Xie Changling remained kneeling before Xiao Jin. He did not understand Xiao Jin's meaning. If she was blaming him for disobeying the Princess, she would not have needed to stop the Princess's command in the first place.
But Xiao Jin still stopped him, and after stopping him, he didn't say anything, just stared intently at him.
Xie Changling could sense that Xiao Jin's gaze was unfriendly, as if he had done something wrong or stolen someone from him.
...
The atmosphere in the side hall was extremely tense. Faced with Xiao Jin's strong aura, Xie Changling broke out in a cold sweat, his back soaked with sweat.
He inadvertently caught a glimpse of the princess's wicked smile, as if she were plotting something bad. Xie Changling was even more puzzled and began to wonder where he had gone wrong.
Just as he was thinking, he heard Xiao Jin's icy voice: "I'll give you two choices: either get a divorce or die."
These words caused an uproar in the audience.
Apart from the Prime Minister's wife, who had already fallen into a deep sleep, everyone present, from the Princess to the servants, was terrified by the Emperor's chilling aura.
Xie Changling even doubted whether he had heard correctly: "What?"
His heart sank, his heart pounded violently, and his face turned pale instantly.
Xie Changling remained kneeling on the ground, appearing before Xiao Jin in the most humble manner.
His face was full of shock. The Emperor had just mentioned Xi'er? He picked at his ear, but still couldn't believe it.
"Your Majesty, are you saying..."
At this moment, Xie Changling still held onto a sliver of hope. He silently told himself, "It can't be, it can't be Xi'er. It must be some homonym, right?"
Or perhaps it was a maidservant from the Princess's residence, also named Xi'er, who caused the Emperor to misunderstand something.
"Your Majesty, you may have misunderstood. My wife's name is Song Lingxi, not Xi'er."
Xie Changling forced a smile. He knew all too well that he was putting up a last-ditch effort, but even if there was only a sliver of hope, he would persevere.
"Hahahaha, I really can't stand it anymore!"
"How far are you going to play dumb? Haven't you noticed that your wife is missing?"
Suddenly, a shrill laugh rang out beside Xie Changling's ear. She laughed unrestrainedly, as if she had heard something funny, but it sounded particularly piercing to Xie Changling.
"It is an honor for your entire Prime Minister's residence that the Emperor has taken a liking to her. Young Master Xie, why don't you quickly express your gratitude?"
The eldest princess seemed unsatisfied with what she had said and continued to provoke Xie Changling, as if trying to incite him to do something irrational.
This is not impossible. If Xie Changling loses his mind and suddenly attacks, as long as he shows any intention to harm Xiao Jin, Xiao Jin's guards will chop him into mincemeat.
Tsk.
The eldest princess thought, if the emperor kills the prime minister's eldest son... she had heard that the prime minister and his wife had a very deep affection for each other.
If they lose their only child, even the most loyal prime minister will not side with the emperor.
If she were to cry a little and persuade the prime minister to side with her son, then a rebellion would not be out of the question.
Thinking of this, the eldest princess continued to provoke Xie Changling, wishing she could drive him to madness on the spot.
"Young Master Xie, please don't blame me for being so outspoken. You are just a commoner, while the Emperor is the ruler of the world. If she weren't blind, Miss Song would definitely choose the Emperor."
"Then it would be better for you to part amicably and ask the Emperor to find you another good wife, which would also be considered a good outcome."
Xie Changling felt like he couldn't breathe. He chuckled softly, his face as pale as paper, as if he were about to faint at any moment.
"Hehehe, Your Highness, you've said so much, aren't you thirsty? As for my affairs with Xi'er, you don't need to worry about them."
"Your Majesty, I do not believe her attempts to sow discord. This marriage was personally bestowed upon me by you, and I will only listen to you."
Xie Changling simply couldn't believe what a venomous woman was saying. He knew he had saved Xiao Jin's life, and he asked for nothing more than for Xiao Jin to return the person.
Therefore, he adopted a very humble attitude, hoping that Xiao Jin would consider their past relationship.
Faced with Xie Changling's question, Xiao Jin showed no guilt whatsoever. He was the emperor, the master of all people under heaven, and possessed the power of life and death.
Therefore, he calmly expressed his thoughts without trying to hide them from anyone.
"Xi'er is very good. She will be my only empress. But considering that you saved me when you were a child, I will allow you to divorce."
Upon hearing this, Xie Changling felt all the strength drain from his body. He suddenly raised his head, trying to see the expression on his face to see if he was joking.
"Your Majesty, are you joking—"
"Young Master Xie, if I were you, I would learn a word: 'knowing when to yield.'"
Seeing that the time was ripe, the eldest princess quickly spoke up, trying to provoke him again. Killing Xie Changling was her plan all along!
"Hahahaha, then execute me! Hahahaha, Princess, this is your scheme!"
Xie Changling burst into laughter, tears welling up in his eyes. He suddenly stood up from the ground, and as soon as he did, the guards all put their knives to his body!
Xie Changling didn't care at all. His eyes instantly turned red, tears welled up, and anger filled his eyes.
"Is the Emperor going to forcibly abduct women from the common people?! Where is the law in this land? Where is justice?!"
He tilted his head back to look at Xiao Jin, and suddenly noticed the mark on his neck...
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