Jealousy

The moment Mu An Ning handed over the Eight Treasures Box, a feeling of relief surged in his heart.

It seemed that not only her hands felt lighter, but the huge rock in her heart that was weighing her down and making her breathless also finally loosened a little and was gently pushed away.

The lake in my heart suddenly became much clearer, as if melted snow water was crystal clear and could see through all the fog.

She finally realized that no one can't let go of anyone, the so-called inability to let go is just the obsession and knot in the heart.

She didn't know where her feelings came from at first, but she was deeply devoted to him. As time went by, liking him became a habit.

The past events slowly unfolded in her mind, and a question gradually emerged and took root deeply in her heart: Does she really like him?

If it were the past, she would have answered yes without hesitation.

She liked, very much liked the young man in red who was always full of vigor and vitality in front of everyone. His every move and every word could create ripples in her heart.

Even if she just looked at his back from a distance, she felt satisfied and sweet.

But only now did she realize that wishful thinking would not lead to good results.

She wanted to pick up the self-esteem she had lost.

Gu Huaizhi stood in the pavilion, the arc on the corner of his mouth gradually flattened, replaced by a solemn expression.

What did she just say?

Break off the engagement?

He frowned, as if he couldn't believe that those two words would come out of her mouth: "Say it again?"

Mu An Ning looked at his shocked expression, knowing that he had heard her, so she did not repeat herself and said softly, "May you and I be well in the future."

Gu Huaizhi heard the girl's words and finally realized with difficulty that he had heard correctly. He asked with a complicated look in his eyes, "Do you really want to break off the engagement with me?"

At first, he was extremely reluctant, which made the period when she just got engaged the focus of discussion in the capital.

Today, he finally decided to accept the marriage, but she said she wanted to...break off the engagement?

Mu An Ning just nodded lightly and said nothing more. She had made up her mind and didn't want to get entangled with him any more.

Whether he was angry or upset, it was nothing to her.

The prince, who always acted on impulse and never cared about other people's feelings, was now hesitant. After thinking it over again and again, he spoke hesitantly: "That day...I was wrong. I shouldn't have said such hurtful words."

He really didn't expect that his words "there's no way I could like her" would cause the girl to react so far beyond his expectations.

Mu An Ning was slightly startled, and for a moment she couldn't remember which day he was referring to.

Gu Huaizhi didn't wait for her to speak, he coughed lightly, as if he had made up his mind: "I...I've figured it out, it's our parents' orders and the matchmaker's words. It's not impossible for us to cultivate our relationship after we get married."

He stopped talking, a thin layer of red appeared on the tips of his ears, his amber eyes flickered slightly, and he looked a little embarrassed, not paying attention to the girl's reaction.

Even he himself felt a little uncomfortable listening to such corny words.

After hearing this, Mu An Ning finally understood what he meant. It was the same sentence he said to Gu Ji when they last met in Wutong City.

However, he has said many hurtful things over the years, and that was not the only one.

A gentle breeze blew by, causing her long eyelashes to tremble slightly.

She smiled softly, only to find that her previous persistence was somewhat ironic.

Gu Huaizhi saw the smile on her face, and immediately felt a little uneasy. He said to himself, "I can pretend I didn't hear what you just said. I'll give you one more chance."

I don't know if I'm giving her or myself a chance...

Mu An Ning frowned slightly, feeling a little confused, and suddenly felt that she could not see through his thoughts.

Why should he pretend not to hear?

Hadn't he been waiting for three years for her to say this?

She couldn't help but ask, "Prince...are you unhappy?"

She used to be very anxious and terrified that this day would come, for fear of seeing Gu Huaizhi's happy expression.

However, at this moment, his reaction was totally beyond her expectations.

Gu Huaizhi stared at her calm face, and a surge of irritability suddenly rose in his chest, like a surging torrent that was difficult to suppress.

His throat tightened, and suddenly he laughed out of anger.

He didn't know whether he was happy or not, but he could see that the girl in front of him was extremely happy.

After a while, he suddenly said: "Of course I couldn't be happier!" His five fingers were clenched tightly, and the blue veins on the back of his hands were clearly visible. The force was so great that it seemed as if he was going to crush the box in his hand: "You also know that I have no intention of marrying you!"

He must have been stunned by her words just now, which is why he said so many strange things to her.

Breaking off the engagement with her was indeed what he had wanted all these years.

Mu An Ning nodded in understanding. She knew that Gu Huaizhi never wanted to marry her.

She had overheard him talking to those young men about this marriage more than once. To him, it was a shackle that he could not get rid of.

Now, she has fulfilled his wish. This may be the best ending for both him and herself.

Thinking of this, the corners of her mouth curled up slightly, and her eyes were smiling, as if she had been reborn.

Gu Huai's eyes were slightly dazzled by the brightness.

If she was like a pure white peony before, graceful and beautiful, then now she is like a red peony swaying in the spring breeze, charming and attractive.

Mu An Ning didn't look at him again. She bowed, turned around and left without any hesitation, leaving only a hint of fragrance in the spring breeze.

Gu Huaizhi stood where he was, looking at that resolute and graceful light blue figure, and felt the fire in his heart suddenly reach its peak.

However, her previously indifferent gaze was like a bucket of cool spring water, stirring up ripples in his heart.

My heart was torn between ice and fire.

*

After a moment, Gu Ji figured that no matter how slow his master was, it was time for him to apologize, so he walked slowly towards the pavilion.

He looked around and, as expected, there was only Gu Huaizhi standing alone in the pavilion, while Miss Mu was nowhere to be seen.

Gu Ji stopped beside Gu Huaizhi, not noticing that the young master was not right at all. He just saw the box in his hand and couldn't help but smile. He joked, "Young master, what did Miss Mu give you again?"

The two of them really reconciled again without any suspense. Miss Mu really loved the prince deeply, like a mountain stream, trickling but unchanging.

Seeing that he didn't answer, Gu Ji thought that he was just beginning to fall in love and was too embarrassed to talk about it, so he changed the subject and continued to ask, "Sir, have the gifts been sent out?"

In all these years, he had never seen the young master so concerned about the gift to be given to Miss Mu.

After learning that she liked peach blossoms, the young master spent seven full days meticulously carving a peach wood hairpin.

For a man of your impatient temperament, carving, a slow and meticulous job, is undoubtedly a huge challenge.

However, these words seemed to have touched Gu Huaizhi's sore spot. He had been silent at first, but suddenly he shouted angrily: "What etiquette?"

He was reluctant to admit it, but his suddenly clenched palms still caused him a disturbing pain.

Those are scars left by carving.

There was a flash of surprise in Gu Ji's eyes, and he took a step back.

He was guessing in his mind and couldn't help but worry for the young master.

Could it be that Miss Mu doesn't like the gift prepared by the young master?

Gu Huaizhi frowned and suddenly opened the box, and saw two pieces of jewelry neatly placed inside, a jade bracelet and a peach blossom hairpin.

He recognized the jade bracelet, which his mother said she would give to her future daughter-in-law, and the jade hairpin...

He frowned, picked it up and examined it carefully.

It seemed familiar, but he couldn't remember where he had seen it for a moment.

Gu Ji recalled something that happened many years ago, and he shook his head with surprise, saying, "This is not..."

He remembered that the young master at that time couldn't say he liked Miss Mu, but he didn't dislike her at all.

However, after the young master learned about the engagement, his attitude towards Miss Mu changed, and he even said that he disliked Miss Mu.

Later, after a lot of trouble, he was forced to accept the marriage and was also asked by the princess to give gifts to Miss Mu as an atonement.

The princess had specifically inquired about it and found out that Miss Mu liked peach blossoms.

Therefore, the young master was forced to go and buy it in person reluctantly.

Because he was too lazy to choose carefully, he simply asked the boss to take out the most expensive peach blossom ornaments, and then he bought them directly without even looking at them, just to save trouble.

Gu Huaizhi felt that this hairpin was related to him, and asked awkwardly, "What is it?"

Gu Ji was quite helpless. Even his subordinate remembered it, but the young master had actually forgotten his fiancé.

He couldn't help but hold his forehead and said, "Sir, this was the gift you gave to Miss Mu. You...really don't remember it?"

Gu Huaizhi only felt a slight pain in his head, as if... this was the case.

So someone told him at that time that Mu An Ning liked peach blossoms?

He involuntarily took out the hairpin he had carved himself from his sleeve, and was a little dazed for a moment.

Gu Ji couldn't help but shake his head secretly, it turned out that Gongzi Ya had never been sent out.

It's funny to say that the gifts that the young master gave to Miss Mu casually in the past were regarded as treasures by her.

Now the young master finally realized that giving something as a gift requires care, but he hasn't even given it away.

I don’t know if it’s because Miss Mu no longer likes peach blossoms, or... no longer likes the young master.

*

The noble ladies gathered in a deserted corridor, talking excitedly about what had just happened: "Sister Liu, are you serious? Will Prince Gu really break off the engagement with Miss Mu?"

The girl surrounded by the crowd was Liu Qingyue, who always disliked Mu An Ning.

She was wearing a flamboyant bright yellow dress, and her whole body was adorned with strings of exquisite jewelry, sparkling.

She secretly enjoyed the attention of the noble ladies, and said in a low voice: "Of course, didn't you hear it too? She is not the daughter of a marquis, how could the Anqing Palace marry such a prince's consort?" She paused, and said confidently: "Now that her sister is going to marry the prince as his consort, it is even more impossible for her to marry the prince."

In their Chu State, there has never been a precedent of a family having two daughters who were married to royal relatives at the same time.

When the girls heard her words, they couldn't hide their joy.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is like a bright and clear moon, unattainable and something that people look up to.

However, Gu Huaizhi was different. Although he was also a gifted man, if his father tried hard, marrying him might not be a impossible task.

In terms of appearance and family background, he is no worse than the prince.

From this perspective, Gu Huaizhi is clearly a better choice.

A discerning lady noticed that Liu Qingyue was unhappy and quickly took the lead and said, "In that case, we should first congratulate Sister Liu."

The remaining girls also reacted immediately and agreed verbally, but they each had their own plans in mind.

Although Liu Qingyue is the most noble daughter of the Prime Minister among them, they do not think they have no chance.

After waiting for this day with great difficulty, no one is willing to let go of Gu Huaizhi easily.

Liu Qingyue glanced at the person who was speaking, but she finally regained her smile, her face flushed with shame, and she asked angrily, "What are you talking about?"

She pretended to dislike what others said, but she was secretly happy in her heart.

Ever since the moment Prince Gu galloped his horse in the street and rescued her heroically three years ago, she had fallen in love with him. She even begged her father for several days to finally get permission to go out in order to meet him by chance in the street.

Unexpectedly, just when she had planned their future, her husband was snatched away by Mu An Ning.

For the past three years, she has always believed that as long as they don't get married, she still has a chance.

After waiting for so long, she finally waited for this day.

This is definitely fate's favor to her and the result of her unremitting efforts.

Several people continued to talk about this, and the compliments continued.

"Ms. Mu..."

I don't know who shouted this, but the five girls' conversation suddenly stopped, as if their tongues were suppressed by an invisible force and they dared not continue talking.

The two or three shy girls were so embarrassed that their faces turned red and their eyes flickered.

It was just a casual remark, but who knew that the person in question would suddenly show up, catching her off guard. I wonder how much she heard...

Liu Qingyue looked at the girl who appeared gracefully, her expression changed slightly, and she asked angrily: "Mu Anning, you actually eavesdropped on our conversation?"

Mu An Ning's face was indifferent. She didn't want to listen, but they happened to stop in the corridor between the pavilion and the garden where the banquet was set.

She now had only two choices: either return to the pavilion where Gu Huaizhi was, or continue forward and pass through the corridor.

Obviously, she couldn't choose the former.

Mu An Ning smiled calmly, her eyes clear, and she spoke slowly: "Since Miss Liu is so in love with the prince, why don't you be brave enough to express your feelings?"

Liu Qingyue's expression changed unpredictably, turning blue and white. She opened her mouth to refute, but couldn't think of any words to refute.

Because, except herself, no one knew that she had indeed agreed to let the middleman express her feelings.

But...that day, she finally mustered up the courage, but Gu Huaizhi didn't even look at her, as if he didn't hear her.

When she met him again today, he couldn't even remember who she was.

As the daughter of a Duke, she could not tolerate such injustice.

However, if that man was that handsome and attractive man, she would not be unable to accept it. On the contrary, she would feel even more unwilling, and her desire to have him as her husband would become stronger.

Mu An Ning stared at her straightly, without any fear on his face: "Miss Liu, I'm afraid you don't dare to do that, right? Otherwise, why would you waste your time here and presumptuously discuss other people's private affairs?"

She said everything that was on her mind, without caring about Liu Qingyue's face at all.

She was really too weak in the past. Not only did she not say "I will not offend others if no one offends me", but even when she was offended, she just kept it in her heart for fear of losing her marriage with Gu Huaizhi.

Her outspoken attitude was like a sharp dagger, piercing the soft spot in Liu Qingyue's heart.

Liu Qingyue was speechless for a moment, and finally just glared with resigned eyes, and said one word without any momentum: "You!"

She really didn't dare to look for Gu Huaizhi again, but she didn't intend to give up.

After Mu An Ning and Gu Huaizhi officially break off their engagement, she will find an opportunity to ask her father to ask the emperor to issue an order.

Mu An Ning is still as annoying as before. He has clearly taken advantage of everyone, but he still maintains an aloof appearance.

Even when her fake daughter's identity was revealed, she did not show any panic.

Mu An Ning ignored her and left.

The remaining girls looked at Liu Qingyue, whose face was full of anger, and lowered their heads, not daring to say anything.

They knew that if they offended the daughter of the Prime Minister, their lives would not be easy.

*

When Mu An Ning returned to the banquet, it was about to end, but the protagonist of today's banquet, Mu Wan'er, was still surrounded by the crowd and received compliments.

The Chongde Marquisate has never been considered a prominent family. It was only because of the marriage of Mu An Ning and Gu Huaizhi that it was able to gain a certain status in the capital.

And now that the Marquis' Mansion has a Crown Princess, everyone naturally looks up to Mu Wan'er.

After all, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has reached the age of twenty, but he has always been clean and has never been involved in any scandal, not even having a concubine or a maid.

The Empress was not in a hurry and only started looking for a Crown Princess in the early spring of this year. However, the mothers of the noble ladies who came to the capital were extremely anxious.

Who could have expected that in the end, this bastard from the Marquis's Mansion would quietly snatch away this opportunity.

Even though they were so angry that their teeth itched, they had to say a lot of compliments against their will.

Standing beside Mu Wan'er, Mrs. Xu, who was smiling, saw Mu An Ning finally return, and her smile froze.

Long before the banquet, she had instructed her adopted daughter to always stay by Mu Wan'er's side. After all, Mu Wan'er was not used to these banquets, and she was worried that something might go wrong with her daughter.

Thinking of this, Xu left the crowd calmly and slowly walked towards Mu An Ning's side.

Although she frowned, she asked in a gentle tone, "An Ning, where did you go just now?"

Mu An Ning's eyes fell on the slightly impatient face of his adoptive mother, Mrs. Xu, and he explained slowly, "An Ning felt a little stuffy, so he went to the pavilion to get some fresh air."

This statement is half true and half false, and there is nothing wrong with it.

Xu nodded, but her brows furrowed even more tightly, hoping that Mu An Ning would not become jealous of Mu Wan'er and do something bad again.

After much thought, she still felt that she needed to give some advice to her adopted daughter. After all, the Marquis' Mansion had treated her well.

She glanced at Princess Anqing not far away and said with a smile, "An Ning, the princess has been looking for you, go talk to her." Then, she looked around, as if she was trying to find someone else, but withdrew her gaze with a little regret.

These words were actually reminding Mu An Ning that the marriage arranged for her by the Marquis' Mansion was no worse than that of Mu Wan'er.

Mu An Ning followed Xu's gaze and looked at Luo. The woman was talking to several female relatives, and there was no sign of Gu Huaizhi beside her.

Suddenly, the ethereal voice that had not appeared for a long time echoed in her mind again, and it said -

"Mu Anning, you still care about Gu Huaizhi, right?"

Mu An Ning's heart trembled, and her throat suddenly tightened, as if an invisible hand was strangling her.

Just now, when she broke off the engagement with Gu Huaizhi, she felt relieved and even liberated. But when this ethereal voice rang out, she felt a trace of regret welling up in her heart, like ripples spreading out.

"Mu Anning, admit it, you still like him!"

When she heard the word "like", she looked confused for a moment, with confusion and thought flowing in her eyes.

Then she shook her head suddenly and calmed herself down.

She has no regrets at all and will never fall in love with him again!

Xu was waiting for her answer, and when she saw her shaking her head, there was a hint of obvious dissatisfaction between her eyebrows.

Previously, the adopted daughter had refused to accompany her to visit the palace, and now that the princess was in the palace, she was unwilling to go either.

You know, to be appreciated by the princess is something that many people desire but cannot obtain, but Mu An Ning does not know how to cherish it.

Is she still thinking of breaking off the engagement?

Mu An Ning didn't look at her adoptive mother's ugly expression. She lowered her eyes and bowed, "Mother, An Ning suddenly feels a little unwell. Now the banquet is about to end. An Ning wants to go back to her room first."

Since Mu An Ning said she was ill, Xu had no choice but to nod her agreement in public, lest rumors spread that she had a biological daughter and was being treated unfairly by her adopted daughter.

[I’m so annoyed, so annoyed, can these people please let me go, I want to be alone! ]

[It's just these few sentences over and over again, but he keeps talking non-stop.]

[Ah, my sister just came back, where are you going now? ]

*

Mu An Ning hurried back into the house, ordered Baoqin to fetch her some water, and then closed the door, cutting off herself from the noise and disturbance from the outside world.

She leaned against the closed door, her chest heaving violently, she took several long breaths, her face as pale as wax.

A drop of crystal tear slowly slid down her fair cheek, like a crystal pearl on her emerald face, extremely conspicuous.

After a while, she finally reacted and raised her slender jade fingers to wipe it off.

Just now, when she was still in the courtyard, she felt her eyes were sore and she hurried back to her room because she was afraid that her foster mother would ask about it.

She clearly didn't want to cry, but her tears were out of her control, and the emotions in her eyes were sometimes turbulent and sometimes clear, like a lake in the mist, sometimes turbulent and sometimes calm as a mirror.

She suddenly felt that she still liked Gu Huaizhi, and then she suddenly felt that she had forgotten him.

As she had an unbearable headache, she suddenly remembered what the old Taoist she met in Wutong City said that day: Don't forget your original intention, and you will achieve the end. Don't be obsessed with it.

She slowly moved her lotus steps, walked to the cabinet, and took out the "Miao Xuan Heart Method" given to her by the old Taoist.

She stood still for a moment, staring at the parchment for a long time before finally preparing to open it.

She really couldn't think of a way to deal with that ethereal voice. Having been controlled by it several times, she was now really frightened.

The moment the parchment was unfolded, she seemed to feel a faint golden light emanating from the words on it, not knowing whether it was an illusion, like a thin golden thread, flowing straight to her forehead.

At this moment, her eyes regained clarity, no longer cloudy, and the fog in her heart was dispelled one by one.

She was secretly puzzled and quickly lowered her eyes to try to read the words above. However, even though the words were before her eyes, her mood became heavier.

Because she stared hard, but still couldn't understand a single word. Every stroke and every painting seemed like an unsolvable mystery.

At this moment, Baoqin pushed the door open, filled some water for her, and said with a smile, "Miss, you can take a bath now."

Mu An Ning calmly put away the parchment scroll, hid it in the cabinet, and then stood up.

*

Baoqin gently washed the girl's hair in the tub, carefully observing her expression. After making sure she was calm, she cautiously asked, "Miss, have you explained everything to the prince today?"

Upon hearing this, Mu An Ning opened his clear and bright eyes and nodded gently.

Baoqin paused for a moment, then heaved a sigh of relief, revealing a trace of relief: "Miss has finally taken this step."

She had seen the young lady's fondness for the prince over the years, and it hurt her heart.

Now that the young lady has finally broken off her engagement, she is happy for her from the bottom of her heart.

The young lady definitely deserves a husband who only cares about her, not Prince Gu who doesn't take her seriously.

Just now at the banquet, she noticed that many gentlemen were staring at the young lady.

Then, a layer of worry appeared in her eyes again: "It's just that Miss, the Marquis and the Madam..."

Now that the Second Miss has already made an engagement with the Crown Prince, it is impossible for her to go through with the marriage with the Prince's Palace. I am afraid that the Marquis's wife will not agree to the Miss's cancellation of the engagement no matter what she says.

Mu An Ning's eyes narrowed slightly. Even Baoqin could think of it, so how could she not know it?

If she wanted to cancel the marriage completely, she would have to get the approval of the elders and put down the letter of cancellation. It was definitely not enough for her and Gu Huaizhi to just express their opinions verbally.

Gu Huaizhi was so unfocused that he definitely didn't know these procedures, so it was obvious that she had to handle everything alone.

Based on the previous attitudes of Marquis Chongde and Mrs. Xu, it was obvious that they would never agree, so she could only start from the Anqing Palace.

Thinking of the woman who treated her like her own daughter, she pondered whether to visit her directly or write a letter and ask someone to deliver it to the palace.

After a while, she slowly walked out of the bathtub, and the water dripped, stirring up a light mist.

She asked Baoqin to prepare paper and pen for her, and finally decided to write a letter, explaining the whole story and begging the palace to drop the letter of divorce.

If you visit him, you should meet Gu Huaizhi.

But now she doesn't want to see him again.

*

In the main hall, the seated Lord Chongde threw the letter of divorce in front of Mu An Ning without mercy and said in a deep voice: "An Ning, tell me what this is."

Mu An Ning's eyelashes trembled slightly as she looked at the letter of cancellation of engagement.

Within three days, the royal palace passed it on to the marquis's palace. I think Gu Huaizhi must have contributed to it.

A marriage begins with a piece of paper and ends with a piece of paper.

She squatted down and picked it up, her voice as calm as water: "An Ning has no feelings for the prince. Seeing that her father and mother would not agree, she had no choice but to resort to this desperate measure."

Marquis Chongde covered his chest, and was so angry that he couldn't speak for a moment: "You! Do you know that your action will ruin the Marquis' Mansion!"

He never imagined that the marriage that was originally a done deal would be ruined by his obedient adopted daughter.

Marrying into the Anqing Palace is the best option other than the royal family, and will be of great benefit to the Marquis's Palace.

Xu looked at her furious husband with a worried look on her face and said to him, "My Lord, please don't be so angry."

Chongde Houqian said angrily: "How can I not be angry?"

Xu was stunned by her husband and held her handkerchief tightly.

The two have been married for twenty years, so she certainly understands Lord Chongde's profit-oriented nature.

Xu turned to look at Mu An Ning with dissatisfaction, frowned and said reproachfully: "Have you learned all these years of etiquette in vain?" Her tone was not as gentle as when she spoke to Lord Chongde just now, and was obviously much more serious: "Parents' orders and matchmaker's words, this is the rule left by our ancestors. Besides, we are doing this for your own good. Marrying Prince Gu is the dream of many women..."

Mu An Ning lowered her head. If it were in the past, she would have obeyed the instructions carefully, but now she just let it go in one ear and out the other, not wanting to listen to a single word.

Her adoptive mother had always been all about etiquette, but now she didn't want to be a puppet anymore.

After listening to her foster mother's words, she slowly raised her head and asked, "Father and mother, are you really doing this for my own good?"

Marquis Chongde and Madam Xu were both stunned, as they had not expected their adopted daughter to speak out in rebuttal.

Mu An Ning smiled softly and said in a loud voice: "I'm afraid that even if Wan'er didn't exist, you would never have considered An Ning as your daughter."

The old face of Chongde Hou turned red, and he was filled with anger: "Rebellious girl!" The fire in his eyes seemed to be about to burst out, and he said angrily: "Copy one hundred copies of "Nu Yi", "Nu Xun" and "Xiao Jing" each!"

Mu An Ning raised her eyebrows slightly, without showing any objection, bowed calmly, then turned around and left.

Seeing her calm attitude, the Chongdehou couple behind her were even more furious.

At this moment, Mu Jingyue walked in with a smile on her face: "Why is father so angry?"

Chongde was looking at his third daughter who would be coming of age in two years. His scheming eyes moved and suddenly an idea came into his mind.

*

"Your Highness, the envoys from Liang will arrive in Chu in three days."

The man in the moon-white robe is the current crown prince, Gu Yihan.

He was sitting at his desk, reading a memorial in his hand, and listening to his subordinates' reports with a calm expression.

After a while, he turned his eyes away from the memorial, and his clear voice was like the gurgling of water: "I understand, please leave."

After his subordinates took their orders and left, his eyes gradually became darker and his fingers tapped slowly on the table.

The envoys sent by the State of Chu caused unrest in the court.

The emperor ordered him to receive him personally to show the importance he attached to the friendship between the two countries.

But what surprised him was not this incident, but the fact that what the woman said in her heart was actually coming true one by one.

It was for this reason that he decided to marry her as the Crown Princess, regardless of whether she was some kind of enchantress who could predict the future.

He just wants to take control of the current situation.

The Emperor did not react much to his plan to take a concubine, but the Empress was indeed unhappy because she wanted to marry her niece to him in order to better control him.

As he narrowed his eyes, a palace servant suddenly came in to report: "Your Highness, Prince Gu invites you to leave the palace for a gathering."

*

In the bustling Hongding Building, no one noticed the two extremely noble people in the corner.

Gu Yihan sat in front of Gu Huaizhi who was drinking alone and said with a smile: "Huaizhi, why are you in the mood to drink alone today?"

Gu Huaizhi put down his wine glass and looked at his cousin whom he hadn't seen for a long time. He pursed his lips and said, "I just found out something." He took out the rice paper from his sleeve, and his eyes, which were originally a little dazed, darkened. "The visit of Chu State this time must have a conspiracy."

Gu Yihan narrowed his eyes slightly, cast his gaze on the paper in his hand, and nodded slightly: "I know." He said, helplessly teasing: "I'll ask my subordinates to send it to the East Palace, why do you have to go there in person. Are you missing your cousin?"

Gu Huaizhi snorted coldly: "I just want to ask you out for a drink, is that not possible?"

He didn't know what was wrong with him. He had been feeling depressed since the banquet that day.

Today, I learned that my mother had already handed in the letter of divorce to the Marquis's Mansion, and I was even more upset.

Gu Yihan shook his head helplessly. His cousin was only one year younger than him, but he would occasionally show his childish nature.

He smiled warmly: "Why not? Huaizhi wants to drink, then I will drink with you."

Gu Yihan finished speaking and poured himself a glass of wine. After taking a sip, he said with a complicated expression, "Time really flies by. In the blink of an eye, both of us brothers are going to start a family."

Gu Huaizhi's eyebrows moved, and he asked in confusion: "Are you getting married?"

He had been staying in the mansion these days and had not heard about this matter. He only knew that Pei Yihan had never taken a concubine and had no interest in love matters. However, as the crown prince, he would eventually have no choice.

Gu Yihan nodded slightly, his clear eyes tinged with a hint of interest: "I'm going to become your brother-in-law, and you didn't know?" He covered his chest and pretended to be sad: "Huai Zhi really makes me feel cold..."

Gu Huai swallowed and immediately understood who he was going to marry.

He suppressed the emotions in his eyes, drank the wine in his glass in one gulp, and said in a slightly dull voice: "Do you know that I am no longer engaged, cousin?"

Gu Yihan looked surprised for a moment.

He knew that Gu Huaizhi and the girl from the Mu family had arranged their marriage three years ago and would be getting married at the end of the year.

It is quite strange to cancel the engagement at this juncture.

Gu Yihan asked in surprise: "Did Huaizhi finally convince my aunt to cancel the engagement?"

He vaguely remembered that his cousin had caused a lot of laughter in the capital in order to break off the engagement, but even so, he did not get what he wanted.

Gu Huaizhi's throat tightened for a while before he said sullenly, "...she retired."

Gu Yihan raised his eyebrows, even more surprised.

He had heard a little about this Miss Mu, and knew that she was very fond of Gu Huaizhi.

A breeze blew by, and Gu Huaizhi suddenly became much more sober and turned to look out the window.

Suddenly, a familiar figure came into his sight.

The girl was wearing a light blue dress today and looked particularly cute.

He was a little dazed for a moment.

Suddenly, a horse-drawn carriage rushed past and headed straight towards the girl.

Gu Huai was startled and stood up suddenly.

Gu Yihan looked at the young man with a trace of anxiety between his brows and asked in confusion: "Huaizhi?"

Gu Huaizhi ignored him. Just as he lifted up his skirt and was about to jump out of the window, a dark blue figure suddenly appeared below and held the girl steadily in his arms.

He paused and stared at the bottom, only to see the two men's clothes intertwined and they turned in the air and avoided the carriage.

He breathed a sigh of relief, but when he saw the girl's smile, his body moved slightly and he clenched his fists.

The two blue figures looking at each other looked so well matched that it hurt his eyes.