Fifth Princess
Within the imperial palace—
“Your Majesty, how could you agree to Qianyun’s request to break the engagement? Those powerful clans are watching closely; this could spark another great upheaval.”
The Empress Dowager looked at the emperor with deep concern.
The Qian Emperor’s face bore a trace of embarrassment.
Mentioning the clans, a flicker of resentment passed over his expression.
“At the time, I was angry, and I had been drinking. Besides, that Gu boy was despicable. But looking back, I realize Qianyun was deceived. Yet the words have already been spoken…”
The emperor gently pinched the bridge of his nose.
His daughter only wished to free herself from this betrothal, unaware how difficult that truly was.
When Xu Jinjia was alive, he had nearly crushed those clans into submission.
Ironically, after his death, the clans exploited the engagement.
If the royal family made even the slightest misstep, the clans would surely seize the moral high ground and attack en masse.
If Xu Jinjia were still alive, how could I be so wary of these clans?
“Qianyun is accomplished in both civil and martial arts, unparalleled in talent and beauty. Even among the outstanding men of the Great Qian, she stands shoulder to shoulder. Marrying that Gu boy is indeed a grievance.”
The Empress Dowager spoke up, but the emperor felt no happiness.
“But you understand without me saying—now is absolutely not the time to break the engagement. We must find a way to resolve this quickly.”
As expected, the Empress Dowager continued.
The Qian Emperor hesitated, then resolved firmly:
“Since this has backfired, Qianyun must marry Gu Dao as soon as possible to silence the world’s gossip.”
No sooner had the emperor spoken than—
“Why should I?”
Li Qianyun stormed in.
Dressed in fiery crimson palace attire, her figure tall and poised, her delicate, handsome face radiant and spirited.
Her brows furrowed angrily, a haughty charm entwined with defiance.
“Why should I marry that ignorant, useless, despicable waste?
Am I not his true daughter? How can I be treated so poorly?”
Her eyes reddened as she spoke.
She had hated this cursed engagement from the moment she learned of it.
She had struggled for ten years but still couldn’t escape that wastrel. When would it end?
“Nonsense! How dare you eavesdrop on the conversation between me and your grandmother? You’re becoming more unruly. Looks like I’ve spoiled you.”
The emperor scolded with a stern face, though feigning anger.
“Then punish me, Father. Better to beat me to death than to marry that despicable waste and bring shame upon myself.”
Li Qianyun’s stance was resolute, preferring death to submission.
“Qianyun, don’t be angry. Both your grandmother and I sincerely wish for your happiness.
But as royals, we cannot act recklessly.”
The Empress Dowager sighed, unwilling to see Li Qianyun embroiled in such troubles.
“Grandmother, Father, what’s so hard about this? If Gu’s family willingly breaks the engagement, won’t that settle it?
As for the betrothal gifts, can’t our royal family offer generous compensation?”
Li Qianyun said defiantly.
“Nonsense! Things are not as simple as you think. If Gu’s family breaks the engagement, the world will think the royal family forced it.”
The emperor said gruffly.
“Excuses! I won’t marry him. Even if I become a nun, I will never marry that vile, despicable waste.”
Li Qianyun said fiercely.
“Shut up! It’s my fault for spoiling you too much. As a princess of the royal family, you have your responsibilities. Are you any exception? I will issue the decree for the wedding date.”
The emperor’s face darkened with anger.
He was just as troubled and restless. If there were another way, how would he push his own daughter into such a pit?
Princess Li Qianyun looked at her father’s resolute figure, biting her lip gently. No tears stained her eyes, only an endless frost within.
In her heart, she vowed silently: sooner or later, she would make Gu Dao beg to break off the engagement. If once wasn’t enough, twice.
If twice still failed, she would make that waste repeat the rejection countless times.
...
At the Gu family—
Gu Dao was confined to the annex of Sansi Hall, warned to think carefully before acting.
The matriarch of the Gu family declared that the eldest young master’s “hard labor and hunger training” was over.
From now on, he would regain all his privileges.
No one was to slack off; otherwise, family rules would apply.
This decision caused an uproar throughout the Gu household.
No one took the matriarch’s words seriously. After all these years of oppression, who didn’t know her true intentions?
The issue was, the eldest young master had set fires, killed people, and even struck the matriarch’s servant. Yet he emerged unscathed and even rose in status.
It seemed they would have to be more cautious around the eldest young master in the future.
Under the second madam’s supervision, all the maids and servants were put in place.