Chapter 94 ROTNDOAHRF

FlamingoBees

Translating Chinese Historical Dramas for your enjoyment... and mine! :)

Rebirth of the Noble Daughter of a High Ranking Family

Chapter 94:

You don't marry, I won't marry, let's slowly wear each other out.

Imperial Consort Yu entered the study and immediately saw the Emperor. His expression was no longer the gentle demeanor of the past. Suddenly, he grabbed a memorial and threw it fiercely at her feet.

The Emperor, with a furious look, said, "The Cao family's son really has the audacity!"

Imperial Consort Yu was startled and knelt down with a thud. "Your Majesty..."

The Emperor gave her a glare and coldly snorted, "Your Cao family has raised a good son, daring to defile a maid in the Crown Prince's mansion. Is this not a contempt for the dignity of my royal family?"

Imperial Consort Yu widened her eyes in disbelief and crawled a few steps to plead before the Emperor, "It's all because of my parents' incompetence in raising their son, letting Rong'er commit such a heinous crime. Please, Your Majesty, punish me for my sins and forgive him!"

Ignoring her, the Emperor ordered the eunuch beside him, "Issue a decree!"

© translations belonging to flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com. If you read this somewhere else instead of flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com then the translations has been posted WITHOUT permission of translator.

Still kneeling beside him, Imperial Consort Yu cried out, "Please, Your Majesty! Punish me for my sins and forgive Cao Rong..."

She had received word earlier and intended to beg the Emperor for forgiveness for Cao Rong's wrongdoing. However, the Crown Prince's actions were quicker, having already submitted a memorial beforehand. With this, Cao Rong's accusations would be even greater!

"Issue the decree!" The eunuch's sharp voice interrupted Imperial Consort Yu's plea. "Hand Cao Rong over to the Three Departments for interrogation and punish him severely!"

The Three Departments for interrogation? Heavens, that was reserved for serious criminals. Most would either face death or exile! Upon hearing this, Imperial Consort Yu tightly grasped the Emperor's dragon robe, her beautiful face contorted in anguish. She quickly glanced at Kong De, the most favored eunuch by the Emperor. Kong De had received many favors from Imperial Consort Yu on ordinary days and couldn't turn a blind eye now. He hastily interjected, "Your Majesty, although Master Cao may be a bit frivolous, he would never dare to disrespect the royal family. Perhaps there is a misunderstanding in this matter?"

"Misunderstanding? Could the Crown Prince wrongly accuse him?" The Emperor's expression darkened. Kong De glanced at Imperial Consort Yu's pleading face and thought about the priceless jade seal she had gifted him. He could only grit his teeth and continue, "When the incident happened, the Crown Prince was in the palace. Upon returning, he heard about the matter, but perhaps it hasn't been thoroughly investigated yet."

"Yes, Your Majesty, my brother may be bold, but he would never offend the dignity of the royal family!"

Imperial Consort Yu said sorrowfully, "I heard that at the time, the Crown Prince was hosting a banquet. So many people were present. Who knows who framed Master Cao..."

Before she could finish her sentence, the Emperor suddenly turned around and with a loud slap, struck Kong De across the face! Kong De staggered back, stumbling and falling to his knees with a thud, repeatedly kowtowing. Kong De had always been highly regarded by the Emperor and held considerable influence in the palace. The eunuchs, palace maids, and even Imperial Consort Yu herself were stunned, their faces pale with shock.

"You worthless scum! Are you suggesting that the Crown Prince framed him? What does the Cao family amount to? Does the Crown Prince need to frame him?"

"I-I'm sorry! Your Majesty, forgive me!" Kong De's face flushed red, trembling all over. "This worthless servant deserves death! I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!"

The Emperor sneered coldly and said, "You're right. It was indeed during a banquet, and capturing Cao Rong in front of everyone made the evidence irrefutable! The decree has already been issued, ordering the Three Offices to investigate and punish severely. How dare you speak such words! This is sedition within the palace, defaming the royal family! Who are the Crown Prince and the Crown Prince Yan? How dare you slander them, hmm? It's outrageous!"

"I dare not, I am guilty! I am guilty!" Kong De suddenly realized that although the Emperor was paranoid, he never publicly disrespected the Crown Prince. Especially since he held a special affection for the Crown Prince Yan. He had intended to plead for Cao Rong, but inadvertently made a huge mistake!

The Emperor said coldly, "Guards! Drag him out and give him a hundred lashes to see if he still dares to speak nonsense! The eunuchs by the door didn't dare to delay any longer, and they immediately dragged Kong De out!

Imperial Consort Yu's face turned ashen as she realized the implications of this sudden turn of events. Before she could say anything, she heard the Emperor's cold voice continue, "The harem shall not meddle in politics. You've been given some leeway, but you seem to have forgotten who you are! Daring to discuss state affairs in front of the ministers, this cannot be tolerated. Issue a decree, execute those who meddle in politics in the harem, and hang their names at the gates of each palace... Any further discussion of state affairs will result in immediate execution!"

Imperial Consort Yu returned from the study, her face pale and trembling uncontrollably. Concerned palace maids approached her, trying to lend a hand, but she forcefully pushed them away, almost causing them to fall.

She walked briskly inside, and with a swift motion, she knocked over the nearby yellow rosewood flower stand. The flower pot flew out, leaving a deep mark on the vermilion pillar in the hall before crashing to the ground, scattering petals and breaking branches.

Witnessing Imperial Consort Yu, who usually kept her emotions hidden, in such a state, the palace maids broke out in a cold sweat and all kneeled silently on the ground, the hall falling into a deathly silence.

"That wretched brat!" Imperial Consort Yu was seething with anger. Suddenly, she felt dizzy and fell backward. The palace maids quickly caught her, preventing her from getting hurt. Someone immediately fetched calming incense, and after taking a deep breath, Imperial Consort Yu's mind gradually cleared from the overwhelming anger.

"My lady..." The palace maid gently smoothed her breath and helped her to a seat, advising softly, "Your health is the most important, please take care."

Another attendant handed a handkerchief to the palace maid, who then delicately wiped Imperial Consort Yu's face. She leaned back in her chair, gasping heavily. As time passed, the anger in her chest gradually dissipated, replaced by a deep sense of anxiety.

"Yin'er... I have no backing here in the palace, and every step I take is fraught with difficulty. They, as my family, should at least refrain from causing trouble for me. Yet now, that wretched brother of mine dared to disgrace the maidservants of the Crown Prince's residence, arousing such resentment from the Eastern Palace. They heavily implicated my Cao family in front of the Emperor... and yet, my father still comes to me, expecting me to resolve everything. Do they truly think I am omnipotent?"

Yin'er was stunned by her question, momentarily at a loss for words. She had been by Imperial Consort Yu's side for three years, which was not a short period of time. However, in those three years, she had only seen this favored consort constantly trying to please the Emperor, employing various methods and always appearing charming and confident. Never had she seen her like this, looking so exhausted, vulnerable, and sorrowful. Seeing Imperial Consort Yu in such a state, Yin'er couldn't help but feel a sense of strangeness and confusion.

"Your Highness, what are your plans..." she began to ask, but then felt it wasn't appropriate and quickly swallowed her words.

Imperial Consort Yu pondered for a while, her expression hesitant and indecisive, but no one dared to press her for an answer. After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea had passed, she finally instructed, "Tidy up everything in the hall. Today's events must not be leaked to the outside world." After a moment of contemplation, she added, "From now on, everyone must be cautious with their words and actions. No one is allowed to come and go freely. Outsiders are not to be admitted, including my father. He is an outsider, and without permission, he is not to be seen."

"But Your Highness," Yin'er whispered softly, "what about Young Master Cao and..."

Imperial Consort Yu glanced at her, about to speak, when a palace maid suddenly interjected, "Your Highness, someone just reported that Madam Cao is kneeling outside the palace gate. Do you wish to see her?"

"...Tell her to go back. I am not... not willing to see her right now," Imperial Consort Yu said wearily, closing her eyes. Madam Cao was her own mother. She must have come for Cao Rong's matter. They thought themselves family of the favored consort, but they didn't realize how many eyes in the palace were watching them. This time, they had offended not just anyone, but the Crown Prince! And behind the Crown Prince stood the Empress! Consort Xu was also eager to find a handle to grasp. If she were to speak just one word now, she could easily fall into an irretrievable situation!

Imperial Consort Yu sighed deeply, gazing up at the intricately carved vines and lotus leaves on the palace wall, and sighed again.

The Cao household was already in chaos. Lin Yuanrou sat with a cold face nearby, while Cao Rong's eight concubines and a dozen or so maids gathered together, crying and causing a ruckus, turning everything into a mess.

Cao Gang, feeling like an ant on a hot pan, paced back and forth in the hall, unable to come up with any ideas. Seeing them in such a state, his anger flared up. He shouted angrily, "Shut up, all of you! Why cry? He's not dead yet!" After scolding them, he sat down abruptly, glaring at Lin Yuanrou. He couldn't help but think that ever since she entered the household, Cao Rong had been clamoring to divorce his wife. Then the two of them would quarrel over trivial matters, causing chaos. This time, when they went to the Crown Prince's residence, Cao Rong committed a grave mistake alone without her accompanying him. She was truly a jinx!

"Madam is back!" the maid announced as she entered the room.

Everyone's eyes turned expectantly towards the door. Madame Cao hurried in, and Cao Gang immediately approached her, asking anxiously, "What did she say?"

Madame Cao shook her head dispiritedly. "Yu'er refuses to see him. She said she no longer acknowledges having a brother!"

Cao Gang's face flushed red instantly, his heart pounding wildly, and cold sweat formed in his palms. Unable to contain his anger, he erupted, "This unfilial daughter! Useless! She won't even help her own brother!" He cursed vehemently, his insults becoming more and more unbearable, almost turning Cao Yu into a scapegoat.

At this moment, he completely forgot that their family's prosperity was due to Cao Yu's blessings! As he reached the peak of his tirade, he viciously spat at Lin Yuanrou, "You jinx! It's all because of you that our family has fallen into such a mess!"

Lin Yuanrou abruptly stood up from her chair, about to say something, but she was intimidated by Cao Gang's terrifying gaze. She took a deep breath and said, "Father, please don't be angry. Besides Imperial Consort Yu, there may be other ways to handle this matter."

Cao Gang was taken aback for a moment. Then he exclaimed, "What solution do you have?"

Lin Yuanrou glanced around at their surroundings. Cao Gang immediately ordered all the concubines and attendants to leave and closed all the doors and windows of the hall. Then he turned back, his face full of anticipation, and looked at Lin Yuanrou.

Lin Yuanrou sneered, "My father has already sent someone to draft a petition to severely accuse the Cao family. It states that the Cao family's son committed a heinous crime, publicly harming a maid, but in reality, he intended to harm the Crown Prince and destabilize the country!"

"What?! What are you saying! This will bring disaster to our entire family! You poisonous woman! How could you do such a thing?! My son, Rong'er, is your husband. Isn't it enough that you've caused his death? Now you want our whole family to fall into ruin with him!" Madam Cao became frantic upon hearing this, her face pale with rage as she pointed at Lin Yuanrou, almost unable to speak.

"Dad, Mom, no matter how incompetent Cao Rong is, he is still my husband. Can I just stand by and watch him be punished? Listen to me first. Father said that His Majesty is wise and decisive, but he is also very suspicious. If my husband behaves recklessly, indulges in debauchery, and mistreats maids, His Majesty will certainly believe these accusations and punish him severely! But don't forget, my Father supports Grand Prince Qin. If this matter is escalated to a conflict between the Crown Prince and Prince Qin, His Majesty will definitely become suspicious. Once the petition reaches His Majesty, he will suspect that someone around the Crown Prince intentionally targeted the Cao family to show defiance against the Prince of Qin. In that case, my husband may be acquitted!"

Cao Gang narrowed his eyes, his face solemn as he pondered. Then he finally understood, "Great idea! It's truly a great idea! Rou'er, you must thank your father for me!"

Lin Yuanrou showed a faint smile on her face, but in her heart, she thought, 'If it weren't for saving face, why would my father bother helping the Cao family get out of trouble? They are truly incompetent! Whenever they encounter a problem, they panic and have no sense of direction! Utterly foolish!'

Ten days later, as expected, the Emperor issued a decree, ordering Cao Rong to receive one hundred strikes and to reflect in seclusion for six months. This matter was brought up heavily but dropped lightly. Unaware individuals assumed it was the doing of Imperial Consort Yu, but little did they know, it was actually Lin Wenyuan, the Minister of War, who orchestrated it all behind the scenes.

Hongyu informed Ouyang Nuan of this news, to which Ouyang Nuan nodded and said, "Today, these matters need not be mentioned again."

Houngyu lowered her head. "Yes."

Six months ago, Ouyang Nuan had already married off the beautiful Lixiang. Now, her most trusted maids were Hongyu and Changpu. Seeing Ouyang Nuan's somber expression, Changpu wanted to ask what was wrong, but Hongyu pulled on her sleeve and whispered, "Today is Madam's memorial day."

Changpu paused, then nodded silently, refraining from mentioning anything else. She obediently lowered her head and followed Ouyang Nuan into the grand hall.

This time, when Ouyang Nuan came to offer incense, she didn't disturb anyone. Instead, she personally took out the offerings from the box and placed them in front of Lin Wanqing's memorial tablet. With utmost reverence, she bowed and offered incense. Hongyu and Changpu also knelt down, kowtowing and offering incense. Ouyang Nuan smiled faintly and said, "You may all leave now. I want to be alone with Mother for a while."

Hongyu and Changpu exchanged a glance, then obediently exited the hall. However, they didn't go far, instead quietly observing from under the wutong tree in the courtyard.

After some time passed, Changpu suddenly exclaimed. Hongyu followed her gaze and saw a handsomely dressed young man jumping down from the wall. His silky long hair fluttered in the wind, and despite his slightly pale complexion, his features were exceptionally beautiful, though they couldn't hide the hint of hostility between his brows.

The Prince Qin!

Hongyu was stunned. Just as she was about to make a sound, someone pressed a silk scarf against the throats of both her and Changpu. Changpu struggled to scream, but Prince Qin quickly approached them, smiling warmly. "You are her people. As long as you behave, I won't kill anyone," he said, waving his hand. "Don't worry, I'm just here to talk to your miss."

In the grand hall, Ouyang Nuan was completely unaware of what was happening outside.

For days now, there had been a burning sensation in her chest, a mixture of fire and pain intertwining and threatening to burst forth. She knew it was hatred, deep and festering, buried deep within her heart.

Despite the fact that the Lin family could no longer cause trouble, and despite Ouyang Ke's own crippled legs, they were all still alive, while Lin Wanqing was no more. The once innocent and ignorant Ouyang Nuan had also perished. In these dark days, her feelings of desolation only grew stronger.

After a while, faint footsteps approached rapidly.

Ouyang Nuan was startled. The person stood behind her and softly asked, "Why are you alone here?" Ouyang Nuan turned abruptly, only to find Xiao Tianye smiling at her. His smile was brighter than the sunlight outside.

"Is it because of your mother's death anniversary that you're feeling upset? Or is it because no one understands you?" Xiao Tianye sat down beside her.

—He actually knew today was Lin Wanqing's death anniversary.

A momentary shock passed through Ouyang Nuan's mind, but then she shook her head. If one had the intention, what couldn't they find out? Besides, it wasn't a secret. Every year on this day, she would come to the Ningguo Temple to pay her respects.

"I know you're feeling very sad right now," Xiao Tianye sighed softly. "But you're not alone in this world."

Apologies for the oversight. Here's the corrected version:

"Mother...... it's not just your mother who passed away," Ouyang Nuan struggled to find the words. In moments like these, she didn't know what to say.

"Don't be unhappy. This is just a common occurrence, nothing to worry about... You and I will also die someday," Xiao Tianye lowered his head, his voice surprisingly gentle, "Smile, okay? You look beautiful when you smile."

Xiao Tianye reached out and patted her shoulder, seeming to console her, but unexpectedly...

Ouyang Nuan's body trembled slightly, causing Xiao Tianye to pause for a moment before suddenly pulling her into his embrace.

A wave of shock surged through Ouyang Nuan's heart. She hadn't expected Xiao Tianye to make such a forward gesture, and for a moment, she didn't know how to push him away.

Xiao Tianye's arms gradually tightened around her, and the embrace became increasingly firm.

He wanted to hold this woman tightly in his arms. He had no idea where this intense possessiveness came from, but the thought of Ouyang Nuan not liking him made him feel despondent. For women who didn't love him, the best solution was to draw clear boundaries and stop interacting with them. Over time, even if he couldn't completely forget, these feelings would gradually fade away.

But he also knew he wasn't the type to let go easily. Since childhood, he had pursued whatever he desired relentlessly, regardless of the cost or sacrifice. The more unattainable something seemed, the more it tormented him. This desire had become like a massive stone, crushing him to the point where he could barely breathe.

"Prince Qin, this is unreasonable," Ouyang Nuan regained some composure, sitting up straight and forcefully pushing him away. She spoke calmly, "You shouldn't be here."

"What shouldn't there be in this world? I wanted to come, so I came. Whether you're in the Ningguo Temple, the Ouyang Residence, or even in the palace, as long as I want to see you, I will see you," Xiao Tianye continued to gaze at her, his eyes flickering slightly.

"But I don't want to see you. Please leave," Ouyang Nuan said coldly. She knew she had to sever Xiao Tianye's feelings like this. If she didn't want to cause trouble for each other, this was the best way.

Xiao Tianye hadn't expected her to be so blunt. His pride surged for a moment, and he abruptly stood up to leave. But when he reached the door, he quickly turned back, catching sight of Ouyang Nuan's flushed eyes. He swiftly returned to her side and sat down. "No matter what you say, I won't leave you at this time."

Ouyang Nuan bit her lip. "I'm fine. You can rest assured."

"Then don't cry," Xiao Tianye gazed at her, his brow furrowing slightly. Despite his soft spring-like eyes, Ouyang Nuan couldn't help but feel a flutter in her heart. "You want me to leave just because you're going to cry, don't you? Even crying, you have to hide away. Ouyang Nuan, don't you feel tired of this? Why do you have to be so weary? Is there anything you're unwilling to share with others? Tell me, are you a living person, or just a wooden beauty, incapable of tears, incapable of laughter? Are all your emotions fake?"

Ouyang Nuan pursed her lips, her smile on the surface hiding her inner coldness and detachment. "You're right. I'm just a fake person, without love, without emotion, without an ounce of sincerity."

Xiao Tianye was taken aback, looking at her cold and lonely eyes. Unconsciously, he reached out his hand. His fingertips were cool, like white jade, cool and moist, gently brushing against Ouyang Nuan's temple. Ouyang Nuan tilted her head slightly, avoiding it.

"Didn't you say last time that if I ever needed it, you would repay me with your assistance?" Xiao Tianye withdrew his hand, his face devoid of any anger, only a gentle smile on his lips as he gazed at her intently, yet his eyes burned with fervor. It was this fervor that revealed his true nature. "Is that promise still valid?"

He stood there, the sunlight from outside the hall casting a shadow over him, obscuring his facial features. But those words landed on her heart like a heavy weight, causing Ouyang Nuan to tremble slightly. "What does the prince want me to do? As long as it doesn't harm Jue'er, or interfere with the Marquisate of Zhengou, I can agree to your request," she said, her voice wavering.

Xiao Tianye smiled faintly, his tone light. "Ouyang Nuan, you underestimate me. If I truly wanted to harm Ouyang Jue and the Marquisate of Zhengou, would I need to use you? Today, I simply want you—to accompany me for a stroll."

Xiao Tianye seemed prepared, even having prepared a set of men's clothing for substitution, which he handed to Ouyang Nuan. "Don't worry. I won't sell you out. Put it on."

She once forced him to cross-dress, and now he was turning the tables on her, coercing her into wearing men's clothing. The origins of this reversal were indeed quite unclear.

Upon hearing Xiao Tianye's intention to go out alone, Xuan Jing and the guards behind him were all startled. "Your Highness..." Xuan Jing began, "Your status is noble. If anything were to happen, I wouldn't be able to bear the responsibility!"

Xiao Tianye gave a faint smile. His dark eyes, shining brightly under the sunlight, seemed even more piercing. "Alright, enough of your nagging. Go away and stay far from my sight, or else." The others fell silent, their expressions helpless.

Ouyang Nuan stepped out of the hall, now dressed in men's clothing, her hair let down and adorned with a jade crown. Xiao Tianye tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing in a teasing manner. "Isn't this much better?" he remarked with a hint of amusement.

Hongyu and Changpu looked at Ouyang Nuan anxiously. She nodded to reassure them, then turned to Xiao Tianye. "Your Highness, please don't harm my maidservants," she implored. Xiao Tianye responded with a gentle smile, bright and warm like a spring breeze. "Don't worry," he said, "when you return, I guarantee your maidservants will be safe and sound."

Initially, Ouyang Nuan thought they were just going for a stroll without any particular destination in mind. However, Xiao Tianye led her to a small side hall within the Ningguo Temple. The hall was open but deserted, exceptionally quiet.

As Ouyang Nuan stood bewildered, Xiao Tianye had already approached a memorial tablet, where he lit incense, knelt down, and prayed. The rising smoke veiled his features in a misty haze.

Observing the gilded tablet, Ouyang Nuan realized it was the memorial tablet of the deceased Princess Consort of Qin. Suddenly, she understood the meaning behind Xiao Tianye's earlier words.

Kneeling before the tablet, Xiao Tianye turned to glance at Ouyang Nuan beside him, clasping his hands together in front of the tablet. "Mother, this woman is the Princess I intend to marry. Look, isn't she beautiful?" he remarked.

Ouyang Nuan remained silent for a moment before speaking. "Your Highness, you shouldn't speak casually in front of the late Princess Consort," she admonished.

Xiao Tianye seemed to pay no heed and continued, "Mother, I really like her now." Pausing for a moment, he chuckled nonchalantly, "But it seems like she really dislikes me." With a light sigh, his gaze fell upon Ouyang Nuan's face.

If there was anything in common between Xiao Tianye and herself, it was the loss of their mothers at a young age, surrounded by adversities. His temperament, so violent, was merely a result of his childhood traumas. Perhaps she had been too indifferent towards him. Thinking of this, a hint of warmth flickered in Ouyang Nuan's eyes. She smiled back, her features radiant, "Get up then, aren't we supposed to go for a stroll?"

Her voice, carrying a lightness she herself seemed unaware of, as Xiao Tianye stood up and brushed off the dust from his clothes. It seemed his purpose had been achieved, as he smiled towards the memorial tablet, "Mother, I'll be going now. I'll visit you again next time."

As they left the Ningguo Temple, they passed by scattered stalls along the way down the mountain, where vendors called out, "Young masters, buy an amulet! It ensures your household remains prosperous."

Xiao Tianye paused, then turned to Ouyang Nuan, whose face now bore a full smile. "Let's buy one."

At a small stall hung dozens of colorful amulets, some inscribed with wishes for household safety, others for wealth and honor, some for academic success, and others for the blessing of children. Each one carried a beautiful wish, making hearts light and joyful just by looking at them.

The vendor, a young boy, beamed even brighter upon seeing Xiao Tianye and Ouyang Nuan. "Both of you, buy an amulet! This one for academic success is very effective! Even the former top scholar bought one here!"

Xiao Tianye's interest piqued, he asked, "Oh, what else do you have?"

The girl's eyes darted around before she replied, "How about this one for seeking marriage? It's also very good!"

"Seeking marriage?" Xiao Tianye glanced at Ouyang Nuan, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.

Ouyang Nuan, observing his smile, felt a flurry of thoughts racing through her mind. It seemed she was stirred by his smile in such a way that no woman could resist. Moreover, his careful and gentle manner of speaking made her doubt whether the current Xiao Tianye was still the ruthless villain she once knew.

"I don't care for the one for academic success. I'll take one for a happy marriage." Xiao Tianye said.

The young boy nodded and said, "Two copper coins."

Xiao Tianye frowned. He never carried a money pouch on him, let alone copper coins. He glanced at the shoddy talisman in his hand, then smiled faintly and placed a dark green jade pendant in the boy's palm. "I'll trade you with this!"

The boy was startled. Though he had never seen such an item, he knew it must be very valuable. He quickly withdrew his hand, shaking his head repeatedly.

Ouyang Nuan shook her head, finding Xiao Tianye's behavior quite childish. She took out a golden bead from her pocket and offered it to the boy. "Take this instead."

The boy was overjoyed and was about to accept it when Xiao Tianye's hand slapped down. "I told you to take this jade pendant! Someone will come to redeem it later. Don't accept her things!"

The boy hesitated, then reluctantly took the jade pendant, sneaking a glance at Xiao Tianye. He wondered why such a handsome young master had to be so fierce.

Ouyang Nuan chuckled. "Why can't mine work?"

Xiao Tianye gazed into her eyes and said seriously, "My mother once said that it wouldn't be effective if it wasn't bought personally."

Ouyang Nuan was stunned, looking at the talisman tightly clenched in his hand, bewildered.

But Xiao Tianye paid no attention to her surprised expression. His voice was soft, devoid of any emotion. "Ouyang Nuan, the things you hate, I can do for you. The people you despise, I will help you eliminate. If you want to protect Ouyang Jue, I will ensure his lifelong safety. If you seek wealth and glory, I will strive for it on your behalf. Even the empress's coronet, in my eyes, is not beyond reach! What's wrong with marrying me?"

His tone was casual, but his gaze held endless tenderness, almost mesmerizing Ouyang Nuan. Such eyes, such promises, even if her heart was as hard as stone, she couldn't help but be moved.

"What's wrong with marrying Xiao Tianye?" Ouyang Nuan pondered. She refused him for the sake of the Marquis of Zhengguo's Manor, for the Old Madam, for her cousin Xin, but for herself, what did it matter whether the Crown Prince or Prince Qin became the emperor? The well-being of the world, the people, and the nation's stability had nothing to do with her. In the end, she cared only about a few people. As she thought about this, she couldn't help but say softly, almost absentmindedly, "It's a pity we're already standing on different sides..."

"As long as you're willing to come over," Xiao Tianye interrupted her, his gaze clear like a sparkling spring under the bright sun.

Regardless of how inscrutable his thoughts were, or how cruel and ruthless his actions might be, at least in this moment, Ouyang Nuan knew he was serious.

Any woman, upon hearing such words, would be moved, and Ouyang Nuan was no exception.

“Can I?” Her words trailed off, halted by her own realization, and the sharp retort she had intended to make was bitten back into her lips, turning their pale color into a deep crimson.

“Why can't you? Are you living for others?” Xiao Tianye's voice trembled slightly, his expression intensely focused. "Your Ouyang family isn't aligned with any side. Your father has secretly shown goodwill towards my father several times. If I propose to marry you as my principal consort, he won't refuse. As for the Emperor and my father, I will handle them too. You don't need to worry about any of this."

He said so, but Ouyang Nuan couldn't help but smile. "Is the prince so confident that I'll agree?"

Xiao Tianye raised an eyebrow, a hint of hostility flashing in his spring-like eyes. "Whether you agree or not, you will have to agree! Among all the princes and royal grandchildren in the capital, most have married principal consorts. You won't settle for being a concubine! And there are only a handful of princes who haven't taken a principal consort yet. If you don't agree to me, don't even think about marrying anyone else! If you don't marry, I won't marry. We can drag this out until you agree!"

In this world, perhaps no one is more domineering than Xiao Tianye. But for some reason, when Ouyang Nuan heard such words, she couldn't find a single word of retort to say...

•••

**A Note From the Author**

I guess no one likes Prince Ming anymore. Hahahaha, he is so arrogant!

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Chapter 94 ROTNDOAHRF

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