Chapter 44: Marriage

Chapter 44: The Marriage Proposal

“Wh… cough, cough… what…?”

Qiu Shuiyi was so shocked it triggered a coughing fit, her chest heaving with the effort.

She was completely lost.

Kill her?

Why?

Shen Yuchao’s long, pale fingers rested on Qiu Shuiyi’s smooth, fair neck, his voice low and deep. “I’ve always wondered. After that day, why did you continue to treat me as before? Weren’t you afraid I might kill you?”

He leaned down, his body pressing against hers, one hand gripping her neck, the veins on the back of his hand bulging as if he might tear his delicate, helpless prey apart at any moment.

He gave a low chuckle, his words dripping with brutality.

“Second Miss, I take pleasure in slaughter. It's a real thrill to watch them despair like caged animals. Especially…”

“A charming, lovely girl like you intrigues me even more.”

Qiu Shuiyi trembled at his words.

Seriously? She hadn’t provoked him, so why was he suddenly losing it?!

Though frightened inside, she maintained a lovesick, utterly devoted expression on her face.

“I don’t believe it. How could Your Highness…”

“Does Miss Qiu know me so well?”

Shen Yuchao cut her off, his gaze cold as if looking at a corpse. “How long have you known me? How do you know I wouldn’t?”

He straightened up, his tone detached. “When I was young, I once went alone to pay respects to my late father. I accidentally revealed my whereabouts and was ambushed.”

“After escaping, I happened upon a child, exceptionally pretty and adorable. Seeing me in distress, he offered me a hiding place. I was genuinely sincere with him, promising to repay him once I was safe. Yet, a mere one or two taels of silver was all it took for him to betray me. Guess what happened afterward?”

Qiu Shuiyi asked blankly, “What happened?”

Shen Yuchao’s lips curled into a smile, the malice in his words piercing her heart like needles. “I killed those assassins, and then, with my own hands, I strangled that child to death.”

“Just like this now.”

“Ugh…”

The hand on her neck abruptly tightened, the air instantly squeezed from her lungs. Qiu Shuiyi struggled to breathe, placing her hands on Shen Yuchao’s.

“I despise betrayal above all else. Even death cannot quell the hatred in my heart. After he died, I personally drew and quartered him, just like…”

“What you saw in the painting, Second Miss.”

“And at that time,” Shen Yuchao said with a smile, “I was only ten years old.”

Qiu Shuiyi’s eyes widened in shock, a storm of horror raging within her.

That child in the painting… was killed by Shen Yuchao?

Limbs severed, head separated from the body.

A sea of blood seemed to flash before her eyes. Finally feeling genuine fear, Qiu Shuiyi desperately pried at Shen Yuchao’s hand, struggling to speak.

“Y-Your Highness…”

Shen Yuchao looked at her as if she were an ant he could crush with a single finger.

Qiu Shuiyi suddenly fell silent.

Her heart felt as if it had been tossed into a boiling oil wok.

What to do? What to do?

If she really died here, she would haunt him forever.

The feeling of suffocation surged. In her panic, Qiu Shuiyi forced herself to calm down.

What should she do?

For some reason, she recalled the question Shen Yuchao had asked her.

“Second Miss Qiu… do you truly have feelings for me?”

Steadying her nerves, Qiu Shuiyi lifted her gaze to meet Shen Yuchao’s eyes, her own brimming with tears, her face a mask of pain. “Your Highness must have been… so hurt back then, right?”

Shen Yuchao’s smile stiffened.

The strength in his hand unconsciously loosened slightly.

Qiu Shuiyi immediately sensed it and pressed on. “Being betrayed by someone you trust is a dagger to the heart. When Your Highness killed him, it must have been agonizing, so much so that even after more than ten years, you still remember his face.”

“Your Highness must have suffered greatly to reach where you are today.”

Her eyes filled with compassion for Shen Yuchao, Qiu Shuiyi choked back a sob. “Your Highness asked why I am not afraid of you. It’s because what I care for is Your Highness in your entirety, including all your flaws.”

“I do not know how Your Highness’s temperament was shaped or what you have experienced, but Shui Yi’s heart for you will never change.”

“My life was saved by Your Highness. If you wish to take it back now, I wouldn't complain at all.”

She moved her slightly freed, fair neck back toward his hand. Guiding Shen Yuchao’s hand back to her neck, Qiu Shuiyi sobbed, “I only wish for Your Highness to have peace, joy, and no more worries in the future.”

The tears she had held back for so long finally fell, plopping onto Shen Yuchao’s hand, scalding him as if his heart had been stung.

The young girl’s eyes were rimmed red, her face wet with tears, the mole on the tip of her nose trembling slightly. She cried so pitifully, so heartbreakingly lovely.

Shen Yuchao’s gaze froze, and the strength in his hand slackened.

Qiu Shuiyi opened her tear-filled eyes to see he had already withdrawn, quietly watching her.

She had won the bet.

Qiu Shuiyi breathed a sigh of relief.

Her throat burned. She covered her chest, coughing.

After coughing, the joy of surviving a disaster and an inexplicable sense of being wronged made Qiu Shuiyi cry uncontrollably. Drop after drop of tears fell to the ground, blooming like little flowers.

She cried so sorrowfully that Shen Yuchao, for some unknown reason, felt a pang of annoyance.

Before he realized it, he had stiffly pulled Qiu Shuiyi into his embrace, his voice rough as he comforted her, “Don’t cry.”

Qiu Shuiyi instantly burst into loud, ugly sobs.

She cursed through her tears.

Damn scumbag, what a lunatic!

The louder she cursed in her heart, the louder her wails became.

She wished she could draw the attention of everyone in the manor.

Shen Yuchao stammered, “Stop crying, it’s this prince’s... it’s my fault, don’t cry…”

When she finally cried herself out, Qiu Shuiyi stopped.

Before she could even catch her breath, her throat began to itch again.

Shen Yuchao patted her back gently with his large hand.

Once Qiu Shuiyi quieted down, he withdrew his hand, tenderly wiping the tears from the corner of her eye, and said softly, “You should go back.”

Qiu Shuiyi widened her eyes in disbelief.

What did he mean?

Did he call her here just so he could rough her up?

Rage churned in her chest, making it ache.

Overwhelmed by anger, Qiu Shuiyi didn’t say a word. She turned and left decisively, without the slightest hesitation.

With a pair of tear-reddened rabbit-like eyes, she ignored the shocked and astonished gazes from everyone in the estate and headed straight for the main gate.

Once outside the Duansu Prince's Estate, Qiu Shuiyi slowed her pace. “System, how much did I just…”

Her words trailed off as she suddenly realized something.

Every time she escaped danger, the system would proactively announce how much lifespan she had gained.

But this time, the system remained silent.

What did that mean?

Qiu Shuiyi looked back at the estate gate, her expression complex and inscrutable.

Shen Yuchao had never intended to harm her.

…

“Your Highness, what did you say to Second Miss Qiu? I heard from the servants that she left in tears.”

Zuo Yi stood at the door, puzzled.

Shen Yuchao lowered his head, his expression unreadable.

She wasn’t afraid of him.

Nor did she despise him.

The position of Duansu Princess Consort would ultimately belong to the Qiu family.

Rather than giving it to a stranger like Qiu Lianying, it might as well go to her.

After his death, whether she remarried or stayed in the estate would be entirely up to her.

He would leave her with endless wealth, the lifelong trust and respect of the imperial family, and a noble status revered by all.

He would not fail her deep feelings.

A sharp, twisting pain surged in his chest, as if it were reshaping his internal organs.

Shen Yuchao hunched over, unable to suppress a low groan.

“Your Highness!”

Zuo Yi rushed in.

“I’m fine.”

Shen Yuchao said through gritted teeth.

His forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat.

It took a long while for the pain to gradually subside. Meeting Zuo Yi’s worried gaze, he said, “Go to Baili He and get a bottle of medicine.”

“I’ll go right away.” Zuo Yi turned to leave.

“Wait.” After a brief pause, Shen Yuchao added, “It’s throat medicine. Send it to the Qiu family.”

The gloom hanging over him instantly lifted, and a faint smile tugged at the corner of Zuo Yi’s lips. “I’ll go right away.”

“Have Shang Ze prepare the carriage.”

Shen Yuchao walked toward the bedroom. “I’m going to the palace.”

…

Minghe Hall.

Emperor Tianhong placed a piece on the board. “Aren’t you still injured? Instead of resting properly in your estate, why come to the palace?”

Shen Yuchao put the white chess piece in his hand back, his tone slightly awkward. “Your Majesty, I came to report something.”

“Oh?” It was rare to see him like this, and Emperor Tianhong grew curious. He waved for Eunuch Hu to bring tea and urged, “Go on, what is it?”

“Two days ago, I encountered an assassination attempt at Chengming Temple, which happened to be witnessed by the second young lady of the Marquis of Yun’an’s household. Second Miss Qiu and I accidentally fell off a cliff. As I was unconscious, Second Miss Qiu stayed by my side all night to care for me.”

“But then…”

Emperor Tianhong took a sip of hot tea and raised an eyebrow. “Continue.”

Shen Yuchao cleared his throat lightly. “But after the young lady went missing, the Marchioness, in her panic, launched a large-scale search throughout Chengming Temple.”

“The next day, when the young lady and I returned, we were seen by others. Now, rumors are spreading throughout the capital, all saying…”

He paused briefly before adding, “All saying that the young lady has lost her virtue to me.”

“Second Miss Qiu was only acting out of kindness, yet she ended up entangled in this misfortune. My conscience is uneasy, so I wish to ask Your Majesty to issue an imperial decree.”

“What kind of decree?”

Emperor Tianhong asked again.

"A decree praising Second Miss Qiu for being as virtuous as she is beautiful, and for her gentle, kind, respectful, and frugal nature. With Your Majesty's decree, the rumors are sure to be quelled, so her reputation won't be harmed, making it easier for her to find a husband later."

Emperor Tianhong was silent, then suddenly asked, "Has that Second Miss Qiu been betrothed to anyone?"

Shen Yuchao shook his head. "I haven't heard of any."

A thought crossed Emperor Tianhong's mind. He set down his teacup and said with a smile, "But how is it that I've heard A Chao has been spending a lot of time with this Second Miss Qiu?"

"Second Miss took pity on me traveling alone and kept me company on the road."

"I've heard the Qiu family's young lady possesses a jade-like beauty and flower-like countenance, a rare beauty in this world. With such a lovely companion by your side, A Chao, weren't you tempted?" Emperor Tianhong teased.

Mentioning Qiu Shuiyi softened Shen Yuchao's expression, yet a trace of bitterness flickered as he lowered his head. "Please don't tease me, Your Majesty. Have you forgotten? I am still bound by a marriage contract."

Seeing him in such a state pleased Emperor Tianhong even more. "A mere piece of paper? What difficulty is there? My late father's decree betrothed the heir of Prince Duansu to a daughter of the Qiu family. Isn't Second Miss Qiu also a daughter of the Qiu family? What does it matter which one he marries?"

"You and Second Miss Qiu have feelings for each other. I am sure our late father, from the nine springs, would prefer to see a happy couple rather than resentful partners."

Shen Yuchao suddenly looked up, joy nearly overflowing from his eyes. He knelt and kowtowed. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for granting this!"

"There you go with formalities again."

Emperor Tianhong personally helped Shen Yuchao to his feet. "You have served by my side for many years. I have no sons and have long regarded you as my own. How could I not grant your request?"

Shen Yuchao was overcome with emotion. "Your Majesty has always been most generous to me."

"Enough, no need for such distant words." Emperor Tianhong tapped the chessboard. "Keep me company for another game."

Shen Yuchao hurriedly agreed.

Just as he placed a piece, he suddenly remembered something. "Then... shall I go to the Qiu family tomorrow to propose marriage?"

Emperor Tianhong laughed heartily. "You! You're so impatient!"

The laughter echoed from the hall. A young eunuch guarding the door outside whispered, "His Majesty truly dotes on Prince Duansu."

Another young eunuch shook his head at him. He glanced around and fell silent.

Shen Yuchao continued playing chess with Emperor Tianhong until nightfall, dined in the palace, and only then departed.

Eunuch Hu was helping Emperor Tianhong get ready for bed.

"Your Majesty, do you truly intend for His Highness to marry into the household of the Marquis of Yun'an?"

This is no family of incompetents, Your Majesty. Although the Marquis of Yun'an now appears no different from an ordinary wealthy idler, in his youth he was a fierce general.

The heir is a genuine Tanhua (third-place scholar) from the imperial examinations, talented and brilliant.

The power of Prince Duansu's household is already excessive. If these two families were to unite through marriage... the consequences would be unthinkable.

"What is there to fear?" Emperor Tianhong rinsed his mouth and wiped it with a handkerchief. "The marriage contract was decreed by the late emperor. Are you suggesting I defy the late emperor's command?"

Eunuch Hu was so frightened he knelt. "This servant would not dare."

"Why panic?"

Emperor Tianhong waved for him to rise. "Among all the civil and military officials in the court, anyone might harbor rebellious thoughts, except for the Qiu family. They absolutely would not."

Eunuch Hu quickly lowered his head, not daring to ask further.

In the next moment, he heard Emperor Tianhong say in an extremely casual tone, "They wouldn't dare."