The faces of those present were a spectacle of changing emotions.
Eunuch Wang was perplexed, while the First Prince was ecstatic.
What good deeds had the Wei family done to anger Miss Xu, the Iron-Faced Lady, to such an extent, appearing ready for a fight to the death?
"Miss Xu, today is a joyous occasion for His Majesty to bestow marriage upon the Ninth Prince and my granddaughter. If you have any grievances to air, please do so later. Do not delay the auspicious hour. His Majesty and Noble Consort are waiting in the palace for our report."
Duke Wei, who had rushed over, shouted as soon as he stepped into the waterside pavilion. His words were not only breathless but also carried a hint of threat.
No one present was foolish enough not to understand.
"Guards, escort Miss Xu to the rear courtyard for tea. Later, I will personally see her back to her residence."
"Wait a moment."
The First Prince, having finally seized an opportunity, could not let it go. He walked to Xu Mingyue's side and appeased her, saying, "Miss Xu, what matter do you wish your Imperial Uncle to adjudicate? I am also here. If I can assist in any way, I will not be stingy."
He then glanced at Duke Wei's darkened face, feeling immensely pleased.
The Sixth Prince watched with a worried expression, regretting his decision to attend this gathering.
Feng Jinyao observed his anxious look. Remembering his close friendship with her elder brother, she thought that if the city gates caught fire, he might be implicated. If she could help, she should.
Xiao Tingyi, seated at the head, seemed to be observing everyone as if watching a play.
He had never been interested in adjudicating matters for others. However, since this person was the direct granddaughter of Grand Secretary Xu, he had to show her respect out of consideration for her grandfather.
"What is Miss Xu's matter?"
"Your Highness..."
"Imperial Uncle..."
Duke Wei and the Ninth Prince blurted out simultaneously, interrupting Xiao Tingyi's question. He pursed his lips and looked at them, his eyes filled with coldness.
In an instant, they seemed to see the decisive and formidable Prince Ding of yesteryear again. His powerful aura made it difficult for them to breathe.
Xu Mingyue seized this opportunity to recount what had happened at the Mufeng Pavilion.
"My Xu family may not be a prominent clan, but our family's reputation is spotless and cannot be insulted in such a manner. I implore Your Highness to make a judgment."
After speaking, she kowtowed heavily, her resolve leaving no room for compromise.
"Miss Xu, please rise first. Since this concerns the Xu, Liang, and Wei families, there is no reason to only hear one side. Where are Young Master Liang and Miss Wei? Go and invite them here."
"Yes."
Yang Zhao strode out of the waterside pavilion. Who would dare stop the personal attendant of Prince Ding?
Eunuch Wang, who had come to deliver the imperial decree, looked troubled. The auspicious hour had arrived, yet he dared not urge them. He looked at Duke Wei with anxiety in his eyes.
If the auspicious hour was missed, it would be difficult to explain to the Emperor upon his return to the palace.
Duke Wei had never imagined that this girl from the Xu family would not fear ruin and disgrace. This was indeed troublesome.
Before long, Liang Pan was brought in by Yang Zhao, and Miss Wei, supported by two maids, alighted from her soft sedan chair.
Her face was pale, and she appeared weak and feeble, a sight visible to all.
Wen Yuwei quickly stepped forward to support her, saying pointedly, "Sister Wei has suffered greatly. You must rest well after choking on so much water. Do not let it leave any lingering illness."
Liang Pan had never experienced such a scene. His knees trembled. Although he had changed into clean clothes, he had lost all trace of his former noble demeanor. He meekly dared not look at anyone, lowering his head as Yang Zhao brought him before Xiao Tingyi.
"You are Liang Pan?"
"Replying to Your Highness, I am."
"Miss Xu wishes to break off the engagement. What do you say?"
"I... I..." Liang Pan had not expected Xu Mingyue to bring the matter directly before Prince Ding. He was both shocked and fearful, afraid that a single misstep might anger Prince Ding, which would be a great trouble.
"Your Highness is asking you a question. Why are you hesitating?"
Yang Zhao, standing nearby, could not stand such a soft-natured man. He lacked any heroic spirit. The opulent life in the Eastern Capital had indeed produced many young masters who were strong in appearance but weak in substance.
He had witnessed Xu Mingyue's determination to break the engagement just now. If not for this affair with Wei Lanxuan, he would naturally not agree. However, if he could use this matter to break off the engagement with the Xu family, perhaps he could then climb onto the Wei family and achieve a good match with Wei Lanxuan.
But the imperial decree was right before his eyes, and he understood the reason for inviting everyone today. If he angered the imperial family and the Wei family, they could crush him as easily as crushing an ant.
He was suddenly in a dilemma, unsure how to choose.
Duke Wei saw this and quickly stepped forward. "Young Master Liang, this engagement with the Xu family was arranged by your late mother. How can Miss Xu simply say she wants to break it off? You should think carefully."
He applied pressure with his words. If Young Master Liang did not agree, he would find a way to handle the matter.
Once the imperial decree of betrothal was received, others would not dare to make further comments. By then, if the Xu and Liang families wished to break off the engagement, it would be none of their Wei family's business.
Wei Lanxuan, leaning against a maid, stared at Liang Pan's slightly hunched back ahead of her. Her eyes were red. Everyone present could hear the meaning of her grandfather's words.
If he could say a word now agreeing to break off the engagement, she would dare to follow him to death, defying the imperial decree of betrothal.
Seeing his indecision and long silence, Wei Lanxuan's heart died as if her spirit had been extinguished. She suddenly began to cough violently.
Liang Pan heard her voice and turned back anxiously, his eyes filled with concern.
"Lan'er..."
This exclamation in his distress revealed too much affection. He had no way back and had to brace himself and say,
"Everything that happened today is my fault. I am ashamed to face Miss Xu. Since she wishes to break off the engagement, I shall agree."
Xu Mingyue did not give Duke Wei a chance. As soon as Liang Pan finished speaking, she spoke loudly again, "Young Master Liang also has this intention. I hope Your Highness can be a witness. From today onwards, the Xu and Liang families will have no marital ties."
"Impossible."
Duke Wei rushed forward. This time, he did not address the two but spoke to Prince Ding.
"Your Highness, we have invited everyone here today not to stage a duel over the breaking of the Liang-Xu engagement. Eunuch Wang has been waiting for a long time. Let him announce the decree first."
Once the imperial decree was announced, the situation would be settled, and no amount of gossip could disrupt their plans.
Feng Jinyao, who had schemed for this situation, could not possibly let him ruin it.
"Duke, your words are mistaken. If not for today's events, Sister Xu would not have rashly proposed to break off the engagement. Young Master Liang acted righteously and saved Miss Wei by jumping into the water. In front of everyone, the two also had physical contact. In such circumstances, to announce a betrothal decree would not be to disregard the Ninth Prince's dignity?"
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone looked at the Ninth Prince, who had remained silent. His expression was indifferent, and his gaze towards Wei Lanxuan was obscure, tinged with disdain.
The matter of physical contact was merely Feng Jinyao's rhetoric, but it forced the Ninth Prince to ponder.