Ouyang Yue sneered: "Whoever Third Brother names in a moment, that's who I'll say. Third Brother, you can tell me who this candidate is now. If they really meet the requirements, I'm not afraid to play matchmaker for you. As for Father, Third Brother, you can rest assured. If you really don't like him, I don't think Father can force the descendants of the Xuanyuan family to go against Grandmother's last wishes and commit the heinous crime of filial impiety."
Baili Zhi suddenly laughed: "Xuanyuan Yue, you are such a hateful woman, I really regret not stopping your marriage with Chen'er back then."
“Oh, but it’s too late to regret it now. I’m already your sister-in-law. That’s just my personality. My husband just happens to like me. Of course, you, my brother, can’t understand this kind of thing.” Ouyang Yue was clearly trying to provoke Baili Zhi.
Bai Lizhi snorted coldly and sat back down in his chair: "I'm not going to get involved in this matter, so I don't have to deal with you pointing your finger at me and yelling at me."
"Then I must thank my third brother for his understanding," Ouyang Yue said calmly. Baili Zhi frowned at her and said, "Don't speak to me in such a sarcastic way. I am, after all, your elder."
Ouyang Yue snorted and remained silent, but Baili Zhi suddenly said, "I never expected that you would love Chen'er so much. There is no woman in history who would dare to speak to me like this, to express her love for a man in front of an elder."
Ouyang Yue said nonchalantly, "Of course I should say it if I like you, so you won't worry about it and do something that creates a rift between us."
Baili Zhi snorted heavily: "How can you be so stingy, woman? In the end, I still took those women back."
Ouyang Yue squinted at Baili Zhi: "Brother, don't you really feel any special affection for our Prince?" Baili Zhi frowned at Ouyang Yue, "What exactly are you trying to say?"
"You mean that kind of feeling that goes beyond kinship, beyond brotherhood, and even surpasses that kind of affection?" Baili Zhi was confused, but after thinking for a while, his face twitched and he started cursing: "What are you thinking, woman? What kind of filthy things are you thinking about! Nonsense, my feelings for Chen'er are just brotherly love."
Ouyang Yue curled her lip: "Hmph, you even manage the people in the Prince's room. I thought you were jealous that he could only be possessed by me in the future, so you were jealous. Who told my Prince to be so handsome that it's outrageous? Perhaps you, Third Brother, couldn't help it because of your inferiority complex or something else."
Baili Zhi's face flushed red with anger, and his hands, gripping the back of the chair, trembled as he said, "How could I... how could I possibly like men!"
Ouyang Yue said frankly, "My prince is not a simple man. His appearance transcends gender. Even if I am beautiful, I often get distracted when I see my prince. Everyone has a love of beauty, and it is understandable to appreciate it from an aesthetic point of view, isn't it?"
"You...you're going to drive me crazy, cough cough." Baili Zhi glared at her in anger, wanting to smash Ouyang Yue's head to see what she was thinking, that she could even say such outrageous things.
Ouyang Yue laughed and said, "So it was a misunderstanding, sister-in-law? Third brother, you didn't have any improper thoughts about the prince? I was just thinking that you always made decisions for the prince without considering his feelings, so I had these wild thoughts. Now that I've heard your assurance, I'm relieved. But please rest assured, Third brother, I will treat him wholeheartedly from now on. My purpose in being good to him is only to make him love me more, and I will love him more. Those scheming women in the mansion won't happen around me. Third brother, you can just leave the prince in my care. I'm more than happy to do that."
Baili Zhi angrily snorted hot air: "You are truly the most shameless woman I have ever seen, daring to say such things to me, a woman of low moral character."
"What is this 'womanly virtue'? Can you eat it? We live our own lives. Behind closed doors, it's all about husband and wife. We can't make life too hard. As long as my lord doesn't find me annoying, we can live happily. What do you think, Third Brother?" Ouyang Yue's voice softened.
Baili Zhi fell silent, looking thoughtful. After a while, he stood up and said, "Since you are so unwilling, I will not mention it again. However, since someone has brought this matter to me, it is clear that they will not let it go easily. You should take care of yourself."
Ouyang Yue also stood up: "Whether it's because the Prince has listened to the Emperor over the years, or because the Emperor has taken good care of the Prince, I, as his sister-in-law, should express my gratitude."
"Hmph!" Baili Zhi glared at Ouyang Yue, then turned and left. Baili Chen, who was over there, also came over. Seeing that Baili Zhi was about to leave, he quickly said, "Third brother, why are you leaving? I have already given instructions to the kitchen. Please finish your meal before you go."
Baili Zhi glared at Baili Chen and said angrily, "Look at the good wife you married! I'm so angry I can't eat!" He stormed off and headed straight for the carriage outside the Chen Prince's residence. But as soon as he got in, Baili Zhi's demeanor changed. He fell silent and then unconsciously chuckled. "This Xuanyuan Yue is incredibly audacious! She's just like Chen'er in temperament. I'm afraid it would be hard to find a third person like her in the world."
Just thinking about what Ouyang Yue had said in the hall earlier, Baili Zhi couldn't help but twitch his lips. To dare to say such things, she was probably the first person to ever do so. But he could also feel that Xuanyuan Yue cared about Chen'er, and that was perhaps enough.
"Mother, you once held Chen'er in your arms when he was young and told me to protect him. I only remember that. Sometimes I even acted a little rashly. Was I wrong?" Baili Zhi sighed. "Looking at Xuan Yuan Yue's angry accusations, I felt a pang in my heart. I am far less courageous than Chen'er. I don't even dare to say whether I like him or not. I have to pretend to be happy and put on a show."
Baili Zhi leaned against the car wall with his eyes closed. At this moment, he even wondered how he would react if a woman dared to protect her love and man in front of others like this. However, he simply couldn't imagine that situation.
Xuanyuan Yue, if I had discovered you first, what would have happened? Would you have fought just as hard to protect your love and man as you did for Chen Di?
Baili Zhi shook his head. Those were just fantasies, and he couldn't have them again. He opened his eyes, and his gaze was clear. Even with his ordinary appearance, his dark, sharp eyes, like those of an eagle, gave him an unusual look, making him seem more handsome.
Upon returning to the Prince's residence, Baili Zhi was greeted by a servant who reported, "Your Highness, the Consort is waiting for you in the main hall."
Baili Zhi nodded and went to the hall. In the hall, Sun Meng'er was dressed in an elaborate red dress embroidered with large begonia flowers and gold thread, with most of her hair adorned with jewelry. When she saw Baili Zhi enter, she hurriedly came to greet him. The hall was filled with the jingling of Sun Meng'er's hair ornaments, which sounded quite melodious, but made one wonder when Sun Meng'er's neck had broken while wearing that headdress. "Your Highness, you're back. Meng'er has been waiting for so long." She said, pouting slightly, her face full of coquettish charm.
"I'm back now, aren't I? I've missed you so much even after just one moment apart?" Baili Zhi laughed.
Sun Meng'er blushed immediately upon hearing this, and stamped her feet, pouting, "Your Highness~ you're bullying Meng'er again."
Baili Zhi walked over and pulled Sun Meng'er to sit down. Sun Meng'er then stood behind him and patted Baili Zhi's shoulders with her two small, white fists: "Speaking of which, how was Your Highness's trip? Is Princess Chen very satisfied with this heaven-sent marriage?"
"Stop talking!" Baili Zhi suddenly stood up. Since Sun Meng'er married into the family, she had never seen Baili Zhi speak with such a flushed face. Her eyes darted around, and tears welled up in them. "Your Highness, it's my fault for upsetting you. I apologize to Your Highness. Please don't be angry." As she spoke, she began to sob softly.
Baili Zhi looked at her and couldn't help but sigh: "It's not your fault. You were just asking casually. But you shouldn't ask about this matter anymore. I think you should give up on this idea."
Sun Meng'er immediately said, "Your Highness and Princess Consort Chen disagree? You are her elder brother, how can she be so disrespectful to you? How can a royal wife behave like this? This matter needs to be made clear to Father. Mingyue was just granted the title of young master and then married the seventh prince. Naturally, she is arrogant and proud, but she doesn't know that there are many more rules in the royal family. How can she act recklessly?"
Baili Zhi looked at Sun Meng'er and his eyes grew deeper and deeper: "You don't need to say more about this matter, and you don't need to worry about your sister-in-law's affairs either. This is for your own good. If you take the conflict between brothers, or even just between women, to the Emperor, it will not benefit anyone in the end. You have always been sensible and know what you can and cannot say."
Sun Meng'er was taken aback, and immediately said, "It is Meng'er who knows. It is thanks to Your Highness's reminder that otherwise, if I were to think that Your Highness had suffered a loss at the Chen Prince's Mansion, and did something in a moment of confusion that would have ruined Your Highness's plans, that would have been Meng'er's fault."
"Hmm, you're a sensible person." Baili Zhi patted Sun Meng'er's shoulder and said with a smile, "I still have to go to my study, I'll come see you later."
"Meng'er respectfully sees Your Highness off." Sun Meng'er watched Baili Zhi leave, but her expression immediately changed: "Go, spread the word that Your Highness has failed here."
"Yes, Consort."
As soon as Baili Zhi stepped out of the Prince Chen's residence, Baili Chen rushed into the hall, grabbed Ouyang Yue in his arms, and kissed her fiercely, pressing her down onto the chair. The kiss was so passionate that it seemed to set Ouyang Yue on fire.
"Stop...stop, I can't breathe." Ouyang Yue's eyes were blurry from the kiss, her red lips swollen, and she couldn't take it anymore, pushing against Baili Chen's chest. Baili Chen simply pulled Ouyang Yue's hand and began to kiss her passionately, making Ouyang Yue's heart race: "No, it's daytime!"
Baili Chen's eyes were deep: "What does it matter if it's day or night? I want you right now. My wife, after your touching confession, how could I possibly resist? I feel like my body is about to explode if I don't have you now."
"You really did hear that!" Ouyang Yue couldn't help but give him a flirtatious glance, and Baili Chen felt as if his heart had been struck. He immediately picked up Ouyang Yue and walked towards the back hall. Fortunately, Ouyang Yue and Baili Zhi had sent all the servants away because they had to talk earlier, so there was no one in the main hall at the moment. Although the back hall was not connected to the master bedroom, it was customary to have a bedroom in the inner hall, which made things convenient for Baili Chen.
Baili Chen carried Ouyang Yue directly to the bed in the inner room, carefully placing her down as if holding a precious treasure. Baili Chen immediately pressed down on her, saying, "I am so happy, so incredibly happy, I feel like my heart is about to jump out of my chest. My wife, say it again."
"What did you say?" Ouyang Yue continued to feign ignorance.
“Those are the kinds of things you said, like, ‘Your husband is your man, and you absolutely won’t allow any woman to get close to you, or you’ll kill me and then commit suicide.’” Baili Chen’s eyes shone brightly.
Ouyang Yue couldn't help but punch him in the chest: "You've already said it, what else do I need to say? Besides, who would be so happy about something like this? I said I was going to kill you."
"So what? It just means my wife cares about me. It's nice to be a carefree ghost couple. I'm even looking forward to it." Baili Chen said with a smile. Ouyang Yue's lips curled up, and she reached out to wrap her arms around Baili Chen's neck. "If you ever really change your mind in the future, you must tell me. I don't want to be the last to know."
"Absolutely nothing like that will happen. I'm willing to lay my heart bare for you to see," Baili Chen said with utmost seriousness. Ouyang Yue pulled him by the arm and said, "Yes, I believe you. But what happened before absolutely cannot happen again. Since you heard it, you know how much I like jealous women. If you dare to bring a woman back to me, I will be really, really angry. I don't even know what extreme things you might do because you love me so much."
"My wife, please continue to love me like this. I promise you I will continue to love you and I will never hurt you." Ouyang Yue was either silent or, when she spoke sweet words, they were enough for Baili Chen to savor for days. Today, Baili Chen didn't know how to express his feelings. In the past, Ouyang Yue would find it difficult to even say "I love you," but now she dared to speak so bluntly in front of his most beloved third brother. Baili Chen wasn't angry at all, but rather very happy. It was like a vow. He knew he would never meet someone so devoted to him again, someone who would disregard her reputation and the dislike of her elders, all for the sake of their shared happiness. Baili Chen silently vowed in his heart that he would only have his wife for the rest of his life, and was even willing to make a vow of eternal love, to be a happy couple forever.
"My wife, I love you the most too!" Baili Chen pressed down, and a passionate kiss came over him. Soon, two voices echoed in the room, composing a passionate song.
The affair was over. Ouyang Yue lay on the bed, turning her head to look at Baili Chen, who was sleeping like a child, completely unguarded, a smile still on his lips. She reached out and stroked his face. She had never dared to speak of love before, because she didn't believe in it at all. But when she met the right person, she had to be bold and seize the opportunity. When Baili Zhi gave away those women, she had considered backing down, but she refused to accept it. Finally, a man had caught her eye; giving up so easily was not in her nature. Facing challenges head-on was her style. Even if this man had flaws that made her cautious, she would make him absolutely love her. Then, she would see how he could escape her grasp.
In fact, Ouyang Yue's words today were not spoken in a moment of impulse. Firstly, she didn't want Baili Zhi to continue doing unnecessary things. If he kept bringing another woman into the manor, Ouyang Yue was afraid that she would just chop Baili Zhi up with a knife next time. Although she was very dissatisfied with this man, he was the most important and trusted person in Baili Chen's life over the past ten years. No matter how much he loved her, it was still a difficult choice compared to his most respected and trusted brother. As for the choice between your mother-in-law and your wife, it is a choice that will never have an answer. A smart woman cannot make a man choose; that will only make him look down on you more. Of course, she didn't want to be such a disliked person.
However, crossing that line of conflict with Baili Zhi was also necessary. She had been thinking about Baili Zhi's behavior lately, much like a single mother's relationship with her son. He had cared for his younger brother for over a decade, only to have it suddenly taken away by a woman. And this woman, instead of being subservient, was extremely individualistic, strong, and domineering. No wonder Baili Zhi felt uneasy. Furthermore, the long period of time had fostered a relationship of giving and receiving between the brothers. She had disrupted this relationship, so it was normal for Baili Zhi to dislike her.
But she couldn't give up. She had to let Baili Zhi know that she would treat Baili Chen with all her heart. Of course, she didn't know if Baili Zhi would really let go and stop bothering her this time. She wouldn't do this again. Did he think she was really courting death? She dared not do it a second time. Baili Zhi wasn't someone to be trifled with. If it happened a few more times, she was afraid she would lose her life.
Two days later, Consort Sun suddenly sent a message inviting Ouyang Yue to the palace, saying that tributes had arrived and she had specially reserved some for Ouyang Yue and Xuan Yuan Chaohua to taste. Ouyang Yue couldn't help but sneer upon hearing this, thinking that she hadn't given up after all.
Two days later, Baili Chen requested to go to the palace with Ouyang Yue, accompanied by Xuan Yuan Chaohua. Ouyang Yue sat in the carriage, while Baili Chen and Xuan Yuan Chaohua rode side by side towards the palace. Baili Chen said, "You should know what it is, right? My third brother came to the Chen Prince's residence about this before."
Xuan Yuan Chaohua's expression remained calm: "I will not marry her!"
Baili Chen didn't say anything more. After entering the palace, he paid his respects to Consort Sun. Although he wasn't invited, he didn't want to stay long, so he went to Chenyu Palace to wait for Ouyang Yue and Xuanyuan Chaohua.
Consort Sun received Ouyang Yue and Xuanyuan Chaohua in the largest hall of her Mingxiang Palace. After the two bowed and sat down, Consort Sun immediately had palace maids bring out various kinds of fresh and delicious fruits, and fine wines and delicacies were laid out one after another.
"The Fifth Princess has arrived!" A voice suddenly announced. A moment later, Baili Cai, dressed in a magnificent colorful dress, walked out from the inner palace with great poise. Baili Cai seemed particularly beautiful today, with bright eyes and a delicate face. When she came out, she first glanced at Xuan Yuan Chaohua, and then greeted Consort Sun, saying, "Your subject greets Consort Sun."
"Le'er, you've come at the right time. I'm entertaining General Xuanyuan and Princess Chen. If you have nothing else to do, please sit down and join us." Consort Sun's alluring phoenix eyes slightly raised, her smile even more radiant. Baili Le immediately agreed, then picked up an empty wine cup from Consort Sun's table. A palace maid immediately filled it, and Baili Le walked with a beaming smile toward Ouyang Yue and Xuanyuan Chaohua.
Today, Xuanyuan Chaohua was still wearing his favorite gray robe, but the hem of the robe was embroidered with extremely exquisite and lifelike tiger patterns. Xuanyuan Chaohua was already handsome with tiger eyes shining, and this outfit made him look even more sharp, mighty and brave. Baili Le couldn't help but narrow her eyes and her smile widened: "General Xuanyuan doesn't come to the palace often, so today I, the princess, will first offer you a toast."
Xuanyuan Chaohua nodded slightly: "Thank you, Princess." But she said no more and simply drank the wine in one gulp.
Baili Le smiled and said, "General Xuanyuan, we are family after all. I am a straightforward person, so I will be frank with you. I have always admired your reputation and wish to marry you as soon as possible. Today, I invite you to the palace so that I may ask my father for a marriage decree together with you! Please come in, General Xuanyuan!"
Ouyang Yue's face immediately darkened. Baili Le was still planning to finish the battle quickly, and his words didn't give her brother any reason to refuse!
"His Majesty has arrived!"
Just then, a message came from outside Mingxiang Palace. Ouyang Yue and Xuanyuan Chaohua exchanged a glance, their hearts skipping a beat. They had a bad feeling that Emperor Mingxian was coming at this time!
☆、187, what to do? Who hit him?!
Everyone in the hall immediately stood up and hurriedly bowed to Emperor Mingxian.
"Your Majesty, please come."
"Your subject greets Your Majesty."
"Your Majesty, this humble subject greets you."
"This servant greets Your Majesty."
Immediately, a crowd of people knelt in the hall. At this moment, Emperor Mingxian, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe and wearing a pearl and jade crown the size of half a finger, walked in with a powerful stride and said with a smile, "Haha, I just came out of the Imperial Study when I heard that the Noble Consort had invited me. I was wondering what it was about, but it turns out that Chaohua and Mingyue have come to the palace."
"Father/Uncle," Ouyang Yue and Xuanyuan Chaohua greeted him immediately. Emperor Mingxian smiled and nodded. He had already been invited by Consort Sun to sit in a high seat. Emperor Mingxian smiled at Xuanyuan Chaohua and Ouyang Yue and waved his hand gently, saying, "Alright, we're all family. There's no need for so much formality. Please sit down."
Ouyang Yue and Xuanyuan Chaohua responded and sat down on one side. Baili Le stood in the middle of the hall and walked towards Emperor Mingxian with a smile: "Father, you don't look well. I'll make some soup for you later."
Emperor Mingxian held Baili Le's hand and patted it gently, laughing, "My son still cares about me the most. Good, good, I haven't spoiled you for nothing."
Baili Le pouted somewhat discontentedly: "Look at what Father Emperor is saying. Isn't it my duty to do these things? What does it have to do with whether Father Emperor loves me or not? It's as if I didn't want to do it."
Emperor Mingxian laughed heartily: "Alright, alright, I misspoke. Le'er, don't be angry with your father." Baili Le smiled broadly, "How could I? Father is busy with state affairs, yet he still finds time to come to Mingxiang Palace to see Mother Dao and your son. Your son is very happy and has no other desires."
Emperor Mingxian's smile widened: "Oh, really you have no other requests? I'm in a good mood today, so you can tell me whatever you want, and I'll try my best to fulfill it. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
"Father!" Baili Le said in a spoiled tone, her face flushing slightly. She glanced back at the seat where Xuan Yuan Chaohua was sitting. Emperor Mingxian looked at her, his eyes flashing, but he continued to smile at Baili Le. Baili Le said, "Father, you said before that I am not young anymore and it is time for me to get married. It's not that I didn't want to before, it's just that the person hasn't come back yet."
"Oh, that person? Who is it that my son has been thinking about for so long?" Emperor Mingxian said with a smile.
Baili Le pursed her lips slightly, looked back, and pointed at Xuan Yuan Chaohua: "Father, I have long admired my cousin, but he has been guarding the border all this time, so we have had very few opportunities to meet and spend time together. This matter has been delayed. Now that he has returned to the capital, this is a perfect opportunity. I... I would like to ask Father to grant me the grace to marry my cousin." As she spoke, her eyes, filled with shyness, looked expectantly at Emperor Mingxian, glancing at Xuan Yuan Chaohua from time to time. Ouyang Yue observed that Baili Le's expression seemed genuine, and she appeared to truly care for Xuan Yuan Chaohua.
Emperor Mingxian exclaimed, "Oh! So my princess already has someone she loves. This really makes me a little sad. I've raised her for so many years, and now she's getting married. I'm actually quite jealous." Upon hearing this, Baili Le stomped her foot and protested, "Father!"
Emperor Mingxian smiled again: "Alright, alright, although I am reluctant, since you have asked for it, I will naturally grant your wish. However, this matter is not only yours alone, but also involves Chaohua's wishes. It is best if both parties are in love. Chaohua, what do you say? I want to hear your opinion. There is no need to hide anything, just speak frankly."
Xuanyuan Chaohua stood up and saw Baili Le shining on his face, but he lowered his head slightly and said, "Your Majesty, my mind is only on the army, and I really have no mind to think about personal matters."
Consort Sun frowned upon hearing this and said, "Chaohua, you are capable, but you also have to think about the Princess. She is so old. Elders like their children and grandchildren to be around them. The Princess has not mentioned it because she was afraid of putting you under pressure, but you can't take it to heart and do something unfilial. Your marriage can't wait any longer."
Xuanyuan Chaohua continued, "I am aware of this, but there is a family precept of the Xuanyuan family that I must abide by."
"Oh? What family precepts?" Emperor Mingxian asked, raising an eyebrow slightly.
"Your Majesty," Xuan Yuan Chaohua said, "my family precepts were established by my grandfather. Back then, my grandfather and grandmother had a very good relationship, a deep and loving bond that was the envy of many. My grandmother did indeed suffer some grievances at the time, so my grandfather set a rule that marriage between members of the Xuan Yuan family must be based on mutual affection between the man and woman. Elders must never interfere with the marriages of young people. In recent years, my grandmother may have been anxious, but she has never mentioned it. Naturally, I am also anxious. However, I have always envied the kind of love that my grandfather and grandmother had, where there was only you and me in the world, and that was enough. Therefore, true love is something that cannot be forced. I will not consider marriage until I have met the right person." After Xuan Yuan Chaohua finished speaking, he stood aside.
"How dare you! Are you implying that I, the princess, am unworthy of you, and that you no longer wish to marry me!" Baili Le was enraged upon hearing this. She was her father's most favored princess. Although Baili Chen was also favored, he had caused too much trouble. She, on the other hand, was exceptionally well-behaved. Her father had never spoken harshly to her in all her years. If she weren't a girl, she even suspected that her father would pass the throne to her in the future. Baili Le had always been so disrespectful. As a princess of the Great Zhou Dynasty, even if she didn't like someone, how many people would rush to beg for her favor? She had never given anyone any face. Now, she had taken the initiative to ask to marry Xuan Yuan Chaohua, which was already giving him enough face. How dare he refuse? It was simply outrageous! Baili Le immediately rebuked him.
Xuanyuan Chaohua remained silent, but Ouyang Yue, looking at Baili Le's angry face, felt annoyed and said, "Royal sister, when did your brother ever say that the princess was unworthy of him? It's just that your brother is too filial. He was raised by his grandmother since childhood, and his admiration for her is beyond the comprehension of ordinary people. It's understandable that he yearns for the earth-shattering love between his grandfather and grandmother. Moreover, your brother is acting out of filial piety towards his grandfather and the ancestral precepts of the Xuanyuan family. If your brother were to forcibly disobey them, it would be disrespectful to our ancestors, a grave act of filial impiety. Over the years, your brother has always been careful and cautious, and he would never do anything inappropriate. In such an important matter, your brother naturally does not want to be criticized by the world for deliberately disrespecting our ancestors."
Baili Le, however, said coldly, "Why would I, a princess, not know about the ancestral precepts of the Xuanyuan family?"
Ouyang Yue smiled and said, "The so-called ancestral precepts are naturally passed down from generation to generation to the younger generation. I, the imperial sister-in-law, only learned about them after I was recognized as a member of the clan. My younger sister rarely comes to the princess's residence, so how would she know about them?"
Baili Le squinted at Ouyang Yue. In the past, Baili Le had never been close to Princess Shuangxia, and would avoid her at all costs. How could she possibly be close to her? Now, with this marriage proposal, Xuan Yuan Chaohua disagreed, and she couldn't get through to Princess Shuangxia, plus the ancestral precepts, it was impossible for it to succeed. Baili Le's eyes turned cold, and she couldn't help but look at Emperor Mingxian: "Father, look, I have been in love with Chaohua for so long, yet he dares to disrespect me like this. I will not stand for it."
Emperor Mingxian smiled, but his expression darkened slightly: "Chaohua, it is right for you to heed the teachings of your elders, that is undeniable. However, you cannot be too attached to the past. One must look forward. My fifth princess is also talented and beautiful, a precious gem. Marrying her to you will not be a waste of your life."