Chapter 213

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Just like that, Shangguan Peilin began to speak incessantly, his mouth opening and closing like a street storyteller. At first hearing, his words seemed to be nothing but irrelevant trifles and idle chatter, yet they also appeared to conceal some hidden mystery, leaving one utterly baffled.

However, even faced with such seemingly pointless drivel, everyone present — whether it was Yan Si with his solemn expression, Shangguan Xingyan with his grave demeanor, or that lofty Empress Dowager — all stood as if struck by a Body-Freezing Curse, lips sealed tight, not daring to breathe a sound, terrified that the slightest slip might offend the Emperor who was currently speaking.

They could only stand there in silence, forcibly suppressing their inner impatience, quietly waiting for Shangguan Peilin to finish his speech.

Time ticked by, second by second. Finally, when Shangguan Peilin paused slightly to catch his breath, the tense, stifling atmosphere in the great hall eased by a fraction.

Right then, he opened his mouth once more, unhurried, continuing in a low, slow voice: "But Yu'er is, after all, the pearl in the palm of My hand, the one I cherish most. Whenever I think that she will soon be married off to a distant land, to that faraway unfamiliar place, My heart aches unbearably, as if pierced by ten thousand needles!

I think of tea but cannot drink, think of food but cannot eat; at night I lie in bed tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Even when I finally drift off in a daze and enter the land of dreams, all I see is Yu'er being bullied, destitute and helpless. And I often dream that Yu'er wants to return home for a visit, yet has not a single copper coin on her — that look of helplessness and despair truly breaks My heart!"

Speaking to this point, Shangguan Peilin lifted his head slightly, his gaze sweeping across the faces of those before him, then continued: "I know that perhaps you have not yet had daughters of your own, and cannot fathom this heart-wrenching parental affection for one's children.

But I believe that in time, when you too have your own children, you will surely be able to understand the pain and turmoil deep in My heart at this very moment, no?"

Seeing the Emperor's conversation with him drifting further and further from the main topic, refusing to touch the crucial issue, Yan Si was frantic with anxiety.

Finally, he could no longer suppress the urgency in his heart; he sprang to his feet and spoke earnestly to the Emperor: "Your Majesty, please set your mind at ease! If the Eighth Princess marries me, I will stake the head on my shoulders as guarantee — I absolutely will not let her suffer even the slightest grievance, nor will I let her shed a single tear of sorrow. Should I fail to keep these vows, I am willing to have my head chopped off and presented to Your Majesty, for you to use as a stool!"

Hearing this, Shangguan Peilin frowned slightly and said slowly: "What use would I have for your head? Although your pledge sounds sincere, My heart still cannot rest easy. Therefore, I have made up My mind not to let Yu'er marry far away to your Dachang Kingdom. However... if you truly wish to wed her, there is still a way — you come to Our Dongying and marry into the imperial family as a consort."

Having spoken, Shangguan Peilin's gaze locked tightly onto Yan Si, as if trying to see through to his true thoughts.

The Empress, who had been sitting to the side, seeing this, was just about to open her mouth to plead for Yan Si or offer an opinion, but unexpectedly met Shangguan Peilin's sharp gaze. Her heart tightened, and the words at her lips were instantly swallowed back; she could only sit silently and speak no more.

At this moment, Yan Si lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then raised it, replying with a determined expression: "I am honored by Your Majesty's generous favor in proposing such terms. In that case, this humble one is willing to go to Dongying and become a consort, accompanying the Princess by her side."

Shangguan Peilin had never expected that he had intentionally made things difficult, hoping Yan Si would retreat in the face of difficulty, yet the other party actually agreed without the slightest hesitation. He stared wide-eyed, asking in disbelief: "You agreed so readily and decisively, but I wonder whether your Father King will consent to this matter?"

Yan Si said with a face full of certainty: "Father King is absolutely not a pedantic, unyielding man! Back then, he and Mother Consort truly loved each other, overcoming countless hardships and obstacles before they could be together. He surely understands deeply that if one cannot stay by the side of one's beloved, it will be a lifelong regret! Therefore, this son firmly believes Father King will certainly agree to this marriage."

Shangguan Peilin nodded slightly and said evenly: "Very good. Since you have such confidence, then return to Dachang at once. As long as you can successfully persuade your Father King to come to Dongying and become a consort, I will agree to this matter."

Hearing this, Yan Si was overjoyed and hurriedly cupped his hands in salute: "Many thanks for Your Majesty's great grace! This humble one will surely give it his all! No time to lose — this humble one will set off immediately." Having spoken, Yan Si turned to leave.

However, just then, Shangguan Peilin saw Yan Si's eager, frantic appearance and couldn't help but smile faintly, yet did not speak to stop him. Simultaneously, the Empress, who had been standing silently by Shangguan Peilin's side, finally could no longer suppress the doubts in her heart and asked: "Your Majesty, this concubine dares to ask — have you truly made this decision?"

Shangguan Peilin turned his head, his gaze tender as he looked at the Empress, and replied softly: "Beloved Consort, do not worry. After deep consideration and repeated weighing, I have determined that this is the most proper course.

To speak the truth, I am actually quite satisfied with Yan Si as a person; it is simply that I cannot bear to let our darling Yu'er marry far away. Therefore, having Yan Si come to Dongying as a consort is truly a perfect solution that satisfies both sides."

The Empress had originally intended to persuade Shangguan Peilin further, but her gaze shifted and she discovered that Yan Si had already walked quickly out the door. And at this moment Shangguan Peilin wore a look of determination, unmoved, as if he had set his mind like iron and could not be swayed.

Seeing this, the Empress simply said: "Since there is no further important business here, this subject will take her leave first." The Emperor nodded slightly, agreeing to her departure. With permission granted, Shangguan Xingyan, seeing this, also hurriedly saluted the Emperor to take his leave, and followed closely behind, stepping out of the room together.

The Empress had just stepped across the threshold when she turned her head to look at Shangguan Xingyan beside her and instructed softly: "Younger Brother, you go first and check on Yan Si's situation, help him pack his belongings. I, on the other hand, must go to Yu'er's place, have her come along to see Yan Si off. Along the way, see if Yu'er can be persuaded to speak to the Emperor and change the current decision."

Shangguan Xingyan heard this and agreed without hesitation: "Alright! This son will go at once." Before his words had even fallen, he was already rushing toward his own sleeping palace with hurried steps.