Chapter 34 Imperial Marriage
Chapter Thirty-Four: Imperial Marriage
As soon as the carriage arrived at the villa, a servant came to announce: "Your Highness, the Princess requests your presence."
The reason for causing such a commotion today is to give my mother an explanation.
Meng Huaiyan nodded, took Shen Tang's hand, and walked towards the Princess's courtyard.
Although it was late at night, there were still servants and guards on night duty.
Shen Tang was not used to being so intimate in front of others, especially when she saw the servants looking at them with shocked expressions. She wished she could find a hole to crawl into.
Shen Tang's face flushed red, and she tried to shake off his hand: "Let go of me."
Meng Huaiyan didn't let go; instead, he gripped her even tighter.
He frowned and glanced at the unruly servants. The servants trembled under his cold gaze and quickly turned their backs.
"Alright, now no one's watching."
"......"
They soon arrived at the Princess's courtyard. The gate was wide open, and guards stood on both sides, all with solemn expressions.
The entire courtyard was filled with the imminent threat of a storm.
Shen Tang felt apprehensive and uneasy.
Admittedly, the plan failed tonight because of Meng Huaiyan, but when the Kings of Hell fight, the little devils suffer.
Meng Huaiyan was the eldest princess's own son, and no matter how angry she was, she could never kill him.
But she's different. The princess already disliked her, and now, because of her, Meng Huaiyan is openly challenging her. Tonight, she's likely in grave danger.
Meng Huaiyan noticed her fear, tightened his grip on her hand, and comforted her, "Don't be afraid."
Shen Tang couldn't help but glare at him hatefully. If it weren't for him, she wouldn't be in this situation now.
Now you're trying to play the good guy again!
Meng Huaiyan knew she harbored resentment towards him, but he would only let her leave if he died.
Upon entering the house, the two knelt down to pay their respects to the princess.
The eldest princess coldly stared at the two kneeling before her, her face so gloomy it could drip water.
As her personal maid, Fu Dong was respected by everyone in the capital when she was out and about.
But her good son detained her without any politeness tonight. Ostensibly, he was punishing a maid, but in reality, he didn't respect his mother at all.
And all of this is because of Shen Tang, this lowly woman.
The eldest princess glared fiercely at Shen Tang, her eyes filled with murderous intent.
The old woman beside her received a signal from her eyes, picked up a cup of wine and walked towards Chen Tang.
Judging from this, anyone could tell that this was no ordinary glass of wine.
She's probably really going to die here today.
Shen Tang's face turned ashen instantly, and she closed her eyes in despair.
Meng Huaiyan, who was standing to the side, suddenly reached out and shielded Shen Tang behind his back: "Mother, wait."
The eldest princess narrowed her eyes: "You dare to disobey me?"
Meng Huaiyan respectfully replied, "Your son wouldn't dare, but His Majesty only issued an imperial decree today, bestowing marriage upon me and Miss Shen. It hasn't even been a day yet. If anything were to happen to Miss Shen, I'm afraid it would be difficult to explain to His Majesty."
As if struck by lightning from nowhere, the princess could no longer maintain her composure.
She jumped to her feet, somewhat incredulous: "What did you just say?! Say it again!"
Meng Huaiyan winked at Qingyang.
Qingyang quickly bowed and presented the bright yellow imperial edict to the princess.
The eldest princess grabbed the imperial edict, her hand trembling slightly as she opened it.
The imperial edict, written in black and white on white paper, read: "Shen Tang, the eldest daughter of the Shen family, is of dignified character and virtuous conduct. By imperial decree, she is betrothed to Meng Huaiyan, the heir of the Duke's mansion. An auspicious day shall be chosen for the wedding. This is the imperial decree."
The bright red official seal on the imperial edict filled her eyes, as if it were a silent mockery.
She was born into nobility, and apart from her father and mother, everyone treated her with utmost respect and obedience. But today, she was outmaneuvered by someone, and that person was none other than her own son!
The eldest princess was furious and grabbed a teacup from the table, smashing it at Meng Huaiyan: "You unfilial son! How dare you!"
The teacup slammed heavily onto Meng Huaiyan's forehead with a loud "bang".
The maids and guards knelt on the ground in fear, shouting, "Princess, please calm down!"
The room fell into a deathly silence.
Bright red blood slid down from Meng Huaiyan's forehead. He looked up and wiped it away lightly, his face calm, completely unconcerned about the princess's anger.
The eldest princess glared and gritted her teeth: "I absolutely disagree!"
Meng Huaiyan looked up at her: "Mother, do you intend to defy the imperial decree?"
The two locked eyes, exchanging a silent battle, neither willing to back down.
The room was so quiet that only the sound of breathing could be heard. The oppressive atmosphere was like the calm before a storm, sending chills down one's spine.
A moment later, the princess withdrew her gaze and sneered. She really had raised a good son.
The Meng family has been too prominent lately, and the emperor is worried about not being able to find any fault with them. Disobeying the imperial decree is a crime that has been handed to them, and the emperor will not let it go easily. If that happens, the Meng family will probably suffer a great loss, if not die.
He actually staked the entire Meng family against her, determined to marry that Shen Tang.
Very good! Very good indeed!
The princess's face turned ugly. She turned her face away as if she found even a glance at him disgusting, and said sharply, "Get out!"
"Son takes his leave."
The news of the arranged marriage shocked Shen Tang so much that her mind went blank, her ears were ringing, and for a moment she seemed unable to hear the sounds around her.
She only came to her senses after Meng Huaiyan pulled her out of the courtyard gate.
Shen Tang stopped in her tracks, staring at Meng Huaiyan in disbelief: "You...you're really crazy."
"Perhaps."
He was always calm and composed, and shrewd in his thinking. The officialdom was treacherous and unpredictable; one wrong step could lead to utter ruin.
Therefore, every step he takes and every action he takes is a decision made after careful consideration.
Only in this matter did he lose his composure and rationality, becoming unlike himself, yet he did not regret it.
That feeling of being out of control, unable to grasp or manage it, tore at his heart and tormented his mind, making him experience panic and helplessness for the first time.
He didn't like this feeling of being out of control.
Therefore, he will keep her firmly by his side, so that she can never leave him for the rest of her life.
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