lcionline Chapter 168 Imperial Marriage: Murong Che and Xue Xiang
Chapter 168 Imperial Marriage: Murong Che and Xue Xiang
Huan'er looked melancholy, her brows furrowed, as if a thousand sorrows were weighing on her heart. She inwardly lamented the injustice of fate, yet felt powerless to change it, and could only silently endure it all.
Just then, Lin Qianqian noticed her, her face beaming with joy. She waved her hand high and called out in a clear voice, "Hey! Huan'er!"
Huan'er subconsciously looked in the direction of the sound, her heart tightened, and she quickly perked up, trying her best to hide her sorrow. She forced a smile and raised her hand to wave gently.
Lin Qianqian came running over with light steps. Huan'er quickly straightened her clothes, bowed respectfully, and said softly, "Greetings, Your Highness!"
Lin Qianqian tilted her head, her face full of curiosity, and asked with a bright smile, "Huan'er, what are you doing here?"
Huan'er's expression froze slightly, a hint of panic flashing in her eyes. She quickly waved her hand, "N-nothing, Your Highness, I was just passing by..." Her smile was a little stiff, and her hands unconsciously clutched the hem of her clothes, clearly trying her best to hide something.
Just then, Wuming and Xiaodie rushed over. Xiaodie's eyes lit up, and like a lively little deer, she hopped up to Huan'er, winked playfully, and said cheerfully, "Huan'er, it's been so long!"
The nameless man beside him nodded slightly, a polite smile playing on his lips.
Huan'er pursed her lips and smiled back. Just as she was about to say that she had something to do and leave, Lin Qianqian had already affectionately taken her hand, her eyes full of expectation: "Huan'er, let's play together!" Her enthusiastic manner seemed to be afraid that Huan'er would refuse.
Before Huan'er could respond, Xiao Die quickly grabbed her other hand and said sweetly, "Yes, yes, it's more fun when everyone's together!"
The sincerity in the eyes of the master and servant was unreserved, and their enthusiasm instantly eased Huan'er's previously suppressed heart, making her feel warm, grounded, and at peace.
Xiaodie's eyes sparkled as she excitedly said, "The Mid-Autumn Festival is just around the corner! And on that day, Brother Zhao Xiong and Miss Su will be getting married. It's sure to be a lively and exciting occasion!"
Lin Qianqian smiled and said with great interest, "Hmm~ I wonder what interesting things will happen this Mid-Autumn Festival! Xiaodie, Wuming, what do you think?"
Xiaodie eagerly answered, her face full of anticipation, gesturing excitedly as she said, "Why don't we replace the wedding candles and lanterns at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet with color-changing fluorite? That way, when it shines at night, everything will be colorful, how fun!" After saying that, she tilted her head and burst into laughter.
Upon hearing Xiaodie's whimsical idea, Lin Qianqian rolled her eyes, crossed her arms, shook her head helplessly, and then gently tapped Xiaodie's head, laughing and scolding, "You little rascal, what strange and wonderful things are you thinking about all day long!"
Xiaodie winced in pain, rubbed her head, pouted slightly, and mumbled with a wronged expression, "Miss~"
The nameless man beside her couldn't help but lower his head and chuckle softly. Then he looked up, his eyes full of doting affection, and asked Lin Qianqian gently, "Does Your Highness have any special plans you're looking forward to?"
Lin Qianqian tilted her head, rested her chin on her hand, and began to think seriously. Inadvertently, she noticed Huan'er beside her, lost in thought. Lin Qianqian called out curiously, "Huan'er, what do you think?"
Huan'er snapped back to reality, as if startled. Her body trembled slightly, and she forced a stiff smile, her eyes darting around as she stammered, "I...I don't know..."
Everyone was still engrossed in the lively discussion, chatting and laughing, except for Huan'er, who stood quietly to the side with a worried expression, completely out of place in the cheerful atmosphere.
Inside the Empress Dowager's palace, the candlelight flickered, and the atmosphere was so heavy it seemed almost palpable. The Empress Dowager sat high in the main seat, her expression dignified; the Emperor sat to one side, his face cold and aloof; the Empress, though dignified, also wore a solemn expression. Murong Che and Xue Xiang knelt side by side.
The entire scene was eerily quiet, with only the occasional popping of candle wicks adding to the tension, creating an oppressive atmosphere that made it hard to breathe.
The Empress Dowager sat on the couch, looking at the two kneeling figures with a puzzled expression, and asked, "Che'er, what are you doing?"
Xue Xiang lowered her head, her hands clenched into fists, and she held her breath, quietly waiting for Murong Che's answer, her heart filled with trepidation and anticipation.
Murong Che's expression was solemn, as if he were carrying a heavy burden. He remained silent for a long time before finally speaking with difficulty: "Mother, I wish to marry Xue Xiang."
Every word he uttered seemed to come from the utmost effort; though his face remained expressionless, his heart was tormented as if pierced by a thousand arrows.
Upon hearing this, Xue Xiang's lips curled up slightly, revealing a smug smile that was difficult for others to detect.
The Emperor and Empress exchanged surprised glances, then fell into a thoughtful silence.
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's eyes widened in disbelief. "What! Che'er, you're saying... you want to marry her?! Are you crazy?! Didn't you say you would never marry anyone else in your life? Didn't you say your heart only belonged to Xu Wanwan?! How could you have changed your mind now?!"
Murong Che closed his eyes slightly, as if trying his best to suppress the pain in his heart, and slowly said, "Mother, people change. The past is the past, and I cannot live in the past forever..." Although he said this, every word was like a sharp blade, piercing his heart.
Hearing Murong Che's words, Xue Xiang was overjoyed, but on the surface she still pretended to be docile.
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's face darkened. She wanted to retort, but swallowed her words. After all, this was Murong Che's personal suggestion, and in front of everyone. For the sake of her reputation, she couldn't refuse outright. After a moment's hesitation, the Empress Dowager turned to exchange a glance with Emperor Murong Xuan and asked, "What does Your Majesty think?"
The Emperor carefully observed Murong Che's expression and saw that although he was expressionless, his eyes held deep pain and helplessness. He knew in his heart that his fourth brother had always been loyal and righteous, and was not someone who would easily change his mind; there must be another hidden story behind this matter.
However, given the current situation, it was not advisable to delve too deeply. After a moment of thought, the Emperor slowly spoke: "Empress Dowager, since my fourth brother has already given this matter considerable thought, matters of the heart are not something that others can interfere with. I think it would be best to grant him his wish." The Emperor's words were calm and reasonable, giving Murong Che a way out while also allowing the Empress Dowager to temporarily believe that this was a well-considered decision.
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager frowned, her eyes filled with worry and hesitation. She gently stroked the armrest of her chair, lost in thought.
After a long silence, the Empress Dowager spoke slowly, her tone tinged with helplessness and unease: "Very well, since the Emperor has said so, I cannot object any further. But Che'er, marriage is no child's play. Now that you have made your decision, do not regret it later."
Murong Che and Xue Xiang hurriedly kowtowed deeply:
Murong Che remained expressionless, his face ashen, and said coldly, "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for granting your request!"
Xue Xiang's face lit up with joy, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She obediently curtsied and said sweetly, "Thank you for your grace, Empress Dowager and Emperor." Her tone was light and upturned, making no attempt to hide her elation. She could barely contain her smile, thinking to herself, "I can finally be with Murong Che! Thank God, I, Xue Xiang, will never have to cry again! Your Highness, I will love you dearly!"