Seeing his son’s ashen face and venomous gaze, Master Zhuo felt a heartrending mix of desolation and anger.
In two generations, Yulin was the only one who had exceptional intelligence and outstanding abilities. Now that the Emperor had stripped him of his official post and sent him home for self-reflection, it was nothing less than a catastrophe for Yulin.
Fang Zhiqian and Dong Wencheng were actually the Emperor’s confidants, and they would surely slowly erode his power. The Emperor, considering his reputation, would not destroy the Zhuo family. Instead, he would maintain them in comfortable idleness. By doing so, not only did the Emperor eliminate a thorn in his side, but he also gained the reputation of being merciful and wise. Such a move was incredibly vicious.
Thinking that the Zhuo family, which had flourished for centuries, would be ruined in his hands, Master Zhuo hated his foolish granddaughter, the Emperor, and especially Princess Chen, from the bottom of his heart. His hands clenched into fists under the cover of his long sleeves, with his nails digging so deeply into his flesh that he was unmindful of the pain.
A gentleman’s revenge could wait ten years, but there would come a day when he would make the Emperor and Princess Chen pay a terrible price!
Noticing Master Zhuo’s thoughts, Yang Mengchen raised her eyebrows almost imperceptibly, pitying that this princess would never get the chance.
Two members of the Imperial Army escorted Ms. Zhuo away. From start to finish, no one cared whether she was alive or dead.
The banquet continued unabated, with everyone seemingly having forgotten that recent scene, all wearing smiles as they watched the singing and dancing. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com
Looking at the graceful and gentle Princess Chen, who seemed so perfectly matched with Prince Chen like a couple straight out of a fairy tale, those who cared for their daughters gave up on their ambitions. With such a wise and resolutely ruthless Princess Chen, if their daughters were to marry into the Chen Prince Mansion, they might not only lose their lives but also any hope of glory and wealth.
Of course, there were still those with larcenous hearts, including the princesses of Nanping, Xiliang, and Beiyue. They had originally come for Long Xuanmo, but after witnessing Yang Mengchen’s tactics and seeing Crown Prince Meng, some had shifted their affection, while others remained delusively obstinate.
There and then, Princess Wu Wenlan of Beiyue Country stood up, calling out to the Emperor loudly, "Emperor, since Princess Chen is concerned about her status and doesn’t wish to perform, this Princess doesn’t mind and will perform a dance to add to the festivities." She finished speaking, casting a smug glance at Yang Mengchen, believing that as a peasant girl, she certainly lacked talent and feared public embarrassment, which was why she found an excuse not to perform.
Seeing Wu Wenlan’s proud and jealous eyes, Yang Mengchen’s expression remained calm, completely unmoved.
The Emperor’s brows furrowed almost imperceptibly; he disliked this arrogant and domineering princess. Yet his face betrayed no sign of his thoughts as he granted permission, "Agreed!"
Wu Wenlan immediately walked to the center of the banquet. Her thick eyebrows, large and slightly deep-set eyes, yellowish long hair adorned with colorful hairpins in braids, bangs over her forehead, and seven or eight striking earrings dangling from her ears, her face painted with plum blossom makeup, all complemented by a fiery-red riding outfit that made her exceptionally alluring and provocative.
Being part of a semi-nomadic tribe, Wu Wenlan’s dance exuded an unrestrained and bold spirit, distinctly different from those of the other countries, which won stunned admiration from many.
Wu Wenlan deliberately moved closer to Long Xuanmo as she danced, brazenly casting seductive glances at him with bold and passionate movements.
Such behavior from a princess of a nation drew disdain from some, amusement from others, and thoughtful contemplation from the rest.
Unfortunately for her, Long Xuanmo didn’t even bother to glance her way, either feeding his beloved wife fruits or whispering sweet nothings to her. Whatever he said made Princess Chen blush like the dawn, her smile coy and yet radiant with joy.
Wu Wenlan was burning with jealousy. She was a true Royal princess, and now she had condescended to offer herself to Long Xuanmo, who should have been overjoyed to welcome her as his Official Wife. But instead, Long Xuanmo completely ignored her and was so warm and attentive to that lowly woman. How could she possibly accept this? However, the occasion wasn’t right for a confrontation, so she temporarily swallowed her anger, vowing to deal with that despicable woman later on.
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