He wasn't one to let things slide. Since An Ruoyan had the guts to do it, he wouldn't hesitate to turn on her without hesitation.
To him, the 'princess' was merely a tool. As long as the tool didn't cause trouble, An Honghan would let it be. But once the tool became disobedient and unsuitable, keeping it in his hands became meaningless…
Recalling the document sent by the Kingdom of Jiu last month, An Honghan could finally give King Liu an answer.
Xi Xizhi was still immersed in the delicious food, smacking her lips in lingering enjoyment. When she looked up, she happened to see An Honghan's cold eyes.
Having already learned a great deal about a certain emperor, she blinked and wondered to herself, "Who...who has offended An Honghan?"
That expression is terrifying!
Soon, the answer came from outside the palace gate.
An Ruoyan stepped gracefully into the Panlong Palace, lifting her skirt with one hand.
Her forehead was bandaged, and she glared at the little sable with hatred. Then, in the next instant, she composed herself, smiled faintly, and greeted him, "Greetings, Your Majesty. Your Majesty summoned Yan'er here. Is there something you wish to instruct me to do?"
Her long, thick eyelashes blinked twice; if it were a man with average self-control, he would surely be captivated by her.
Xi Xizhi's hair stood on end. She didn't find An Ruoyan's appearance beautiful at all; instead, she felt a sense of disgust.
This woman always acts one way in public and another way in private. Having gotten used to her sinister and ruthless face, Xi Xizhi felt an indescribable aversion when she suddenly saw her pretending to be gentle and virtuous.
Patting her round belly, Xi Xizhi climbed up from the table, hopped on all fours, and walked towards An Honghan.
Because he had been seen naked by someone yesterday, every time Xi Xizhi met An Honghan's gaze, she had a strange feeling, as if he were still completely naked in front of him. Those obsidian-like eyes seemed to see through everything and know everyone's thoughts perfectly.
Distance herself from An Ruoyan, Xi Xizhi moved closer to An Honghan and sat down beside him for protection.
"I have something to discuss with you..." A chill ran through his voice as An Honghan raised his hand to stroke the sable's fur, glancing sideways as he said, "I heard you accidentally bumped your head yesterday?"
Staring intently at the wound on An Ruoyan's forehead, An Honghan's eyes held a light that was hard to fathom.
An Ruoyan trembled slightly in fright, but then regained her composure and stammered, "I...I accidentally bumped into a pillar. Thanks to Your Majesty's concern, I'm fine after being bandaged by the imperial physician."
An Honghan's gaze exerted an unprecedented pressure on people.
The atmosphere was extremely heavy; there wasn't a sound in the spacious hall. Xi Xizhi, afraid of breaking the silence, tried to keep even her breathing as quiet as possible, her heart pounding as she stared straight ahead.
"I have arranged a marriage for you." After a long silence, An Honghan broke the silence, his tone icy.
An Ruoyan's eyes widened in disbelief. Her brother had summoned her so urgently for this? But... but she hadn't heard of any country coming to propose marriage recently.
“Brother, Yan’er is still young, there’s no rush to get married.” Although An Ruoyan said this, her eyes revealed hope. With her looks and talent, she believed that her brother would definitely arrange a good marriage for her.
And recently, the Crown Prince of Luyun Kingdom happened to be an envoy. Could it be him? Does my elder brother want to betroth me to him? I heard that Dongfang Youyu has not yet established a Crown Princess. If I marry him, I will surely be able to secure that position.
Knowing that An Ruoyan had misunderstood, An Honghan was in no hurry to explain. He simply picked up the little sable and pulled it into his arms, saying, "You've already come of age, how can you still be considered young?"
"But...but Yan'er still wants to stay in the palace and accompany her brother for a few more years." An Ruoyan blushed and slowly lowered her head, but in her heart she was extremely happy.
She had met Dongfang Youyu once before. His Highness the Crown Prince possessed an innate elegance and was the kind of husband every woman in the world dreamed of. Moreover, if Dongfang Youyu were to ascend the throne, she would undoubtedly be the Empress.
An Honghan's lips curled into a cold smile, which vanished in an instant. "I don't need your company. Feng Yunshao is enough."
Xi Xizhi had originally planned to watch the show quietly, but suddenly heard An Honghan mention its name, and she dazedly raised her fluffy head. Who wants to stay with you forever? If it weren't for that indenture in your hands, she would have run away long ago…
She only wanted to escape; Xi Xizhi's mind remained rational. If she went out in this unstable form and was mistaken for a demon incarnate, she would be in danger.
It's rare that An Honghan is willing to offer his shoulder as a safe haven, so getting Xi Xizhi to give up clinging to this big tree will be quite difficult. At least until she has the ability to protect herself, Xi Xizhi is determined to rely on An Honghan; even if you try to drive her away with a stick, she won't give up.
“As the eldest brother, I am like a father to you. Of course, it is my royal brother who should decide my marriage.” An Ruoyan raised her eyes shyly and asked, “May I ask who my royal brother intends to betroth me to?”
The eunuchs and princesses around them all pricked up their ears, filled with curiosity. His Majesty's favorite was the Sixth Princess. At least compared to others, His Majesty treated the Sixth Princess extremely well. Whenever the Sixth Princess asked for something, His Majesty rarely refused.
Among all the eunuchs, Xiao Xunzi was the most nervous. While the other eunuchs were all bowing their heads and listening intently, he alone stretched his neck and peered in their direction.
“A few days ago, King Liu sent a letter requesting a marriage proposal. As you probably know, although the Kingdom of Jiu is small, it is extremely wealthy. If you are willing to marry into the Kingdom, you will be provided with all the fine things in life.” An Honghan said expressionlessly, seemingly unconcerned about the marriage proposal.
An Ruoyan turned pale with fright, her fists clenched tightly in her sleeves. "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, King Liu is already over fifty years old. You... you want Yan'er to marry into his family?"
Everyone knows that King Liu is an extremely lecherous old man. It's often said that he abducts beauties from outside the palace and brings them inside, and he even once absurdly stole a minister's wife. What woman would want to marry such a debauched man? Moreover, An Ruoyan is outstanding in every way, so why should she be the one to marry him? Aren't there more than ten princesses in the palace? Aren't they more suitable than her?!
An Ruoyan blushed with anger, her shy demeanor completely reversed, and she bit her lip tightly.
"Brother, can Yan'er refuse?"
“I never take back my decisions. In seven days, a wedding procession will escort you to the Kingdom of Jiu.” An Honghan’s tone left no room for negotiation, and was filled with anger at being contradicted.
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