Volume One, Chapter 14: Your Sister Must Never Marry Him
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Only then was Gu Rongjin satisfied: “Just now, that’s more like you—snarling and fierce. Don’t act like a lifeless doll, soulless and dull.”
Mu Yuanzhi put down her chopsticks, and Gu Rongjin immediately raised a paper fan defensively, fearing she might strike him.
“Thank you, Gu Rongjin,” Mu Yuanzhi said, gazing at the pastries before her, her eyes slightly blurred.
He chattered away beside her; it seemed she had relaxed considerably.
“You’ve thanked me twice today; I’m not used to it. Has this prince finally caught a streak of good luck?” Gu Rongjin said, pretending to calculate with his fingers as if he truly could divine the future, then turned to ask the imperial advisor whether he looked radiant tonight.
“The prince indeed looks flushed with health.”
“See? I told you, good fortune is on its way.”
Just as Gu Rongjin was about to turn back, the advisor added, “It looks like the Red Luan Star is moving.”
Before Gu Rongjin could even grasp what was said, Pei Yunxi called out his name: “Xi’er thinks Sister Yuanzhi and Prince Jin are a perfect match!”
What?!
The room fell silent. Mu Yuanzhi was stunned and lifted her eyes to look at the emperor.
She had been so focused on talking with Gu Rongjin that she hadn’t heard what her father, the emperor, was saying.
Wasn’t she still betrothed to Xiao Yichen? Surely Pei Yunxi wouldn’t say something so thoughtless.
Everyone subtly observed the emperor’s expression, and though doubts stirred in their hearts, no one dared question immediately. They vaguely understood what the emperor meant.
It seemed the emperor wished to retract the match and no longer wanted Prime Minister Xiao to marry Princess Yuanzhi.
After all, it was obvious to all that the emperor now favored his true little princess, Pei Yunxi, above all others. Naturally, Prime Minister Xiao, a highly favored son-in-law, would be reserved for the most beloved daughter.
How could he still want Prime Minister Xiao to marry Mu Yuanzhi?
When the emperor granted the marriage, he had not specified which princess, so there was no talk of breaking the engagement.
Mu Yuanzhi was utterly incredulous. Even if Xiao Yichen were to marry Pei Yunxi, what did that have to do with her?
Her gaze met the emperor’s.
From her father’s eyes, she could read nothing. The imperial mind was unfathomable, his deep eyes like bottomless pools. She didn’t know if he was looking at her or Gu Rongjin, nor what emotions lay behind those eyes.
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The emperor’s gaze quickly shifted to Xiao Yichen. “Minister Xiao, what say you?”
Xiao Yichen was clearly caught off guard by the sudden question. He glanced back at Mu Yuanzhi and saw no trace of panic or distress on her face.
She had been chatting and laughing with Gu Rongjin just moments ago—a stark contrast to before, when she despised Gu Rongjin most of all, never missing a chance to berate him harshly.
He hesitated before answering. The emperor continued, “You are betrothed to Xi’er, who, mindful of seniority, should have her elder sister’s marriage arranged first. What do you think?”
With that, the emperor casually transferred the marriage arrangement from Mu Yuanzhi and Xiao Yichen to Pei Yunxi without formally announcing it.
Indeed, such matters were hardly something to boast about. Mu Yuanzhi inwardly sneered.
This Pei Yunxi, having gained the advantage, played innocent.
The capital’s foremost playboy, feared by noble ladies, was nonetheless coveted by ordinary girls hoping to marry into the Pingnan Prince’s household and rise like a phoenix.
Pei Yunxi’s intentions were as transparent as daylight, yet she maintained a facade of naïve innocence, seemingly concerned for her “sister” Yuanzhi and oblivious to how strange Gu Rongjin appeared to outsiders.
Xiao Yichen withdrew his gaze from Mu Yuanzhi and replied coolly, “I have no objections.”
Hearing this, Pei Yunxi finally relaxed. She had thought he might be reluctant to let go of Mu Yuanzhi.
Sure enough, Brother Chen did not love Mu Yuanzhi!
Mu Yuanzhi almost laughed aloud. Naturally, he had no objections—he was eager to shake off such a clingy nuisance. As for whom she married, he couldn’t care less.
“Bang!” Pei Shangling slammed his hand on the table and stood up. “How could… Mu Yuanzhi marry Gu Rongjin? I don’t agree!”
His outburst nearly caused him to call Mu Yuanzhi by the old nickname he used to.
“Ling’er, Mother knows you’re anxious for your sister. Please sit down,” the Princess Dowager quickly intervened, fearing the emperor’s displeasure.
The Princess Dowager had two sons and one daughter, who had now shifted from Mu Yuanzhi to Pei Yunxi.
Gu Rongjin grinned arrogantly, “What did I do to you? Is this prince being rude?”
His words sparked a burst of laughter.
“Of course not, Prince Jin would never be rude.”
“Exactly, the prince just cherishes beauty and delicacy.”
Everyone spoke sarcastically, and the Pingnan Prince’s face flushed with embarrassment as he shot a sharp look at his son.
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“Did I say something wrong?” Pei Yunxi looked innocent and helpless.
Next to her, Pei Shangyan patted her hand gently and whispered, “You’re still young and don’t understand many things. Gu Rongjin is no good man. Your sister must never marry him.”
How could Sister Zhi marry that playboy? She was their cherished treasure raised with love since childhood!
Pei Yunxi bit her lip in frustration, clutching her handkerchief tightly, tears welling up.
Though the discussion was about the marriage between Mu Yuanzhi and Gu Rongjin, the emperor had yet to question the two involved.
He said, “Prince Jin is also of suitable age for marriage. I do intend to betroth the princess to him—making the bond even closer.”
Gu Rongjin’s mother, the Princess Dowager of Pingnan, was the younger sister of the late empress, which was why their family was present at the banquet. By status, marrying a princess was not an overreach for him.
The emperor’s words quelled Pei Shangling’s agitation, and he sat down absentmindedly.
The emperor spoke of a princess but did not specify which one. If Mu Yuanzhi refused, then the younger sister would have to marry instead.
If forced to choose, he would have to agree to Mu Yuanzhi marrying Gu Rongjin.
After all, the younger sister had suffered for sixteen years and shouldn’t marry a rake and continue to suffer. Yuanzhi was different—she had enjoyed sixteen years of noble favor, so she would bear this marriage for her sister’s sake.
Pei Shangyan feared the emperor might make an impulsive decision to betroth Pei Yunxi to Gu Rongjin, so he hastily bowed, “Father, according to seniority, my brothers and I have yet to marry.”
“The Crown Prince speaks rightly, but a betrothal is a betrothal. The matter can be settled first. It would be a blessing for your son to marry Princess Yuanzhi.”
The Pingnan Prince gave his son a meaningful glance, but Gu Rongjin pretended not to see it.
He joked that if he said anything wrong, Mu Yuanzhi might poison him into silence!
He had no intention of getting involved in this mess.
The Pingnan Prince was frustrated beyond words. Had there not been so many people present, he would have beaten his son with a stick!
A good girl from a noble family—who would want to marry a spendthrift who frequents the pleasure quarters every day? Fortunately, the emperor showed some sympathy; if only he would give a formal marriage order, their family could secure a good daughter-in-law. Otherwise, he wouldn’t know how to face their ancestors!