Forced to Marry the Enemy Prince - Chapter 60

General Jiang kept talking. Imperial Tutor Qi’s expression improved, but Prime Minister Qiu glared at him. The officials did not know about this. When Zhan Lue’s message reached the court, Emperor Jin became angry instantly. The army had been attacking the cities for two years—why spare the ten cities at this point? 

Although the news sounded shocking, upon closer thought, everyone knew that the soldiers had not rested at all. Although their morale was high, they must have been extremely exhausted. Even though their food supplies had not run out, if they continued fighting, they might only win by a miserable margin. 

Despite having to return ten cities, Liang was already part of Jin and needed to pay taxes to Jin. Basically, Jin had the final say in everything. 

Not only could Zhan Lue save his troops while achieving his aims, but he could marry a beauty as well. Was it not a win-win situation? 

Well, Prime Minister Qiu was just trying to provoke his rival. Even though he did not mention how Zhan Lue exchanged ten cities for a beauty, he knew that it was not a very glorious thing. 

However, did it matter now? No matter what, Imperial Tutor Qi could not win the crown Prince. His son looked like his soul had flown away, so why bother pretending to be indifferent? 

In other words, Prime Minister Qiu felt happy whenever Imperial Tutor Qi lost in a comparison. When he saw his rival’s envious expression, his mood improved so much that he felt like he could eat ten bowls of rice immediately. 

With the two of them leading the way, the other officials followed behind, discussing amongst themselves privately, “She’s such a beauty. No wonder the Crown Prince fell in love.” 

“I understand why he was willing to exchange ten cities for her.” 

When Xian Sheng entered with Zhan Lue, he felt that something was amiss. Turning around and looking at Zhan Lue, he asked, “Why are you so nervous?” 

Zhan Lue had experienced all sorts of scenarios, so his nervous behaviour today was simply too strange. 

Xian Sheng could not understand why. However, Zhan Lue merely replied coldly, “I’m not.” 

“It’s so obvious…” mumbled Xian Sheng softly. Suddenly, he heard the soft discussions behind them. His eyes sparkled and a smile appeared on his lips. Inching his feet closer to Zhan Lue, he asked, “Are you scared that they’ll think you don’t deserve me?” 

When Zhan Lue shot a glance at him, Xian Sheng kept quiet. Shuffling his feet away, he said softly, “You said that only I deserve you… Well, in my heart, you’re the only person who deserves me.” 

Zhan Lue’s adam’s apple trembled. Even though he initially looked quite obedient in his crown, he now looked as hungry as a wolf—as if a sheep had suddenly grown claws. 

When Emperor Jin and the Empress saw them walking over, they smiled. If Xian Sheng was not wrong, they looked like they had just succeeded in showing-off. 

He immediately felt that something was strange. However, before he could think deeper about it, it was time. He followed Zhan Lue and Emperor Jin inside to pay his respects to the ancestors. 

The ancestors’ memorial tablets were placed in the middle of the chamber, while incense smoke circled the room. The royal family walked forward and knelt at them. Xian Sheng was the last person to do so. The servants brought water over to let him wash his hands. Then, they applied something to his palms and painted a red circle between his brows, saying that this would let the ancestors see him. 

He was brought to a cushion, while a man narrated, “A rare beauty. The ancestors are satisfied. Kowtow.” 

Thus, he knelt, paid his respects and kowtowed. 

“Born in the Royal Family, her status is compatible. Kowtow.” 

He knelt, paid his respects and kowtowed. 

“Elegant, virtuous and proper. The ancestors are satisfied. Kowtow.” 

He repeated the actions for the third time. 

“Her horoscopes are lucky and the heavens said that she’ll bring luck to her husband. The ancestors are satisfied. Kowtow.”

He repeated the actions for the fourth time. 

Xian Sheng’s actions were calm and steady, kowtowing according to the rhythm of the priests’ chants. However, his forehead was already covered in sweat. Luckily, after the eighth kowtow, he was allowed to have a short break. Zhan Lue supported Xian Sheng as he stood there obediently. Breathing softly, he watched as the Minister of Rites brought a brush, a scroll and a bowl of special water. After Emperor Jin cleansed his hands, he wrote Xian Sheng’s name beside Zhan Lue’s name on the Royal Family Records.

Xian Sheng’s heartbeat quickened and he glanced at Zhan Lue subconsciously, who was gazing at him too. Zhan Lue’s eyes fell onto the red dot between Xian Sheng’s brows and he smiled. Xian Sheng averted his gaze quickly, pursing his lips. 

No mistakes were allowed to happen on the Family Record, so Emperor Jin’s handwriting was prim and proper. After writing, he asked caringly, “Are you done resting? It’s time to pray for the ancestors’ blessings.” 

Xian Sheng nodded. “Thank you for your concern, Royal Father. I’m done.” 

Emperor Jin gestured with his hands and Zhan Lue led Xian Sheng to the ancestral tablets. 

“May the ancestors bless this couple to grow old together. Kowtow.” 

“May the ancestors bless this couple to have many children together. Kowtow.” 

After paying respects to the ancestors, they were now a true couple of the Jin Royal Family. This time, Zhan Lue kowtowed with Xian Sheng. 

When they finished the rituals with much difficulty, Xian Sheng could barely stand up. The Empress wiped the red dot away from his forehead and said, “Your work is done. Go out and rest. We won’t need you around for the remaining rituals.” 

Xian Sheng heaved a sigh of relief. Zhan Lue was about to follow him when he was summoned back. “You’re the Crown Prince, so you need to stay with your Royal Father.” 

Zhan Lue looked back at Xian Sheng. At that moment, Zhan Yin ran over and said, “I’ll keep sister-in-law company with Ah Jin.” 

Zhan Jin nodded and was about to follow when Zhan Lue said, “Wait.” 

As the Ministry of Rites was still making preparations, he followed them outside. Zhan Yin turned back alongside Zhan Jin, but Zhan Lue chased her away. “Both of you, go first.” 

Xian Sheng averted his gaze and walked to the courtyard with Zhan Yin. 

Zhan Jin stood in front of Zhan Lue with his head lowered. When he sensed that Zhan Lue’s gaze was grim, he bowed carefully, “Royal Brother.” 

“Sister-in-law, do you know why Brother called Ah Jin over?” 

“Maybe he has a task for her. You don’t have to worry.” There was only a hundred-year-old plum blossom tree in the courtyard. The moment they entered, the tree started to shake violently, causing red petals to flutter down. Zhan Yin raised her hands immediately to swat them away. “How outrageous! Who dares to disturb the Princess?” 

Laughter sounded from the tree. “Little Yin, your temper is as bad as ever.” 

When Zhan Yin saw who it was, she was over the moon. “Royal Uncle?” 

Xian Sheng lifted his hands to shield himself from the petals, which were raining on him. His gaze met Qi Siyue’s eyes and his heart sank. “Why are you here?” 

Qi Siyue jumped down and landed lightly on the ground, saying, “Although I haven’t been written into the Royal Family Records, I have the Zhan Family’s blood. Why is it weird for me to be here?” 

Zhan Yin introduced him to Xian Sheng quickly. After her introduction, Qi Siyue said, “I’ve met her before and I keep thinking about her… I even find it hard to fall asleep at night. It’s really weird.” 

Zhan Yin agreed quickly, “Me too! Me too!” 

Qi Siyue continued, “I like men, but strangely, I’m obsessed with a woman now.” 

Zhan Yin nodded frantically too. “Me too! Me too!” 

Qi Siyue said, “After thinking about it, I believe that it’s because I’ve never seen a beauty like her.” 

Zhan Yin blushed and sounded extremely excited, as if she had finally found someone who understood her. “I’m feeling the same way as you!” 

The more Xian Sheng listened to their conversation, the more his heart sank. After he coughed to cover up his embarrassment, Ru Yi rushed up to him and said, “Princess, you should go indoors first.” 

Xian Sheng said, “Then, I’ll leave first.” 

“I’ll follow you…” Zhan Yin was about to follow him, but Qi Siyue stopped her. “Do you remember the wine we buried secretly last year?” 

“I do!” Zhan Yin’s eyes sparkled. “Do you want to dig it up now?” 

“Where’s Ah Jin?” 

“Brother summoned her. I don’t know why.” 

“Go and dig the wine out. Let’s go out and eat barbequed meat tonight.” 

Zhan Yin rubbed her hands eagerly. After forcing herself to calm down, she asked him in anticipation, “Can sister-in-law eat meat?” 

“If you want her to go, she can eat meat.” 

Satisfied, Zhan Yin left quickly. 

Qi Siyue shoved his hands back into his sleeves and glanced at Xian Sheng, who was walking into the room. After thinking for a while, he walked over with a smile, “Little golden sparrow, Ah Yin wants to eat barbequed meat tonight. Do you want to go?” 

“Sparrows are herbivores. They don’t eat meat.” 

Qi Siyue asked tentatively, “Are you angry?” 

“Royal Uncle, stop joking around with me.” 

“If you tell me the truth, I might help you.” 

His words seemed to be laden with meaning. However, Xian Sheng pretended that he did not understand and replied, “I said that I’m not angry.” 

He could not help but let out a cough. Qi Siyue reached his hand out and offered, “Give me your hand. I’ll take your pulse.”

Xian Sheng found it even harder to read his mind. For some reason, Qi Siyue gave him an odd feeling, as if he had seen through him, or that he was suspecting something. 

Placing his fingers over Xian Sheng’s wrist, Qi Siyue frowned. 

Suddenly, a dagger pierced through the air, causing Qi Siyue to dodge it in surprise. Almost tripping over the stove, he struggled to regain his balance. Zhan Lue stood at the entrance with a murderous look raging in his eyes. “If you speak to her again, I’ll break your legs.” 

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