Ning Wan Wan’s heart skipped a beat, realizing Si Zhan’s refusal had aroused the Emperor and Empress Dowager’s suspicions.
Si Zhan’s heartstrings tightened. He bit his back teeth and tightly pursed his lips, saying nothing. The Empress Dowager’s gaze darkened as she looked at him.
Ning Wan Wan suddenly grabbed his hand and pulled Man Yao down to kneel, shouting, “Yun Xiang and the Prince thank His Majesty, the Empress Dowager, and the Empress for their grace.” Her attitude showed she was willing to accept Man Yao.
“Fifteenth brother, are you dissatisfied?” Si Suo stared directly into Si Zhan’s eyes. Si Zhan knelt on the ground, his phoenix eyes coldly meeting Si Suo’s gaze. He never before hated being born into the royal family or having his marriage freedom controlled by others.
Ning Wan Wan secretly pinched Si Zhan’s palm. He slowly lowered his head and spoke in a tone devoid of warmth, “Huai Jin respectfully follows the Empress Dowager and imperial brother’s decree.”
Si Suo’s expression softened, saying happily, “Very well, this matter is settled. I will command the Imperial Astronomers to choose the nearest auspicious day.”
The three kowtowed, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Ning Wanwan looked at Si Zhan, who remained silent, tilted her head and looked up at him, ‘Uncle?’
Si Zhan lowered his head, his pitch-black eyes meeting hers, deep like a whirlpool. ‘Wanwan, do you regret this?’ In such a situation, he could not guarantee stability or lasting companionship, and they would constantly live in fear.
Ning Wanwan’s small face bloomed with a bright smile, her eyebrows and eyes radiant. ‘Marrying Uncle, Wanwan has no regrets.’
*
Outside the Nanxun Gate, two constables escorted Lin Zhengyang, wearing a prisoner’s garb and shackled, walking southward.
Suddenly, a horse-drawn carriage sped out of the Nanxun Gate, rushing towards them. The coachman reined in the horses and called out urgently, ‘Gentlemen, please wait a moment.’
The curtain lifted, and a green-clad woman with a single bun quickly jumped down from the carriage, stuffing two packages of silver into the constables’ hands. ‘Gentlemen, my mistress wishes to speak with this prisoner. Please be accommodating.’
The two constables weighed the purses, exchanged glances, and nodded. ‘Make it quick.’
‘Yes, yes.’
