Until late at night, the celebration in the grand palace was still ongoing.
Emperor Haoyue was already exhausted, having consumed three rounds of drinks. The ministers were no longer restrained and were amusing themselves.
Su Zimo was bored to the point of falling asleep.
After Su Qi finished eating, he had already fallen into a deep sleep in Mu Yufeng's embrace.
As for Jun Lin Tian, his plans had failed today, and his mood remained sour throughout the night!
Murong Zeyu was no different. In such an occasion, his words carried no weight, and he could only force a smile. That's why he was determined to obtain the throne, wanting to be the center of attention and adoration.
"Your Majesty, I heard that there is another princess, Princess Yuerong. Why is she not present?"
Suddenly, Yan Ping'an spoke up, breaking the atmosphere in the hall.
Upon hearing the four words "Princess Yuerong," the Empress's nerves instantly tensed. She cast a gloomy glance at Yan Ping'an, wondering why the Crown Prince of Zisang suddenly mentioned Yuerong.
"Your Highness, Rong'er is frail and often plagued by illness. She has been recuperating in the Qingxin Hall."
A pang of heartache flashed through Emperor Haoyue's eyes. Rong'er never left the palace, and he had almost forgotten about her existence. Rong'er was born to him and the woman he loved the most, but unfortunately...
"Emperor Haoyue, I once met Princess Yuerong two years ago and have never forgotten about her. I earnestly request that you bestow Princess Yuerong as my prince consort."
Yan Ping'an knelt down, his expression filled with sincerity.
Immediately, a commotion erupted among the people present.
"I disagree." Unexpectedly, the Empress couldn't help but shout out.
Everyone looked at the Empress in astonishment, wondering why she had such a strong reaction.
"What is the meaning of this, Your Majesty?"
Emperor Haoyue turned his head, finding the Empress's behavior peculiar. Every time Yuerong was mentioned, her reaction was always intense.
"Your Majesty..." The Empress struggled to control her emotions. "Your Majesty, today is the national celebration, and the marriage to the Prince of Zisang is a future matter. Moreover, bestowing a marriage to Rong'er is a significant event and shouldn't be rushed."
The Empress was nervous inside, and even she couldn't convince herself with the reasons she gave.
"Empress, what are you thinking? Since today is the national celebration, it should bring joy to the people."
Emperor Haoyue was filled with doubts as he turned to Yan Ping'an.
"If Your Highness has such intentions, then I shall decree the marriage now. Princess Yuerong shall be wedded to the Prince of Zisang as his princess consort."
Emperor Haoyue made a decisive decision. Perhaps a change of environment would improve Rong'er's mood. After so many years, she refused to see him. Forcing her to stay by his side would only cause her to wither slowly. It would be better to let her start a completely new life.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Yan Ping'an couldn't help but feel overjoyed and somewhat at a loss.
Su Zimo frowned and whispered to Mu Yuxuan.
"What's going on? The Emperor has another unknown princess?"
"There is indeed a princess named Yuerong. She was born to the Emperor's brother and his beloved, Li Manqi. However, after Li Qi entered the palace and died, Yuerong has held a grudge, ignoring her uncle's affection. Moreover, she is in poor health and has not set foot outside the palace for years."
"So, that's how it is?" Su Zimo shook her head. Throughout history, the women in the harem often faced tragic fates.
Qingxin Hall was magnificent and grand. Several fully blossomed cherry blossoms appeared even more clustered under the candlelight. With a gentle breeze, petals drifted down one by one.
A palace maid dressed in pink hurriedly entered.
Beside a desk, a frail yet beautiful woman was reading a book. There was no expression on her pretty face, no emotions in her beautiful eyes. They seemed vacant and empty.
"Princess, the imperial decree has been issued. You are to be wedded to Prince Yang Anping of Zisang as his princess consort."
Jun Yuerong put down the book in her hands and stroked her soft hair, a sinister smile forming at the corner of her lovely lips.
"It seems that my plan from two years ago has succeeded."
The maid raised her gaze and glanced lightly at the princess who was smiling mysteriously.
"Princess, what is our plan from now on?"
"Naturally, we will agree to the marriage. Tomorrow morning, you will go and inform Father Emperor. Say that I want to leave the palace to purchase some things."
"Yes, Princess."
Late at night, the streets of Haoyue Kingdom were empty, and a hint of chill lingered in the spring breeze.
Outside the palace, the banquet had dispersed, and the sound of carriage wheels rolling could be heard.
Mu Yuxuan and Su Zimo held the sleeping Su Li and Su Qi in their hands.
The four of them sat together in a carriage.
However, Su Zimo furrowed her brow, thinking about what had happened today. At first, she didn't pay much attention when Lan Xi mentioned the Ghost Palace, but now she realized how could Ji Rui have the ability to persuade the people from the Ghost Palace? What was the sudden appearance of the Ghost Palace, and who was it?
"Mo'er, what are you thinking?"
Mu Yuxuan looked at her silent figure and asked.
"It's nothing. I'm just thinking about today's events." Su Zimo glanced at him and fell silent.
Suddenly, the carriage came to a stop.
"Mo'er."
"What's the matter, Yunting?" Su Zimo furrowed her brows upon hearing Yunting's urgent voice.
"Momo, our eight shops were attacked today and suffered significant damage," Yunting said.
"What?" Su Zimo's face displayed astonishment.
"It seems to be the work of Tianmen, judging by their attire," Yunting replied.
"Let's return to Mingyue Manor," Su Zimo said coldly.
The carriage wheels creaked once again. Muyun Xuan's face turned gloomy. That damn Yang Qingqing was getting more and more out of line. If she could frequently enter and exit the capital city of Haoyue, then Tianmen shouldn't be far from the city. No, he must quickly find the location of Tianmen and capture all their members. Otherwise, Momo would surely be harmed again.
After returning to Mingyue Manor and settling Su Li and Su Liang, the two brothers, on the bed, Su Zimo returned to the hall and listened to Yunting recounting the events of the day. Everyone gathered in the hall upon hearing that something had happened.
"Momo, from what I see, Tianmen has set their sights on Mingyue Manor," Yunting said, his face filled with anger. He regretted not being able to be in multiple places at once. Otherwise, he would have killed all those troublemakers today.
"Qinglian," Su Zimo glanced at Qinglian.
"Master," Qinglian stepped forward.
"Qinglian, you are best at tracking and disguising. I want you to find the location of Tianmen within half a month," Su Zimo said. She was not a passive person. If someone came looking for trouble, she couldn't just sit and wait for it.
"Master, rest assured. Qinglian will do her best to complete the task," Qinglian replied confidently. It had been a long time since she last had a mission. The master finally remembered her.
"Momo, the Haoyue Empire is a treacherous place. The Qingga Nation's celebration is over. I want you three siblings to accompany your father back to the Lixia Nation," Nalan Wenhao said. Seeing his daughter suffering so much, always being manipulated by others, his heart was both distressed and worried. He couldn't rest assured unless he had them by his side.
Muyun Xuan glanced at Nalan Wenhao, then at Su Zimo. He was afraid that Su Zimo might decide to return to the Lixia Nation. After all, she was his wife.
"Jue'er, Nian'er, Mo'er, the Lixia Nation is your home. In the Lixia Nation, no one will trouble you anymore," Sito Ruoyan shared the same thoughts as Nalan Wenhao.
After pondering for a while, Su Zimo replied, "Father, Mother, the majority of Momo's business is in Haoyue Nation. I'm afraid I can't go back with you. As for my older brother and sister, it depends on their decisions."
"No, Momo. Even if you don't want to permanently reside in the Lixia Nation, the King won't stop you. Your identities are already known to the world, and you must return to the Lixia Nation for the enthronement ceremony. Jue'er will become the Crown Prince upon returning to the Lixia Nation and must stay there to assist the King in political affairs," Nalan Wenhao said. He knew that Su Zimo was worried about Muyun Xuan, but as members of the Nalan family, they had to return and reclaim their heritage.
As for Muyun Xuan, Nalan Wenhao glanced at him. A temporary marriage was not enough to make his daughter his wife. Muyun Xuan had to go all out and bring Momo back from the Lixia Nation with great pomp and ceremony.
Su Qingjue's eyebrows twitched, and she said, "Jue'er will follow Father's arrangements."
Everyone's gaze shifted to Su Zinian, who appeared deep in thought.
Su Zimo understood why her sister was troubled.
"In that case, Momo will accompany my brother and sister to the Lixia Nation for a visit. After the enthronement, we'll return to Haoyue Nation," Su Zimo said.
"That's a good idea, Momo," Nalan Wenhao said with a pleased expression.
"In that case, I will also go to the Lixia Nation with Momo," Muyun Xuan immediately declared.
"No," Su Zimo quickly refused.
"Why can't I go?" Muyun Xuan looked at her, instantly displeased. He clearly knew that he couldn't be without her...
"Yun Xuan, you must stay in Haoyue Nation for now. Yunting is always busy and can't handle everything alone. Tianmen is watching Mingyue Manor closely. If we all leave Haoyue Nation, it will give them an opportunity," Su Zimo explained.
Muyun Xuan wore a dissatisfied expression. He really wanted to eliminate Tianmen as soon as possible.
"That's settled then. We'll return to the Lixia Nation after Xiner comes back," Su Zimo decided, already forming a plan in her mind.
"Momo, congratulations!" Murong Shaofeng smiled at her, genuinely happy for her.
"Am I being congratulated for transforming into a princess?" Su Zimo joked as she looked at him.