Baili Cheng's ability to understand women's minds is truly remarkable. Every step he takes is meticulously planned. As for his remarks about the Crown Princess or Empress, no one could possibly divulge them. Those who were interested were afraid of spreading rumors and ruining things before any results were in sight, while those who were not interested were also afraid of bringing endless trouble upon themselves if they spoke out. As expected of someone trained to be an emperor, Baili Cheng was ruthless enough when he needed to be, and he also knew how to be friendly when he needed to be, making you aware of his intentions without feeling disgusted. Even though Ouyang Yue had no interest in that position, she couldn't say anything else.
A sigh escaped her lips. She had found Yiyue's death strange from the start, and now it seemed utterly tragic. In this era, women were merely appendages of men; the Crown Prince wanted her dead, and she was powerless to resist. Yiyue hadn't died unable to utter a word; rather, she had run out of things to say. To be poisoned by her own prime minister in front of everyone—how pitiful! But this was the nature of royal power; what did the death of one or two women matter for the sake of that position?
Ouyang Yue's eyes darkened. This Baili Cheng was definitely cunning and difficult to deal with.
Princess Shuangxia sighed, "The real trouble is probably yet to come."
Xuan Yuan Chaohua's expression was grim. After Leng Yuyan left with Ouyang Yue, Xuan Yuan Zheng died, and Xuan Yuan Chaohua took over the reins. Once things stabilized, he sent people to search for Ouyang Yue. After several years of effort, he finally identified a few people, and it was only two years ago that he confirmed Ouyang Yue's true identity. However, he didn't acknowledge her at first, precisely because of this. He was well aware of the Xuan Yuan family's significance to the Great Zhou Dynasty, but while he was at the border, he avoided returning to the capital whenever possible. Even these court officials and princes found it difficult to contact him, naturally forcing them to refrain from any ulterior motives. Yet, the women constantly being sent to the camp never stopped, all of which he dismissed with various excuses.
If Huang Yu and Baili Mao hadn't been vying for Ouyang Yue's affections, Xuan Yuan Chaohua wouldn't have revealed Ouyang Yue's true identity. If it had been a man Xuan Yuan Chaohua deemed worthy, he probably wouldn't have said anything either. But these two were too awful; one was clearly trying to win Ouyang Yue over, and the other was utterly unworthy of respectability. If he tolerated this and allowed Ouyang Yue to suffer, Xuan Yuan Chaohua would regret it for the rest of his life. Although he had anticipated that acknowledging Ouyang Yue would bring trouble, it had come far too quickly.
Moreover, if Baili Cheng could poison Yi Yue for Ouyang Yue's sake, wouldn't he also harm Ouyang Yue for greater benefits in the future? How could such a man be a good match? The Xuanyuan family would not easily get involved in the struggle for the princes' positions. This has been the Xuanyuan family's way of doing things for many years. However, if these princes insist on dragging them into it, it is indeed quite difficult.
The Crown Princess's funeral was then held with great pomp and circumstance befitting her rank. Every household in the capital, without exception, sent their entire families to mourn and offer gifts. Even those of too low a status to enter the gates had to express their condolences by sending their gifts and having their names recorded by the gatekeeper before leaving. The people in the capital were deeply saddened by the death of Yi Yue, but some more perceptive individuals felt that the situation was far more complex than most people could comprehend.
Fifteen days after Yiyue's funeral, the Emperor ordered a selection of consorts for the Crown Prince. Although he did not explicitly state whether the selection would result in the Crown Prince's position or just a concubine or secondary wife in the prince's household, it was enough to drive the daughters of prominent families in the capital crazy. They had only heard about these princesses' residences and let them go, but it seemed that someone was unwilling to let them off the hook.
At breakfast time, Princess Shuangxia, Ouyang Yuexuan, and Yuan Chaohua had just finished eating. The dishes were cleared from the table, leaving only a bowl of soup. The three of them were enjoying the soup when Granny Shan, who was by the princess's side, came in and said, "Princess, Young Master, Little Princess, the list of candidates for the Crown Prince has been released."
"Hmm." Princess Shuangxia didn't seem to care much, but she was suddenly startled when she saw Granny Shan's expression: "The list of candidates for the imperial concubine selection, bring it to me quickly."
Granny Shan immediately handed it over respectfully. Princess Shuangxia had already put down her soup bowl, opened it, and her expression changed drastically. Xuan Yuan Chaohua's heart also tightened, and he hurriedly asked, "Grandmother, is there a problem with this list?"
Princess Shuangxia looked at Ouyang Yue, her voice clearly off, and said, "Take a look."
Ouyang Yue's heart sank. She opened the list and saw her name—Xuanyuan Yue—at the top of the beauty pageant list!
☆、159、I only want her!
Ouyang Yue's heart skipped a beat. Back in the Crown Prince's residence, although she had thought that Baili Cheng wouldn't let it go so easily, she never expected it to be so quick. After all, the former Crown Princess Yi Yue had just died and the funeral had just been held. According to etiquette, the selection of concubines should have been postponed. Why was Baili Cheng in such a hurry? Wasn't he afraid of being criticized?
Princess Shuangxia looked displeased and frowned, saying, "This Crown Prince clearly wants to settle things quickly and decisively."
Although Xuanyuan Chaohua hadn't seen the selection list, he could tell the problem from Princess Shuangxia and Ouyang Yue's expressions. After all, he wasn't stupid, and his heart darkened as he asked, "What does Grandmother mean?"
Princess Shuangxia lowered her eyes and said, "Princes and princes are all eligible for the selection of concubines. Although there are rules in the palace that the selected concubines must move into the palace within half a month, the selection of concubines for princes and princes is not so strict. Moreover, it is to select the Crown Princess and the Crown Prince's remaining concubine. In addition, the former Crown Princess Yiyue has just died. According to etiquette, the selected concubines will not hold a wedding immediately, but will wait until the mourning period for Yiyue is over. This is just to select one person. There is still a year in between. To put it bluntly, it is the same as the betrothal in the common people. The betrothal can be made first, and as for when to get married, the two parties can decide later."
Ouyang Yue and Xuanyuan Chaohua then understood. Previously, they had wondered if the royal family, if they acted so casually, wouldn't be ridiculed by the world? Was the Crown Prince so desperate for women that he had to hold a selection of concubines before the mourning period for his principal wife was over? Although that was the explanation, his reputation was still not very good. However, he hadn't broken any rules, so no one could say anything. It's just that even princes rarely rushed into selections. Outsiders didn't fully understand some of the royal family's regulations, but knowing this, Ouyang Yue and Xuanyuan Chaohua understood that Baili Cheng was now determined to have Ouyang Yue!
Xuan Yuan Chaohua's face was cold, his heart filled with disgust. Previously, the Ninth Prince and Huang Yu had relentlessly pressured him, forcing him to reveal Yue'er's true identity. Yue'er had anticipated this, promising not to discuss marriage until she reached marriageable age. Everyone in the hall knew this at the time, yet now Baili Cheng was pressuring him like this—it was utterly absurd. However, Xuan Yuan Chaohua also understood that, according to Princess Shuangxia, the selection process wouldn't end immediately; there would be ample time. If Baili Cheng wished, they could wait until Yue'er reached marriageable age before the wedding. Baili Cheng had clearly planned everything, leaving them no chance to refuse.
But entering the royal family wasn't so easy. Xuan Yuan Chaohua always felt like he was caught in a whirlpool. He wanted his sister to have a better life; otherwise, why would he let her live in the General's Mansion for no reason? Knowing she wasn't doing well, he hadn't acknowledged her. He feared this situation, but it seemed there was no escaping it now.
The hall fell silent. Ouyang Yue suddenly asked, "Grandmother, who do you think added my name to the selection list?" In truth, given Ouyang Yue's current status as a princess of the current dynasty, she was not normally qualified to participate in the selection process, nor did she need to. She knew very well that even though she had said in the main hall that she would consider marriage after reaching the age of fifteen, the Emperor would not let it go so easily. Her final marriage would most likely be decided by the Emperor. Therefore, whether or not she participated in the selection was originally meaningless to her. However, if the Emperor personally decided on it, it meant that the Emperor wanted her to marry Baili Cheng.
Princess Shuangxia immediately understood Ouyang Yue's thoughts. After thinking for a moment, she said, "It's hard to say. After all, if the Emperor really wants to take back military power, and the Crown Prince is the future heir apparent, that would be perfectly legitimate. However, the selection of candidates is usually handled by the Empress Dowager or the Empress. This matter is most likely related to the Empress. Even if the Empress is in charge, the final list of all candidates will be sent to the Emperor for review. Since this matter has been decided, the Emperor obviously agrees."
Ouyang Yue and Xuanyuan Chaohua's expressions both changed. They wouldn't be worried about others, but if the Emperor wanted to do this, then it was a big problem. No one would be so arrogant as to think they could easily change the Emperor's mind. Baili Cheng clearly wanted to use this to win over Xuanyuan Chaohua. With a large army behind him, it was foolproof. As long as Xuanyuan Yue's name was on the list, he would definitely choose her. Wouldn't that mean she would really have to marry Baili Cheng?!
Ouyang Yue's heart sank. No one could force her like this, and her son, Su'er, could never be the son of someone like Baili Cheng, who killed his wife for personal gain. Ouyang Yue's hand unconsciously slid across her stomach, her eyes narrowing. If it came to that, she could simply leave this place of trouble. Ouyang Yue looked up at Princess Shuangxia and Xuanyuan Chaohua, feeling a pang of reluctance. In her previous life, she was an orphan, and deep down, she longed for family. Because she distrusted men, she had chosen the extreme method of giving birth to Su'er. She hadn't expected to meet such genuinely caring people in her reincarnation. She was indeed reluctant to part with them, but if it truly came to that, she would have to, no matter how reluctant she was. Otherwise, given her personality, she might bring them even more trouble.
That night, the bedroom window on the second floor of Liuyun Pavilion was wide open. Ouyang Yue did not lie on the bed tonight. Instead, she set up a couch by the window and lay quietly to one side, seemingly lost in thought, staring blankly at the night sky.
The sky was overcast today, with no stars and even the moon half-hidden in the clouds. It was darker than usual tonight, seemingly as gloomy as her mood. I'm afraid even Xuanyuan Chaohua and Princess Shuangxia will have trouble sleeping tonight.
Ouyang Yue blinked, then lowered her eyes. A moment later, a strange movement flashed by the window, and then a person flashed into the room. The person was stunned when they saw Ouyang Yue, then quickly flew towards her, pressed down on her, and hugged Ouyang Yue in their arms: "Yue'er... my Yue'er."
The newcomer carried a faint scent of grass, not strong at all, but it inexplicably stirred a ripple in Ouyang Yue's heart: "You know." Yes, as a prince, this kind of news was not a secret, so he was bound to know.
Baili Chen didn't let go, still holding Ouyang Yue. He raised his head, his face unusually cold: "I know." Then he looked at Ouyang Yue and said, "Yue'er, what are you thinking?"
Ouyang Yue looked at Baili Chen, only to see that the latter's expression was somewhat tense, his cheeks were clenched so tightly that they were bulging, and his eyes were wide open as he stared at her, looking almost frightening. Ouyang Yue, however, smiled and said, "What do you think?"
Baili Chen's eyes flickered slightly as he said, "I don't know. I don't know what you're thinking, so I can't decide for you." But his dark eyes remained fixed on Ouyang Yue's indifferent expression.
Ouyang Yue looked up at Baili Chen. This man was almost too handsome. Even in this particularly dark and irritating night, he was dazzling. His eyes were long and narrow, yet they could not hide the sharpness in them. His high nose was breathing slightly, and his red lips were slightly pursed. His tense face showed his nervousness, but it was surprisingly captivating. Ouyang Yue suddenly reached out and gently placed her hand on Baili Chen's chest. His heart was pounding so hard that it seemed to make her hand hurt.
She pulled Baili Chen down, letting her head rest gently against his, listening to his heartbeat. Although Baili Chen was extremely nervous, he waited quietly for her. After a long while, Ouyang Yue said, "I've said it before, you are the only one I can stand. If we were to get married, I would choose you. No one else has the right to make me compromise."
Baili Chen's heart seemed to stop for a moment, making no sound, then suddenly began to pound wildly again. He was silent for a while, seemingly trying to compose himself, or perhaps unable to utter a word. After a long pause, he finally said, "Yue'er, is what you said true?" As he spoke, he gently lifted Ouyang Yue's smooth, beautifully curved chin. Ever since hearing that Ouyang Yue was on the selection list, Baili Chen hadn't been at peace for a moment. After thinking it over, he decided to come and find out the truth tonight. From the moment he gave her the gold bracelet, Baili Chen had never imagined that Ouyang Yue would be someone else's wife; she would only ever be his!
But all of this was just wishful thinking on his part, because Yue'er had never personally promised him any of these things. As for those similar promises in the past, she had never given a truly absolute one. Baili Chen used to think it made no difference, but at this moment, the difference was too great. If Yue'er truly didn't want to be with him, he didn't even know what to do next. However, this promise was enough to put his mind at ease.
"It's true, you mean that no matter who proposes to you, you will only marry me?"
Ouyang Yue's lips slowly curved upwards as she looked at Baili Chen with a faint smile: "Yes, you're right. I will only marry you, no matter who proposes to me."
Baili Chen gasped, his eyes lighting up, and asked, still unsure, "Is this true?"
"Hehehe." Ouyang Yue suddenly chuckled softly, but Baili Chen didn't feel embarrassed at all. He still looked a little silly. Ouyang Yue reached out and gently wrapped her arms around Baili Chen's neck. "Why are you looking so silly now? It's so cute." As she spoke, she tilted her head slightly and gently kissed the corner of Baili Chen's lips with her red lips. The strange fragrance emanating from Ouyang Yue even made Baili Chen feel dizzy.
"How could I not be dumbfounded? Anyone would be dumbfounded by my wife's confession." Baili Chen wrapped his arms around Ouyang Yue and pulled her into his embrace. He kept rubbing his head against Ouyang Yue's neck, but he didn't go any further. He just held her like this. Ouyang Yue was stunned for a moment, and her smile widened. She reached out and wrapped her arms around Baili Chen's waist, pressing her face against his chest and listening quietly to his heartbeat. "Thump, thump, thump," the sound seemed particularly beautiful.
The two embraced like that for an unknown amount of time before Baili Chen gently released his arms, allowing Ouyang Yue to look him in the eye. He smiled and asked, "My wife, you must know what you promised today. If I'm determined to do something, I will definitely succeed. In the future, you will only be my woman, Baili Chen's woman!"
Ouyang Yue laughed, "I'm not a fickle woman. Once I've made up my mind, no other woman can take it from me. So are you prepared? If you ever have second thoughts, I'd rather spend the rest of my life with a eunuch than let you do as you please." Ouyang Yue's smile was bright and beautiful, but it sent chills down one's spine. Baili Chen didn't care. "Too many women would only be a nuisance to me. One is enough. Besides, my wife is worth more than all of them combined. With such a wife, what more could I ask for?"
Ouyang Yue reached out and pinched Baili Chen's waist. Baili Chen's eyes widened immediately, and he gasped, "Wife, you...you..."
Ouyang Yue smiled smugly: "Alright, it's getting late, you should go back now."
Baili Chen stiffened, glanced at Ouyang Yue with some dissatisfaction, and sighed helplessly, "Wife, just wait for my good news." As he spoke, he wrapped his arm around Ouyang Yue and pulled her into his embrace again. Baili Chen gently nibbled on Ouyang Yue's earlobe, "I will definitely punish you properly when the time comes, you naughty rascal."
Ouyang Yue's heart skipped a beat. Baili Chen was already looking at her with a wicked smile before turning around and flying away.
Baili Chen traveled unimpeded, easily scaling the wall and leaving. Just as he departed, a figure emerged from the shadows, dressed in gray that made his silhouette flicker in the night sky. It was none other than Xuan Yuan Chaohua. He gazed silently in the direction Baili Chen had gone, lost in thought, before quietly turning and leaving as well.
After leaving the princess's residence, Baili Chen sat in the carriage, looking somewhat dazed. After a long while, he muttered to himself, "I never thought my wife would seduce me." Thinking of the previous situation, he still felt a surge of emotion between his legs. Baili Chen sighed slightly, but finally grinned, "This also shows that my wife wants to marry me. To entice me like this, how could my wife come up with such a thing?" Baili Chen's hands hung between his legs, and his smile grew wider. Sensing the urgency in Ouyang Yue's heart, he was in a great mood.
Because he was right, Ouyang Yue had indeed been seducing him.
Ouyang Yue knew very well that, given Baili Chen's personality, he would undoubtedly come to find her tonight. She had been pondering this matter ever since leaving Shuangxue Pavilion and returning to Liuyun Pavilion. If she didn't want to leave, didn't want to leave Princess Shuangxia and Xuanyuan Chaohua, then she had to get married. But choosing the right person was a delicate matter. Who else could she marry besides Baili Chen, and who could possibly take her away? From the people she knew, Baili Chen was clearly such a person, and she didn't dislike him; in fact, she quite liked him.
As a former special agent, she knew very well that if she didn't like someone, if she was wary of them, she would never allow Baili Chen to have close contact with her again and again. Because for a special agent or assassin, even the slightest approach could bring death; this mindset had already subtly changed her. But even though she knew this, even though she knew that Baili Chen was the best choice for her to marry, the best choice for Su'er's father, would Baili Chen be willing?
Baili Chen was, after all, the crown prince of a nation. To try and snatch someone from him was an extremely impulsive act, potentially leading to Baili Chen's own death. Although she could sense Baili Chen's feelings for her, such things were never absolute. Before facing the threat of death, Baili Chen might change his mind now. Therefore, she needed to see his true intentions. If Baili Chen was not trustworthy, then she would take the last path she didn't want to take: leaving forever, never to see her family and friends again.
If it came to the final step, Ouyang Yue wasn't too worried. Even if the Great Zhou court sent people to find her, as a special agent, she didn't believe she could outmaneuver them with her disguise skills. If she wanted to leave, no one could stop her. However, she wouldn't use this final step unless it was absolutely necessary, nor did she want to. Therefore, she even considered seducing Baili Chen. She was even prepared to lose her virginity tonight, all to fulfill Baili Chen's promise. Baili Chen had clearly come to his senses later. His decision not to take things further tonight was a sign of respect and a promise; he wanted her to willingly marry him, didn't he?
Ouyang Yue nestled on the soft couch, the smile on her lips lingering. She thought of Su'er, who seemed to have said that he could accept Baili Chen as his father. Ouyang Yue gently stroked the gold bracelet on her left wrist, raising her head and arm. The bracelet only emitted a faint luster in the dim night, yet it filled Ouyang Yue with immense joy.
Emperor Mingxian had nine sons in total, but only six are still alive: Crown Prince Baili Cheng, Third Prince Baili Zhi, Fourth Prince Baili Chang, Fifth Prince Baili Jian, Seventh Prince Baili Chen, and Ninth Prince Baili Mao. Apart from the Crown Prince, who was allowed to leave the palace and establish his own residence upon reaching adulthood, the Emperor has not yet issued any order for the other princes to do so.
Baili Chen returned to Chenyu Palace and stayed for a while before taking Leng Sha to Chengzhi Palace, where the Third Prince was staying. The Third Prince and the Seventh Prince were born of the same mother. Although they did not spend much time together when they were young, and Baili Zhi was punished by Emperor Mingxian and sent to a desolate place at an early age, Chengzhi Palace did not stop Baili Chen from visiting Baili Zhi, which was also something Baili Zhi had instructed before.
"Where is the Third Prince now?" As soon as he stepped into Chengzhi Hall, Baili Chen asked Tai Lin, the steward of Chengzhi Hall. The steward eunuch, Eunuch Xi, smiled and said, "Seventh Prince, the Third Prince is in the study now."
"Take me there."
"Yes, Seventh Prince."
Although he had been to Chengzhi Hall many times, he still had to abide by the usual rules. After arriving at Chengzhi Hall, Eunuch Xi announced that Baili Zhi had let Baili Chen in. Then he waved to the servants beside him and said, "You may all leave." Even Leng Sha withdrew, leaving only Baili Zhi and Baili Chen in the study.
Baili Zhi was writing with great enthusiasm and didn't look up. Baili Chen wasn't in a hurry either. He just sat down quietly. There was tea in the study, so he drank it while waiting. If it were anyone else, Baili Chen would probably have left impatiently long ago, but this person was different.
After a long pause, Baili Zhi's brush paused noticeably. He then put it down and looked up at Baili Chen, who had just finished drinking a cup of tea and put it down as well. Baili Zhi looked at him and said, "What brings you here so late?"
Baili Chen paused for a moment, then said directly, "Third Brother should know that the Crown Prince is going to hold a selection of candidates and has already finalized the list of candidates, right?"
Once the list of candidates was finalized, it was sent to the families of those who wanted to participate. Of course, the concubines and princes in the palace also received a copy. Who was participating was no secret in the palace.
Bai Lizhi nodded and said, "I understand. What do you want to say?"
Baili Chen asked, "Third brother, do you think Xuanyuan Yue should be included in the imperial concubine selection?"
Baili Zhi looked straight at Baili Chen and said, "This selection list was drafted by the Empress Dowager and reviewed by the Emperor. Since she is on the list, it is only right that she is included."
Baili Chen snorted coldly and said, "But I don't think it should be like that."
Baili Zhi's face darkened: "I know you have feelings for Xuanyuan Yue, but this is not something you can decide. Since Father has tacitly approved, it means that Father also agrees to Xuanyuan Yue becoming the Crown Princess instead of Princess Mingyue. Who can change Father's mind?"
Baili Chen said, "Third brother, we are brothers. What's the point of you spouting these bureaucratic pleasantries? Baili Cheng and Baili Jian are locked in a fierce struggle, but I know neither of them will emerge victorious. I imagine Third brother, like many others, was surprised by Father's decision." After all, the Crown Prince's power is gradually growing, and even with Baili Jian's restraint, that restraint may eventually disappear. Baili Cheng is the Crown Prince, the heir apparent, and the most likely candidate to ascend the throne in the future, but that is still a matter for the future, and there are many uncertainties involved.
For example, if Baili Jian could secure military power from Xuanyuan Chaohua, the position of Crown Prince would be in jeopardy. Conversely, if the Crown Prince were to win over Xuanyuan Chaohua, then, barring any unforeseen events like a sudden death before his ascension to the throne, he would almost certainly be the future emperor. Those unaware of this might find it laughable—that if the Xuanyuan family became too powerful and instilled fear in the emperor, it might even face destruction. However, it's important to remember that Princess Shuangxia has been a benefactor to the Great Zhou Dynasty and Emperor Mingxian, and is an elder at that. Furthermore, the Xuanyuan family's accumulated military achievements over the years and their prestige among the people are undeniable. Unless the Xuanyuan family plots to usurp the throne, even the supreme emperor would find it extremely difficult to harm them.
Baili Zhi fell silent, then looked at Baili Chen and said, "I know you like Xuanyuan Yue very much, but I don't think she's good enough for you, even if she's Xuanyuan Chaohua's sister. Whether Xuanyuan Yue marries Baili Cheng or Baili Jian in the end, it has nothing to do with us. With her around, the struggle for the throne will become even more intense, and no one can guarantee who will win or lose. But what does that have to do with us? Chen'er, take this opportunity to let go and not have any contact with Xuanyuan Yue anymore. Before long, you'll completely forget about her. Don't overthink it."
Baili Chen's face darkened: "Third brother, you should know my temperament. Once I've made up my mind, no one can dissuade me. If I can't persuade anyone to plead for me in the end, then I will do it my own way."
Bai Lizhi's expression darkened: "Are you threatening me?!" Bai Lizhi was somewhat angry. "What do you want to do?"
Baili Chen shook his head: "Of course I can't tell you these things, Third Brother. But I'm determined to marry Xuanyuan Yue, and I won't allow anyone to take her away from me."
Baili Zhi stared coldly at Baili Chen for a while with a sullen face before saying, "Why are you so persistent? There are plenty of good women in the world, why must it be her?"
Baili Chen looked at Baili Zhi, then suddenly tore off the purse from his waist and threw it onto Baili Zhi's desk. Baili Zhi was startled, then opened it and emptied its contents. With a "clang," a gold bracelet fell out. Baili Zhi was stunned and exclaimed, "This... there's only one now! Who did you give the other one to?"
Baili Chen did not answer his question, but only said, "Third brother, do you know the significance of this gold bracelet?"
Baili Zhi nodded: "Of course I know. This bracelet was originally a pair, given to you by your mother before she died. It is the Bai family heirloom, and also something for you to choose a wife, because ordinary people can't wear it even if they want to. Only those with a special destiny can wear it. Didn't you used to look down on these things? You kept this gold bracelet only to remember your mother, but you actually gave it away. Who is she?"
Baili Chen said in a low voice, "When I gave this gold bracelet to that person, I was just trying it out. I didn't expect that she didn't put in any effort at all and fastened it in a short while. Once this gold bracelet is on her wrist, it can't be taken off unless the two gold bracelets are put back together. This is the meaning of this pair of gold bracelets. So, finding a lover, Third Brother hasn't forgotten, has he?"
Baili Zhi suddenly fell silent, but Baili Chen ignored her and said, "This destined person is Xuan Yuan Yue. She wore it when she was still the eldest daughter of the General's Mansion. At that time, I never thought she would have such a status, and I recognized her early on."
Baili Chen looked at Baili Zhi and said, "There's one more thing. Third Brother just returned, and I haven't had a chance to tell you yet." Baili Zhi didn't speak, but hinted with his eyes that he wanted to know what it was. Baili Chen smiled very gently, "Third Brother doesn't know yet, but the Gu poison in my body has been cured."
"What? Your poison is gone? It's really gone!" Baili Zhi was stunned for a moment, then his face lit up with joy. He rushed over from his desk, grabbed Baili Chen's wrist, and took his pulse. Although Baili Zhi's medical skills couldn't compare to those of the imperial physicians, he was still skilled in martial arts and could still feel a pulse. He felt that Baili Chen's pulse was very strong and powerful. He had taken Baili Chen's pulse before and knew that it was different now. It seemed that he was really cured.
Baili Chen nodded: "Yes, my Gu poison has been cured. Does Third Brother know who helped me cure my Gu poison?"
Baili Zhi's face showed a hint of surprise: "It can't be this Xuanyuan Yue, can it?"
"It is her."
Baili Zhi's expression was grim: "Chen'er, don't try to fool me with these fabricated reasons just because you want to marry her."
Baili Chen laughed, "Third Brother, I've been with Master Minghui since I was a child. It was because of Master Minghui that I was able to alleviate the Gu poison in my body. Even he himself couldn't cure it unless there was a Tianshan Snow Lotus. He had been to Miao territory when he was young, and he said that some Gu poisons are difficult to cure unless the person who cast the Gu does so. But that's not entirely absolute; with such a treasure, it's still possible. This Tianshan Snow Lotus is such a thing. When I was sent to his side, he went to Tianshan several times to try to get the Tianshan Snow Lotus to cure me, but unfortunately, he couldn't get in. He only said it was from Tianshan..." The Snow Lotus can only be found by those with a special destiny. Master Minghui performed a ritual for Xuanyuan Yue, and he agreed to her request. I disguised myself as Leng Jue and accompanied her to Tianshan. The journey was fraught with danger, but she never wavered or regretted it. Even when my Gu poison flared up in Tianshan, she helped me through it. Later, when she found the Tianshan Snow Lotus, she gave it to me without hesitation. Perhaps, Third Brother, you think she's marrying above her station and causing me trouble, but in truth, she gave me my life. With her by my side, why would I fear trouble?”
Baili Zhi's expression changed drastically. After a long pause, he finally spoke, "Did she find this Tianshan Snow Lotus?"
"Third brother, if you don't believe me, you should believe Master Minghui. He never lies. It was he who asked Xuanyuan Yue to find the Heavenly Snow Lotus. You saw her skills at Langhuan Jade Pavilion when you returned. At that time, my Gu poison was acting up. If she had tried to steal the Heavenly Snow Lotus, I probably wouldn't have had a chance to get it. Now that the Gu poison is cured, do you think this is true?" Baili Chen stared straight at Baili Zhi.
Bai Lizhi's expression flickered as he whispered, "I didn't know there were these things between you two. No wonder you treated her..."
“Yes, I am deeply in love with her. If I cannot marry her, I will never marry her in this life. But whoever marries her, I will kill him before that happens, even if it is the Crown Prince Baili Cheng. Because she is unwilling to marry, I will not allow anyone to defile her. Third brother, is the gold bracelet that is Mother’s heirloom, and the fact that she helped me cure the poison, not enough to make you agree to our relationship?” Baili Chen’s voice was somewhat heavy. “I know there will never be another person like her in this world. If it is not her, then it will never be anyone else.”
Baili Zhi coldly shouted, "You're being ridiculous! You're threatening me!" Baili Chen's meaning was clear: if he didn't agree to his relationship with Ouyang Yue, he would remain unmarried for life. Baili Zhi knew his younger brother's personality all too well; once he made up his mind, no one could change it even if he died.
Baili Chen stood straight in place, simply staring at Baili Zhi. Baili Zhi glared at him for a while, then sighed, "I understand. If that's the case, then you do owe Xuan Yuan Yue something."
Baili Chen couldn't help but retort, "Third brother is not indebted. Even if Mother were alive, she would choose her for me. This is a destiny ordained by heaven, and no one can separate us."