Chapter 290: Come, Let’s Meet the Emperor

Chapter 290: Come, Let's Meet the Emperor

In ancient times, as in the modern era, accusing a girl of lacking propriety, righteousness, integrity, and honor, as well as upbringing, is extremely severe. Having spoken these words, Xiao Yuchen felt a wave of relief. He had long wanted to say this to Li Huixin, but his upbringing had prevented him from doing so.

At that moment, the entire pavilion fell silent, so silent that even the sound of the wind seemed sharper. Everyone was taken aback by Xiao Yuchen's words. Tang San, the Third Young Master, even sneakily gave him a thumbs-up.

"Xiao Crown Prince, how can you speak to me in such a manner?” Li Huixin was initially stunned by Xiao Yuchen's words and, after regaining her senses, felt as if she was burning with rage. Never in her life had anyone spoken to her like this, and now tears were streaming down her face.

“You've been pestering me time and again, and yet I cannot speak up?” Xiao Yuchen said this as if it was the most natural thing in the world, feeling that he should have done this sooner. Perhaps, if he had, this situation would not have arisen.

Li Huixin had not anticipated such an attitude from Xiao Yuchen today. Although he had always been indifferent toward her, he had at least been polite.

She turned her head and, looking at Miss Song who was enjoying the drama from the sidelines, accused furiously, “Was it you? Did you ask your brother to speak ill of me to the Crown Prince?”

Miss Song: “………”

Young Master Song: “………”

Xiao Yuchen then said, “Princess Hui Xin, please leave. And do not appear before me again in the future.”

Li Huixin, heartbroken and numb, looked at Xiao Yuchen with tear-filled eyes, “Xiao Yuchen, I tell you, we will be bound together in this life. My father has already petitioned the Emperor to decree our marriage. The imperial edict will arrive soon. Crown Prince Xiao, prepare to be wed to me.”

By the end of her speech, the resentment and frustration in Li Huixin's heart had diminished somewhat, her tone even carrying a hint of triumph.

Xiao Yuchen's hands clenched into fists, his teeth gritted together, feeling forced into a corner. He declared, “The imperial decree has not yet arrived. I will join a monastery now if I must.”

His words shocked everyone present, including Xiao Yuzhu. This was not what they had discussed before! She looked at Xiao Yuchen, who seemed utterly serious, leaving Xiao Yuzhu unable to tell if he was sincere.

Regardless of its veracity, she had to intervene. Besides, it was her turn to enter the scene. Turning her head, she glared at Li Huixin, tears in her eyes, and exclaimed:

“Is this how the imperial family bullies people? Invoking imperial decrees at the drop of a hat? The Emperor is wise and will never issue such a decree. I will tell my father that you are forcing my brother to become a monk.”

With those words, she hurried away, followed closely by her maids Cuiyun and Cuizhu. Xiao Yuchen turned to Li Huixin and said, “I will take my leave to join the monastery now, Princess Huixin. Does this satisfy you?”

Li Huixin hadn't anticipated things would come to this juncture. She opened her mouth to speak, but for a moment, found herself at a loss for words.

“What nonsense!” At that moment, Xiao Huai's voice echoed through the area. Everyone turned towards the sound, only to see him approaching with Xiao Yuzhu, whose face was streaked with tears.

Standing tall before them, he looked down upon Li Huixin and said in a stern voice, “You, a mere illegitimate daughter, dare to aspire to become the main wife of my Dinguo Duke's household and even falsely claim the Emperor’s decree. I must inquire with His Majesty whether the royal household’s upbringing has stooped to such levels.”

Xiao Huai’s towering stature, coupled with his aura of authority, left Li Huixin pale-faced and trembling with fear.

Turning his gaze towards Xiao Yuchen, he said, “You are the heir of the Dinguo Duke’s household, the future head of our family. Even His Majesty would not act so unreasonably as to betroth a shameless illegitimate daughter to you. Come, let us seek an audience with the Emperor.”

Xiao Yuchen nodded, and Xiao Huai softened his tone as he addressed Xiao Yuzhu, “Return to our mansion and tell your mother to request an audience with the Empress.”

Xiao Yuzhu quickly agreed, and Xiao Huai departed with Xiao Yuchen to seek an audience with the Emperor in the Imperial Palace. Xiao Yuzhu also promptly bade farewell to the other young ladies and returned to the Duke’s mansion. Naturally, the other ladies no longer wished to stay and hurried back to their respective homes to relay the day's events.

With everyone gone, only Li Huixin and her maidservant remained.

“Princess, shall we... shall we leave?” her maidservant asked, still shaken by Xiao Huai's formidable presence.

“Return... to the prince's mansion,” Li Huixin instructed.

…………

Meanwhile, Xiao Yuzhu recounted the incident to Tang Shuyi upon arriving home. Upon hearing the details, Tang Shuyi stood up, changed her clothes, and set out for the Imperial Palace. Upon reaching the palace gates, she found Xiao Huai and Xiao Yuchen waiting for her.

Dismounting her carriage, she approached the duo. Xiao Huai greeted her with a smile, “My lady, let us divide our efforts.”

Tang Shuyi replied with a smile, “The Empress should not trouble me. However, do take care with the Emperor, my lord.”

Xiao Huai nodded, “Take care as well, my lady.”

Exchanging a smile, the two stepped towards the palace gates. Xiao Yuchen, walking beside them, frequently turned to look at them, puzzled. They didn’t seem at odds, so why weren’t they living together? It was truly baffling!

Catching his inquisitive glance, Xiao Huai chided, “Stop your idle musings and focus on important matters.”

Xiao Yuchen felt inexplicably rebuked but could only nod in agreement. After all, Xiao Huai was his father.

Upon entering the Imperial Palace, they walked together for a while before parting ways. One headed towards the Emperor’s study, the other towards the Empress’s chambers.

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