An Arranged Marriage Gift

The next day was Ji Yun’s birthday banquet. As the emperor’s most favored prince, backed by the powerful Prime Minister Shen, a pillar of the civil officials, and having just come of age, this year’s celebration was especially grand.

When Chen Xianzhi and Shi Xu arrived at the Third Prince’s residence, a maid immediately led them to the front row of the banquet.

Chen Xianzhi glanced at the respectfully attending maids around him, feeling somewhat uneasy—what exactly was Ji Yun up to?

Shi Xu, however, remained oblivious. The dishes on the table were all her favorites, arranged deliberately by Ji Yun to impress her.

Beside them stood the exquisitely adorned Princess Changning. Seeing Chen Xianzhi and Shi Xu nearby, and then looking at Shi Xu again, she drew some conclusions.

According to her mother, the Virtuous Consort had gone to the emperor’s uncle the day before to petition for an edict regarding Ji Yun’s marriage. That meant the chosen bride was none other than Shi Xu, who was quietly enjoying the pastries. One could only wonder how Chen Xianzhi would react upon learning this.

The Lin brothers had naturally come as well. Having just finished their exams, Lin Qingjing was a bit tense and had spent the past few days resting at home, while Lin Qingyu had grown quite close to Princess Changning during this time.

Their gazes met, and then Lin Qingyu shyly looked away, his ears flushing red.

Lin Qingjing’s eyes also briefly flicked toward Shi Xu. It had been a while since he last saw her, and the anxiety that had plagued him awaiting the outcome eased somewhat, a faint smile appearing on his pale face.

“The emperor has arrived,” a high-pitched voice called out in the hall.

Dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, the man strode calmly to his throne, his demeanor commanding respect without anger—a true sovereign’s majesty. For some reason, Chen Xianzhi felt that the emperor’s gaze briefly landed on them.

Behind the emperor sat the gentle-smiling Virtuous Consort, sharing the high seat.

Next came the Third Prince, Ji Yun, polite and mild-mannered, bearing a striking resemblance to the emperor in his conduct.

After paying respects, Ji Yun took his seat below the emperor, smiling as he looked at Shi Xu, who was sitting upright.

“Today is the Third Prince’s birthday. From now on, all ministers must support him well,” the emperor addressed the gathered officials.

“As you command,” they replied in unison.

All the ministers knew clearly that the late empress had passed years ago without issue. Now the emperor favored the Virtuous Consort, and the Third Prince was personally raised by His Majesty. It seemed there was no doubt the crown prince’s position was secure.

At the emperor’s signal, a eunuch stepped forward with the imperial edict and read aloud in a sharp voice:

“By the decree of Heaven’s mandate, the emperor proclaims:

I have heard that in the land of rites and righteousness, virtue is paramount. Now that the Third Prince has come of age, possessing both talent and virtue, it is the time for him to establish a family.

Shi Xu is graceful, elegant, well-educated, and courteous. She is a perfect match for the Third Prince, a union made in heaven.

I hereby bestow the marriage between the Third Prince and Shi Xu, to solemnize the auspicious ceremony. I hope the two shall honor and respect each other, live in harmony, and together build prosperity for the family and the nation. You must strictly observe my command and uphold propriety without fail.

So it is decreed!”

Upon hearing the edict, Chen Xianzhi froze, his hand trembling as he dropped his wine cup onto himself. Shi Xu had yet to react.

Thankfully, Princess Changning reminded Shi Xu to step forward and receive the decree, preventing the atmosphere from turning awkward.

Ji Yun’s eyes followed Shi Xu closely. Soon, she would be his officially wedded prince’s consort. Chen Xianzhi was insignificant in comparison.

Lin Qingjing watched Shi Xu approach to receive the decree, his eyes reddening. He had wanted to wait until he achieved fame before proposing marriage, so why had things turned out like this?

When the banquet ended, Ji Yun blocked the Hou family’s carriage, seeking to speak privately with Shi Xu.

Chen Xianzhi knew he could not refuse. Forcing a bitter smile, he stuffed all the talismans he had prepared into Shi Xu’s hand.

“Go. I’ll wait for you here,” Chen Xianzhi said, emotions flickering painfully in his eyes.

Before dismounting, Shi Xu glanced back at Chen Xianzhi and smiled softly.

“I’ll be back soon,” her words calmed him somewhat.

Watching her retreating figure, half-shrouded by night, Chen Xianzhi’s long lashes cast shadows over his face.

Led by a maid, Shi Xu entered a chamber where the maid informed her that the Third Prince would arrive shortly.

No sooner had Shi Xu sat down than Ji Yun pushed open the door and entered.

He seated himself opposite her and poured a cup of tea, offering it gently.

“Miss Shi, please,” Ji Yun said, his voice as soft and unthreatening as ever.

Shi Xu did not accept the tea. Her gaze was puzzled and cold as she asked, “Why do you do this, Third Prince? I do not love you.”

Her words caused a flicker of hesitation in Ji Yun’s smile.

“But I love you, Miss Shi. From the very first time I saw you, I loved you,” he said, the smile deepening, eyes gleaming with a madness even he did not realize.

“I will not marry you,” Shi Xu’s tone was like ice.

“Is it because of Chen Xianzhi?” Ji Yun’s voice was like a venomous serpent, lurking in the dark, waiting to strike.

“I know you have the power to reject the imperial edict, Miss Shi. But what about Chen Xianzhi? He does not possess your spiritual power,” Ji Yun sipped his tea leisurely, as if discussing something utterly mundane.

Shi Xu’s expression faltered. How could the Third Prince know that?

“Since you have no objections, you shall stay here until the wedding,” Ji Yun said with a smile, watching her contemplative face.

Shi Xu refused to comply. She stood and tried to leave, but it was as if an invisible force restrained her; she could not step past the door.

Turning back toward Ji Yun, her face was cold and desolate as ice.

“Miss Shi, for the sake of our marriage, I have no choice but to act this way,” Ji Yun said, approaching with a disturbing gentleness.

With that, he left the chamber.

Desperate, Shi Xu summoned all her strength to break the formation, but for some reason, it seemed designed specifically against her, impossible to dissolve.

Outside the Third Prince’s residence, Chen Xianzhi grew anxious at Shi Xu’s prolonged absence and sought to inquire.

At the gate, a hurried steward informed him that Shi Xu was to remain at the Third Prince’s residence to await marriage.

Chen Xianzhi was stunned, unable to believe that Shi Xu, who had promised to return soon, would suddenly decide to stay and marry Ji Yun.

He tried to enter and ask for answers but was blocked by the imposing noble household.

Chen Xianzhi collapsed on the spot, utterly unable to accept all that had transpired.

Wan Sheng, seeing his young master in such despair, felt outraged. Why, despite his master’s kindness to Miss Shi, did she choose to marry the Third Prince?

Wan Sheng helped Chen Xianzhi into the carriage. Sitting there, Chen Xianzhi felt lonely. Before, Shi Xu’s curious gaze always accompanied him, but today, the empty carriage made him want to weep.