Chapter 87: Chapter 38: Lan Jue Is Furious

Xiao Chengyi’s face instantly turned as pale as paper. He locked eyes with Lan Jue tightly, his gaze filled with vigilance.

He said coldly, “Prince Lan, although I know your rank and authority are significant, I have also fought bloodily for our Dayi Country and achieved great military exploits. What is your intent with your words today?”

Lan Jue heard these words and smiled slightly, his demeanor still calm and composed: “Young General Xiao, you really are worrying too much.

As the Princely Heir of the Prince Mansion, I am merely giving you a friendly reminder.

The Xiao Family is currently prosperous and harmonious, and I hope the general can continue to maintain this peace.”

He paused, then continued with an indifferent expression: “Divorce is for each to have peace; reconciliation is impossible, and there’s no room for regret.

The key is that Ruoxi’s heart is no longer with you, so why persist and bring disgrace upon yourself?

Young General Xiao, you defy the imperial edict. Do you truly believe that due to your military accomplishments you can be arrogant and disregard the laws of the court? The Imperial Censorate is not just for show.

Finally, I advise you, the road of life is long, why not look ahead? Don’t remain stubborn, cherish the present people, and spend joyful times with your family, isn’t that better?

Young General Xiao, please go back! Save yourself some dignity!”

Lan Jue seemed to be gently persuading Xiao Chengyi, but his words were actually filled with hidden warnings skillfully directed at him.

Firstly, he emphasized his high rank, immense power, as if asking Xiao Chengyi, what can you do?

Secondly, he mentioned the crime of deceiving the sovereign. Although the Emperor might be generous, if the Imperial Censorate were to impeach impartially, even merit would not save him.

Finally, he warned Xiao Chengyi that the harmony of the Xiao Family was hard to come by, and he should not destroy it for personal desires.

Facing Lan Jue’s warning, Xiao Chengyi broke into a cold sweat and replied in a low voice, “The affairs between my wife and me, I ask Prince Lan not to interfere.”

The words barely left his mouth when there was a sudden “crack” sound. Lan Jue had slammed the teacup onto the ground, shattering it into pieces, shocking everyone present.

They couldn’t believe that the always calm and serene Prince Lan had lost his temper. How surprising!

However, they were wrong. Lan Jue hadn’t lost his composure. Instead, he continued calmly, “Young General Xiao, your marriage with Ruoxi is like this teacup. Once broken, it cannot be repaired.

Even if forced to mend it, there will be cracks. If you want to reforged it, it must go through the flames. But even if restored, it will no longer be the same.”

His words made Xiao Chengyi’s fingers tremble slightly. He actually knew that he and Shen Ruoxi could never return to the past, but he was unwilling to face reality, deceiving himself with the hope of a chance.

Because even he didn’t expect that Shen Ruoxi’s departure felt like losing everything to him, spending each day in endless agony.

He desperately raised his eyes to meet Lan Jue’s gaze, “As long as Ruoxi returns, our relationship will naturally be restored.”

Facing Xiao Chengyi’s unyielding stance, Lan Jue maintained his calm and composed demeanor.

He smiled and said, “Ah Ji’s straightforwardness and impulsiveness earlier is something I truly envy.

Many men in attendance might harbor the same thoughts as Ah Ji, hoping to seek a good match with her before the Emperor. Of course, I’m no exception.

Yet, everyone seems to have forgotten a critical fact—no matter what, it is her will that ultimately decides everything before the Emperor.

Respecting her is the true care and protection for her.”

Having said that, Lan Jue turned to the Emperor, respectfully clasping his hands, “Your Majesty, I wonder if you agree with what I have said?”

The Emperor had never disliked Lan Jue so much. He seemed to be chastising Xiao Chengyi while actually telling him that even with the supreme power, if Ruoxi is unwilling, no one can force him.

After waiting so long for her to be single again, this coercion he’d settle. This time he absolutely wouldn’t let go.

The Emperor cast a cold glance at Lan Jue and spoke in a deep voice, “Prince Lan, your words may seem fine, but someone who truly loves her would never wish for her to find another Xiao Chengyi.

Only by staying with someone who genuinely loves her can she find true happiness.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chengyi’s face stiffened, and he quickly bowed and saluted: “Your Majesty, my heart for Ruoxi is as evident as the sun and the moon.

I only took one companionate wife, who among all present can guarantee having only one wife in their lifetime?”

“I can guarantee it.”

Lan Jue responded blandly, “Before His Majesty, if I, Lan Jue, have two wives, I’m willing to suffer the punishment of five horses dividing my body.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Ruoxi and Duchess Xu’s faces changed.

Duchess Xu urgently admonished in a low voice, “Jue, don’t talk nonsense, quickly spit out these ominous words.”

However, Lan Jue firmly said, “Grandmother, rest assured, I will hold true to my word, unlike some people who don’t honor their words.”

Xiao Chengyi’s face turned ashen, and he gritted his teeth, “I can do it too. As long as Ruoxi returns to the Xiao Family with me, I will make Zhen’er a concubine.”

Upon hearing this, the Emperor flew into a rage and directly hurled a teacup at Xiao Chengyi.

The rim of the cup sliced open Xiao Chengyi’s forehead, and blood trickled down his cheek.

Ignoring the pain from the wound, Xiao Chengyi knelt and kowtowed, “Calm your anger, Your Majesty. I realize my mistake, and I’ll amend my ways. I’m about to return to the border city, and I humbly ask for your approval.”

Furious, Lan Jue gave Xiao Chengyi a fierce kick, causing him to stagger, yet he gritted his teeth and knelt there stubbornly, unmoving.

Everyone was shocked, realizing Xiao Chengyi had truly angered the usually gentle and jade-like Prince Lan this time!

Lan Jue’s face was filled with rage, veins bulging, and he bellowed, “Xiao Chengyi, you haven’t listened to a single word of mine! Listen well, it was Ruoxi who didn’t want you anymore. She no longer has any affection for you!

Even if you make your wife a concubine or even kill her, Ruoxi won’t look back at you! Stop dreaming your great spring and autumn dreams!”

Xiao Chengyi was stunned by these words as if struck by lightning. He raised his head in shock to look at Shen Ruoxi.

Shen Ruoxi calmly spoke, “Cousin is right. From the moment we decided to divorce, there was never any possibility for us again.

No matter if Ning Zhen became a concubine, or even what happens to you, my heart would never stir again.

Xiao Chengyi, our ties have ended, let each find peace.”

“Ruoxi, are you angry? Are these words just said in anger?” Xiao Chengyi’s voice trembled.

Shen Ruoxi sighed and said helplessly, “Xiao Chengyi, you know that everything I say is from the heart. Why hold on so persistently? Why not treat your new wife well?

The two of you fought side by side and made great military achievements, which shows you have feelings for each other.

Stop fantasizing. We no longer have any connection, and the Shen Family doesn’t welcome you, please leave!”

Xiao Chengyi’s lips trembled, unable to speak.

The Emperor spoke coldly, “Xiao Chengyi, you have so greatly disappointed me.

Military Guard Ning was someone you actively sought to marry, and she also made significant contributions to the country. Now get out of my sight!”

“Your Majesty…”

The Emperor glared angrily, and the guard Lu Fei beside him already had his hand on the sword hilt, a chilling sense of murderous intent filled the hall.

Everyone was crushed by the intense pressure and dared not breathe.

Xiao Chengyi could only cast a resentful glance at Shen Ruoxi, kowtow in farewell to the Emperor, and left in embarrassed sorrow.

The room immediately fell silent, with only the attendants hastily cleaning the broken porcelain cups from the floor.

The atmosphere remained heavy, as if even the air was frozen.

“Your Majesty, I have important matters to report,” Wu An suddenly stood up, bowing respectfully to the Emperor and breaking the frozen atmosphere in the hall.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep