Chapter 2
Edward Quan ·
I saw that man, despised by everyone, gather my family’s remains piece by piece.
Ten years later, he overthrew Zhao Yi.
Sent Qin Wanrou to the Cold Palace.
Avenged my family’s blood debt.
Though we had never had any connection.
Now, he seemed to feel my gaze.
He raised his eyes slightly. Through the layers of guests, they quietly settled on me.
Calm. Cool.
A bottomless well.
Him.
I looked back at Zhao Yi and Qin Wanrou, frozen before me. A cold smile slowly curved my lips.
Before every guest, I raised my hand and pointed directly at Zhao Heng.
My voice wasn’t loud. Each word rang clearly through the silence.
“I, Qin Yue, have already given my heart.”
“To the Seventh Prince.”
“In this life, I will marry no one but him.”
The hall fell utterly silent.
A pin might have been heard dropping.
Zhao Yi’s gentle smile vanished little by little.
The triumph in Qin Wanrou’s eyes became shock.
Father’s wine cup fell and shattered.
Mother went pale.
Under countless frightened, searching, disbelieving eyes, I spoke calmly again.
“I want to marry the Seventh Prince, Zhao Heng.”
02
Zhao Yi’s face went iron-gray.
He stepped forward and reached for me, his low voice threatening.
“Yue’er, do you know what you’re saying?”
“Stop this nonsense.”
“Do you know what day this is?”
I moved aside.
He caught empty air.
Just thinking of that hand touching me sickened me to the bone.
Qin Wanrou recovered too.
She immediately put on her familiar concern.
“Are you unwell, Sister?”
“Come. I’ll take you to rest.”
She approached to support me.
One cold look stopped her.
“Cousin.”
“I’m perfectly clearheaded.”
“Every word came from my heart.”
Then I looked at the emperor.
His brows were slightly drawn. His scrutiny and displeasure were undisguised.
Lifting my skirt, I knelt and bowed hard before his throne.
“Your Majesty.”
“I have long admired the Seventh Prince.”
“Please grant this marriage.”
My voice echoed through the hall.
It crushed everyone’s last hope.
I wasn’t joking.
I meant it.
The hall erupted.
Discussion rose like waves.
“Has the Qin daughter gone mad?”
“Refusing the crown prince for the Seventh?”
“That’s a public slap in His Highness’s face!”
“Minister Qin has lost all dignity.”
I heard Father’s heavy breathing, each breath strained in the air.
As though one more word would make him faint with anger.
Zhao Yi’s patience finally broke.
“Qin Yue!”
His voice held barely contained fury.
“Do you know what you’re doing?”
“Humiliating me.”
“And the imperial family!”
I met his eyes with strange calm.
Unhurried, my words were sharp as a drawn sword.
“I’m afraid that is incorrect, Your Highness.”
“Marriage follows the heart.”
“My admiration for the Seventh Prince has what to do with you?”
“How is it humiliation?”
I paused, smiling faintly.
“Or do you believe every woman in this world must adore you?”
Each word cut his pride.
He choked.
His face reddened. His lips moved several times without a rebuttal.