Bai Yujing clenched his fists and gritted his teeth as he made his decision: "I must see His Majesty and explain my predicament. Otherwise, I will never have a moment's peace regarding Princess Ziyan's forced marriage."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Huaiyu frowned. She gently grasped Bai Yujing's hand and said with concern, "Yujing, have you considered the risks of this action? If His Majesty blames you, your career will be affected, even..."
Bai Yujing gently patted Jiang Huaiyu's hand, her eyes resolute: "I know the risks, but I can no longer tolerate Princess Ziyan's coercion. Although I, Bai Yujing, am no hero, I cannot be manipulated by others. I must fight for justice for myself."
Jiang Huaiyu sighed softly, looking at Bai Yujing with concern: "Then how do you plan to plead your case to His Majesty?"
Bai Yujing pondered for a moment and said, "I intend to appeal to Your Majesty on the grounds of loyalty. I will recount in detail the process of Princess Ziyan's forced marriage and my true feelings for her."
Jiang Huaiyu nodded slightly, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes: "Your plan is correct. But you must remember that His Majesty is wise and will handle this matter fairly. You only need to state the facts and do not get agitated."
Bai Yujing nodded in agreement, his eyes filled with determination.
The atmosphere in the study became tense. Jiang Huaiyu knew that Bai Yujing's actions were of great importance, and she couldn't help but worry about him. However, Bai Yujing's personality determined that he would not succumb to pressure.
Bai Yujing took a deep breath and said to Jiang Huaiyu, "Huaiyu, I know you're worried about me. But please believe me, I will handle this matter properly. You just need to wait at home for good news."
Jiang Huaiyu gently bit her lip, a resolute glint in her eyes: "Yujing, I understand what you mean. I will wait at home, but you must promise me that you will return safely."
Having said that, Bai Yujing straightened his clothes and prepared to head to the palace. Jiang Huaiyu watched his retreating figure, feeling both worried and respectful.
Bai Yujing arrived at the palace in the afternoon. Standing before the palace gates, gazing at the magnificent palace, he couldn't help but feel nervous. However, when he thought of Jiang Huaiyu's encouragement and trust, his confidence immediately strengthened.
Upon entering the palace, Bai Yujing was led to the imperial study where His Majesty resided. He stood outside the door, took a deep breath, and then gently pushed open the door.
Inside the Imperial Study, His Majesty sat on the dragon throne, his expression solemn. Bai Yujing immediately knelt and bowed, saying, "Your subject Bai Yujing greets Your Majesty."
His Majesty nodded slightly, gesturing for Bai Yujing to rise. Bai Yujing stood up, looked at His Majesty, and couldn't help but feel nervous.
His Majesty asked, "Bai Yujing, what brings you to this audience today?"
Bai Yujing took a deep breath and said, "Your Majesty, I have a request to make, and I hope Your Majesty will consider it carefully."
His Majesty nodded slightly, signaling Bai Yujing to continue.
Blinded by rage, Bai Yujing suddenly rushed over, grabbed a fruit knife from the table, and pointed it at his own neck. Seeing this, Jiang Huaiyu turned deathly pale, hurriedly stood up, and grabbed his hand.
"Yujing, what are you doing?" Jiang Huaiyu asked anxiously, her eyes filled with worry and confusion.
Bai Yujing seemed not to hear, her face ashen, her teeth clenched around her lower lip, the knife in her hand trembling, about to cut her skin.
Just then, a figure suddenly burst into the room; it was Princess Ziyan. Seeing Bai Yujing's self-harm, her face turned deathly pale. She rushed forward, grabbed Bai Yujing's wrist, and forcefully took the knife from her.
"Bai Yujing, what are you doing? If you dare to do something foolish, I will never let you off easily. I will make the entire Bai family pay for your death!" Princess Ziyan glared at Bai Yujing, her tone icy.
Bai Yujing was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, then a trace of fear and despair flashed in his eyes. He looked at Princess Ziyan and a self-deprecating smile appeared on his lips: "Do you think I'm afraid? I've had enough of living, I'm just unwilling to be forced by you like this."
Jiang Huaiyu looked at Bai Yujing, her heart filled with anguish. She stepped forward, gently took Bai Yujing's hand, and said softly, "Yujing, I know the pain in your heart, but do you know? Life is only once, and we cannot give it up easily. You should cherish your life and not express your protest in this way."
Princess Ziyan gazed tenderly at the stubborn Bai Yujing, took out a silk handkerchief, and wanted to step forward to wipe the bloodstains from his cheek. However, Bai Yujing turned his head away, avoiding her gentle touch. This action made the surrounding air freeze instantly; everyone thought Princess Ziyan would fly into a rage, but unexpectedly, she simply smiled gently.
"Bai Yujing, why are you doing this?" Princess Ziyan's voice was soft, yet carried an undeniable authority. She gently brushed a stray hair from Bai Yujing's forehead, her eyes filled with concern.
Bai Yujing pursed his lips, his stubbornness intensifying. He lowered his eyes, avoiding Princess Ziyan's gaze, and said coldly, "Princess, I don't need your concern."
Princess Ziyan's smile remained unchanged. She sat down gently in the main seat, her eyes revealing a noble indifference: "Bai Yujing, do you think your refusal will make me back down? Let me tell you, you're wrong."
Bai Yujing raised his head and looked at Princess Ziyan with a firm gaze: "Princess, although I, Bai Yujing, am just an ordinary member of the Bai family, I have my dignity. I would rather ruin this face than let you have me."
Princess Ziyan's expression shifted slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. She smiled softly, her eyes full of mockery: "Bai Yujing, do you think your dignity has any value? In this chaotic world, dignity is nothing but worthless trash."
Bai Yujing's expression changed slightly, but he did not refute it.
Princess Ziyan looked at Bai Yujing, a complex emotion in her eyes. She gently shook her head, then smiled and said, "Bai Yujing, you are truly an incomprehensible person."
Bai Yujing did not respond; he simply stood there quietly, his eyes fixed firmly ahead.
Princess Ziyan laughed again, her laughter filled with mockery and indifference: "Bai Yujing, do you think your persistence can change anything? Let me tell you, you're wrong. In this chaotic world, only the strong can survive, and you are nothing but a weakling."
Bai Yujing's expression shifted slightly, but he remained silent. Princess Ziyan was telling the truth. He was indeed a weakling; in this chaotic world, he had no advantages whatsoever.
However, he didn't care. Because he had his own beliefs and his own dignity. Even if he was weak, he would uphold his beliefs and protect his dignity.
Princess Ziyan looked at Bai Yujing, a complex emotion in her eyes. She gently shook her head, then stood up and walked towards Bai Yujing.
“Bai Yujing, you really intrigue me,” Princess Ziyan said softly. “You are clearly a weak person, yet you have the mentality of a strong person. You excite me.”
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