The Prince Wants to Assassinate Me Every Day-Chapter 827 - 411: Imperial Marriage Proposal (First Update)
In the grand hall, everyone was quietly having their meal.
No one took the initiative to speak. Xiao Jinxing’s attention was entirely on An Youyou, constantly wiping her mouth, continuously coaxing her to eat slower.
It’s truly puzzling what that little girl possesses to make Xiao Jinxing completely a different person.
Xie Ruotong didn’t care much.
She thought for five years now, Xiao Jinxing’s feelings for Ye Qichi could also fade gradually over these years...
Perhaps people are like this.
In time, everything is forgotten.
Forgotten are those who passed away, forgotten are many pains, many sorrows.
"Ruotong." After taking care of An Youyou for a while, Xiao Jinxing seemed to suddenly remember the theme of today’s palace feast.
He looked at Xie Ruotong.
Xie Ruotong quickly and respectfully responded, "I am here."
"You have been stationed at the border for five years; now the border is peaceful, the enemy countries dare not act rashly, and Beimu Country has become a dependency of Daxuan." Xiao Jinxing said, "Since everything at the border is calm, you should stay in Xun City for a few more days. Don’t return to the border for now."
"Does His Majesty have important matters for me in Xun City?" Xie Ruotong asked.
If she had to choose, she would choose to stay at the border.
Every year she returns only because the Emperor summons her.
To her, the border holds her loved ones, her closest people, and her comrades, all buried there.
She would rather spend her entire life at the border with them.
"Ruotong is already twenty-six this year." Xiao Jinxing spoke.
"Yes." Xie Ruotong replied with respect.
"You are no longer young; it’s time to marry." Xiao Jinxing said directly.
Across the table, Song Yanqing was pretending to indifferently enjoy the dinner.
Upon hearing the Emperor’s words.
He couldn’t hold his chopsticks steadily.
A sudden noise attracted everyone’s attention to him.
"I apologize for my conduct." Song Yanqing feigned composure, appearing very respectful.
Xiao Jinxing shifted his gaze.
Xie Ruotong also looked at the Emperor at this moment, saying, "I have no intention of getting married, only wish to guard the border, protect the country and its people. I implore His Majesty to grant this wish."
"I certainly understand your thoughts, but a few days ago, Duke Xie specifically approached me, complaining that by keeping you at the border, I delay your life’s significant events, which caused me some embarrassment. Thus, I promised Duke Xie to grant you a marriage."
"Your Majesty." Upon hearing of an arranged marriage, Xie Ruotong’s expression changed noticeably.
She stepped out from her seat, approached Xiao Jinxing, and knelt on the ground, "Your Majesty, I do not wish to marry. If His Majesty insists on granting me marriage, then I can only atone with my life."
Xiao Jinxing glanced at Song Yanqing.
Song Yanqing lowered his gaze, saying nothing.
He just calmly continued his dinner, ate slowly.
"No need to be so agitated; naturally, I will respect your wishes. You need not refuse me immediately, I will not force a marriage, however, I hope you can give me face, so that I can offer your father an explanation." Xiao Jinxing said.
Xie Ruotong simply looked at Xiao Jinxing.
Dare not easily agree.
She understands the Emperor’s strategies, she undoubtedly can’t outmatch him.
Thus, without clear circumstances, she doesn’t dare to agree lightly.
Xiao Jinxing also understood what Xie Ruotong was pondering, he said casually, "I have selected some eligible youth whom I consider worthy for your acquaintance. You can meet them each in turn, and then decide. If you truly do not fancy any of them, I will not insist."
"Your Majesty’s word is taken seriously, right?" Xie Ruotong confirmed.
If it’s merely meeting others and going through the motions to offer an explanation to the Emperor for her father, she absolutely has no reason to refuse.
"I will surely keep my word." Xiao Jinxing promised, "But if there is someone you fancy, I hope you do not close off your heart. The departed have left, you should not be too obsessed with the past."
"Is this also true for Your Majesty?" Xie Ruotong bluntly asked.
Xiao Jinxing’s eyes flickered slightly.
"Is it that once the departed are gone, Your Majesty can forget the past?"
Eyes lowered, Xiao Jinxing faintly smiled, "I will try to forget those past affections and grudges."
"And people?" Xie Ruotong looked directly at Xiao Jinxing.
Can people be forgotten?
Before Xiao Jinxing could speak,
Xie Ruotong said directly, "I cannot forget those who have died, nor would I forget the love and hate of the past. I cannot be as carefree as His Majesty."
The tone carried a hint of sarcasm toward Xiao Jinxing, yet expressed her firm resolve.
Xiao Jinxing has always been tolerant toward Xie Ruotong.
"Since you maintain such thoughts, I will not say more. You should focus on your arranged meetings."
"I obey." Xie Ruotong said respectfully.
Then returned to her seat.
Song Yanqing, from start to finish, never truly looked at Xie Ruotong.
But from her conversation with the Emperor, he clearly understood Xie Ruotong’s resistance toward him.
Five years, fifty years, probably would never change.
The palace feast ended neither early nor late.
They had some wine.
Gu Xingchuan, Xie Ruotong, and Song Yanqing left the Imperial Palace.
Song Yanqing departed first by carriage.
Truly avoided Xie Ruotong whenever possible.
He really feels that the more Xie Ruotong looks at him, the more she detests him.
He could only try his best not to appear in front of her.
Gu Xingchuan watched the direction of Song Yanqing’s departure, then turned to look at Xie Ruotong.
Xie Ruotong showed no sign of emotion towards Song Yanqing.
Gu Xingchuan smiled and said, "Since you seldom return to Xun City, it’s not too late yet, shall we have another drink?"
"Just the two of us?" Xie Ruotong asked.
"Can’t we?" Gu Xingchuan retorted.
"Of course we can." Xie Ruotong smiled.
The bond between Gu Xingchuan and Xie Ruotong remains strong.
As if after Ye Qichi left, they became each other’s only confidant and support.
The two arrived at Jingshui Building in Xun’an City.
Sitting on the second floor where they used to sit together, watching the song and dance performances on the stage below.
Since the last time Ye Qichi danced those strange yet captivating dances, it has now become a trend throughout the taverns in Xun’an City. Without such dance entertainment, it wouldn’t attract patrons.
Gu Xingchuan and Xie Ruotong just quietly watched the performance on stage without speaking.
As a song ended,
When they turned to face each other.
Both of their eyes were red.
Then.
The two shared an understanding smile.
Always thinking of Ye Qichi, remembering her inevitably brings tears to their eyes.
"Still can’t forget her?" Xie Ruotong asked Gu Xingchuan.
Gu Xingchuan lowered his gaze, hiding his tears, "Aren’t you the same?"
"The Emperor has forgotten, hasn’t he?" Xie Ruotong recalled Xiao Jinxing’s demeanor during today’s palace feast, and said calmly.
"No." Gu Xingchuan replied firmly, "But maybe he found a replacement."
"Oh?"
"A woman very similar to Ye Qichi, expected to arrive at the Imperial Palace within ten days." Gu Xingchuan confirmed.
