Chapter 118
It should be a beautiful, clear day for family reunions during the Lantern Festival, but today it's shrouded in dark clouds.
Si Yanmo and Zhou Yanqing had no time to grieve; they could only go to the palace to attend the banquet.
The dinner had not yet started, and the two waited in the garden outside, just like last year.
At this moment, Yu Siguan came over and whispered, "Your Highness, His Majesty summons you to the main hall."
Not knowing what he was up to, Si Yanmo wanted to go with him, but was stopped by Steward Yu. "I'm sorry, Your Highness, His Majesty said that only His Highness Prince Qin is allowed to come."
This left the two even more confused, fearing that the Southern Emperor was still suspicious of Tan Muhe's matter. She could only escort Zhou Yanqing to the entrance of the main hall, where she happened to see Zhou Junsong walking out.
Her eyes turned cold instantly. This person must have revealed everything about the Imperial Ancient Temple, and now the Southern Emperor is coming to punish him.
Zhou Junsong saw him open his mouth, seemingly wanting to explain, but after seeing her eye roll, he obediently shut up and left.
After an unknown amount of time, Zhou Yanqing came out from inside, her expression not looking good.
Si Yanmo stepped forward worriedly and asked, "What's wrong? Is it..." She subconsciously glanced around to make sure no one was around before daring to say the name, "Is it about Tan Muhe?"
Zhou Yanqing shook his head, then suddenly hugged her tightly. "Amo, if I do something wrong, will you still want me?"
Si Yanmo inwardly cried out in alarm, but couldn't guess what it was. She then gently patted his back to comfort him, "Silly boy, we're on the same side. Whether we're right or wrong, it doesn't matter. Even if everyone says you're bad, I won't leave you."
The man's body trembled slightly, and she felt a warm drop of liquid spreading across her clothes. "Why are you crying? Silly boy, no matter what happens, just tell me."
He gently pushed her away a little, raised his hand to wipe away his tears, and held her hand tightly. "Don't worry, it's really nothing. I was just thinking about what you said before. Maybe when we go back to Qin, we can make some plans."
I just don't know if you'll still be willing to stay by my side when we get back there.
Si Yanmo thought he was just afraid that if the two of them really chose to go against the Southern Emperor, it might put them both in danger.
"Don't worry, as long as we plan properly, we'll be fine, and I'll always be by your side."
"Hmm." Zhou Yanqing seemed to feel a bit better, and she felt relieved.
But what she didn't know was that things weren't as she had guessed at all.
During the banquet, while everyone was enjoying themselves, Zhou Changning stood up from her seat, knelt down and bowed to the Southern Emperor, saying, "Father, today is the Lantern Festival, a time for family reunion, a joyous occasion. I would also like to share in the joy."
The Southern Emperor seemed to have known she would come out all along, showing no surprise or displeasure, and smiled, "Very well, let me hear what Changning wants to ask for?"
Looking at the old man and the young man, singing in unison, Si Yanmo had a bad feeling.
As expected, Zhou Changning spoke loudly, making sure everyone present could hear him: "On New Year's Eve, my father asked me if I had someone I admired. Indeed, there is one, and that is..."
She turned around and looked at Zhou Yanqing's position, her eyes filled with affection, "It is His Highness Prince Qin."
Upon hearing this, everyone stopped drinking and eating, and all turned to look at the two of them.
Those who knew the inside story imagined a dramatic ethical drama; those who didn't looked at Si Yanmo, wondering what kind of farce would unfold when Princess Changning confessed her love for the Prince of Qin in front of the Princess's wife.
However, things didn't go as they expected.
The Southern Emperor spoke first: "But Chang Ning, His Highness the Prince of Qin is already married, isn't he?"
As he spoke, he also looked at Zhou Yanqing's position, but the man had no expression, unlike his previous anger.
Si Yanmo instantly realized what was going on with Zhou Yanqing's unusual behavior just now. She wanted to question him, but now was not the right time.
Zhou Changning spoke again: "Your subject knows, Your subject is willing. As long as I can marry Your Highness, Your subject is willing to be a concubine."
These words shocked everyone present.
A princess of such high status, to be someone's concubine—even for the King of Qin, second only to the emperor and above all others, it's not worth it.
Although the Southern Emperor feigned anger, denouncing Zhou Changning for his shamelessness, he only managed a few words before sighing, "Fine, since you're willing, I'll grant your wish, but..."
His gaze returned to Si Yanmo, now tinged with provocation. "I wonder what Princess Qin thinks?"
Si Yanmo did not reply immediately, but looked at Zhou Yanqing, who did not even dare to look at her.
She sneered. How amusing!
Today alone, neither of her husbands from her past or present life dared to look her in the eye and ask why they did such a thing and why they betrayed her.
She wasn't stupid; she knew Zhou Yanqing wouldn't marry someone else for no reason.
Anger was inevitable, and so was concern. She secretly did some calculations and saw another unbelievable scene.
She realized that perhaps it was all fate.
"I do not wish to wrong the princess." She rose and knelt down next to Zhou Changning as if resigned to her fate. "I am willing to divorce my husband to fulfill the princess's sincere wish."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Yanqing immediately looked up at her, her eyes reddening. She shook her head slightly and mouthed, "Amo...no..."
She smiled at him, a smile devoid of resentment or disappointment, but rather filled with warmth.
Now it was Zhou Yanqing's turn to be puzzled.
The Southern Emperor, in a grand and solemn manner, said, "In that case, I will certainly choose another suitable husband for you in the future."
Everyone at the banquet wore an incredulous expression. The Southern Emperor, who was always considerate of his subjects, had actually broken up a young couple in front of everyone for the sake of his daughter.
Back then, they had all heard, more or less, about His Highness the Prince of Qin's infatuation with the Princess, how he fell in love at first sight, how heartbroken he was, and how he was willing to cede cities...
In just one year, they've been torn apart?
No one dared to speak ill of the Southern Emperor; they all lowered their heads discreetly, gossiping in hushed tones. Those who knew the inside story were utterly shocked; had the Southern Emperor gone mad, allowing his daughter and son to be together?
After the banquet, Si Yanmo got into the carriage first. When Zhou Yanqing was about to get in, she told the driver to leave.
The coachman looked at His Highness the Prince of Qin in front of him, then back at the Princess of Qin inside the carriage, unsure of whose opinion to follow.
"Amo, I have something to tell you!"
Si Yanmo lifted a corner of the carriage curtain and saw the man standing in front of the carriage, his eyes red-rimmed, his hands hanging limply, looking as if he were about to break.
She seemed to be pierced by a thousand arrows as well, but she said cruelly, "Since Your Highness is going to marry the princess, then you should not accompany me."
She pointed to Zhou Changning's carriage behind her, "The princess is waiting for you."
He then said to the coachman, "Let's go back to the Si residence."
The coachman remained motionless, staring at Zhou Yanqing, when a furious shout rang out: "Let's go! It's not like he can't get back!"
Now he had no choice but to obediently urge his horse onward toward the Si residence.
The night was dark, and the carriage quickly disappeared from sight. Zhou Yanqing stood there, stunned. He wanted to explain, "You want to chase after it? I don't think I have the right."
Ah Mo, you have every right to be angry with him. It's his fault.
But why get a divorce?
Didn't we promise that we would never leave?
At this moment, Zhou Changning walked over and said in a gentle tone, "Brother, why don't you ride in my carriage?"
Zhou Yanqing turned her head to look at her, her eyes seemingly carrying a hint of ruthlessness, "Is Your Highness satisfied now?"
Upon hearing this, Zhou Changning showed neither anger nor rage, but instead gave a self-deprecating laugh, "You think it's me?"
Three days ago, Yu Siguan asked Consort Zhen to accompany him to see the Southern Emperor. He had learned of Consort Zhen's affair of confusing the royal bloodline.
They all thought they were doomed this time, but the Southern Emperor suddenly said to them, "As long as Chang Ning listens to me and does one thing, I will not pursue this matter."
He was referring to what happened at the palace banquet today.
Zhou Changning had no idea what he was up to, and she didn't care. All she knew was that this way she could marry the person she loved, and also save her own life and her mother's.
"Call me shameless or scheming, all I want is to survive."
Hearing this, Zhou Yanqing became even more puzzled, because before the palace banquet, the Southern Emperor had told him something completely different.
He said that Chang Ning loved him. For the sake of the princess, he wanted to arrange a marriage between the two of them.
Zhou Yanqing naturally disagreed, but was threatened by him: "Prince Qin had better think it over carefully. Your mother, her parents, are all in Nandu."
This clearly shows that if he doesn't agree, he will kill Consort Qin, Si Yanmo's parents, and possibly her sister.
Zhou Yanqing dared not gamble. He could only agree for now, but he didn't know how to tell Si Yanmo.
Does he have to say, in order to protect these people, that he has to give you up?
He was the one who provoked her first, and he repeatedly promised her that he wouldn't take a concubine or have anyone else. Now, does he expect her to submit to his demands?
Even if they are plotting to seize the throne, Si Yanmo is destined to suffer this injustice.
It's normal for her to want to leave.
But what he didn't understand was why his Amo looked so angry, yet her eyes were full of longing when she looked at him.
It's the fifteenth again, the full moon hangs in the sky, yet it's a testament to the waxing and waning of the moon.
He declined Zhou Changning's invitation and walked back alone, unsure of where to go.
As he walked, he came across Hechun Tower. It was brightly lit, but lacked the usual liveliness.
He went inside, and it was empty except for the sound of a piano coming from the stage on the second floor.
He looked up and saw Zhong Zihe.
The two looked into each other's eyes and understood the sadness in each other's eyes.
Zhong Zihe casually picked up a wine jar from the side and threw it to him, who caught it without hesitation.
"Want some drinks?" Zhong Zihe asked him.
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