"Your Majesty, your concubine has been..."
Your Majesty, your concubine has been...
"Ah!"
It's one thing to hear, but it's another thing to see. The girls who finally came back to their senses after being stunned couldn't help but scream, and the piercing screams filled the air. Ye Li felt helpless and wanted to cover her ears. Poor little girls, go drink some calming tea when you get home. Fortunately, although the people inside were very into it, the door was pushed open and someone rushed in, making such a big commotion that it could still be discovered. So, the people inside quickly grabbed the quilt and wrapped the two tightly together the moment the door opened. Actually, it didn't matter, there was still a thin screen of gauze blocking the window. Ye Li thought to herself.
However, the girl who rushed in obviously had no intention of sparing her master's reputation and instantly let out an even more mournful cry, "Your Highness, what did you do to the princess?!"
What's the point of this?
That sharp cry instantly extinguished the shrill cries of the ladies outside, and everyone looked at each other in dismay. Which prince and which princess was this again? It's deeply felt that the Li Wang Fu had never checked the almanac when holding a wedding!
"What's going on here?" Zhenxiang Taifei finally arrived in a hurry, asking in a low voice to the crowd surrounding the entrance. Fortunately, Zhenxiang Taifei also knew that it was probably not something good, and there were only a few people who came with her, but they looked like they couldn't be easily refused. However, in Ye Li's eyes, it didn't make much difference anymore.
"Your Highness, here......" Ye Li hesitated for a moment before saying: "Let the ladies go out and rest first."
The Empress Dowager Xianzhao looked at Ye Li's eyes and nodded: "The princess is right. Let the ladies take a break and have some tea first." Everyone naturally agreed, and one by one, the young ladies quickly left this strange atmosphere place. Ye Li followed behind everyone, also preparing to leave with the crowd, but was caught by Ye Ying standing beside Empress Dowager Xianzhao: "Third sister, you stay? We... don't know what happened here..." Empress Dowager Xianzhao also nodded: "Exactly, let's have Princess Ding stay too. If something happens, she can be a witness. Let's go in and take a look first."
Ye Li didn't know what expression to put on anymore, so she dryly laughed and said: "In that case... why don't the two of you inside tidy up first before coming out to meet us?"
Xianzhao Taifei's expression changed slightly, and she shouted in a low voice: "How dare you, come out now!"
A sobbing cry came from inside, followed by a flurry of footsteps. Before long, a tall figure emerged from behind the screen, followed by a petite woman.
"Li'er, how did you end up here?!" Xianzhao Taifei said sternly. That tall and majestic man with disheveled clothes and a pale face was not supposed to be in the front hall receiving guests - who was this Mo Jingli?!
"Your Highness!" Ye Ying let out a sharp cry, pointing at the two people who had just emerged. The crowd shifted their gaze from Mo Jing Lei to the woman standing behind him. She was also disheveled, her clothes in disarray, and her long black hair scattered about. Her delicate eyes still held tears, and some ambiguous faint red marks extended from her neck down to her collar. "Princess Qi Xia..." The voice of Nan Hou's wife, standing beside the Empress Dowager, trembled with emotion. Although the Emperor had not yet formally taken Princess Qi Xia as his concubine, how could these aristocratic families, each with their own sources of information, not know that the palace was already preparing for the grand ceremony to confer her title? Even the Ministry of Rites had already drafted the edict...
Looking at the Empress Dowager standing beside Ye Ying, the Marquise of Nan immediately made up her mind and said: "Empress Dowager, Princess Dingwang, it's really not convenient here. Let's go out first and talk about it later." Ye Li nodded and said: "The Marquise is right. Empress Dowager, let's discuss this outside." The virtuous Empress Dowager looked at Mo Jingli and the Princess of Qixia with an unpleasant expression, nodded and said: "Princess Dingwang is right. Let's go out first. You two clean up immediately and come out!"
When they returned to the main hall, the other ladies had already been sent to another courtyard to rest by the Imperial Consort. Ye Li and the others couldn't leave for the time being. Seeing the stiff and unpleasant faces of Madame Nanhou and the few madames who followed Empress Xianzhao, Ye Li felt more balanced in her heart. Anyway, it had nothing to do with her, so she just treated it as a show.
Ye Ying sat beside Empress Dowager Xianzhao, sobbing uncontrollably, adding to the already gloomy and oppressive atmosphere of the flower hall. Empress Dowager Xianzhao was annoyed by her crying and coldly said, "Shut up! You only know how to cry!" Ye Ying didn't care that the empress dowager was angry, for this sudden event had the greatest impact on her. What could be more devastating than one's beloved husband, on the same day he married his concubine, being in bed with another woman? "The prince did such a thing, why is the empress dowager scolding me? It's not my fault..."
"Shut up and sit aside!"
Something big has happened, even if Xianzhao Taifei wants to hide it, she can't. Moreover, there are too many people here today, and just by looking at the expressions of those women who came over, you can tell that most of them already know what's going on. Xianzhao Taifei wouldn't do something as foolish as covering her ears to steal a bell, so she directly sent someone to the front hall to invite several members of the royal family who are close to the Li Wangfu, while also sending someone to quickly inform the Empress Dowager, who hasn't left the palace yet to support her son's wedding.
When the relatives in the front hall came over, Mo Jing Lei and Qi Xia Gong Zhu also happened to come out one after another. Ye Yin saw Qi Xia Gong Zhu, who had been carefully dressed up but still looked like she had just gone through a romantic tryst, with a shy expression on her face, and she was so angry that she wanted to pounce on her and tear her apart. "You slut!" Qi Xia Gong Zhu looked at Ye Yin, who was pouncing on her, and let out a frightened cry as she took a step back and fell into Mo Jing Lei's arms. Ye Yin's eyes turned red with rage, "You adulterous couple... I'm going to kill you, you slut..." The crowd rushed to hold Ye Yin back, trying to comfort and calm her down, but the scene was chaotic and confusing, causing the few people who had just entered the room to frown.
Ye Li turned around and happened to see Mo Xiuyao coming in, with a faint smile, she ignored the commotion beside her and walked over slowly, "How did you come?"
Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and looked at Xian Zhao Taifei, who was sitting in the main seat with a pale face. Xian Zhao Taifei had invited several of Mo Jingli's uncles and brothers, including the highest-ranking Duke Dingguo, who definitely couldn't be left out. Besides, since Duchess Ding was already here, having one more Duke wouldn't make much difference.
"What the...?! You're really going to do this?! An old man with a white beard and an extraordinary aura was furious, his beard puffed up as he hummed and pointed at Ye Ying who was crying and making a scene on the side: "Is this the princess you were willing to die for? And what's with this... Today is your wedding day, you've invited so many people and now you're pulling this stunt?! You're disgracing your father the Emperor and your brother the Crown Prince!"
Mo Jing Lei's face turned iron-green, and his mouth moved slightly but ultimately didn't say anything. This old Wang Ye was the elder brother of the previous emperor, and also the only paternal uncle of Mo Jing Qi and Mo Jing Lei. Naturally, he had a deep accumulation of prestige, and even Mo Jing Lei didn't dare to disobey him easily. Another young Wang Ye, who was several years younger, pulled back the old Wang Ye who was furious, saying: "Second brother, calm down, let's sit down and listen to what Jing Lei has to say first. Don't scare the child." This one had a much better temper, but looking at Mo Jing Lei's expression, he also showed great displeasure. The remaining two were Mo Jing Lei's older brothers, who in their early years had fought for the throne with Mo Jing Qi and Mo Jing Lei, so their relationship was naturally not good. After hearing the words of their uncle and paternal uncle, they each found a place to sit down, just watching the scene like spectators.
"A Li, how did you end up here?" Mo Xiuyao asked softly.
Ye Li looked at him helplessly, "Just happened to bump into each other."
Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly and didn't ask much more, pulling Ye Lili down to sit beside him.
The entire hall was probably very embarrassed, except for Ye Ying who was crying and Mo Xiuyao whose expression remained calm and half-covered his face. After all, the matter they were about to discuss was quite unusual, and even more unusual was the person involved in the incident. One was the emperor's own brother, and the other was the emperor's designated future concubine. Although it could be said that the imperial family had seen all sorts of dirty secrets, at least everyone knew to cover their shame with a piece of cloth. But today, something like this happened in front of so many people, and almost instantly spread throughout the capital city among all the noblewomen, which was truly rare.
"Shut up! What are you crying about?" Old Wang was also annoyed by the sound that seemed to come from nowhere and slapped his palm on the table, scolding.
Ye Ying was startled, and her crying stopped immediately. With a tear-stained face and a dull expression, she stared at Old Wang Ye without daring to speak. Old Wang Ye hummed softly before turning to Xian Zhao Taifei and saying: "Taifei, what's going on here? Something like this has happened... how are we supposed to explain it to the Emperor?" In his heart, Old Wang Ye was also clear about what Xian Zhao Taifei meant when she invited them over. With something like this happening, the Emperor would definitely be furious - having an affair with a concubine designated by the Emperor and killing Mo Jingli were both light punishments. However... Xian Zhao Taifei definitely didn't want Li Wang to die, and neither did the Empress Dowager. The Emperor probably didn't want to either. Moreover, the Emperor probably didn't want to offend Nanzhao at this time. So, they would have to plead for mercy on behalf of Li Wang and give the Emperor an excuse!
Xianzhao Taifei sighed and said: "This palace also doesn't know what exactly happened. Only heard that something went wrong on this side, hurried over and saw..."
Yue Ying let out a sharp cry and said: "What else could it be? Isn't it just this cheap woman seducing the prince..."
"Yeying!" Xianzhao Taifei frowned sternly at Yeying, "Be mindful of your own status, don't act like those ill-mannered women! If you don't want to stay here, go back to your room." Yeying bit her lip and turned away, no longer speaking. Old Wangye furrowed his brow and looked at Mo Jinglei standing in the hall, "Jinglei, at this time you should be greeting guests in the front courtyard, why are you appearing in the ladies' resting area? Have you forgotten basic etiquette after getting married?" Mo Jinglei's temperament was always cold and proud, and he had never encountered such an embarrassing situation before. Moreover, it was in front of his childhood enemy, Mo Xiuyao, and Ye Liri, whom he thought had abandoned him. This realization made him feel even more humiliated, his face filled with anger, "Someone sent a message asking me to come over."
"So? After coming over, you'll be making out with the emperor's concubine in bed?" The young prince sitting on one side sneered, his mocking gaze clearly visible. These princes all had a nodding acquaintance with Ye Lian, and the man speaking was Mo Xiuyao's younger half-brother, Yi Wang Mo Jingyi. Mo Jingyi's face darkened as he shot him a glare, but Mo Jingyi didn't mind, coldly laughing as he raised his head to examine the ceiling instead.
"Who spread the rumor? What business do you have coming to see someone in a place where women rest? Even if it were you, you are not allowed to enter and exit at will. Don't you know this rule?" On the other side, Wang Shu also frowned and spoke out, everyone's mood was not very pleasant. Attending a wedding properly and encountering such a thing, if it were an ordinary young lady, it would be fine, just let Mo Jingli take her in. But she happened to be a princess, and one who had already been designated as the emperor's concubine. Being dragged into this by Xian Zhao Taifei, they didn't want to get involved but had no choice. At this time, the people present looked at Xiaya Princess with an expression similar to looking at a promiscuous woman. How could Xiaya Princess not know what their expressions meant? She quickly shook her head and said: "No... it's not me. I've never sent any messages to Wang Ye."
Old Master Wang hummed softly, stroking his white beard as he gazed at Princess Qixia with a slanted glance: "None? Then how did King Lei happen to be in the princess's room just now? At that time, the ladies were either having tea and chatting together or young girls playing in the garden. Why was the princess also in her room? More importantly... it seems that Zhao Yang didn't attend the wedding banquet, so why would the princess be here?" Old Master Wang's questions came out one after another, making him seem a bit overbearing. However, everyone's mood wasn't great at the moment, and no one had the energy to sympathize with Princess Qixia, this foreign princess. Princess Qixia shook her head in panic, unlike her usual arrogant and domineering self. After glancing around at the expressionless crowd in the flower hall, Princess Qixia's eyes suddenly lit up as she pointed in a direction: "It was her! She must have framed me and Master Wang!"
Lying down and getting shot, Ye Lian said that her guess a few days ago was correct, and the brain of Princess Fanbang had problems.
"Put down your hand, otherwise, I don't mind if you never use it again for the rest of your life." Mo Xiuyao said calmly, looking at Qi Xia Gongzhu with a calm gaze. Qi Xia Gongzhu couldn't help but shudder and unconsciously leaned towards Mo Jingli's side, not noticing the flash of resentment in Ye Ying's eyes.
"In the Great Chu, I only have a grudge against her." Princess Qixia bit her lip and said, "And also King Li, King Li also has a grudge against her, this is something that everyone knows." Princess Qixia was not really stupid, she was very clear that if she were to be thought of as deliberately seducing and plotting against King Li, then even if the Great Chu killed her own Nanzhao, they would not take responsibility for her. So she had to push all the blame off herself. But for a moment, she really couldn't figure out who wanted to harm her, and among the people present, only Ye Lian had a grudge against her, so pushing the blame onto her was the best choice.
"Which queen?" The crowd was stunned.
Ye Li sighed helplessly and said softly, "Princess, I followed the king to the palace around three o'clock. After that, we met with the queen and other ladies, and then left with Fourth Sister at around four o'clock. We chatted in the garden for less than an hour before meeting up with the misses from the Hu, Qin, and Murong families. We stayed in the garden chatting afterwards. Many ladies were present and can testify to this. Moreover, we discovered that it was still early, not even two hours past four o'clock, which means that from my arrival at the palace to the incident, it wasn't even a full hour. In reality, the only time that could raise suspicion is when Fourth Sister and I were together, from four to five o'clock. Princess Xi seems to have arrived earlier than me and the king, but didn't receive the invitation... How do you think she could have known your whereabouts in such a short period of time and arranged for someone to send a message to summon King Lei?"
Ye Li's words not only clearly explained her own whereabouts but also conveniently cleared the suspicion of colluding with Ye Ying.
"Hehe, the queen is missing one more thing... also need to deduct the time of King Lei and Princess En's humming, so Queen Ding doesn't even have that one moment." Mo Jingyi said with a smile while shaking her fan.
Everyone's expression towards Xiaya Princess became even more unfavourable. Having done something so shameless, she actually dared to falsely accuse the Empress first.
Princess Qixia was stunned, she didn't really expect to condemn Ye Lian like this. She just hoped to drag it out a bit and catch her breath, but unexpectedly Ye Lian calmly exposed her own lie on the spot. For a moment, Princess Qixia was at a loss and could only burst into tears, "Waa...it's really not my business..."
"That's enough!" Mo Jing Lei, who had been silent for a long time, stared at Ye Li for a while before suddenly saying in a low voice: "You don't need to pressure her anymore, I'll take responsibility."
"Bang!" Old Wang was so angry that he slapped the table, staring at Mo Jingli's pale face with a trembling finger. "You scoundrel! Are you going to take responsibility? What are you responsible for? Do you think you're doing something, being a man who dares to act and bear the consequences?" Mo Jingyi smiled and stepped forward to support Old Wang, saying with a smile: "Imperial uncle, please calm down. I'm afraid that Mo Jingli has forgotten that Princess Xiaya is already betrothed to our brother as his consort... Ah, please calm down..." Before he finished speaking, Old Wang's anger had reached new heights. "You scoundrel! Have you learned all about propriety and shame from the dogs?! Forget it... This matter is no longer my concern, nor can I control it. Do whatever you want!" In a fit of rage, Old Wang stormed off.
"Your Highness, please calm down," Xianzhao hastily placated. "Jing Lei doesn't understand the situation and spoke such nonsense. Your Highness, as his uncle, please don't blame him. The Emperor...the Emperor is over there..."
Old Master Wang glanced at her and snorted, "Don't understand? Indeed, don't understand. It's all because of you people spoiling him, look at what he's done this year, which one is something a normal person can do? This king thinks that sooner or later he'll poke holes in the sky." From the very beginning when Mo Jingli insisted on canceling the engagement, Old Master Wang was extremely dissatisfied with his nephew. The marriage was bestowed by the previous emperor, and the other party was still the granddaughter of the Xu family. As long as Miss Ye didn't have any major faults, even if you were dissatisfied, you should have endured it. Now it seems that this Third Miss Ye is actually good, but the one he insisted on marrying, Fourth Miss Ye, is a completely unsuitable person.
Xianzhao Taifei hid the displeasure in her eyes and could only force a smile to apologize to the old king. The emperor still wanted them to go and persuade, if they really let Mo Jing Lei get away with it like this, the emperor's anger would flare up, and even if he didn't die, he would have to peel off a layer of skin.
Finally, after waiting for Old Wang to extinguish the fire, he continued to ask: "Where did the person who passed on the message go? You can't have forgotten what they looked like. And who exactly brought Princess Qixia in?" In recent days, there had been rumors circulating in the capital about King Li and Princess Qixia. Princess Zhao Yang was known for being strict with etiquette, and after the Emperor's decree, she had been keeping a close eye on Princess Qixia, not allowing her to leave the house. Not even attending Mo Jingli's wedding ceremony this time, so how did Princess Qixia manage to come?
"I...I..." Princess Qi Xia said with a hint of grievance: "When I came, the people at the gate didn't stop me." She had arrived early and had also been to the Li Wang Fu many times before. Many people in the Li Wang Fu recognized her. So although she didn't have an invitation card, no one in the mansion stopped her either.
The housekeeper of the Li Wang Fu came in to report that some stimulating incense had been found in the room just now. The whole house was speechless, and Princess Qi Xia herself ran to the Li Wang Fu, but unfortunately the servants of the Li Wang Fu did not report to their master and did not know. Mo Jing Li was completely unaware of what was going on and, after hearing a rumor, completely ignored the separation between men and women and came to the resting place of the ladies-in-waiting. Then...
This isn't a coincidence, it's dog blood. Ye Li thought to herself silently, looks like this time the emperor's not-yet-obtained beauty is destined to fly away.
"Alright, wait for the empress to arrive and then make arrangements. Also, quickly send someone to inform Princess Zhaoyang to bring back Princess Qixia!" Old Master Wang said impatiently, turning his head to look at Mo Xiu Yao and adding another sentence, "Xiu Yao, what do you think?" Mo Xiu Yao smiled warmly and politely, "Master Wang is the elder, everything should be decided by you." The others also hurriedly expressed their agreement with Old Master Wang's decision.
The Empress Dowager was indeed very concerned about her little grandson, and Princess Zhaoyang had not yet arrived. Of course, this was also because the Lei Wangfu was the closest to the imperial palace. The Empress Dowager wore a bright yellow dragon robe, her face full of anger as she rushed in, saying: "I haven't even left the palace and you've already sent someone to say something's happened, what's going on on this joyful day? Didn't we lose enough face last time?"
Yeying's face turned pale on one side, but unfortunately she didn't dare to confront the empress directly. She could only hide on one side and remain silent.
Everyone stood up to pay their respects, and the Empress Dowager sat down to listen to Old Master Wang and Virtuous Consort Shao recount the events. Before they had even finished speaking, the Empress Dowager was already furious, scolding Mo Jingli severely. The Empress Dowager's scolding of her son was something that no one dared to interrupt, so they could only listen. Several ladies-in-waiting who were originally unrelated to the matter couldn't help but want to bet their ears on it, secretly vowing in their hearts that they would never set foot in this Wang estate again after a few days.
When the empress dowager finally finished venting her anger, Mo Jing Lei and Qi Xia Gong Zhu were already kneeling on the ground begging for mercy. The empress dowager looked at Mo Jing Lei for a long time, and her expression finally softened slightly. She let out a long sigh and asked Old King, "Brother Wang, what do you think should be done about this matter?" Old King stroked his beard and said, "Since the empress dowager has arrived, naturally we should listen to your instructions." The empress dowager's expression was tinged with sadness as she sighed, "This matter... is truly damaging to the emperor's reputation. Even if I were to intercede on their behalf, it's unlikely that the emperor's anger would be easily placated." Old King of course understood what the empress dowager meant, "To say the least, Jing Lei's actions are a result of our failure as uncles to properly discipline him. My king and I will personally go to the palace later to plead on behalf of Jing Lei, hoping that the emperor will grant us this favor."
The Empress Dowager smiled gratefully and said, "Prince Wang is the emperor's most respected uncle. The emperor will certainly not offend Prince Wang's face. Li'er, don't you hurry to thank your uncle?"
Mo Jingli said in a low voice: "Thank you, Uncle Bo, thank you, Uncle Wang."
Old Master Wang grunted and ignored him. Having obtained Old Master Wang's promise, the Empress Dowager was naturally very satisfied. Although Old Master Wang is no longer involved in court politics, he still has considerable prestige among the imperial relatives. As long as he is willing to intercede, most of the princes will give him face, and even if the Emperor is angry, it would not be good to heavily punish him. Xianzhao Empress Dowager was also very satisfied, glanced at Mo Jingli and Qiuxia Princess, and asked softly: "Empress Dowager sister, what do you think of this Qiuxia Princess..."
The Empress Dowager frowned and said, "I'll go back and discuss it with the Emperor, and after a few days, we'll think of a way to let her enter the palace." This remark was not lost on the noblewomen present. As for Princess Qixia, her identity was different; unless she intended to spend the rest of her life without seeing anyone, this matter would eventually get out. Now that she had spoken, everyone present knew what to say and what not to say.
"I disagree!"
"I also disagree!" Two female voices, one inside and one outside, suddenly remembered, causing everyone to be stunned again. The person inside was naturally Ye Ying, who was pale and shaking. Outside, Princess Lingyun wore a red dress, her beauty blazing like fire. Her bright red veil was lifted up but not removed, and her almond-shaped eyes were shooting out flames. She stood at the door, raised her chin, and glared at the crowd in the flower hall, saying: "I, the princess, disagree! You, East Chu, dare to humiliate me like this?" Beside Princess Lingyun, Lei Tengfeng's face was stern as he scanned the crowd, his voice cold: "Empress Dowager, is East Chu not being too presumptuous?"
One wave has not yet subsided when another one rises.
No one had spoken yet, when Princess Lingyun strode into the hall and walked up to Mo Jingli and Princess Qixia. Under everyone's gaze, she slapped Princess Qixia's face with a swift and ruthless slap. "You lowly woman!" Princess Qixia's cheek instantly turned red, and even her lip corner oozed out a thread of blood. As if still unsatisfied, Princess Lingyun raised her head to strike again, but was caught by Mo Jingli. "Have you had enough?"
The Princess Lingyun sneered and shook off Mo Jingli's hand, coldly saying: "Even if I were to cause trouble, I would never have the shamelessness to seduce the groom at someone else's wedding. This kind of person is actually a princess of a country, it's truly humiliating all princesses! I heard you've been pining for King Lei and wouldn't let go? In the past, who you flirted with was none of my business. But doing this at my wedding is just provoking me."
The empress dowager frowned and said in a deep voice, "Princess Lingyun, this matter also implicated King Lei and Princess Qixia as innocent victims. If you have any dissatisfaction, I will let King Lei apologize to you after the matter is settled. Now, stop making a scene in front of so many princes and their wives." Princess Lingyun sneered and pulled off her red veil, throwing it on the ground, "Apologize? This princess can't accept! This princess won't marry, do whatever you want! As long as this cheap woman exists, I won't exist!" Empress Xianzhao asked, "What does the princess want?" Princess Lingyun said proudly, "Let King Lei kill this cheap woman with his own hands, and this princess can pretend nothing happened."
"What?! Everyone was shocked. Mo Jing Lei shielded Xiaya Princess behind him and stared at Lingyun Princess, "Are you crazy? She is the princess of Nanzhao."
"What does it matter? I am still the Princess of Xiling. The tiny kingdom of Nanzhao, should I be afraid of her?" Lingyun Princess raised an eyebrow and said.
Lei Tengfeng gazed coldly at the crowd and said, "It seems that Lingyun was right, Dong Chu really doesn't take our Great Ling seriously. Since that's the case, today's wedding ceremony is unnecessary in my opinion. King Lei, what do you say?" Mo Jinglei remained silent, while Princess Lingyun snorted and said, "Brother King, now you see, they don't even put us in their eyes."
Lei Teng gave Lingyun Princess a faint glance and said, "Pack up your things, we're going back. We'll enter the palace immediately to bid farewell to Emperor Dong Chu, and then we'll set off."
"Yes." Lingyun Princess glanced at Qixia Princess and Mo Jinglei with disdain, her eyes completely devoid of the shame of a wedding being called off halfway, apparently very satisfied with this.
"The Crown Prince, this matter is worth discussing. It concerns the diplomatic relations between our two countries, so please don't let emotions cloud your judgment." Old King Wang sighed and stood up to advise him. Lei Teng replied indifferently, "Thank you for your concern, King Wang, but this matter really is East Chu's fault, not West Ling's. I believe that even if we were to take it to the Emperor of East Chu, we would not be in the wrong. King Ding, Queen Ding, please make a fair judgment on this matter. What do you two think?"
Ye Li's eyes flashed with anger as Lei Tengfeng cunningly drew them in, and amidst the crowd's attention, he smiled somewhat proudly: "Your Highness, this matter indeed has some untrue aspects regarding Prince Li and Princess Qixia. However, there are also many unresolved doubts within. More importantly, this matter is entirely an accident; our Eastern Chu's sincerity towards your noble country is absolutely beyond doubt. This point, even you wouldn't deny, right?" Bringing Lingyun Princess over wasn't to form an alliance? Don't believe you'd dare bring her back again.
Old Master Wang glanced at Ye Li and smiled: "The Empress Dowager is right. As for the wrongs done to Princess Lingyun by King Lei, we will definitely make amends. If this affects the friendship between our two countries, that would be most unfortunate. Please, Crown Prince, think thrice."
Lei Tengfeng's face showed a thoughtful expression, and Lingyun Princess frowned slightly anxiously and said: "Wang brother!"
Lei Tengfeng glanced at her lightly and looked at the Empress Dowager, saying: "Lingyun is the emperor's most beloved princess. When she was at home, no one dared to let her suffer any grievances. I don't know how Dong Chu wants to compensate Lingyun?" Princess Lingyun trembled slightly, a hint of disappointment on her face, but under Lei Tengfeng's indifferent gaze, she didn't dare speak again.
The Empress Dowager said in a low voice: "What compensation does the Crown Prince want?"
Lei Teng's eyes flashed, and he said in a loud voice: "The future King of Lei must be born to Ling Yun. Most importantly, Princess Qixia can never have any title, including concubine or above, nor can she ever have the flesh and blood of the King of Lei."
