Chapter 62: Why Don’t You Just Marry My Brother?

Chapter 62 - Why Don’t You Just Marry My Brother? Note: Don't Forget to join my Patreon.com/flokixy to get access to +40 Advance Chapters I have to stop if there is no support Upon arriving at the Eastern Palace, nearly all the guests had gathered. Envoys from various nations were already seated, and as the announcement of the royal entourage echoed through the hall, everyone bowed deeply to pay their respects to the Empress. Yet, beneath their courteous exteriors, whispers of astonishment rippled through the crowd. Su Li truly had caught the Empress's favor. To be allowed to ride a sedan chair within the palace grounds was an extraordinary honor, one that few could claim. The Empress led her group forward, and from afar, Su Li noticed Wei Yuan Yao, Lady Wang's daughter, discreetly waving at her. Sensing the Empress's gaze, Su Li offered a quick explanation. "She is my cousin," Su Li said softly. The Empress smiled warmly. "Go ahead. Young ladies like you should feel comfortable together." Su Li curtsied gracefully. "Thank you, Your Majesty." With a nod, the Empress turned and proceeded further into the hall with Consort Xian. Su Li, meanwhile, made her way toward Lady Wang and Wei Yuan Yao. "Lier, why did you arrive with the Empress? And in a sedan chair, no less!" Lady Wang whispered in surprise. Su Li gave a faint smile. "It is the Empress's kindness." Wei Yuan Yao chimed in excitedly, "Mother, last night Lier helped the Crown Prince secure the Shenggu Flower. Naturally, the Empress holds her in high regard." Lady Wang nodded, then guided her daughter and niece to a quieter corner. However, it wasn't long before other noblewomen began approaching them, eager to make introductions. "Miss Su, this is my daughter, Yin Yin. She's always admired you. Since you're around the same age, perhaps you two could become friends." "This is my daughter. She also enjoys music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. I'm sure you'll have much to discuss." "And this is my..." Seeing herself pushed out of the circle, Wei Yuan Yao forcefully pushed her way back in. "My cousin has me! Please step aside!" Lady Wang reprimanded her gently. "Yao'er! Mind your manners when speaking to the ladies!" She then turned to the women with an apologetic smile. "I apologize for my daughter's behavior. She's been spoiled." None of the noblewomen dared to take offense, responding instead with polite laughter. "No harm done. Your daughter's straightforwardness is endearing." "Yes, yes! Lady Wei, I have a son who's twenty years old. He saw Miss Su at yesterday's banquet and was utterly captivated. Perhaps..." "And there's my nephew, young and accomplished. He'd be a perfect match for Miss Su. Tomorrow, I'll send a matchmaker to discuss matters with the Ministry of Rites." Lady Wang sighed inwardly as the focus shifted from Su Li to her. Smiling politely, she responded, "Thank you for your kind consideration, but though I am her aunt, such important decisions aren't mine to make. Besides, Lier hasn't yet come of age. It's still too early to speak of these matters." Meanwhile, outside the crowd, Wei Yuan Yao pulled Su Li to a secluded corner. Su Li couldn't shake the feeling that someone had been watching her ever since she entered the hall. Turning her head slightly, she spotted the direction of the envoys from Nanzheng. Wei Yuan Yao glanced at her mother, who was now surrounded by the crowd, and sighed. "Lier, you've become highly sought after. These people are relentless." Su Li chuckled softly. "They don't even know what I look like, yet they speak of deep affection. Their admiration isn't for me—it's for the Empress's favor, Father's position, and Grandfather's military power." Wei Yuan Yao gazed earnestly at Su Li. "Lier, you're exceptional. It's entirely possible they're drawn to you for who you are. Look at you—you excel in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and your medical skills are unparalleled. You're gentle and easy to get along with. If I were a man, I'd fall for you without hesitation." Su Li gave a faint smile. "So, I'm really that desirable?" Looking at her vivacious cousin, Su Li's heart grew heavy with bittersweet emotions. Cousin, I'm not as good as you think. In my past life, I ruined you. Wei Yuan Yao noticed Su Li suddenly gripping her hand tightly. Despite the slight pain, she asked worriedly, "Cousin, what's wrong? Are you still afraid of leaving your parents after marriage? Afraid of an unkind husband or in-laws? When Mother first started looking for matches for me, I was terrified too." Her expression brightened as a sudden idea struck her. "Oh! Mother mentioned something about strengthening family ties through marriage! Lier, why don't you marry my brother? Sure, he can be a bit clueless sometimes, but he's decent enough. With Grandmother, Grandfather, my parents, and me around, he wouldn't dare mistreat you. My parents adore you more than me, and you could visit your parents anytime. Wouldn't that be wonderful?" Wei Yuan Yao grew increasingly animated, as if ready to rush home and propose on her brother's behalf. Su Li was both amused and exasperated. What on earth was this? It wasn't that she looked down on her cousin. On the contrary, she thought him an ideal husband. The Duke of Wei's household was simple, free from the intrigues of concubines, in-laws, or marital disputes. But she didn't deserve him. She was a sinner burdened with guilt, the root cause of the Wei family's destruction in her past life. She had come to this life to atone, her hands destined to be stained with blood. How could she possibly match a loyal and honorable family like the Duke of Wei's? "Cousin? Cousin? What's wrong? Don't scare me!" Seeing tears welling up in Su Li's eyes, Wei Yuan Yao panicked. "Lier... don't cry! Did I say something wrong? Scold me! I always speak without thinking..." Su Li quickly reassured her. "Cousin, I'm fine. I'm just so happy... to think someone likes me." Wei Yuan Yao breathed a sigh of relief. "You scared me! I thought I'd upset you." "His Majesty arrives!" The announcement interrupted the chatter. Lady Wang exhaled in relief; dealing with those persistent noblewomen had been exhausting. As everyone bowed respectfully, the Emperor entered, clad in a resplendent golden dragon robe, his laughter booming through the hall. Behind him followed three distinguished-looking princes. Taking his seat at the head of the hall, the Emperor grinned. "Take your seats. Today is the Crown Prince's wedding—no need for formalities." At that moment, a ceremonial official stepped forward and announced, "The auspicious hour has arrived! Please welcome the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess." "A piece of sandalwood carved into a jade saddle, a golden dragon paired with a jade phoenix, twin flowers blooming in harmony. Fate decrees that what is meant to be will come to pass; a thousand miles of destiny are tied by a single thread. Please, Crown Prince and Crown Princess, grasp the red silk ribbon!" From the entrance, the Crown Prince and Lady Lan Yu, dressed in vibrant red bridal attire, each held one end of the red silk ribbon and slowly walked forward. If one ignored the Crown Prince's unusually pale complexion, everything appeared harmonious and beautiful. Clearly, the Shenggu Flower had taken effect, allowing him to stand without assistance to perform the wedding rites. The ceremonial official continued, "A precious tripod and silver candles illuminate the hall. The phoenix and dragon harmonize under the sun, moon, and stars. Two families unite in this blessed union. We invite the Crown Prince and Crown Princess to bow together. First, bow to His Majesty to thank him for this union. Bow to heaven and earth, inscribing your bond on the stone of fate. First bow!" The newlyweds bowed simultaneously. "Second, bow to the sun and moon, binding your spirits together. Second bow!" "Third, bow to the changing seasons, honoring warmth and cold. Third bow!" "Rise!" "The two families are joined in matrimony, bound by this solemn promise. May this day bring blossoming peach flowers, prosperity for the household, and abundant descendants in the years to come. Let this eternal vow be written on crimson paper and recorded in the book of love. The ceremony is complete—escort the couple to the bridal chamber!" Cheers and applause erupted throughout the hall. Suddenly, the Crown Prince stumbled, coughing up a mouthful of blood before collapsing limply to the ground. "Your Highness!!" "Brother!" "Son!!" "Summon the imperial physician immediately!"