For some reason, after Empress Qin announced her intention to arrange the marriage between Mu Yunjin and Chu Li, the previously lively atmosphere in the hall immediately dampened.

Especially Emperor Ximing, whose eyes had been filled with traces of joy just moments before, now wore a stiff expression with furrowed brows after Empress Qin’s statement.

Seeing this, everyone sensed that the Emperor did not approve of this marriage.

Below, Mu Yunjin also noticed the change in Emperor Ximing’s mood and secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to herself, “Yes, please don’t approve this marriage!”

“My son, what do you think of this match? The Old Madam of the Mu family and I exchanged tokens when we made this arrangement. We of the royal family have always been true to our word and never go back on our promises.” Seeing her son’s disagreement, Empress Qin changed her approach.

Hearing Empress Qin speak again, Emperor Ximing felt somewhat conflicted and couldn’t help but sigh slightly.

He had naturally known about this marriage arrangement from the beginning. When Chu Li and Mu Yunjin were not yet born, Empress Qin had already mentioned it to him. At that time, he thought that if the bride was the legitimate daughter of the Mu family, it would be acceptable for his son.

But who would have thought that over the years, the eldest daughter of the Mu family would become the laughingstock of Diehua City—not only devoid of talent but also timid and petty.

How could such an unrefined woman be worthy of his most proud son?

But the agreement between Empress Qin and the Old Madam of the Mu family was known to all. If he were to overturn it now, he might be ridiculed by the world for going back on his word. Yet if he consented, in his view, Mu Yunjin could at best be Chu Li’s concubine; she was in no way fit for the position of primary consort.

However, making the eldest daughter of the Mu family a concubine to a prince might not be entirely agreeable to the Prime Minister’s household. Mu Liangzheng had served as Prime Minister for thirty years with unwavering loyalty. If this matter caused a rift between the sovereign and the minister, it would be counterproductive.

Thinking of this, Emperor Ximing’s mind became somewhat confused.

While he was still conflicted, the overlooked Empress Dowager Zheng, perceiving Emperor Ximing’s predicament, smiled and spoke up, “I think that the Empress Qin is too fixated on this childhood betrothal.”

“When this marriage was arranged, Li’er and the Third Miss Mu weren’t even born yet. It was merely casual talk among adults.”

“Now the children have grown up and have their ideas. They may not necessarily see each other as suitable partners. Why should Empress Qin force these two children together?”

Empress Dowager Zheng’s words almost made Mu Yunjin stand up and applaud. Although she knew Empress Dowager Zheng wasn’t a good person, these words were particularly pleasing to her ears.

That’s right, who wants to marry that cold, wooden block?

Thinking this, she instinctively glanced across at Chu Li, only to see him calmly lowering his eyes, making it impossible to see his current expression.

Hearing Empress Dowager Zheng’s words, Emperor Ximing nodded in agreement. In truth, as long as the candidate wasn’t Mu Yunjin, he could accept other, better daughters from official families.

It was unfortunate that his mother had chosen the one with the worst reputation for Chu Li.

Seeing that both Empress Dowager Zheng and Emperor Ximing were against this marriage, Empress Qin became somewhat angry, but due to the presence of everyone below, she could only force a smile.

“Empress Dowager Zheng, on what basis do you determine that the two children do not want this marriage? According to my knowledge, they have met privately several times, including last night when Li’er dined at the Mu mansion at Yunjin’s invitation,” said Empress Qin.

As she finished speaking, a wave of surprised murmurs rippled through the hall. Empress Qin’s words astonished everyone.

The Sixth Prince accepted an invitation from the Third Miss Mu to dine at the Prime Minister’s mansion.

This…

Those familiar with Chu Li knew that he had clear preferences and couldn’t be forced into things he disliked.

Going to dine at the Mu mansion must have been voluntary.

Mu Yunjin felt countless eyes examining her from head to toe. She bit her lip, knowing that nothing could escape Empress Qin’s notice.

Originally, inviting Chu Li to dine at the mansion was just to irritate Mu Lingzhu. Now her plan had backfired, becoming “solid evidence” of their multiple “private meetings.”

Seeing herself easily countered by Empress Qin, Empress Dowager Zheng clenched her sleeve and looked toward a seat on the lower left, “General Qin is here today, which reminds me of the child Muyue.”

Below, an elderly man with white hair but full of vigor bowed to Empress Dowager Zheng and smiled, “Thank you, Empress Dowager, for your affection toward Muyue.”

“Muyue, though born a woman in a military family, has a spirit no weaker than ordinary men. At such a young age, she requested to join her brother in battle and captured several cities. Truly a blessing for our Western Yuan Dynasty.”

After praising her at length, Empress Dowager Zheng shifted her gaze to Chu Li in the princes’ section, “I recall that Muyue particularly enjoys following Li’er around.”

Empress Dowager Zheng’s words made everyone immediately understand her meaning.

It seemed Empress Dowager Zheng had intentions to match the Sixth Prince with the Qin family’s daughter.

The crowd below began to discuss this new development.

Mu Yunjin, listening to these discussions, was already feeling drowsy, but Empress Dowager Zheng’s words still made her consider this person, Qin Muyue.

A woman who goes to battle is indeed quite remarkable.

She couldn’t help but recall the “shouting and fighting” woman Empress Qin mockingly mentioned at the Plum Garden last time. Empress Dowager Zheng’s face had turned green upon hearing it; the person referred to must have been Qin Muyue.

On the dais, Emperor Ximing rarely stood on the same side as Empress Dowager Zheng, but today her words echoed his thoughts exactly.

Indeed, he had intended to match Qin Muyue with Chu Li.

Qin Muyue, a woman who went to the battlefield and killed enemies, was so valiant that she was a perfect match for Chu Li.

With Qin Muyue brought up, Emperor Ximing now looked down upon Mu Yunjin even more.

Seeing her son completely swayed by Empress Dowager Zheng today, Empress Qin felt a surge of anger and glared at the Empress, who had remained silent throughout.

Meeting Empress Qin’s gaze, the Empress pursed her lips slightly and smiled, “Your Majesty, I think we’re overthinking this matter. Why not ask the Sixth Prince for his opinion?”

Hearing this, Emperor Ximing’s hand holding the wine cup paused slightly. He looked in Chu Li’s direction, his brow furrowing as he thought that Chu Li, at his age, should have the ability to discern right from wrong. So he nodded.

“Li’er, what do you say about this matter?”

Seeing the final decision passed to Chu Li, Mu Yunjin’s suspended heart immediately fell, and she exhaled with immense relief.

Perfect, she could trust Chu Li with this.

Nearby, Mu Lingzhu bit her lip, her brow furrowing with mixed emotions. From Empress Dowager Zheng’s words earlier, she understood.

Even without Mu Yunjin, there was still Qin Muyue from the General’s family standing in her way.

Could it be that she, Mu Lingzhu, truly had no chance at all?

No, she refused to believe it!

…

Chu Li, now leaning back in his chair, had been addressed by Emperor Ximing. He lazily scanned Mu Yunjin sitting opposite him. From the beginning until now, he had observed all the changes in Mu Yunjin’s expression.

When Empress Qin mentioned her name, she pressed her lips together, obviously somewhat nervous. But when she heard the Emperor pass the decision to him, she immediately relaxed.

It seemed this little fox didn’t want this marriage either.

Watching this scene, a trace of mischief flashed through Chu Li’s cold, deep eyes. Under Mu Yunjin’s confident gaze, he lazily spoke—

“I request a few more days to consider this matter.”

The crowd erupted in surprised chatter once more. Had they heard correctly? The Sixth Prince hadn’t firmly declined but instead asked for more time to consider. Could it be that he truly had feelings for Mu Yunjin?

In her seat, Mu Yunjin widened her eyes slightly, looking at Chu Li with astonishment, silently cursing, “Has Chu Li gone mad?!”

Such a perfect opportunity, yet he didn’t refuse this marriage!

What is wrong with him?!

Mu Yunjin wanted to rush over and beat Chu Li, but due to the circumstances, she could only restrain herself, sitting still in place.

Empress Qin was now beaming, unable to contain herself, “Yunjin’s coming-of-age ceremony is still two months away. Li’er, you should think quickly.”

As she finished speaking, she cast a challenging look at Empress Dowager Zheng.

…

After the banquet ended, Mu Yunjin told Mu Xiarou to return to the mansion with Minister Mu first, while she followed in the direction Chu Li had left.

After reaching a secluded garden, Mu Yunjin finally caught up with Chu Li and called out, “Sixth Prince, please wait.”

The figure ahead immediately stopped.

Seeing Chu Li stop, Mu Yunjin jogged over. As she approached Chu Li, she instinctively placed her right hand behind her back.

“What is it?” Chu Li glanced at Mu Yunjin indifferently.

Mu Yunjin pursed her lips and spoke somewhat displeased, “Why didn’t you directly refuse this marriage?”

“Did you want this prince to refuse?” Chu Li raised an eyebrow, looking at Mu Yunjin with a serene expression.

“If you don’t refuse, don’t tell me you want to marry me?” Mu Yunjin retorted.

Hearing this, Chu Li couldn’t help but smile. His originally indifferent face showed a faint smile, “Even if this prince truly wanted to marry you, what would be wrong with that?”

“It’s not that it’s wrong, but I have conditions,” Mu Yunjin crossed her arms, fearlessly meeting Chu Li’s gaze.

“If you want to marry me, you must guarantee that the position of primary consort belongs to me, and you cannot take any other concubines. Can you do that?” Mu Yunjin spoke mockingly.

Let alone Chu Li’s current status as a prince, if he were appointed Crown Prince in the future, he would be the next Emperor of Western Yuan. Even if not the Crown Prince, he would be granted a noble title. How could such a person of power and privilege have only one woman in his household?

Beside them, Ding Xian, holding a lantern, had been listening to the conversation between Chu Li and Mu Yunjin with some drowsiness. It was only when Mu Yunjin spoke these bold words that Ding Xian became fully alert.

This Third Miss Mu was being abnormal again!

After hearing Mu Yunjin’s words, a ripple of unusual emotion stirred in the depths of Chu Li’s typically calm eyes. He moved closer to Mu Yunjin, steadily meeting her gaze.

“In this matter, you don’t seem to have the capital to negotiate terms with this prince.”

Hearing these words, a wave of anger suddenly surged in Mu Yunjin’s heart. She extended her hand, palm open, and spoke somewhat unreasonably, “Fine then! Since I have no capital, would the Sixth Prince kindly return my jade pendant? I no longer wish to do business with you!”