Ning Wanwan furrowed her brows, uncertain of the emperor’s intention. The emperor added, “Don’t be nervous, I’m just asking casually.”
After a moment, she replied, “The Crown Prince is very good.”
Si Shuo’s expression brightened, but Ning Wanwan calmly added, “But Yunxiang knows she cannot aspire to such heights.”
Si Shuo’s expression darkened. “Is there a misunderstanding between you and the Crown Prince?”
“None.”
“Did the Crown Prince wrong you?”
“The Crown Prince never…”
Suddenly, Si Yi shouted, “Father Emperor, I do not like Yunxiang Junzhu. Please allow Father and Mother to dissolve the marriage contract.”
Ning Wanwan was stunned, surprised that Si Yi not only initiated the dissolution but did so in a way that saved face for both parties.
If both parties agreed to dissolve the marriage, it would preserve their dignities. Conversely, if only one party insisted, it would feel like abandonment and damage reputations.
She was indifferent to the method of dissolution, knowing she would be labeled as the Crown Prince’s ex-fiancée, and few families in Biandu would propose marriage to her.
The empress, anxious, interrupted, “Nonsense! If you don’t like her, you can get along slowly after marriage. A marriage contract is not a child’s play to be dissolved at will.”
Si Yi turned his head angrily, “The son has made up his mind.”
Si Shuo slapped the armrest of the throne, shouting, “Outrageous! You’ve been too comfortable as Crown Prince!”
“Your Majesty, please calm down!” the empress intervened, signaling to Si Yi, “Yi’er, quickly take back what you just said.”
However, Si Yi remained stubborn, determined to dissolve the marriage with Ning Wanwan.
Since Si Yi insisted, Ning Wanwan expressed her delight and knelt again, requesting, “Your Majesty, Yunxiang also requests to dissolve the marriage contract.”
Si Shuo’s breath became heavy, and the Vertical Bow Hall fell silent.
“Your Highness, is there something else?” Si Yi’s face was tense.
He first glanced at Ning Lao Tai, then turned to Ning Wan Wan. “I have something to discuss with you alone.”
Ning Wan Wan furrowed her brow slightly, hesitating. Having dissolved her engagement with Si Yi, she wanted no further entanglement.
Si Yi added, “Just two sentences, then I’ll leave.”
Ning Wan Wan told her grandmother, “Grandmother, you and Chang Nanny can go ahead. I’ll follow.”
