Chapter 7: Why the Rush?

“Never has anyone dared to speak to me in such a manner.”

Ji Hua’s delicate face flushed instantly, yet she showed no sign of resistance. She looked directly at Ling Yuzhao, her voice soft but resolute.

“If Your Highness wishes to achieve great deeds, this humble woman is indispensable!”

Her radiant eyes held no fear, and the gentle breeze seemed to pause at that moment.

Ling Yuzhao suddenly let out a mocking laugh. “Arrogant!”

Whether he could ascend the throne was not something decided by her.

Ji Hua struggled to catch her breath, but her eyes remained clear, as if the one about to be strangled was not herself.

She spoke haltingly, “I know Your Highness is decisive and farsighted, but no matter what, I must kill Ling Moxuan! Consider that I wish to ally with you and serve you.”

The air grew still once more.

A dark shadow flickered in Ling Yuzhao’s eyes. What grudge could there be between her and Prince Xuan that was so irreconcilable?

Time passed, though how long he did not know.

Finally, Ling Yuzhao released his grip.

Ji Hua nearly lost her balance and fell to the ground, coughing violently.

Ling Yuzhao looked down coldly, his gaze icy and somber.

“If you utter a single false word, I will make your life worse than death!”

Ji Hua lowered her eyes, her long lashes veiling the complexity within.

“Your Highness, rest assured, every word comes from my heart.”

“Good.”

As he spoke, Ling Yuzhao wrapped his arm around Ji Hua’s waist and helped her mount his horse once more.

It was already deep into the night. The moon hung high, casting a cold silver light.

The surroundings were silent, save for their soft breathing.

…

The next day.

Early in the morning, the Prime Minister’s residence was bustling with activity.

All ages knelt on the ground, and before them stood the lead imperial eunuch with a dozen attendants. In a sharp, high-pitched voice, he held the imperial decree and read aloud:

“By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: Ji Hua, eldest daughter of the Ji family, intelligent, graceful, and virtuous, is granted in marriage to the Crown Prince as his consort!”

“Ji Shulan, the second daughter of the Ji family, is granted in marriage to Prince Xuan. Both weddings to take place one month hence!”

The lead eunuch folded the decree with a faint, ambiguous smile. “Prime Minister Ji, this is truly joyous news. Accept the decree! We congratulate both young ladies—may you enjoy prosperity in the years to come!”

Ji Wenbin’s expression was solemn. “I accept the decree with deepest gratitude!”

Ji Hua glanced sideways at her sister, Ji Shulan, whose face radiated triumph, her brows almost arching to the heavens.

Once the crowd had departed, Ji Wenbin turned to address the two sisters.

“From this day forth, your every action represents not only the Prime Minister’s household but also the royal family. Your words and deeds must be exemplary; do not cause unnecessary trouble.”

“Daughters understand.” The sisters bowed in unison.

Liu Qingmei hesitated, troubled by these arrangements. For days she had been restless, unable to eat or sleep, sensing something wrong.

Yet her daughters were resolute, leaving her uncertain.

“Madam, shall we go?” Ji Wenbin urged.

Liu Qingmei snapped out of her thoughts, casting a long, deep glance at Ji Hua before nodding and following Ji Wenbin.

Ji Shulan rose, stretching carelessly, then glanced at Ji Hua with a smug smile.

“Ji Hua, you’ve always looked down on me, but now that you’re to marry the Crown Prince, are you not exceedingly proud?”

Her eyes brimmed with disdain, tinged with condescending pity. “But—”

“You might as well prepare to meet your end!”

Ji Hua paid no mind to her provocation. She smiled faintly, eyes shimmering.

“Then congratulations on finding a worthy partner. I wish you and Prince Xuan a harmonious union.”

Ji Shulan frowned slightly, eyeing Ji Hua with suspicion.

Though the words were kind, why did they feel so off?

Ah, she understood.

Ji Hua simply believed that marrying the Crown Prince placed her above her.

Laughable.

Ji Shulan sneered, mocking, “Enjoy your pride for a few days. Later on, you’ll be the one begging me!”

She flicked her sleeve and strode away with her chin raised in arrogance.

Reborn into this life—it was wonderful!

She no longer had to endure the dark, hopeless Eastern Palace. She would carve out a new life for herself.

Ji Shulan basked in her triumph, but Ji Hua gave her not a shred of attention.

Returning to the small courtyard, Ji Hua changed into simple attire alongside Liu Yiyi, donning a veil and bamboo hat to conceal her identity. Silently, she slipped away from the bustling wedding preparations.

Liu Yiyi looked at Ji Hua’s disguise, unable to recognize her former appearance, and asked in puzzlement, “Miss, where are we going?”

Why was her lady so different from other young women?

Ji Hua smiled mysteriously, her red lips shimmering. “Of course, to seek a great opportunity!”

Liu Yiyi did not take the words seriously.

But only when she followed Ji Hua to their destination did she understand how terrifying this great opportunity truly was.