The dignified Ninth Prince's Consort had not even gone through the wedding ceremony with him, yet such a scandalous rumor had spread. What face did he have left?
He had always held no affection for Wei Lanxuan; she was merely a pawn in a political marriage. His interest was twofold: her status and her reputation.
After this incident, what use would Wei Lanxuan be with her reputation ruined?
Duke Wei was shocked. He could not allow her to act so outrageously.
He reprimanded Miss Feng Jinyao, "Miss Feng, you have repeatedly sown discord. What is your intention?"
He had not missed the fact that it was Feng Jinyao who had whispered a few words to Xu Mingyue just now, which had caused her to become enraged and come to lodge a complaint.
If not for her, things would not have escalated to this point. His gaze towards her was filled with murderous intent.
Duke Wei was, after all, a respected official. His imposing demeanor in court, capable of making even strong men tremble, might have suppressed the young ladies who were about to complain. Thus, the First Prince, with a cold expression, spoke in support.
"Miss Feng's words have merit. This Prince believes the matter of the imperial decree should be postponed. The royal family's dignity is not meant to be a stepping stone for others."
He then glanced at Duke Wei, whose eyes were filled with ferocity, a clear warning in his gaze.
The Xu, Bai, and Feng families held considerable power in court, especially Prime Minister Bai and Grand Secretary Xu, whose disciples were spread throughout the land. Most of the upright officials followed their lead. If they could win them over through this opportunity, it would be killing two birds with one stone: not only would this marriage alliance be dissolved, but they would also gain the support of three powerful factions.
Seeing that both sides were about to argue over this matter, Wei Lanxuan gritted her teeth, straightened her back, and walked step by step towards Xiao Tingyi, kneeling heavily before him.
"Today's events all originated with this humble subject. I fell into the pond because I was not steady. Young Master Liang kindly saved my life, but it displeased Miss Xu and led to the broken engagement. This is my fault. Now that my reputation is ruined, I am no longer a suitable match. I would never dare to delay the Ninth Prince's bright future. I implore Your Highness to grant my wish and ask His Majesty to withdraw the imperial decree of betrothal."
*Thump, thump, thump.* As soon as she finished speaking, she kowtowed heavily towards Xiao Tingyi. Her delicate skin quickly turned bruised, contrasting with her pale complexion, creating a pitiable sight.
Duke Wei was shocked. "Lan'er, do not speak nonsense. The imperial decree has been issued; how can it be revoked? Hurry and tidy yourself up and kneel to receive the decree!"
"Grandfather, Lanxuan's fall into the water has already ruined my reputation. I have failed to live up to the Wei family's upbringing and your affection. Now, I offer this life to exchange for the Wei family's pure reputation."
"No!"
"Lan'er!"
With that, she lunged towards a nearby pillar, her head about to bleed. Fortunately, Feng Jinyao, who was standing nearby, managed to stop her.
They fell to the ground, and the maids and servants descended into chaos, rushing to help them up.
Bai Siruo's face turned ashen. She ran over to pull Feng Jinyao up, looking at her with a terrified expression.
"Are you crazy!"
"I'm fine," she said, patting Bai Siruo's arm to signal that she was indeed unharmed. Then, turning to the tearful Wei Lanxuan, she said with a cold face, "Miss Wei, if anything were to happen to you, wouldn't that put Sister Xu in an unjust position?"
Only then did Bai Siruo realize the truth.
Her gaze towards Wei Lanxuan now held more anger and contempt.
What a malicious heart!
Xu Mingyue's heart was also in her throat. If something truly serious had happened, even their righteous cause would turn into an unjust one.
At that point, the entire capital would not be discussing the broken engagement between the Xu and Liang families, but rather rumors of them forcing the Wei family's daughter to her death.
Fortunately, Feng Jinyao had been quick-witted and stopped her.
"Enough! This Prince has no intention of marrying a consort who has feelings for another. Imperial Uncle, please excuse me, this nephew shall take his leave first."
The Ninth Prince did not even glance at Duke Wei. He fiercely flicked his sleeve and strode out, leaving the waterside pavilion decisively.
He had lost all face today. If that person were not his own cousin, he would have run her through with his sword long ago, instead of letting her spew such nonsense here.
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. After leaving the Wei mansion, he mounted his horse and galloped towards the imperial palace.
The humiliation of today would be avenged. Every single person present would be dealt with by him!
Eunuch Wang, who was waiting inside to deliver the imperial decree, widened his eyes in surprise.
The two betrothed individuals, one attempting to dash herself against a pillar, the other having already left – what was he supposed to do here?
He had thought that by delivering this decree, he could curry favor with the Noble Consort and gain the support of the Wei family, thus securing his position in the palace.
He had not expected to witness such a disgraceful affair. Fine, he would leave quickly and avoid this disaster.
"Duke, there are many matters at your mansion today. This old servant will take the imperial decree back first. You can explain to His Majesty and the Consort personally later."
With that, he, along with the palace servants, quickly departed, as if their tails were on fire, running faster than anyone.
"Eunuch Wang..."
The situation was beyond repair. Duke Wei saw that the matter of receiving the imperial decree could not continue today. After casting a cold glance at Liang Pan's retreating back, he turned to Wei Lanxuan and said, "You choked on too much water today, and your mind is muddled. Go down and receive treatment. Your grandfather will handle the other matters."
His tone lacked its usual warmth, making her feel colder than walking barefoot on snow.
Wei Lanxuan knew her grandfather's temper well. If she left now, she would be forcibly sent to the bridal sedan and taken to the Ninth Prince's mansion. As for Young Master Liang Pan, he would likely meet an accidental death.
She would go all the way. Her former noble demeanor vanished. Pushing away the servants who were tightly holding her, she knelt directly before Duke Wei, grabbed his robe, and cried out.
"If today's events are spread, how can this granddaughter live with any face left? I implore Grandfather to uphold justice for me and give me a way to live."
Xiao Tingyi glanced at her. She was quite sharp. To say such a thing now was to corner Duke Wei, forcing him to finalize the marriage. Otherwise, Duke Wei, with his lifelong reputation, would be burdened with the infamy of forcing his granddaughter to her death in his old age, which was not a profitable deal for him.
"Lan'er, do you know what you are saying?"
Duke Wei looked at his granddaughter, whom he had always doted on, crying so heartbrokenly. His heart ached, but the intention behind her words dispelled that pain.
Wei Lanxuan knew this, but the arrow was already on the string and had to be fired. She could only steel herself and continue.
"This granddaughter... this granddaughter and Young Master Liang are deeply in love. In the past, I dared not have any improper thoughts due to the decree of my parents. Today, I implore Grandfather to fulfill our wish!"
Liang Pan was not a fool either. At this point, like a cornered dog, a gamble might still offer a way out. He knelt beside Wei Lanxuan and said with equal firmness,
"This subordinate has indeed loved Miss Wei for a long time. I implore Duke Wei to grant our wish."
Duke Wei was so enraged that his eyes darkened and the veins on his forehead bulged. He slumped back into his armchair.