Chapter 894: Chapter 894 The Consort Selection Begins
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Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
The two women met each other’s gaze, an unspoken understanding pa.s.sing between them. They stayed silent and simply bowed their heads in acknowledgement.
Bai Yang, recognizing their silence, addressed them sternly. “Do you realize where you are? Have you considered the consequences if someone dies here and the Great Ming officials investigate?”
“If you value your lives,” he continued, “persuade the princess to accept her fate and marry the Emperor. Otherwise, none of us will be spared, and you yourselves might even die alongside the princess.”
Following his admonition, Bai Yang arranged for the imperial physician attending their party to tend to the injured maid. He then personally approached Princess Jiarou’s chambers and knocked on her door.
Upon answering the door, Princess Jiarou offered him not even a single glance. Turning away, she returned to her seat and said, “If your purpose is persuasion, spare yourself the effort.”
“Have you ever considered the potential repercussions?” Bai Yang pressed. “Repercussions?” scoffed the princess. “I am a mere p.a.w.n, discarded and forgotten. As long as I find personal contentment, the rest is of no concern to you.”
“You… the lives of millions on the Western Continent rest upon your shoulders.”
“Wrong,” she countered. “Only the Western Continent royal family’s fate is concerned. The ordinary populace? The Great Ming Emperor wouldn’t dare mistreat them.”
“You’re being petty!!” Bai Yang exclaimed.
“Exactly. Kill me if you dare.
“Just like you had slain Captain Su.”
“You… you are beyond saving.”
“The moment you ordered Captain Su’s execution,” Princess Jiarou stated with a chilling smile, “you should’ve expected my revenge. But rest a.s.sured, I will fulfill the marriage pact.”
Witnessing the icy defiance in her eyes, Bai Yang shivered. He was unsure whether this marriage would go well or not. Clearly, a serious discussion was necessary.
Turning away, he spoke with a heavy heart, “Look after yourself.”
He then summoned the other envoys, informing them of Princess Jiarou’s predicament. “What are your thoughts on this matter?”
“At this point, we have no choice but to see it through,” one official conceded. “However, why the sudden shift in her demeanor?”
“It’s simple. Back on the Western Continent, subst.i.tutions were possible. With her arrival in the capital and her ident.i.ty revealed, changing princesses would be impossible.”
“We must act swiftly,” a third interjected. “Let’s send a letter to the King. We cannot bear the responsibility if unforeseen circ.u.mstances arise.”
“Agreed,” Bai Yang concurred. “I will dispatch a messenger immediately.” Zhou Ying, piecing together the events, understood the situation. Princess
Jiarou clearly harbored a prior love interest, tragically eliminated by the King for the sake of the marriage pact.
This ignited a deep-seated hatred within the princess, directed at the Western Continent royal family and potentially at the Emperor.
With this revelation, Zhou Ying sighed in relief.
Bai Yang was more fearful than they were and was determined to ensure her safety; then, their situation wouldn’t be quite as precarious as it initially seemed.
The day of the consort selection arrived. After breakfast, the streets bustled with activity as carriages streamed towards the palace.
Following the customary luggage inspection, the women entered the palace alongside Princesses Zhi Shan and Princess Jiarou, who, to Zhou Ying’s surprise, engaged in lively conversation, seemingly on good terms.
Upon entering the palace, they proceeded directly to the Grand Empress Dowager’s quarters, where the Emperor and Empress were also present.
The two princesses offered their respects, and the Grand Empress Dowager, her voice warm and welcoming, replied, “Please rise. You two have traveled a long distance. Do you find life in the Great Ming agreeable?”