“Third Brother, are you well?” Ming Lengchen entered the cell, asking with concern. He saw his Third Brother, dressed in fine brocade, sitting on the dirty ground, with rats scurrying about, completely unperturbed. The environment was extremely unpleasant, causing him to furrow his brow and look at his Third Brother meaningfully.
“Very well. May I ask why Your Majesty has come? Such a dark place is unfit for your noble body,” Ming Lengyu looked up at his eighth brother, a ruthless king, and smiled, showing no disgust.
“Third Brother, are you still angry with me? Regarding the marriage alliance, I had no choice. Third Brother should understand my good intentions!” Ming Lengchen sat down on the ground and signaled Liu Gongong to retreat, preparing to have a heart-to-heart talk with his Third Brother, though the location was far from elegant.
“This subject dares not. I only implore Your Majesty to retract the order, and I will be eternally grateful,” Ming Lengyu said directly. He did not feel that staying here was too humiliating, as long as his eighth brother would spare him. He would endure any hardship, for he was deeply in love with Mei Siyu. He did not want his pure feelings to be tainted, and he did not want to disappoint a good woman’s heart. He could not and should not become the son-in-law of Wei Ling.
“Third Brother, I understand your heart, but do not forget that I am the sovereign, holding the power of life and death. Yuer’s life is in your hands. You must think carefully!” Ming Lengchen said sternly, deciding to threaten his Third Brother into submission.
After speaking, he angrily swept his sleeve and left, leaving behind a sorrowful Ming Lengyu. Such a difficult choice was exhausting! This was forcing him to comply. If he did not agree, Yuer would be in danger. He was certain his eighth brother was capable of this – he knew his eighth brother’s ruthlessness well. This meant he would forever be separated from Yuer!
Not long after the Emperor left, the prison guards released Ming Lengyu. He swayed as he walked out of the palace, tears glistening in the corners of his eyes, his thoughts filled with sorrow.
In the Phoenix Ceremony Hall…
