Even though the truth of the matter was laid bare before her, Feng Tongtong remained stubborn. Since that was the case, she had to do her best to push this marriage through.
The moment Feng Ninghe appeared, she instantly captured Baili Ye's attention.
Looking at the delicate face before him, Baili Ye unconsciously swallowed. His eyes held a more profound thought: "Eldest Miss, there has always been a marriage contract between us, decided by Duke Zhenguo himself. Now that you have returned safely, it is only fitting that we marry."
"Pfft! Your Highness, the First Prince, please do not jest."
Feng Ninghe acted as if she had heard something preposterous. A hint of mockery veiled her clean, fair face. "Our engagement was called off five years ago, and you were already betrothed to the Third Miss. It's too late to change your mind now."
Others might not know the First Prince's true intentions, but she was perfectly aware. Baili Ye merely felt that Feng Tongtong could no longer bring him more benefits, which was why he wanted to change his bride. This man's wicked intentions were already written all over his face. Thinking of having been married to such a person once, she felt nauseated.
Baili Ye said with a stern expression, "Eldest Miss, the annulment back then was due to unavoidable circumstances. If you had been present, would we have really broken off the engagement? Now that you have returned safely, this marriage should proceed. Moreover, it is the parents' command and the matchmaker's words. Do you wish to defy your father's wishes?"
Mentioning Duke Zhenguo, Feng Ninghe slightly lowered her gaze. Her eyes, as calm as still water, flickered with a chilling coldness. "First Prince, you were the one who decided to cancel the engagement back then, and now you are the one who wants to break it off. Do you truly think our Feng family is weak and easily bullied?"
Her words caused the elders of the Feng family to nod repeatedly. They did not wish to offend the First Prince. The future was long, and perhaps this First Prince could still inherit the position of Crown Prince and ascend the throne. But now that Feng Tongtong's cultivation was crippled, she needed to find a powerful backer quickly for protection.
This time, Feng Guangyao unhesitatingly stood by Feng Ninghe's side and said with gravitas, "Eldest Miss speaks wisely. Regardless of the reason, the engagement between the First Prince and the Eldest Miss has already been canceled. It is too frivolous to try and go back on it now."
Feng Tongtong stood frozen, her gaze sweeping inch by inch over Feng Ninghe with a hint of scrutiny, secretly trying to guess the woman's intentions. She did not believe this wench would be so kind; she must have some wicked scheme up her sleeve.
Baili Ye once again invoked Duke Zhenguo, his brows furrowed tightly. "Feng Ninghe, do you wish for Duke Zhenguo, who is in the netherworld, to be unable to rest in peace?"
Hearing his words, Feng Ninghe let out a light laugh. "If my father knew you were going back on your word, he would probably be so enraged that he would jump out of his coffin and strangle you to death?" Her cold, thin voice, laced with a strong warning, made Baili Ye's face turn pale and then flushed.
The Great Elder seized the opportunity to speak, "First Prince, you were the one who decided to get engaged back then, and you are the one who has now decided to break it off."
"If you ask me, the Third Miss has been intelligent and bright since childhood. This marriage is not a bad thing, and moreover, First Prince, you are genuinely devoted to the Third Miss. In that case, let us discuss the wedding date."
The Fourth Elder stroked his goatee, his words carrying a hint of contemplation. "The Feng family hasn't had a joyous occasion in a long time. If you ask me, this marriage should happen sooner rather than later. Why not set it for the fifteenth of next month?"
The Second Elder nodded in agreement. "The fifteenth of next month is a good day. What do you think, First Prince?"
The elders had even set the date for the grand wedding. Baili Ye felt as if he were trapped. He glanced around and finally settled his gaze on Feng Ninghe. "I suddenly feel unwell and indisposed. I shall take my leave for now. As for the wedding date, we can discuss it another time." As long as he could keep delaying the marriage, he would have a chance to marry Feng Ninghe.
Baili Ye's gaze remained fixed on her, his eyes filled with a terrifying intensity of desire. Then, without another word, he turned and left.
"First Prince Brother!"
Feng Tongtong followed without a second thought. The crowd in the main hall soon dispersed.
Madam Zhang was somewhat perplexed. "What exactly does Feng Ninghe want to do?"
Feng Guangyao also wanted to know what this damned woman was up to. He could tell that Feng Ninghe also wanted to push this marriage through.
Feng Tongtong chased after him and quickly caught up to Baili Ye. She bit her lip, tears welling up in her eyes. Her soft, tender face looked innocent and harmless. "First Prince Brother, what happened?"
Baili Ye feigned affection, intimately holding her sleeve and sighing occasionally. "It's a long story. The treasury was robbed, and now the thousands of people in the First Prince's mansion have problems with food and clothing. If it weren't for our remaining assets, these people would starve to death. Only by marrying Feng Ninghe can I use Duke Zhenguo's name to ask the Emperor for financial aid."
The tears that had been gathering in Feng Tongtong's eyes instantly flowed down. She gently bit her lip, her fingertips lightly wiping away the tears, concealing a fleeting glint of cunning in her eyes as she sobbed softly, "First Prince Brother, I knew you had your difficulties."
Baili Ye reached out and gently caressed her cheek. "Tongtong, even if the seas dry up and the rocks crumble, my feelings for you will never change. I will treat you well, and I will also think of ways to earn money and find other solutions." His consistently gentle voice completely charmed Feng Tongtong.
She quickly took out a bag of spirit stones and handed it over. "First Prince Brother, there aren't many spirit stones here, but it is my heartfelt gesture. I hope it can help you a little."
Baili Ye was delighted. Who would refuse spirit stones when they were offered? He immediately accepted the spirit stones, not forgetting to make further promises. "Tongtong, you are so good to me, I will never fail you. Once you marry me, I will give you whatever you desire!"
Shi Wan.
After leaving the main hall, Feng Ninghe instructed Chi Xia to prepare the carriage.
"Xiao Zhao, I need your help with something." She gently stroked Xiao Zhao's extremely soft fur, her gaze unconsciously darkening.
Upon hearing that there was something for him to do, Xiao Zhao's azure eyes instantly brightened. He excitedly rubbed against her arm, whimpering. *Master, just give me the order, Xiao Zhao guarantees to complete it!*
Not long after, Chi Xia quickly came to her side and reported respectfully, "Eldest Miss, the carriage is ready. We can depart at any time."
Without hesitation, she nodded. After a simple preparation, she went out. As the carriage passed by Liu Mian Pavilion, a figure flashed through her mind. Truth be told, she really had to thank this Sixth Master. She disliked owing favors. It seemed that after she returned from the palace, she would have to meet this Sixth Master. Regarding Baili Ye's marriage, she still had to make a trip to the palace...
The carriage traveled onward. She sat inside, meditating and circulating her spiritual energy. It was only when Chi Xia's gentle female voice broke her concentration that she realized, "Eldest Miss, we have arrived at the Imperial Palace."