Despite Xiao Jingyi's young age and sycophantic nature, his competence in handling affairs was truly impeccable.
Two hours later, he arrived at the Princess Manor with the Imperial Decree, stealthily slipping it to Xiao Li while grinning like a foolish fox who had succeeded in its cunning scheme.
"Emperor Brother said you must perform well tonight for this to be valid."
Xiao Li unrolled it and saw that after a few meaningless words of praise came the actual rewards—the first being a fief.
Generally, only legitimate-born or highly favored princesses could possess a fief after marriage. The tax revenue from the fief was the princess's main source of income. But the original host was merely a pawn—though registered under the Empress's name, she wasn't truly legitimate-born. Why would the Emperor be willing to grant her a fief?
It was evident the Emperor had been enjoying ample benefits lately, as he actually agreed to bestow a fief.
But Quzhou? The Emperor was clearly taking advantage of her, a princess who had never ventured out, knowing nothing.
Quzhou's land was relatively vast, but it was a border state adjacent to an enemy nation, plagued by constant warfare and shrouded in yellow sand. Without a doubt, it was a impoverished place—lucky if it didn't operate at a loss, so what tax revenue could there be? But Xiao Li didn't disdain it. Even a mosquito's leg is still meat, and besides, her original intention was merely to extract something from the Emperor—the location of the fief didn't matter.
After reading it, Xiao Li summed it up in two words: "So stingy!"
Under everyone's gaze, she turned to the great iceberg opposite her, Chen Wang: "Emperor Brother, do you think I should divorce or not?"
Putting aside everything else, his face alone could indeed qualify him as a male lead, but being fit for the role didn't mean he was fit to be a human. Beside Chen Wang sat Liu Xueyin, who had changed into luxurious attire yet still wore white, adorned with a few additional pieces of jewelry, appearing somewhat elegant and noble.
Xiao Jingyi's eyes instantly sparkled: "Thank you, Royal Sister! Royal Sister is so generous!"
Although he had indeed worked hard to extract these from Emperor Brother because Royal Sister said she'd share some with him, he never expected Xiao Li to give him much—a symbolic gesture would suffice, and it was even possible she might give nothing. But he hadn't anticipated Xiao Li directly pointing out four valuable items for him, mainly because he had helped request them precisely because he wanted them.
Want a divorce? Absolutely impossible! "After all, this is a matter between the two of them as a couple, and Royal Sister is the one who suffered the grievance. We should listen to her opinion." So he smiled and looked at Xiao Li: "Xuan Yang, do you want a divorce or not?"
Anyway, it had nothing to do with him, but such was Chen Wang's character.
Seeing the two sitting together, the Empress Dowager was satisfied and was about to mediate when Grand Secretary Lu stepped forward.
His sycophancy was too embarrassing to watch.
Young as he was, his face was full of worry—clearly, he was genuinely poor.
An unexpected windfall.
After the fief came the rewards—a pile of inedible and impractical ornaments, followed by fabrics, perfumed powders, and wines.
Thanks to Xiao Jingyi's antics, Xiao Li showed her first sincere smile.
Xiao Li and Xiao Jingyi stepped forward to pay their respects. The Empress Dowager ignored her, but the Emperor excused her from formalities and said cheerfully, "Xuan Yang, Jingyi, you've finally arrived! Take your seats quickly—it's time to begin the feast!"
The Empress Dowager immediately turned stern but didn't refute the Emperor. Instead, she addressed Xiao Li: "Xuan Yang, it takes a hundred lifetimes to cultivate a marital bond in one. You must think carefully and not waste this good fate."
Xiao Jingyi wiped his face: "Is it that obvious?"
Seeing Xiao Li's hesitant expression, he added, "Don't be afraid. Emperor Brother will stand up for you. Whatever you say, Emperor Brother will grant it."
Having just received the imperial decree and Xiao Li's confirmation, his heart was now as steady as an old dog.
However, the Empress Dowager was clearly threatening her.
Xiao Li: "You're a prince."
Only two seats remained now—one isolated, the other beside Lu Yanzhi.
Xiao Jingyi sighed: "Can't a prince be short on money? I haven't come of age yet, and the Emperor Brother hasn't granted me a fief. All I have to live on each year is that meager stipend—my household is nearly unable to put food on the table." Yet because of his presence, Xiao Li's mood lightened considerably.
Having gained benefits, Xiao Jingyi now transformed into "Little Yizi," wholeheartedly serving Her Highness the elder sister.
Though the Emperor hadn't given much, Xiao Li wasn't stingy either, pointing at several items: "This, this, and this—for you!"
Driven to desperation, he had no choice but to prepare a small banquet to bring both sides together and resolve this matter.
Xiao Li picked up the wine pot, poured herself a cup, then lifted it as if to drink before setting it down heavily with a conflicted expression.
The Emperor was unwilling—on one hand telling the Lu family that the wronged party was the Xuan Yang Princess, and only her consent could permit the divorce; on the other hand, sending Xiao Jingyi to persuade Xiao Li against agreeing to it.
Xiao Li "angrily" glared at him, then sneered coldly when her gaze fell upon Lu Yanzhi, but ultimately walked over and sat down.
Xiao Jingyi's teacup clinked against his teeth—his elder sister truly dared to speak her mind.
This scene had already unfolded during the morning court assembly when Grand Secretary Lu submitted a memorial requesting his grandson's divorce from the Princess.
So endearing—no wonder he survived till the end.—Only after obtaining the imperial decree as payment did Xiao Li begin dressing up to enter the palace.
He had been wondering if he could exchange for some items from his elder sister later, never expecting her to give them directly, and so generously at that.
Xiao Jingyi instantly changed expression, smiling more obsequiously than a eunuch: "Thank you for your rewards, Elder Sister!"
Chen Wang's perpetually icy face showed no warmth, his words equally freezing: "This is Younger Imperial Sister's life matter—she should consider it carefully herself."
Xiao Li thought for a moment, then tapped the imperial decree: "For other items, you may take twenty percent."
She was his closest sister! Seeing his eyes gleaming with avarice, Xiao Li asked in confusion: "Are you short on money?"
The Empress Dowager, Emperor, and Empress sat solemnly at the head, while the Lu family members and Xiao Li glanced at the left side where a man in gold and red brocade clothing sat—his aura cold as an iceberg, the male lead of the story, Chen Wang Xiao Jingyu, her fifth imperial brother.
The other Lu family members, including Lu Yanzhi, rose and knelt together. Lu Yanzhi spoke expressionless words of remorse: "This subject truly cannot develop romantic feelings for the Princess. I have failed His Majesty's deep affection, and to avoid becoming resentful partners who would sadden the Princess in the future, I humbly beg Your Majesty to issue a decree for divorce. This subject is willing to offer generous gifts to compensate the Princess."
A good match? Talking nonsense with eyes wide open.
The Empress Dowager expressed dissatisfaction: "Why ask him?"
The two arrived at the palace precisely on time, finding almost everyone already gathered.
"Your Majesty, now that all are present, this old subject boldly requests Your Majesty to issue a decree permitting the Xuan Yang Princess and this unfilial grandson Lu Yanzhi to divorce."
Xiao Jingyi darted over to take his seat, then focused inward, avoiding everyone's gaze.
The Lu family had brought quite a few members—Grand Secretary Lu and his wife, Lu Shangshu and his wife, along with Lu Yanzhi—all wearing cold expressions that could rival that iceberg male lead Xiao Jingyu.
"He doesn't care about his birth mother, doesn't care about his siblings, doesn't care about his wife, ignores his many admirers, and indirectly caused the death of his own two sons. What kind of scumbag is this?"
Xiao Li chuckled meaningfully and glanced at Liu Xueyin beside him. "Don't blame me, Emperor Brother. Today, my sister-in-law specifically came to find me, begging me to reconcile with the Imperial son-in-law. I thought this was also your intention, so I came specifically to ask."