Ling Yao's face was filled with delight. The moment she saw Xuanyuan Heng, she wished the person in his arms was her.
She looked at Feng Ran with jealousy and disgust. All of this should have belonged to her, but An Nuan had forcefully snatched away what was originally hers.
She became even more convinced that Xuanyuan Heng must have been deceived by Feng Ran. If Xuanyuan Heng saw her true worth, then Feng Ran would be of no consequence.
Therefore, as long as she made an effort, Xuanyuan Heng would undoubtedly be hers.
However, Feng Ran was truly ungrateful. To be so shameless and brazen in front of so many people, and in Xuanyuan Heng's embrace, even saying such things just now.
Ling Yao wished she could tear Feng Ran's face apart. Her gaze towards Feng Ran was like it was laced with poison.
"Feng Ran? Is that the once arrogant eldest daughter of the Feng family?" As soon as Ling Yao spoke, everyone looked at Feng Ran with the anticipation of a good show.
They were naturally aware of Feng Ran's presence, but Feng Ran was brought by Xuanyuan Heng. As for why Xuanyuan Heng brought her, and their intimate actions, although they held malice towards Feng Ran, they dared not step forward and say anything.
Now, Ling Yao had spoken these words, which, for them, was a fortunate event.
They figured Ling Yao must have been driven mad to say such things.
Anyone else would certainly not have asked.
No one would say such insensitive words.
However, it had to be said that Ling Yao's words had indeed struck a chord with him.
Feng Ran's entire body stiffened, and she gasped.
At this moment, Xuanyuan Heng also sensed the abnormality in the person in his arms. And he seemed quite satisfied with Feng Ran in this state.
Feng Ran wanted to struggle out of Xuanyuan Heng's embrace, but at this moment, Xuanyuan Heng said coldly, "Feng Ran, if you want to survive, if you want to protect Feng Jin, you should know what you need to do next, how you need to act."
"Feng Ran, my words are never repeated. You are the only one who has made me repeat myself. Feng Ran, remember, if that woman becomes the Regent's consort, then Feng Jin will disappear from this world."
"Feng Ran, you need to think clearly and make a decision."
"However, I will not force you. You make the decision yourself. But you need to think clearly about the consequences of your decision, and you will bear them alone."
Feng Ran let out a sneer, her face a picture of bleakness.
Heh, yes. Xuanyuan Heng asked her to choose herself, and it was time for her to make a choice.
But did she have a choice?
No, no choice at all.
Xuanyuan Heng knew that Feng Jin was her lifeline. He held her lifeline tightly, not even considering letting her go.
Feng Ran laughed self-mockingly. Her life, in the end, was always going to be beyond her control, always going to be in someone else's grasp, and she would never be able to act as she pleased.
After a long while, Feng Ran raised her eyes and looked at the person before her, a smile on her face. "Yes, I know what to do. I only hope the Regent will cooperate then. If the Regent doesn't cooperate, no matter how much I do, it will be useless."
A glint flashed in Xuanyuan Heng's eyes. He smiled and said, "Yes, naturally. As I said, as long as you obediently listen and reject this marriage bestowed upon me by His Majesty, what harm is there in me cooperating with you?"
Upon hearing this, Feng Ran was initially surprised but quickly concealed her astonishment.
Perhaps Xuanyuan Heng was in a good mood at the moment, which was why he said such a thing.
Feng Ran stood up and walked step by step towards Ling Yao. She reached out, pinched Ling Yao's chin, and said coldly, "So what if it is? So what if it isn't?"
"What's wrong? Miss Ling, you haven't even become the Regent's consort yet, and you're already putting on airs. Miss Ling's upbringing and family honor are truly concerning."
Ling Yao's face turned dark. She never expected that since the Emperor had already spoken, making her the Regent's consort was a done deal. Yet Feng Ran stood up and said such a thing. Did she intend to defy the imperial decree?
"Feng Ran, you lowly woman, a woman from Spring Abundance Garden, what right do you have to sit here?"
"Feng Ran, it is an imperial marriage decree. How dare you say such a thing? You are disrespecting authority."
"Feng Ran, you harbinger of doom, you caused the destruction of the Feng family, so you should die, understand?"
"How do you still have the face to be alive here?" Ling Yao gritted her teeth, glaring at Feng Ran.
Instead of getting angry, Feng Ran looked at the enraged Ling Yao with a smile.
Ling Yao, who had been about to curse further, suddenly dared not say anything. Her brows furrowed, and she felt a little uneasy.
Ling Yao inwardly cried out, "Not good."
She glared at Feng Ran, wishing she could kill her. This little slut was scheming against her here.
And she hadn't realized anything, falling right into her trap.
If it weren't for the presence of the grand hall, she would have attacked directly.
Ling Yao's hands, hidden in her sleeves, were clenched tightly. Her complexion was somewhat unsightly, but she still restrained her temper and said coldly to Feng Ran, "Feng Ran, the Emperor has decreed a marriage between me and the Regent. Do you have any objections to His Majesty's decree?"
"Feng Ran, are you trying to disobey the decree?" Ling Yao said maliciously.
Hmph, in this matter, she was on solid ground.
Ling Yao thought that Feng Ran must be stunned at this moment. Since she said nothing, she must be scared.
Heh, Feng Ran, let's see what else you have to say this time.
How could Feng Ran be her match in a fight? Today, the position of the Regent's consort was hers; she would not allow any accidents.
This was what so many women dreamed of.
Feng Ran walked directly past Ling Yao and knelt before the Emperor, kowtowing. She then took out an imperial decree from her bosom and said, "Does His Majesty remember the imperial decree that once granted me a marriage?"
Ling Yao remained unconcerned. Even if it was a marriage decree, so what? Did she still think she could reclaim the position of Regent's consort? Feng Ran was truly too naive.
What was her status now that she could be worthy of Xuanyuan Heng?
Ling Yao completely disregarded Feng Ran's words.
Feng Ran, seemingly ignoring the Emperor's displeased expression, continued, "Your Majesty, the imperial decree back then stated that the Regent's consort would be Feng Ran for life. Even if I were to die, no one else could ever sit in the position of the Regent's consort."
Upon hearing this, Ling Yao's face turned extremely ugly. Why was Feng Ran blocking her path? Why couldn't she stand to see her do well?
Feng Ran was indeed extremely wicked.
The Emperor, however, softly responded with a "Hmm."
After all, he was the one who had made that arrangement.
Ling Yao was unwilling. Such a good opportunity was lost in vain. Seeing that the Emperor was about to compromise, she was not willing to accept this. She wanted to seize this opportunity firmly.