Recently, Ye Wanning had heard people praise Xie Bohuai several times.
After boarding the carriage, Ye Wanyu spoke first, “You might not know this, but many people actually want to marry Commander Xie.”
“He’s so intimidating,” Ye Wanhua whispered. She felt frightened just seeing Lord Xie—how could those young ladies want to marry him?
“Commander Xie does seem difficult to approach, but he’s handsome. Think about it—where in all of Jingcheng can you find a man more handsome than him?” Ye Wanyu offered an objective assessment. “Eldest sister, don’t you agree?”
“Ah?” Ye Wanning thought for a moment. “Indeed.”
Whether in terms of height or appearance, Xie Bohuai was the most outstanding. Though he had a reputation for being merciless, many young ladies adored handsome looks.
“I heard the one who wants to marry Commander Xie the most is Zhao Yun Jun Zhu—she’s practically desperate to wed him.” Envy flickered in Ye Wanyu’s eyes. “It’s wonderful to have power and influence. You can do whatever you want without worrying about worldly opinions. If I were Zhao Yun Jun Zhu, I’d definitely pursue the gentleman I like too. After all, if anything goes wrong, there’s a prince father to back me up.”
The Ye sisters had different personalities and perspectives. Meanwhile, the Zhao Yun Jun Zhu they were discussing was causing an uproar at home.
“I don’t care! I only like Xie Bohuai—I won’t marry anyone but him!” Zhao Yun Jun Zhu had smashed nearly half the items in her room, making Prince Hui’s heart ache at the sight.
“My dear ancestor, what exactly is so good about Xie Bohuai? Do you know what people in court say about him?” Prince Hui couldn’t understand. “They say he’s ruthless and cruel—he even dares to beat and scold his legal mother. He’d do anything to climb higher. Your imperial grandfather favors him now, but how many more years can he remain arrogant?”
Prince Hui’s implication was clear: The Emperor was old and could pass away at any time. When that happened, Xie Bohuai would have only death awaiting him.
Zhao Yun Jun Zhu tuned out the latter part. “Xie Bohuai is perfect in every way! If you want me to change my mind, you’ll have to find me a more handsome gentleman!”
That was truly impossible.
Prince Hui himself had a round face, considered a fortunate appearance, so Zhao Yun Jun Zhu also had a round face. Since childhood, few had genuinely praised her beauty.
From the time she could remember, Zhao Yun Jun Zhu had only liked beautiful things—and whatever she fancied, she had to obtain.
At this point, Hui King Consort Liu Shi also spoke up to persuade her: “Since you were little, we’ve given you everything you wanted. Only this matter is impossible. Xie Bohuai is not a good match. I’d rather you marry an ordinary Juren than wed Xie Bohuai.”
Liu Shi saw things more clearly than Prince Hui. Their daughter had been spoiled rotten and might not fare well marrying into a powerful family. It would be better to look lower—no matter what the son-in-law was like, they could control him for their daughter’s entire life.
Seeing both her parents opposed, Zhao Yun Jun Zhu simply threw a tantrum: “If you won’t let me marry Xie Bohuai, I’ll starve myself to death!”
Prince Hui’s heart ached, and he wanted to persuade her further, but Liu Shi stopped him.
Liu Shi believed Zhao Yun wouldn’t hold out long. She knew her own daughter well—the girl couldn’t endure hardship.
This time, however, Zhao Yun Jun Zhu was determined. She truly went two days without eating, refusing even the dim sum her maid secretly offered.
After such torment, Zhao Yun Jun Zhu grew pale. Prince Hui could no longer bear it and, setting aside all else, coaxed and promised to agree to her demand.
That very day, Prince Hui sent someone to the Xie Family to sound them out, but Master Xie proved useless, saying it mainly depended on Xie Bohuai’s opinion.
Thus, Prince Hui had no choice but to summon Xie Bohuai to his residence. Too lazy to beat around the bush, he asked directly, “You’re not getting any younger. Have you ever considered marriage?”
“No,” Xie Bohuai frowned, his thick brows knitting together.
“Let’s speak frankly behind closed doors. You know how Zhao Yun Jun Zhu feels about you, don’t you?” Prince Hui stared straight at Xie Bohuai. As a prince, even the favored Xie Bohuai had to show deference in his presence.
But Xie Bohuai claimed ignorance. “This official has no personal dealings with the Jun Zhu and is not familiar with her. Moreover, I already have someone in my heart.”
“Someone in your heart? Which family’s daughter?” Prince Hui could barely contain himself. How could Xie Bohuai be so blind? His Zhao Yun was so wonderful, yet Xie Bohuai preferred some other girl?
“Wangye, if you have no other matters, this official will take his leave.” Xie Bohuai bowed and turned to go, but Prince Hui slammed the table abruptly.
“Xie Bohuai, how dare you!” Prince Hui stood up. “What do you take this place for? How dare you leave before I dismiss you?”
He couldn’t understand what his daughter saw in Xie Bohuai. What use was good looks? A man needed to be obedient.
Prince Hui was fuming, but Xie Bohuai acted oblivious. “What, does Wangye intend to instruct Zhenfu Si on its duties?”
At the mention of Zhenfu Si, Prince Hui’s expression shifted again.
No one could mobilize Zhenfu Si except the Emperor. If Prince Hui interfered by commanding Xie Bohuai, he would be overstepping his bounds. If this reached the Crown Prince, it would give him grounds to impeach Prince Hui for treacherous intentions.
“Xie Bohuai, that’s not what I meant.” Prince Hui took a deep breath. His ability to remain calm was why he enjoyed the Emperor’s favor. “I have no intention of interfering with Zhenfu Si. But I don’t care who this ‘someone in your heart’ is—from now on, it can only be Zhao Yun!”
Xie Bohuai curled his thin lips in mockery. “Wangye, let me say this again: I would rather die than marry Zhao Yun Jun Zhu. If you’re truly desperate to marry off your daughter, why not seek a marriage decree from the Emperor? Let’s see if His Majesty would grant it.”
If Prince Hui dared approach the Emperor, Xie Bohuai had plenty of ways to drive a wedge between them. Prince Hui’s arrogance relied entirely on the Emperor’s favor. If the Emperor grew suspicious, what future would Prince Hui have?
Without waiting for a response, Xie Bohuai opened the door and left.
Prince Hui was so enraged his face turned pale.
The Prince Hui residence had always been flattered and respected—today, Xie Bohuai had delivered a stinging slap to their pride.
“Bang!”
Prince Hui smashed the brush holder on the table. “Investigate! Find out which family’s daughter Xie Bohuai is close to. Xie Bohuai, don’t let me discover it!”
While Prince Hui fumed and launched his investigation, Zhao Yun Jun Zhu learned that Xie Bohuai had rejected her father’s overtures and burst into tears on the spot.
“What are you crying for?” Liu Shi lamented having spoiled her daughter too much and not disciplining her earlier. “You’re imperial nobility! He’s just a man—there are plenty of ways to get him. Wipe your tears. Your father has already lowered himself once to Xie Bohuai; there won’t be a second time!”
“But Mother…”
“No ‘buts’! Dry your tears and come with me tomorrow as usual. Don’t disgrace the Wangye residence. As for Xie Bohuai, there will always be a way to control him!” Liu Shi pulled her daughter up to wash up. She could manage the Wangye residence’s inner quarters with an iron grip, but her daughter was her only weakness.
Zhao Yun Jun Zhu felt deeply upset, but recalling how Xie Bohuai had repeatedly rejected her—especially after hearing he had a beloved—a surge of fury ignited within her. She resolved to find this woman and ensure she suffered!
However, aside from his time at Zhenfu Si and the Xie Family residence, Xie Bohuai was consistently occupied with official duties, leaving Prince Hui and Zhao Yun Jun Zhu with no leads.
A month passed swiftly, and the day of the imperial consort selection arrived. Someone reminded Zhao Yun Jun Zhu that all eligible young ladies from official families in Jingcheng would be attending. If she wished to find the woman, the palace was the place to look.
Meanwhile, the three Ye sisters were riding in a carriage toward the palace. Ye Wanning remained relatively calm, while Ye Wanhua clung tightly to her sisters’ hands, trembling with fear.