"Father!"
"Step back!"
Huangfu Mi clenched her fists, stared at the emperor for a long time, and finally turned away helplessly. Her heart sank little by little. Was there really no other way? Did he really have to marry that woman?
--
Because the King of Western Shu was eager to see his daughter's wedding, the wedding was held as scheduled three days later, even though it was not a very auspicious day.
On the day of the grand wedding, the entire city was filled with joy as the red bridal procession stretched for miles. All of this was the dowry prepared by the King of Western Shu for his princess. The palace was especially lively, as the new queen was no ordinary person.
The wedding banquet was held from the palace to the streets and alleys. At this moment, Meng Wan sat with her knees drawn up in an empty courtyard in the south of the city, listening to the endless sounds of string and wind instruments outside. The noise and prosperity were all joyous sounds. She didn't know what to feel in her heart.
It was supposed to be her marriage, but in the end it was just an illusion. She had to watch her beloved marry another woman.
My head was a little sore, but I thought it was because I hadn't been sleeping well these past two days, so I didn't pay much attention to it. I just closed my eyes and tilted my head back, not wanting tears to well up in my eyes, and I didn't want to look like a resentful woman. But why did I still feel so sad?
He must look exceptionally handsome today, right? And Princess Hongxiu must look exceptionally radiant and beautiful today, right?
Just thinking about that situation makes her want to cry.
It felt like my heart had been crushed on the ground, being trampled on repeatedly. I wanted to scream in pain, but I couldn't make a sound. I could only sit there blankly for a long time without making any movement.
The weather is quite warm now, especially around midday. The warm sun sets quietly, its warmth indescribable.
She didn't know how long she had been sitting, but a thin layer of sweat had formed on her body. She raised her hand to wipe it, but suddenly a figure loomed over her.
Meng Wan was stunned. A faint scent of ambergris wafted over her, enveloping her completely. At this moment, she lowered her head and dared not move her hand away, for fear that if she was not careful, that moment of surprise would turn into a dream.
Her body was held tightly in his arms. The longing she had felt for many days came over her like a tidal wave. Huangfu Mi felt that her empty heart was finally filled at this moment.
He held her tightly, wishing he could meld her into his very bones, and whispered repeatedly in her ear, "Wan'er, I'm sorry, I'm late."
At this moment, Meng Wan finally believed her ears. She opened her eyes, and upon seeing the person in front of her, her previous irritation vanished, replaced by joy. Gazing at Huangfu Mi's face, she whispered, "Feng... Feng Qi..."
Even now, she still calls him that, as if it's an unspoken understanding between the two of them, an atmosphere that no one else can blend into.
However, when her gaze fell upon his bright red wedding attire, the joy in her eyes turned to sadness, and she frowned slightly, saying, "But why did you come here at this time?"
"Of course I'm coming, not only to see you, but also to take you away." A glint flashed in his narrow phoenix eyes, fixed intently on Meng Wan.
Meng Wan was stunned for a moment: "Take...take me away?"
My agitated state of mind, which had been running wild for days, gradually calmed down at this moment, but was quickly filled with an overwhelming wave of emotion.
He did not let her down in the end!
But...
"Is it really possible? What about the princess of Western Shu..."
"Ignore it." Huangfu Mi's gaze was firm: "I agreed to the marriage only to find out where you were being held, because even the blood sacrifice couldn't find you, so this was the only way. Now that I've finally found you, I don't want to concern myself with anything else."
"But..." Meng Wan hesitated, "Can you really leave like this? If we leave like this, the King of Western Shu will surely be furious. What if he breaks with our Celestial Dynasty in a fit of anger?"
"Hmph!" Huangfu Mi sneered, "What do I care about this so-called King of Western Shu, what do I care about the country and its people? I've made up my mind, and I won't be threatened by anyone! Anyone!"
Her tone was full of dissatisfaction, almost defiant, and then, ignoring Meng Wan's continued hesitation, she grabbed her hand and turned to leave.
"But Your Highness..."
"No buts, are you coming with me or not?" Huangfu Mi's face was dark, and his tone was somewhat heavy.
Meng Wan opened her mouth.
Of course she wanted to go with him; she absolutely did not want to see him marry another woman. But she was still conflicted, struggling with what the right thing to do was.
"Are you coming or not?" she asked again. Meng Wan bit her lip, her thoughts racing, a mix of conflicting emotions washing over her. After a long while, she finally nodded: "I..."
"Don't leave!" The word "leave" was blocked, and a deep, authoritative voice suddenly rang out in the courtyard, resounding loudly in the empty space.
V41 Poisoning (Part 1)
"Don't leave!" The word "leave" was blocked, and a deep, authoritative voice suddenly rang out in the courtyard, resounding loudly in the empty space.
The two turned around at the same time and saw the emperor and empress, dressed in dragon robes, walking in quickly. When they saw the two people in the courtyard, their expressions suddenly darkened.
"Father Emperor—"
"emperor--"
Meng Wan and Huangfu Mi spoke at the same time, clearly not expecting the emperor to leave the imperial carriage and empress behind to come here. However, in an instant, Huangfu Mi stepped in front of Meng Wan to block her way: "Father, your son's mind is made up. Please grant my request!"
"You insolent fool!" the emperor roared in fury. "You are my son, where are you going?"
Huangfu Mi narrowed his eyes: "If even members of the royal family cannot choose their own lives, then I would rather be born ordinary, so that I can do what I want!"
'Snap--'
The emperor strode forward and slapped Huangfu Mi across the handsome face. "How dare you speak to me like that! You've really been spoiled rotten!"
With a full-force blow, Huangfu Mi's head snapped to the side, blood immediately trickling from the corner of his mouth. Meng Wan was startled, then cried out, "Feng Qi—!"
Huangfu Mi brushed his hand away, raised it, and wiped the bloodstains from the corner of his lips. Huangfu Mi gritted his teeth, and a fleeting smile appeared on his lips: "Since Father loves you so much, then why not love your son one more time and let him go..."
"Insolence!" The emperor roared, his words becoming increasingly outrageous. Ignoring Huangfu Mi's resistance, he ordered the guards behind him, "Tie him up!"
"Who dares!"