Chapter 33 Pei Yi's Thoughts
As for the engagement, Xie Sangning did not believe she could escape it.
This is the Qing Kingdom.
Regardless of your status, if a woman is unmarried at the age of thirty, she will be tied to a large stone and thrown into the water. Countless innocent bones lie in the moat outside the capital.
Xie Sangning was dissatisfied with this and found it extremely disgusting, but it was something she could not change at the moment.
If change is to be desired, then a change of dynasty is necessary.
The moment she returned, she was mentally prepared. She would marry, but it would be someone she chose herself.
I don't expect mutual happiness, but it must be that I can completely control the other person.
She must take control of her life after marriage.
After the Empress Dowager had finally finished tasting all eighty-one dishes, it began to get dark outside.
The crowd then followed the Empress Dowager and the Emperor to the front hall.
When the time came, fireworks burst forth, a sight of unparalleled beauty.
Under this atmosphere, Pei Yi felt that his opportunity had arrived.
He straightened his clothes, suppressed the heat in his heart, and quietly walked behind Xie Sangning, deliberately softening his voice with what he thought was considerate consideration.
"On such a beautiful day, Miss Xie, are you thinking of your father and brothers?"
Before Xie Sangning could respond, Xie Wuyou, who was not far away, saw the First Prince talking to Xie Sangning and couldn't stand still.
Why did the First Prince want to speak with Xie Sangning? Could it be that he has taken a liking to her?
She absolutely would not allow Xie Sangning to marry someone better than herself! She could not let the days of being ignored before the age of six repeat themselves.
If Xie Sangning becomes the prince's consort, she will never be able to compare to her.
Xie Wuyou immediately moved closer to Xie Sangning and pretended to be intimate, taking Xie Sangning's arm.
"Sister, these fireworks are so beautiful, don't you think?"
With a soft snap, Xie Wuyou's hand was mercilessly flung away.
"Enjoy the fireworks if you want, but keep your hands and feet to yourself. I don't know you."
The atmosphere that Pei Yi had carefully created was completely disrupted.
Looking at the tactless and gaudy woman in front of him, a nameless anger flared up, and his face instantly darkened.
The awkward standoff between the three was far from the scenario he had envisioned for meeting a beautiful woman.
He suppressed the urge to reprimand her, and only gave Xie Wuyou a cold glance.
In the end, he left unwillingly.
Xie Wuyou felt a chill run down her spine from that cold gaze, but a sense of triumph welled up within her as she caught a glimpse of Pei Yi's departing figure.
Look, she ruined it!
Xie Sangning shouldn't even think about climbing the social ladder under her nose!
Although Pei Yi retreated temporarily, the fire in his heart burned even brighter. Being so close just now allowed him to more directly experience Xie Sangning's beauty.
He gazed at Xie Sangning's retreating figure from afar.
We are determined to win.
——
Xie Sangning found the fireworks rather dull, so he quietly left with Ru Chun, preparing to return to the banquet to rest for a while.
Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed with family; that's what makes them truly special.
Before he had taken two steps, he was invited over by the Empress's attendants.
The Empress wore an impeccable, benevolent smile.
“Sang Ning,” the Empress began, her voice gentle and with just the right amount of intimacy, “may I call you that?”
Xie Sangning paused, then performed a perfect curtsy in the most standard court etiquette:
"Your humble servant Xie Sangning greets Your Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace."
The Empress looked at the delicate flower before her, thorny yet perfectly formed, and her satisfaction was almost overflowing.
Her son, Yi'er, is the perfect match for her.
A princess consort who can keep her son in check in his harem and bring him tremendous support!
But then she thought of the Emperor's thoughts and felt a little anxious.
"Sang Ning, I didn't call you here today for anything important. But seeing how graceful you've grown, I wonder... if you have a young man you've taken a liking to?"
Xie Sangning sighed inwardly, "What, if I don't marry her off today, will the Emperor and Empress not be able to sleep tonight?"
She remained respectful, curtsying slightly: "Your Majesty, I have been separated from my family for ten years, with little news of my father and brothers. Now, I have finally been able to look forward to the day of my return..."
"At this moment, all I long for is to be reunited with my family and to have them by my side. As for marriage... I am not in a hurry."
Upon hearing this, the Empress said anxiously, "Silly child! I'm only speaking to you so intimately because I pity you!" She paused, "Do you think... you still have so much time to waste?"
"Today, I coldly observed the Emperor's intentions... and I suspect he is considering bringing you into the palace to stay by his side!"
These words stunned Xie Sangning.
The emperor was more than twenty years older than her! An old cow eating young grass? That's a bit shameless.
How could that be? The Emperor himself said he was good friends with his mother...
Could it be that the Emperor is wary of her marrying any of the princes, fearing that their power might surge and threaten the Eastern Palace or even the imperial authority?
Or perhaps they were worried that if she married into a powerful family, and they joined forces to side with one of the princes, it would shake the imperial power?
The only way to completely eliminate the risks she might pose is to bring her into the harem and lock her in this deep palace cage!
The concubines who enter the palace nowadays are not allowed to become pregnant again. This is to ensure that the emperor has nine sons, and thus there is no possibility of supporting a young emperor and seizing power.
No matter how great her father Xie Zhenting's achievements were, he could only be a lone minister!
If that's really the case...
What a brilliant move to strike at the heart of the problem!
What a despicable yet shrewd imperial scheme!
She curtsied again, her posture respectful, but her voice was so calm that not a ripple could be detected: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your guidance. I am deeply grateful for your favor and will certainly... consider it carefully."
The Empress waved her hand: "Alright, I couldn't bear to see you so confused. You must be tired today, go back to your residence and rest early."
She dared not keep Xie Sangning for too long, fearing that the Emperor would receive the news and cause other complications.
"Yes, this subject will take her leave."
Inside the carriage, Xie Sangning was somewhat agitated.
imperial power…
This supreme imperial power, which holds the power of life and death!
Treat her as an object that can be freely distributed to balance power!
A strong feeling of nausea surged up again.
She abruptly threw open the heavy carriage curtain, and the icy wind carrying snow rushed in, whipping against her face and bringing a moment of clarity.
She closed her eyes, and one day...
——
The following day, the eldest prince, Pei Yi, could not contain his excitement. He wanted to tell his sister, Liu, about the matter, believing that she would understand and support him.
He returned to the wall outside the official's residence and threw a pebble.
Before long, that beautiful figure appeared by the small door as promised.
Liu Shi approached with light steps, raised her face, and looked over with her watery eyes, which were still full of deep affection and longing that were about to overflow.
Pei Yi's heart almost melted when he saw it...
“Sister Liu…” Pei Yi’s voice was urgent and excited. He stepped forward, almost grabbing Liu Shi’s hand, but restrained himself due to propriety, and only said in a low voice, “I…I know how to rightfully marry you!”
Liu Shi's heart skipped a beat, but she maintained a perfectly measured expression of anticipation, tilting her head slightly: "Brother Pei?"
"My mother has agreed!"
"As long as I... am willing to marry Xie Sangning as my prince consort, my mother will allow me to bring you into the family as well! To be my concubine!"
He paused, took a deep breath, as if he had made a tremendous decision, and said with a self-moved tone, "Sister Liu, for you, for our future, I...I am willing to marry her!"
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