The next morning, after receiving news that Xiao Heye had been imprisoned, Su Tiyue disregarded her father's objections and rushed to the palace.
She had barely arrived at the palace when she heard another unbelievable piece of news.
I heard.
Just now, the King of Huainan supported Zhou Ziqi to ascend the throne in the Guangming Hall, and on the grounds that Zhou Ziqi was still young, he handled state affairs on behalf of the young emperor.
Now that Zhou Tingyue's whereabouts are unknown, the country cannot be without a ruler for even a day.
Thus, overnight, the King of Huainan became the regent.
Zhou Lin now wields power no different from that of an emperor.
Until Zhou Ziqi comes of age, or until Zhou Tingyue's whereabouts are found, he, as regent, will control all matters, big and small, in Northern Liang.
People in the court had many complaints about this, but out of respect for Zhou Lin's authority, no one dared to stand up and question his actions.
...
Inside the Hall of Longevity, Su Tiyue waited anxiously for Zhou Lin to finish his morning court session.
Before coming here, she had mentally prepared herself and could roughly guess that Zhou Lin would make things difficult for her in every way. However, in order to see Xiao Heye, Su Tiyue had no other choice but to do so now.
As expected, Zhou Lin, dressed in an official robe, stepped steadily into the Hall of Longevity. He looked up and saw that petite figure, and couldn't help but sigh.
Zhou Lin stood still, staring at her silently.
Su Tiyue pursed her lips, stepped forward, and gave a slight curtsy: "This commoner, Su Tiyue, greets Your Highness. May Your Highness enjoy boundless blessings..."
Zhou Lin waved his hand lazily, his tone light and casual: "We've known each other for so long, but this is the first time I've seen you so polite."
Su Tiyue stood up and said softly, "Your Highness is right to reprimand me. I will keep it in mind."
"Fine, I still prefer your previous unbridled self."
"Come and sit down..."
Zhou Lin pointed to the square table in front of him, sat down, poured a cup of tea, and handed it to her.
Upon seeing this, Su Tiyue quickly stepped forward and accepted the teacup with both hands, respectfully saying, "Thank you, Your Highness."
She didn't drink the tea in her hand, but held it carefully as she sat down opposite Zhou Lin.
"I heard about it on my way back. You want to see him?"
She nodded: "Yes."
"You already knew his identity?"
Su Tiyue was silent for a moment, then said, "I don't know."
"You didn't know that Minister Xiao was the late Crown Prince?"
She shook her head, not daring to admit it.
"Then... he's not a eunuch at all, you should know that, right?"
Zhou Lin's gaze was like fire, staring unblinkingly at her face.
Su Tiyue hesitated for a moment, then slowly nodded: "Mm."
Zhou Lin was taken aback for a moment, then a malicious smile appeared on his face: "It seems I've asked an unnecessary question. It looks like you've already slept together...?"
"Where has the Prince locked him up?" Su Tiyue, unwilling to listen to his vulgar words, boldly asked, "Can I see him?"
Zhou Lin replied, "He's in the dungeon. You can see him..."
“But before you see him, let’s talk about the marriage alliance. Or, the matter between you and me…”
Su Tiyue stared blankly at her toes with her eyes downcast.
What's meant to happen will happen...
Xiao Heye used to be her support and her source of strength. Now that Xiao Heye is in trouble, Su Tiyue can't even protect herself, so how can she save him?
Even seeing him is extremely difficult.
If I had known this would happen, I wouldn't have fallen out with Zhou Lin in the first place, perhaps...
Sigh, forget it, there's no point in thinking about it now.
Seeing that she kept her head down and didn't speak, Zhou Lin tapped the table with his fingers and said slowly, "A good bird chooses a good tree to perch on. Miss Yue'er, you can't be unaware of this principle, can you?"
"Now he's nothing but a prisoner who committed the crime of deceiving the emperor. Miss Yue'er, I won't force you..."
"You have two choices: either obediently agree to the marriage alliance and marry Prince Yelü."
"Either you make me happy, and I'll keep you in the Hall of Longevity... and guarantee your family's safety in the future. If Miss Yue'er behaves well, perhaps I'll be in a good mood and spare Master Xiao's life..."
Su Tiyue raised her head, her face calm, but her voice trembled slightly as she spoke: "Are these the only two paths left?"
"Hmm," he hummed softly.
"If I agree to the marriage alliance, will Your Highness spare his life?"
“It’s alright…” Hearing this answer, Zhou Lin felt a little disappointed. He asked unwillingly, “You would rather choose to marry far away to Rouran than choose me, the king? Why…?”
Su Tiyue lowered her head and answered softly, "I'm too clumsy. I don't know how to please Your Highness, nor do I know how to please others. I'm afraid I'll spoil Your Highness's mood and do the opposite of what I want..."
Therefore, it would be better to choose Yelü Shulie.
Once she marries him, even if she doesn't serve this Rouran prince well, it won't implicate Xiao Heye, right?
Zhou Lin sneered, his voice deep and muffled: "Is it that you can't please me, or that you're unwilling...?"
Seeing that he was angry, Su Tiyue quickly said, "It's my fault for being tongue-tied. Please calm down, Your Highness."
"Fine, you chose this path yourself, so I will grant your wish."
Zhou Lin curled his lips into a wicked smile and said, "I wish Miss Yue'er all the best on her journey to Rouran."
Su Tiyue: "..."
She should have understood Zhou Lin's unspoken meaning: marrying into a place like that would only bring torment and suffering, not happiness and contentment.
"It's getting late. I'll have someone take you to see your sweetheart. Once you go to Rouran, you'll never see her again."
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