No one in Yao City expected that Gu Ling and Su Liang, who were granted marriage by order and had a splendid wedding, would break up not long after the ceremony began and right after paying their respects at the hall.
The reason quickly spread: it had always been Su Liang's unrequited love, and Gu Ling agreed to the imperial marriage only to ask Emperor Liang for the Thousand-Year Snow Lotus. He never truly intended to marry her, and even worse, he planned to give the Snow Lotus to another woman!
Those who heard the news were shocked and deeply sympathized with Su Liang's plight, while also condemning Gu Ling's cold and selfish behavior. They also admired Su Liang's decisiveness in separating from Gu Ling after learning the truth.
For a time, the whole of Yao City was abuzz with discussion about this matter.
The festivities at Prince Ning's mansion had long ended, but the bright red wedding decorations hung at the gate made all who saw them sigh.
