CHAPTER 22: CHAPTER 21: DESTINED TO BE WIDOWED

Xie Jiuxiao’s majestic figure approached, his sinister, deep phoenix eyes swept over everyone, causing their bodies to tremble.

Especially Pei Yunzhi, upon seeing Xie Jiuxiao, her body couldn’t help but tremble.

The encounter last time left her with a strong psychological shadow.

"Greetings, Prince Su!"

The Pei family had to pay their respects.

"Why are you here too?"

Yu Nianzhao’s eyes lit up when she saw him, bouncing happily to his side!

A deep inhale!

An expression of bliss!

꙳(๑⃙⃘´༥`๑⃙⃘)

Truly, he was her great source of nourishment.

Xie Jiuxiao glanced at her, his eyes filled with deep meaning, "Worried that you’d cause trouble, I had to come and clean up the mess, so I sought the imperial decree to come take a look."

Xie Jiuxiao’s tone was steady, though his words unconsciously carried favoritism.

Yu Nianzhao pouted, dissatisfied, "How could I cause trouble? I’m the one cleaning up messes. This Marquis Wu’an residence is full of evil spirits. If it weren’t for me, lives would have been lost."

Pei Yuanzheng wiped the cold sweat off his forehead, thinking lives have certainly been lost, right?

Wang Liang’s corpse still lay inside there; the thought made his heart ache.

He was also frustrated, initially thinking Xie Jiuxiao’s words to Emperor Anqing were merely excuses to disgust him.

Never did he expect that he truly sought the marriage decree.

His mind still felt dizzy.

Prince Su, shrouded in evil qi, was cold and ruthless.

Indeed, not an ideal match.

Yet, he held military power, shared a deep bond with Emperor Anqing, and had a voice in the court.

Just a little more, he could have not only been the son-in-law of the Princely Heir of Prince An Nan but also the son-in-law of Prince Su.

He felt a bit regretful.

Had he known, he would have delayed speaking those severing family ties words.

"Prince, you arrived just in time. Zhaozhao... No, it’s our princess consort who just severed ties with the Marquis Wu’an residence. From now on, she’ll have no relation to the Marquis Wu’an residence."

Ms Jiang glanced at them disdainfully, starting to protect, "This place is indeed not where we can stay. Mrs. Pei is urging us to leave."

Mrs. Pei’s face turned frantic, she awkwardly smiled, "Prince, that’s not what I meant."

She then composed her expression, pretending to be dignified and gracious, "Zhaozhao was raised in the countryside and spent five years in Tomb Guard City. Naturally, she lacks the discipline that Yunzhi has. Her words earlier were just momentary anger. As long as she’s willing to apologize, this matter can be settled."

Naively she thought Xie Jiuxiao wanted to marry the lady of the Marquis Wu’an residence, acting more arrogant.

"Haha, dreaming of having my princess consort apologize? You must be dreaming. I have ears; when I entered, I heard someone say my princess consort is an orphan? Since she’s an orphan, then sever ties cleanly under my witness. Mr. Wang is also a witness, and after going back, he’ll report truthfully to my royal brother. From now on, Yu Nianzhao is only my Princess Consort Su and has no more relation to the Marquis Wu’an residence."

Xie Jiuxiao’s cold, merciless gaze swept over the Pei family, decisively finalizing the matter.

Mrs. Pei was left speechless; she didn’t expect, even without the lady status of the Marquis Wu’an residence, Xie Jiuxiao still wished to marry Yu Nianzhao as Princess Consort Su.

How could this be?

Did this cold iceberg, living King Yan, truly fall for Yu Nianzhao?

Mrs. Pei only felt her face stinging!

Mr. Wang faced the awkward atmosphere, feeling truly embarrassed.

Yet, having spent long years in the palace, he was shrewd enough to know whom to offend and whom not to.

Mr. Wang smiled amiably, "Yes, Prince, upon returning to the palace, I’ll report truthfully."

Mr. Wang hurriedly left, not wanting to be involved in their tumult.

Xie Jiuxiao coldly said, "Since the ties are severed, there’s no need to stay here. Let’s go back."

"Alright!"

"Wait, Zhaozhao, do you truly not want your mother?"

Ms Lien felt pain in her chest; she sensed she and Yu Nianzhao were growing apart. If she didn’t grasp her now, there’d be no turning back.

The feeling suffocated her.

"Mm, no more."

Yu Nianzhao turned back, her clear eyes showed not a trace of her figure within.

Ms Lien was on the verge of collapse.

Ms Jiang scoffed, "What’s the use of pretending deep affection now? Even this old woman knows Tomb Guard City isn’t a place for people; it’s a place to send unloved illegitimate children. You, on the other hand, sent your legitimate eldest daughter there. Zhaozhao survived by luck; otherwise, she’d be a pile of bones. If she died, you’d have wept briefly and moved on. But she’s alive and refuses to accept you, which frustrates you. Since you don’t truly care, just let go; Zhaozhao has someone to truly cherish her."

"Ms Jiang, hurry, we’re leaving!"

Yu Nianzhao was indifferent to how the Pei family felt, beaming at Ms Jiang.

Their radiant smile—they’d seen it when they brought her home five years ago.

Unfortunately, they hadn’t cherished it!

Now, they couldn’t reach her.

"Sure!"

Ms Jiang happily left with Yu Nianzhao and the others.

After they left, Ms Lien wept in Pei Yunqing’s arms.

"Why cry? Those unaware might think you’re mourning!"

Mrs. Pei’s face darkened completely, "Does Yu Nianzhao think she’s found backing? The Qingyun Temple mage said, Prince Su’s aura is too sinister, destined for early death. Even if Yu Nianzhao becomes Princess Consort Su, she’ll have a widowed fate. She won’t fare better than Yunzhi."

Pei Yuanzheng’s face changed drastically, urgently saying, "Mother, you shouldn’t speak such words carelessly. That’s Prince Su, the Emperor’s brother."

Even if it’s true, speaking them might lead to severe punishment.

"I know. These words remain within the residence. Hmph, I want to see how long Yu Nianzhao can stay at Prince Su’s side!"

Mrs. Pei sneered, her eyes filled with spite, "Does she think she’s the chosen one? Remaining by Prince Su’s side, surrounded by evil qi, even if she doesn’t die, she’ll suffer."

"Grandmother, don’t be upset. It’s not worth harming your health!"

Pei Yunzhi gently soothed her back, making Mrs. Pei’s face appear more pleasant.

"Yunzhi is better, raised as the legitimate eldest daughter in the Marquis’s residence, possessing both beauty and talent. With the New Year’s Eve banquet approaching, Yunzhi will surely shine and be the envy of the capital."

"Grandmother overpraises, I cannot bear the praise."

Pei Yunzhi’s face flushed, she sweetly called out, deeply bonded with her grandmother as they went to rest.

Pei Yunqing spoke hesitantly to comfort Ms Lien, "Mother, it’s normal for Zhaozhao to be angry. Once she calms down, she’ll see us."

Ms Lien cried uncontrollably, pounding her chest in regret, "My Zhaozhao..."

Pei Yuanzheng stormed off, "Forget it, treat it as if she never existed."

He still had to deal with Wang Liang’s corpse, which was truly troubling him!

Pei Yuncheng, although feeling remorse for Yu Nianzhao, was more relieved.

Grateful that Pei Yunzhi could stay in the Marquis’s residence...