Mingyi really wanted to tell her that he had stopped considering her as his cousin a long time ago. His aunt was the Empress, not the Pure Imperial Noble Consort. He and Rongyu had no blood relation whatsoever, so he had other ideas. He even thought that when he grew up, he would ask his father to help him propose marriage.

However, the appearance of Lejur shattered his dream. That year, the emperor and his father both came to see him and sternly warned him not to have any improper thoughts about the princess, otherwise he would implicate his entire family!

From that time on, Mingyi silently suppressed his feelings and began to deliberately distance himself from the princess, keeping his distance from her. The princess was also angry with him and refused to talk to him anymore.

He thought that this was how their lives would be, but unexpectedly, the princess was so resistant to the marriage and even threw a tantrum at the emperor because of it.

The moment he learned of her disappearance, Mingyi completely forgot about keeping his distance from her and was eager to find her and protect her.

When they were together in the tree, there was no one else around, only the two of them. He could still clearly feel his heart beating faster and faster, but he couldn't say anything. He had to persuade her against her will not to be angry with the emperor.

His thoughts had to be hidden, as they had always been, and as they were now. Even when his heart was in turmoil, Mingyi's face remained cold and indifferent.

"Princess, you may have misunderstood something. I only have brotherly and sisterly feelings for you, and no romantic feelings whatsoever."

Rong Yu had been waiting for this answer for a long time, and she had even thought of it, but she also held onto a glimmer of hope, thinking that perhaps it would be a different story.

The moment she heard him give the answer, her mind went blank, and her hopeful heart plummeted to rock bottom.

"So, you don't like me?"

He didn't have the courage to respond directly, and only said coldly, "It's good that the princess understands. Since I have no affection for you, I naturally cannot propose marriage to you. Please forgive me, princess."

She desperately hoped she had misheard, but his voice echoed so clearly in her ears, enveloping her like a flood. At that moment, she felt like a drowning person, struggling to breathe, her heart aching so much that large tears instantly welled up in her eyes.

But she didn't want anyone to see her vulnerable side, so she wiped away the tears on her cheeks with her hand, trying hard to compose herself, her voice low and hoarse.

"Okay, I understand. I was being unreasonable. I'm sorry, I won't make things difficult for you again."

“Princess…” Seeing her heartbroken and desperate state, Mingyi felt even more remorseful.

He knew exactly what Rong Yu wanted to hear, yet he still had to say such hurtful words. At that moment, Mingyi hated his own cowardice. He cared about his family, but he couldn't give Rong Yu the happiness she wanted.

She, a young woman, mustered up the courage to ask him to propose marriage, and he didn't dare to agree. What kind of man is he?

Mingyi, filled with self-reproach, opened his mouth to offer advice, but couldn't utter a single word. He knew very well that once he expressed his feelings, Rongyu, knowing his own mindset, would definitely fight to the bitter end to be with him.

Not only will the Fucha family be implicated, but the Emperor and the Imperial Noble Consort will also have a headache.

Considering the consequences, Mingyi ultimately did not offer any further explanation.

The two remained silent. Rong Yu couldn't bear the oppressive atmosphere any longer. She could barely hold on any longer and said in a hoarse voice, "I'm a little tired and want to rest for a while. You should go back first!"

What else could Mingyi say? It would be futile for someone who lacks courage to stay any longer. In the end, Mingyi said goodbye, lowered his head, and turned away sadly.

As the footsteps faded into the distance, Rong Yu lay down on the daybed and wept bitterly!

All her dreams shattered completely at that moment. From now on, she had no hope left. If the person she liked didn't like her back, what was the point of struggling?

She suddenly felt like a joke. She had fought so hard for so long, but it was all in vain. Mingyi didn't like her at all. If it wasn't Mingyi, what difference would it make who her future husband was?

Mingyi has no feelings for her. Her parents both hope that she can go and marry a foreign ruler. She suddenly feels that she is superfluous to stay in the capital. No one really cares about her!

Why should she insist on staying? She might as well go to Mongolia to marry into the Mongols, thus fulfilling her parents' kindness in raising her and realizing the value of her life.

Thinking this, Rong Yu both cried and laughed, her face covered in tears.

Hearing the commotion, Yan Zhi rushed over to comfort her. Rong Yu silently wiped away her tears, then washed her face and put on a smiling face.

"I've cried, I'm fine now, I've come to terms with it, don't worry."

She appeared nonchalant, even smiling, as if she truly didn't care, but her red eyes and trembling voice betrayed her.

Yan Zhi felt sorry for Rong Yu's situation, but she was powerless to help. She seemed unable to do anything and could only watch helplessly as Rong Yu was bound by fate and deprived of her freedom.

After Mingyi left, the guards also left to report the situation to the Imperial Noble Consort.

Mingyi's answer was within Su Yushan's expectations. She knew that this child would prioritize the greater good and would not join Rong Yu in making trouble for the sake of the family. Su Yushan was very pleased with this result. However, when the guard said that the princess had been lying there crying alone for a long time, Su Yushan's heart suddenly ached.

Being rejected by someone you like must feel incredibly painful, right? Rong Yu gave up, but the price was so high. Will anyone ever be able to mend her broken heart?

Yu Shan was very worried about her daughter's condition. After learning about this, Hongli first scoffed at his daughter's foolishness, and then praised Mingyi for being sensible.

“Mingyi will be fifteen next year, and he can become a guard and start his official career. This child is worth nurturing.”

Whether Mingyi likes Rongyu or not, Yushan doesn't know. What she cares about most is her daughter's feelings. She wants her daughter to listen to her father, but when her daughter is sad, Yushan feels heartbroken. Mothers are always so conflicted.

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