Previously, that thing about the divorce letter was not exactly formal.
If the willful and reckless Xuan Wangye had torn it up, it could have been considered non-existent.
That scoundrel could do anything he pleased, what couldn't he achieve?
If he didn't acknowledge the divorce letter, even the Emperor would be helpless against him.
However, a royal decree of annulment was different.
Especially with so many important ministers and princes present today.
Once the annulment decree was issued, there would be no turning back.
Chu Qianli and Feng Yexuan's engagement would be completely nullified!
"Chu Qianli, are you sure you've thought this through?" the Emperor asked expressionlessly, his emotions unreadable.
"Your Majesty, your humble subject has thought it through very clearly. Although Xuan Wangye likes your humble subject, in his heart, your humble subject is merely a concubine and a plaything."
"Your humble subject knows her origins are humble and that she will likely never have the chance to be Xuan Wangfei. However, your humble subject is proud and arrogant, and absolutely unwilling to be a mere concubine."
Chu Qianli's words were spoken with sincerity.
While there was a hint of regret, she didn't seem overly saddened.
For a young lady, knowing her future would not be bright.
Many girls would likely have despaired.
But this young lass before them stood tall and exuded an aura of cold pride.
Despair was not evident in her in the slightest.
Feng Qihe watched her, Feng Xianyu watched her, and even Prince Nan, Feng Yunan, who had paid her little attention before, was watching her.
Such a woman was truly unusual.
After a long moment, the Emperor finally nodded and said, "Very well, since you insist, then I shall grant you an annulment decree! Qingde!"
"This old servant is here!" Eunuch Qing bowed and said softly, "This old servant will prepare it now, please wait a moment, Miss Li..."
"Eunuch Qing." Chu Qianli looked up, meeting his gaze, and said neither subserviently nor arrogantly, "From now on, please call me Miss Chu!"
Eunuch Qing merely paused for a moment before immediately understanding and nodding, "Very well, please wait a moment, Miss Chu."
...
Chu Qianli emerged from the main hall.
The important ministers also came out.
They were all witnesses to Xuan Wangye being "abandoned."
Even as a concubine, being able to enter Xuan Wangfu was undoubtedly the greatest honor for a young lady.
After all, although Chu Qianli was born into a Duke's mansion, her mother was merely a singer.
What good future could the daughter of a singer have?
Even the eldest son of their Duke's mansion, due to his poor background, had been sent to a barren border region.
She was living in Xuan Wangfu and was still not satisfied?
Having saved Xuan Wangye this time, even the Emperor had personally summoned her to the palace to bestow rewards.
Following this trend, it was not unexpected that she would rise to the position of a secondary consort.
Did Chu Qianli really think that the status of Xuan Wang's secondary consort was not good enough for her?
No one understood.
Prince Yu caught up with Chu Qianli and smiled, "Miss Chu, regarding the matter at my residence last time, I haven't had a chance to apologize to you."
Chu Qianli merely nodded faintly, "I dare not."
Feng Xianyu said piously, "I have already punished my wife, and I beg Miss to forgive me."
"I truly dare not!" Chu Qianli said indifferently and distantly, her expression blank. "This humble woman only seeks a peaceful life, and at this moment, I only wish to return to my residence to serve my aged grandfather."
"I dare not inquire about matters within the Prince's residence. Prince, farewell."
She truly turned and left, without waiting for any reaction from Feng Xianyu.
"Second Imperial Brother, this young lady seems very reluctant to interact with anyone from our royal family."
Prince Nan, Feng Yunan, walked slowly to Feng Xianyu's side and smiled, "She doesn't even pay attention to Fourth Imperial Brother, so we might as well not bump into her and embarrass ourselves."
Feng Xianyu simply smiled faintly and looked back, indeed seeing Feng Qihe staring intently in the direction Chu Qianli had left.
Feng Xianyu curved his lips, "Elder Imperial Brother seems to look upon this young lass with special regard?"
Feng Qihe's gaze deepened, and he looked at him indifferently, "What does Second Imperial Brother mean by that?"
"Elder Imperial Brother, your younger brother means no harm, I just want to remind you that even though she has been disengaged by the royal family, she was once Fourth Imperial Brother's woman."
Feng Xianyu was refined and gentle, his attitude sincere.
"Elder Imperial Brother, you should know Fourth Imperial Brother's temper. Your younger brother advises Elder Imperial Brother not to touch such a thorny flower."
Feng Qihe ignored him and walked straight away.
"Elder Imperial Brother's temper is no different from Fourth Imperial Brother's."
Feng Yunan watched Feng Qihe's receding back and smiled, "Why should Second Imperial Brother get involved in this mess? Moreover, haven't you heard, Second Imperial Brother, that the mastermind behind the medicinal soldiers that Fourth Imperial Brother eliminated this time is Qiu Qinghai?"
"Qiu Qinghai?" The news had not yet returned, and those who knew were few for the moment.
Feng Xianyu was somewhat surprised, "Is that true?"
"It is indeed true, and Father Emperor naturally knows."
"Then..."
"Didn't Second Imperial Brother see that Father Emperor's attitude towards Elder Imperial Brother today is no different?"
The Emperor, being well-informed, naturally knew about Qiu Qinghai's affairs.
Qiu Qinghai was the brother of the late Princess He, and he had been close to Prince He back then.
On the surface, Prince He was very likely the mastermind.
However, the Emperor still did not mention it, which indicated that the Emperor had other plans in mind.
"In my estimation, even if Elder Imperial Brother is truly behind the medicinal soldier army, Father Emperor will not do anything to him. Without Elder Imperial Brother, who will contend with Fourth Imperial Brother?"
Feng Yunan said boldly, glancing at Feng Xianyu, "Second Imperial Brother, don't you think so? Father Emperor cannot let Fourth Imperial Brother become too powerful alone, what if he becomes so powerful that he doesn't even put Father Emperor in his eyes."
"You really dare to say that! Aren't you afraid of losing your head for saying such things?" Feng Xianyu said faintly.
Feng Yunan chuckled, unconcerned, "I am Father Emperor's son anyway. At most, I will be demoted to a feudal prince, and that would be fine. Far away from the capital, and even more at leisure."
Feng Yunan strode towards the palace gate, "Second Imperial Brother, when that time comes, we will both be feudal princes. You must remember to visit me occasionally to catch up."
This was how the struggle between the princes went. Those who could ascend would become emperors.
Those who couldn't would mostly be granted the title of feudal prince and sent to desolate places to live in leisure.
Those who didn't leave would have their military power stripped and be constantly constrained in the imperial city.
It was better to go far away and be free.
...
Before Chu Qianli could leave the imperial palace, she was stopped by a young eunuch, "Miss, the Emperor's verbal decree requests Miss to meet him in the Imperial Garden."
Chu Qianli's eyes darkened slightly.
Just now, in the main hall, she had severed all ties with the royal family in person.
Now, the Emperor wanted to summon her alone. What kind of conspiracy or scheme was this?