"
Zhou Junlin instinctively defended Song Xilan. "Her mother was made General Song’s official wife long ago. She is now the mistress of the General Mansion."
"A concubine is always a concubine! Since ancient times, there has been no precedent for such a transgression of status!"
Emperor Cheng Xiao then looked at Consort Qi, who remained elegant, dignified, and perfectly composed.
She continued, "What’s more, her mother, Mrs. Liu, instigated her relatives to openly insult the Second Miss Song and her deceased mother. For such a heinous crime, even death by a thousand cuts would not be punishment enough! A man should marry a virtuous wife. With such short-sighted and narrow-minded in-laws, how can you expect Song Xilan to be a good person? We can all see what Song Lianhe is like, but what about your Lan’er? How can you be so sure she isn’t just putting on an act for you? The only reason your Imperial Father indulged you and agreed to let you marry a concubine’s daughter is because he dotes on you! Don’t be so ungrateful as to break his heart!"
These words struck a chord deep within Emperor Cheng Xiao.
His posture grew more relaxed as he leaned back in his chair. Seeing this, Lu Shunfu quickly served some fresh fruit. Emperor Cheng Xiao picked up a grape and popped it into his mouth.
Zhou Junlin clenched his fists, his jaw tight. He wanted to shout a rebuttal—the woman he loved would never be like her mother!
But even to himself, the words felt hollow. No matter how wonderful Lan’er was, she was dragged down by her short-sighted mother.
This made him resent Mrs. Liu all the more, and the more he resented her, the more he felt that his aunt was right...
And so, Zhou Junlin’s thoughts fell into even greater turmoil.
"You need not say another word on this matter. The Holy Emperor and I will decide for you."
After saying her piece, Consort Qi glared at him, signaling for him to leave at once.
Zhou Junlin’s mind was a tangled mess. He could guess the outcome, but he didn’t want to think about it, let alone face it.
But whenever he thought of Lan’er, he was struck by how innocent she was in all this...
CLACK.
Emperor Cheng Xiao slammed his teacup onto the table and looked at him coldly. "Before you came to me with all this, you should have thought clearly about what it is you truly want! It is impossible to have the best of both worlds. The choice before you now will determine the path you walk in the future. Do not make me disappointed in you."
Zhou Junlin shuddered. He lowered his gaze in silence, only speaking after a long moment. "Your son... takes his leave."
Emperor Cheng Xiao waved his hand dismissively, his impatience clear.
Zhou Junlin left the Imperial Study Room in a complete daze.
He suddenly regretted it. ’I never should have been so impulsive! I never should have said I regretted breaking the engagement with Song Lianhe!’
But...
He clenched his fist and slammed it violently against a nearby red pillar!
"Your Highness..."
Gu Ha rushed forward. Zhou Junlin’s expression was grim, and he remained silent for the entire walk.
He knew, of course, that his aunt was on his side, so the only possible outcome was...
’Then what would become of him and Lan’er?’
’Did he really have to stand by and watch helplessly as Lan’er married his Imperial Uncle?’
It seemed they were at a dead end, with no solution in sight. And the architect of this whole mess was none other than his "dear" Imperial Uncle, Prince Qing!
「The Ministry of Justice」
When Mrs. Liu was brought in, she was a complete wreck.
Her eyes were swollen into slits, her mouth was battered and puffy, and every bone in her body ached. She lay sprawled on the floor, groaning in pain for what felt like an eternity.
And it was no act!
She had been dragged by Zhou Cangyan to Lin Shuniang’s grave. She never imagined King Qing would be so ruthless, beating her until she was barely recognizable. The fact that she was still breathing was a blessing from the heavens!
But then she looked up and saw the young man seated in a chair, and she was instantly scared out of her wits!
Zhou Cangyan didn’t even raise his eyes. Behind him, his Chi Xiao guards all stood with cold expressions and vicious glares.
"Ahh—Help! My lord, save me!"
Mrs. Liu was genuinely terrified, her face pale as she trembled uncontrollably.
Seeing this, Jing Ye stepped forward and whispered into Zhen Yongming’s ear, "General Song just mentioned that she is pregnant. Perhaps we should..."
Zhen Yongming nodded. Jing Ye acknowledged the command and immediately had a physician summoned. After checking Mrs. Liu’s pulse on the spot, the physician quickly reported, "The lady is indeed with child. However, she has suffered a great shock, and the pregnancy is unstable. There are faint signs of a potential miscarriage. She requires bed rest and must not be overexerted."
