Chapter 53
Shangguan Ye’s face grew even darker, his deep-set eyes blazing with anger. His voice, low and cold, was laced with fury. “Murong Qiufeng, you know I’m a prince. As a prince, I have the right to rule with absolute authority. No one can dictate to me. My word is law. No one dares to say otherwise, not even you. Don’t forget, you’re now my subordinate. You’re expected to obey, even if it means your life. You don’t have the right to refuse.”
Murong Qiufeng stiffened, his limbs growing cold. His face turned pale as all his anger seemed to drain away like the tide. His expression grew cold, and he bitterly realized that he was merely a subordinate with no real authority over what happened to him.
Yet, the weight of the situation pressed heavily on his chest, making it hard for him to breathe.
Shangguan Ye’s harsh words were spoken in the heat of the moment, and he regretted them almost immediately. Seeing Murong Qiufeng’s expression grow colder, he felt a pang of self-reproach. He knew he had made a mistake. “I…”
“It was my fault, Your Highness. It won’t happen again,” Murong Qiufeng said, lowering his head slightly. His tone was flat and emotionless, but it was this very detachment that made Shangguan Ye uneasy. After all their efforts to improve their relationship, it seemed to be falling apart now. Shangguan Ye could not accept this.
“I… I was just angry, Qiufeng. I don’t want you to harm yourself,” Shangguan Ye said, his tone softening as he tried to mend the rift. He knew that if things continued this way, their relationship might end tonight.
Murong Qiufeng remained silent, his lips pressed together, though the heaviness in his heart did ease somewhat.
Seeing Murong Qiufeng’s silence, Shangguan Ye sighed deeply and spoke more gently. He moved closer and patted Murong Qiufeng’s shoulder. “Alright, let’s go back to the main hall. But promise me, take better care of yourself. If you feel unwell, don’t push yourself.”
“My life belongs to the prince. What you say goes,” Murong Qiufeng said stiffly, turning away. His tone was less cold now, showing that he was merely retaliating out of frustration from Shangguan Ye’s earlier remarks.
Shangguan Ye’s face darkened again, misinterpreting Murong Qiufeng’s response as stubbornness. He had already lowered himself and made concessions. How much more did he need to do? Clearly, he had indulged Murong Qiufeng too much.
Yet, seeing Murong Qiufeng’s defiant expression, he could not get angry. He closed his eyes, suppressing his frustration, and said in a low, controlled voice, “Help the princess back to the main hall and take good care of her. If anything happens again, watch your own head.” With that, he turned and vanished like a gust of wind.
Yōuxiāng, who had been quietly observing, emerged with a face full of frustration. She sighed inwardly, feeling the weight of her misfortune as the conflict between these two inevitably affected her. She looked at Murong Qiufeng, who now appeared somewhat dejected and forlorn after Shangguan Ye’s departure.
The maid muttered to herself, “Such a fool, still not understanding. As the only prince of Yan Kingdom and one of the four great war gods, it’s not surprising that he is authoritative and domineering. He was raised in a harsh environment, surrounded by blood and death. His behavior is shaped by his circumstances and rightful position.”
Murong Qiufeng turned to watch Shangguan Ye leave, opening his mouth but still not speaking.
“You’ve endured so much to rise above the rest. Why must you continue to endure everywhere? Why not live more straightforwardly? Otherwise, what’s the point of all the hardship? I’ve served the prince for a while and have never seen him soften to anyone, let alone show a sincere good face. This indicates how much he values you. His urgency is out of concern, though his methods may be a bit extreme. Don’t get stuck in a dead end.”
Murong Qiufeng’s mood shifted subtly as he considered her words. After a long pause, he sighed wearily. “Forget it. Let’s go.”
By the time they arrived at the banquet, it was already in full swing. Shangguan Ye had arrived early and was sitting with a dark expression, drinking in silence. The others, skilled in reading the mood, refrained from approaching, though curiosity about what had happened and why the princess was absent was palpable, especially among the emissaries.
Due to Shangguan Ye’s behavior, the princess had become the focus of many, who were eager to see how this enchanting princess had captivated the prince so deeply. Her late arrival led to speculation and disappointment, particularly among the envoys.
When Murong Qiufeng’s name was announced, it drew immediate attention, and the lively atmosphere of the banquet fell into a hush as everyone turned to the door.
Zhao Xi, glancing at Shangguan Ye, saw him maintaining an impassive demeanor while drinking, seemingly indifferent to the new arrival. This observation made her feel a bit pleased, believing their relationship was indeed troubled.
She had heard that Murong Qiufeng was merely a pretty face with a haughty personality. Such behavior was bound to lead to her fall from favor. It seemed she had overestimated her as a rival.
With a hint of glee and a sense of anticipation, Zhao Xi turned her gaze toward the door to see how events would unfold.
Murong Qiufeng, dressed in a pale blue gown and with an elegant smile, looked serene and composed despite the situation. Her appearance, combined with her delicate makeup, gave off an aura of grace, stunning those present.
She showed no signs of embarrassment and responded with poise and propriety, bowing politely.
“Ah, how is Qiuyun’s health?” the Emperor asked cheerfully, though his eyes kept darting toward Shangguan Ye. Observing the tense atmosphere between the couple, the Emperor, aware of the recent troubles involving Concubine An, assumed it was a private dispute and did not delve deeper.
Murong Qiufeng smiled and replied, “I’m fine now. Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I appreciate everyone’s care.”
“Ha ha, we are family. Concern is natural. Come, sit beside your aunt. She has been quite worried,” the Emperor said, glancing subtly at Shangguan Ye. Seeing his expressionless face, the Emperor’s mind harbored a dark thought.
Shangguan Ye had been waiting for Murong Qiufeng to join him, but noticing the Emperor’s persistent questioning and the subtle greed in his eyes, he narrowed his own and took a leisurely sip of his wine, remaining silent.
Murong Qiufeng saw Shangguan Ye drinking alone, and given the awkwardness of their recent interaction, decided not to refuse the Emperor’s invitation. He nodded and moved to take a seat beside the Queen.
Shangguan Ye, observing the Emperor’s smirking conversation with them, felt a cold glare in his eyes, though he concealed his displeasure.
The sight of the prince ignoring his princess led many to suspect the marriage’s troubles. Some even took pleasure in the spectacle, believing that true feelings had no place in the royal family and that it was merely a fleeting novelty.
Among those most pleased by the situation were the women hoping to take advantage of the opportunity.
