Pei Jinxiao was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke: "This matter involves a lot of people, I must go back to the mansion to discuss it immediately. You go back first and tell everyone in the mansion to be prepared to deal with it."

The subordinate took the order and left in a hurry.

Pei Jinxiao came out of the side alley and returned to Tu Subo, telling him everything his subordinates had just reported.

Tu Subo looked at Pei Jinxiao with a deep gaze, and a complex emotion flashed in his eyes. He coughed lightly and broke the silence: "Jinxiao, what happened today is probably not accidental."

Pei Jinxiao frowned slightly, with a hint of doubt in his eyes: "What do you mean..."

Tu Subo nodded, his tone solemn: "It is no secret that the emperor is dissatisfied with you. What happened in the temple today may be the reason he found to grant you the marriage."

Pei Jinxiao was silent for a moment, then a bitter smile appeared on his lips: "It seems that I can't escape the shackles of this marriage after all."

The two of them were silent, and the atmosphere was a little heavy. At this time, a guard hurried over, bowed to Pei Jinxiao, and said, "Your Majesty, someone from the palace came and said they have something urgent to see you."

Pei Jinxiao nodded slightly and said to Tu Subo, "Let's go and meet the envoy together."

When he arrived at the reception room of the temple, he saw a middle-aged official sitting in the first seat, looking anxious. When he saw Pei Jinxiao and Tu Subo coming in, he immediately stood up and saluted: "This subordinate greets Prince Jing and Lord Tu."

Pei Jinxiao nodded slightly and asked, "What are you doing here, envoy?"

The messenger hurriedly took out a secret letter from his sleeve and handed it to Pei Jinxiao: "Your Highness, this is the emperor's handwritten letter, please take a look."

Pei Jinxiao took the secret letter, opened it and looked at it. His face suddenly became gloomy. He was silent for a moment, then handed the secret letter to Tu Subo: "Take a look."

Tu Subo took the secret letter and read it quickly, his face becoming serious. In the letter, the emperor clearly proposed to arrange a marriage for Pei Jinxiao, and the target was the current emperor's niece, the princess of the Shu Palace.

Pei Jinxiao sneered: "It seems that the emperor is determined to make me fall into the quagmire of this marriage."

Tu Subo thought for a moment and said, "Jin Xiao, this marriage is not without benefits for you. The power of the Shu Palace is huge. Once the marriage is completed, your position in the court will be more stable."

Pei Jinxiao smiled bitterly: "I understand what you mean, but this marriage is a bondage to me. What I want is not power, but freedom."

Tu Subo was silent for a moment, then said, "Perhaps, we can start with the princess's personality and see if she is willing to face this marriage with you."

Pei Jinxiao's eyes flashed with hope, but then disappeared: "I'm afraid the emperor has already anticipated this, which is why he chose the princess. If she is willing to cooperate, how can I refuse?"

Tu Subo frowned, feeling a little sorry for Pei Jinxiao. He pondered for a moment, and suddenly an idea came to his mind: "Jinxiao, I have an idea that may help you get out of this marriage."

Pei Jinxiao's eyes flashed with anticipation: "Speak quickly."

Tu Subo said: "We can use the difference between you and the princess's personality to create a misunderstanding and make the emperor think that you two are not suitable. In this way, the emperor may cancel this marriage."

Pei Jinxiao's eyes flashed with doubt: "Misunderstanding? How to create it?"

Tu Subo smiled slightly: "That depends on your acting skills. We need you to show in front of the princess that you have no feelings for her, or even..."

Pei Jinxiao added: "She may even misunderstand that I have feelings for you."

Tu Subo nodded: "That's right. If you do this, the princess will definitely be dissatisfied, and the emperor will also think you are not suitable."

Pei Jinxiao pondered for a moment, a look of determination flashed in his eyes: "Okay, I'll act according to your plan. But I want to remind you that this matter is of great importance and must not be leaked."

Tu Subo nodded seriously: "I understand."

After the two agreed, they started to act separately. Pei Jinxiao returned to the palace and began to arrange the misunderstanding, while Tu Subo secretly contacted the princess to try to understand her personality and preferences.

A few days later, a grand banquet was held as scheduled. At the banquet, Pei Jinxiao danced with the princess in a harmonious atmosphere. However, at the end of the dance, Pei Jinxiao suddenly vomited and looked miserable.

The princess's face suddenly turned ugly, and she couldn't help but feel dissatisfied with Pei Jinxiao. The emperor also felt that this marriage seemed a little inappropriate.

At this moment, Tu Subo quietly came to the princess and whispered, "Princess, the prince..."

A trace of doubt flashed across the princess' eyes, but it was quickly replaced by anger: "I understand, I will never accept this marriage!"

Tu Subo smiled slightly and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Pei Jinxiao frowned, his eyes were like a frozen pond that had been frozen for thousands of years, deep and cold. He knew that the emperor's summons were of great importance, and there must be something hidden behind them. He slowly straightened his robes and walked towards the palace with a gloomy expression.

When he reached the palace gate, he stopped and turned to Tu Subo beside him and said, "Brother Bo, I have to go into the palace. Please wait here for a while. I will find out the situation and then make a decision."

Tu Subo nodded slightly, a trace of worry flashed in his eyes: "Jin Xiao, I'm afraid your trip is likely to be dangerous. I will get information for you outside the palace. If there is anything wrong, you must report it in time."

Pei Jinxiao nodded, said nothing more, and walked into the palace. Tu Subo looked at his back, worried, and turned to leave to investigate the Qin Mansion.

Pei Jinxiao walked into the palace, his expression becoming increasingly gloomy. He knew the emperor's intention very well. This meeting must be to force him to make a decision. He walked into the imperial study and saw the emperor sitting on the dragon throne with a serious expression.

"Lord Pei, you are here." The emperor said calmly.

Pei Jinxiao bowed and said, "I am Pei Jinxiao, your Highness."

The emperor nodded and said, "I feel exhausted both physically and mentally these days, so I would like to invite you to discuss state affairs."

Pei Jinxiao sneered in his heart. The emperor was clearly forcing him to express his opinion. He said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, if there is any state affairs that need to be discussed, I will do my best."

The emperor smiled and said, "I want to depose the crown prince and make you the heir apparent. What do you think?"

Pei Jinxiao's face changed. He knew the weight of the emperor's words. He said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, deposing the crown prince is a national event. I am afraid I cannot take on the responsibility."

The emperor's face darkened and he said, "Lord Pei, are you rejecting me?"

Pei Jinxiao's heart tightened. He knew that he couldn't confront him head-on at this moment, so he could only express his position tactfully: "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is the future heir to the throne of the country. Deposing the Crown Prince may cause unrest in the court. I am willing to share your worries, but you still need to be cautious about this matter."

The emperor's expression eased a little after hearing this, and he said, "If that's the case, then you can leave first. I will consider your opinion."

Pei Jinxiao bowed and left the imperial study, but his heart became heavier. He knew that the emperor would not let him go easily, and this storm was probably just beginning.