I stared at Yang Ziru, whose eyes widened in shock, hands on my hips, and said: “What imperial decree, what unwritten marriage agreements? How can you claim to be Moran’s fiancée? Let me tell you, Moran is my son, and his marriage will be handled by me! You have no right to interfere!”
Yang Ziru was furious. She jumped down from Moran’s waist, her anger causing the surrounding temperature to rise. “You madwoman! Don’t you know that destroying an imperial decree is a capital offense?!” I looked at her steadily, “What is there to be afraid of? I don’t believe the current Emperor would sentence me to death for this.”
“Hmph, do you think you’re so important? Do you think Shang-gege would not kill you?”
From Yang Ziru’s words, it was clear she was familiar with Shang. Even though I knew she liked Moran, I felt a twinge of sourness. I disliked any woman who approached Shang, as well as Mo, Shu Yang, and Bao Xi.
“The day after tomorrow, we will go to the palace together to meet the Emperor. You can see for yourself whether my fate will be as you say. If the Emperor agrees to remarry you two, I will not interfere. But if the Emperor does not agree, I hope you will stop clinging to my Moran!” I finished speaking, shocking everyone present, including myself.
Yang Ziru returned to the Yang residence because I and the staff did not want her to stay at the inn. Who could guarantee that she wouldn’t torment Moran in the middle of the night?
Just as I was about to leave, Moran insisted on talking to me. After everyone dispersed, I followed him to the garden of Lian Xing Pavilion. For a long time, he did not speak, so I asked, “What is it? Speak quickly.” Although my words seemed relaxed, they felt awkward given the atmosphere.
Moran finally asked me, “Since you don’t love me and only treat me like a good friend, why do you care so much about Yang Ziru and my marriage?”
I was rendered speechless by Moran’s question. I continued to play dumb: “Because you’re my son!” But Moran saw through me: “No, you’re lying.”
