At the same time, for the first time, a sense of disgust arose in his heart towards Lou Qing. This woman was truly out of touch. Qiao Ci was already like this, doing things that benefited the common people. If you cause trouble now, aren't you opposing the common people and the Emperor?
Where in the past did he ever feel she was different and unparalleled?
She was merely a foolish woman blinded by jealousy!
Thinking this, he looked again at the altar, at the figure with a graceful posture that did not inspire any improper thoughts. She was so sacred and pure.
If, if…
He didn't even know what "if" was. If Qiao Ci were still the Qiao Ci of old, he felt he wouldn't have this feeling.
About an hour later, Qiao Ci, confirming that the rain had thoroughly nourished the drought-stricken areas, stopped the ritual.
She retracted her somewhat tired hands into her wide sleeves. Instantly, the rain stopped, and the clouds dispersed. The bright sun reappeared in the sky.
It was as if she wasn't praying for rain, but the rain was under her control.
The Emperor rose and offered some words of comfort. After Qiao Ci left, Lou Qing's mouth, which had been covered by the eunuch, was finally released.
She cried out loudly, "Father Emperor, Father Emperor."
The Emperor, accompanied by the Imperial Guards, walked towards Lou Qing. The surrounding citizens immediately knelt.
Gesturing for the people to rise, the Emperor then looked at his daughter, who had changed so much.
Qing Luan was his most beloved daughter. She had been lovesick and on the verge of death, but suddenly she was full of life, even secretly meeting Shen Si.
Did he really think he didn't know that this daughter who had regained her vitality was no longer his own flesh and blood?
It was just that he held reverence for all unknowns. Seeing that she had no intention of harming the country, and instead used her unknown medical skills to heal Shen Si's leg injury,
He had turned a blind eye to her fornication with Shen Si without seeking any title.
He hadn't expected her to be so foolish upon her return.
Not only did she question his decision, but she also caused a disturbance during such a major event as the rain ritual. Truly lacking in propriety and useless!
"Speak," the Emperor said, his gaze clear as he looked at her.
"Father Emperor, Qiao Ci has another soul living inside her body. She couldn't possibly have this much power!" Lou Qing, stimulated by Shen Si's regretful gaze, blurted out without restraint.
"Presumptuous! The National Preceptor worked hard to pray for rain for our Chu Yun Kingdom. How dare you be so insolent here! You previously snuck out of the palace to commit adultery with Shen Si, who already has a wife, and now you disregard the common people and disrupt the National Preceptor's benevolent act of bringing rain. I am extremely disappointed in you!" The Emperor rebuked her sternly.
Then, the Emperor flicked his sleeves and left, as if looking at her again would be a waste of time.
Immediately after, the head eunuch by the Emperor's side began to read the imperial decree: "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Princess Qing Luan, as a princess of the royal family, enjoying the offerings of the common people, has openly obstructed the National Preceptor's ritual for rain, which is a disgrace to the royal family. Today, her princess status is stripped, and she is demoted to commoner! Due to her disregard for etiquette and private dealings with an outside man, she deserves death. However, in consideration of imperial grace, she is hereby betrothed to Shen Si, and the marriage shall be consummated immediately!"
Lou Qing was completely stunned.
How was she demoted to a commoner?
She was Princess Qing Luan!
Shen Si's eyes also darkened. This imperial decree had mercilessly torn off the last fig leaf between him and Lou Qing. He had previously felt that their early consummation was due to their personalities, but now he felt extremely ashamed, wishing he could burrow into a mouse hole.
However, the eunuchs would not give them any opportunity.
The imperial decree stated that the marriage was to be consummated immediately, so they were forced to complete the bow to heaven and earth in front of the assembled crowd.
Lou Qing felt extremely humiliated!
She wanted to resist, but she couldn't at all. With a face full of anger, she performed the reciprocal bow with Shen Si and then saw the disdain in Shen Si's eyes.
The surrounding commoners cheered.
Adhering to the principle that the masses are not punished, and Lou Qing was no longer a noble princess, everyone began to throw rotten vegetables at them. However, they were still afraid of retaliation and threw and ran.
Lou Qing and Shen Si had never suffered such humiliation at any time!
Both secretly swore to get revenge, whether on Qiao Ci or the Emperor!
They were sent home by the eunuchs. The Emperor had not been too harsh; all of Lou Qing's belongings from the palace were moved to Shen Si's home, which could be considered a fulfillment of this father-daughter affection.
When the several siblings saw their father and Aunt Qing return with a group of people carrying a pile of things, they curiously surrounded them.
"Wow, Aunt Qing, did you come to give us gifts?"
"So many big boxes, heh heh, Aunt Qing is so good."
"What's in here? It looks very grand. As expected of Aunt Qing, she's so good to us."
The siblings fawned over Lou Qing with praise, only Shen Yi looked at them with extreme calmness.
Because from the beginning, both of their expressions were not quite right, and even the eunuchs delivering the items did not seem too respectful.
Indeed,
A eunuch heard this and said to the siblings, "The civilian Lou Qing is no longer a royal princess. She has already married your father, and from now on, she will be your stepmother. Do not address her incorrectly again."
The siblings looked at each other, unable to fully comprehend the eunuch's words.
What did "no longer a royal princess" mean?
What did "married their father" mean?
What had happened in these few short hours?
After the correction, the eunuchs placed the items down and left.
Not only were the siblings confused, but Lou Qing and Shen Si were also dizzy.
How did things escalate to this point?
Shen Si looked at Lou Qing hesitantly. The Emperor had already disdained her. Would this affect his chances of becoming a great general again?
Meanwhile, Qiao Ci was told everything that happened to Lou Qing and Shen Si after she left the altar by Lu Li.
"I'm telling you, haha, you have no idea. The Emperor's move was brilliant. He made them get married publicly and didn't even allow Lou Qing a chance to return to the palace. Her things were immediately carried to Shen Si's mansion."
"You know, I've never liked Shen Si. He always used his position as a great general to make things difficult for my brother. But I'm not afraid of him!"
Looking at the lively Lu Li, Qiao Ci's eyes were filled with tenderness.
Seeing him so happy, she didn't mind making him even happier. "Just now, I divined that the fighting ahead has stopped. Your father and brother should be on their way back to the capital."
"Really?" Lu Li's eyes lit up instantly, and he excitedly clasped Qiao Ci's hand, disbelief in his voice. "Are my father and brother alright?"
"They are safe," Qiao Ci replied, allowing him to hold her wrist, her eyes smiling.
"Ah, no, I'm sorry. I got too excited. My apologies, that was abrupt!" Feeling the warmth of her hand, Lu Li withdrew as if shocked, his earlobes quickly turning red.
"It's alright," Qiao Ci said faintly.
"It's alright?"
These words sounded like a tickle to Lu Li, making him feel a bit flustered, and his heart fluttered uncontrollably.