The Crown Prince pushed Xue Huang and Xue Hou out, stating they were unhappy. Did marrying a mere princess of An Country require their appearance?
However, seeing the Crown Prince's expression, Xue Huang and Xue Hou could not refuse. Ever since the woman in Jingyun's heart disappeared, he had never married again in the following years. No matter how they coerced or manipulated, it was useless.
Now, he was willing to take the initiative. As his parents, they should be happy.
But their son was marrying the princess of a small country, An Country, and a woman whose face was half disfigured.
As a mother, Xue Hou was unwilling for many reasons, but the Crown Prince had knelt before her and begged her.
Her son had cast aside all his pride for this woman. She was unwilling, and a little displeased.
Suddenly, a large hand grasped hers. She turned and saw Xue Huang.
"Your Majesty..." she whispered.
Xue Huang smiled, "Jingyun finally has someone he wants to protect with his life."
Xue Hou trembled. She inexplicably recalled that year when Xue Huang willingly became a hostage, hoping the enemy forces would spare her.
She reached back and tightly clasped Xue Huang's hand, smiling, "How can he compare to his father? Your Majesty is my eternal god in my heart."
Xue Huang smiled, a faint blush appearing on his handsome face, "I am old, but I promised to accompany you for a lifetime and I will not go back on my word."
"No reneging," gentleness appeared in Xue Hou's eyes.
With Xue Huang's instructions, Xue Hou also became accepting of the marriage and no longer made things difficult for anyone.
The wedding was set for the beginning of next month. The time was indeed tight, but seeing how much the Crown Prince of Xue Country valued it, Emperor An, though reluctant, agreed.
After Emperor An and An Ru returned, An Ning also learned that her wedding date with Xue Jingyun was set for early next month. Now, she needed to return to An Country with her father to prepare for the wedding.
"My little An Ning is finally getting married. If your mother knew, she would be very happy for you," Emperor An's voice was a little choked.
"Father, this is a joyous occasion, you mustn't cry," An Ru said with a smile.
Emperor An glared at An Ru, "Who said I was crying? You child, look, your sister is about to get married, what about you?"
Seeing this, An Ru quickly smoothed things over, "Father, now all our efforts should be focused on third sister's wedding. As for mine, it can be considered later."
Emperor An wanted to urge her further, but An Ru was right. All his energy now had to be focused on his little An Ning.
His little An Ning was getting married, truly getting married.
In the East Palace courtyard, Xue Jingyun looked at Xue Chang'an and said faintly, "If you have something to say, say it here. This crown prince is already engaged, so as to avoid Ning'er misunderstanding."
Xue Chang'an was taken aback. She really did not expect such words to come from the exceptionally talented Crown Prince of Xue Country, Xue Jingyun.
"I still have many matters. If Your Majesty is unwilling to speak, please return to your residence," Xue Jingyun's tone held a hint of coldness.
Xue Chang'an gave a low laugh, her smile filled with an unspeakable bitterness, "You really intend to marry Princess An Ning?"
"The wedding is set for next month. This crown prince will send Your Majesty an invitation, if Your Majesty wishes to attend."
Xue Chang'an's gaze flickered slightly, "But you know very well she isn't my sister."
Xue Jingyun looked up at Xue Chang'an and said faintly, "This crown prince knows."
"Then why are you marrying her? How sad would my sister be if she knew? You clearly like my sister, yet you are marrying another woman?"
"An Ning is not just any other woman."
"Even if your sister's soul exists within her, she is not your sister. Xue Jingyun, by doing this, you are merely desecrating your sister's feelings for you," Xue Chang'an yelled.
"Xue Chang'an, my actions are not for you to question." Xue Jingyun's expression was as cold as frost, his eyes holding a fierce and biting wind never seen before.
Xue Chang'an heard this and laughed foolishly, with a touch of desolation, "Xue Jingyun, you are merely deceiving yourself. You desecrate your sister's feelings for you, and you also desecrate your sincerity for your sister. Why?"
"Self-deception? Perhaps!" Xue Jingyun turned and left, leaving behind only a fleeting silhouette.
Xue Chang'an watched the receding figure gradually disappear, standing there in utter desolation. She wanted to laugh, but she couldn't.
Chang'an, look at the man you loved. After your death, he married someone else. Was your love worth it?
She should have mocked, but damn it, she only felt a pang of sorrow.
"Who?" Xue Chang'an's gaze sharpened, and she said coldly.
"If you don't come out now, don't blame me for being impolite." Xue Chang'an drew the sword at her waist.
"Your Majesty, it's me." A figure emerged.
Seeing the person, Xue Chang'an said coldly, "You saw and heard everything?" Da Feng Novel Network
An Ping bit her lower lip and uttered a single word, "Yes."
Xue Chang'an sheathed her sword and said, "Mind your own mouth."
"Your Majesty can rest assured, I know what should be said and what should not be said," An Ping quickly said.
Xue Chang'an sneered, "I hope you remember your own words."
With that, Xue Chang'an left.
An Ping almost collapsed onto the ground. Dealing with Xue Chang'an was like walking on thin ice.
However, she had heard something crucial.
The next day.
An Ning boarded the carriage returning to An Country, prepared by Xue Jingyun. The carriage was equipped with snacks and tea, essentially a mobile room.
An Ning accompanied Emperor An to bid farewell to Xue Huang and Xue Hou.
"Princess An Ning, come here," Xue Hou said.
An Ning glanced at Xue Hou and still walked forward. Xue Hou took a hairpin from her head and placed it in An Ning's hand, saying, "I thought you had everything valuable, so I needed to give you something meaningful. This hairpin was given to me by Jingyun's imperial grandmother, and now I pass it on to you."
As An Ning was about to refuse, Xue Hou added, "Accept it. After all, you will be a member of the Xue family from now on."
An Ning no longer declined, bowed, and said, "Thank you, Empress."
Xue Hou raised her eyelids and said, "I am indeed not very satisfied with you, but Jingyun likes you. He has never proactively asked to marry anyone before. Including that person, you are the second..."
"Mother..." Xue Jingyun walked over, his expression somewhat displeased.
Xue Hou smiled, "Go on, if I say more, Jingyun will be unhappy."
Xue Jingyun walked forward and took her hand. He found her hand was a little cold. He channeled his inner energy, and a stream of warmth flowed from his palm into her body, making her feel warm all over.
"Ning'er, I will wait for you..." This was all he said.
An Ning looked up and saw his affectionate gaze. Those bright starry eyes held only her at this moment.
"Your Highness, I must leave now." An Ning withdrew her hand from his.
"Ning'er..." His voice followed her from behind.
She did not look back and boarded the carriage.
Inside the carriage, An Ru looked at her with suppressed glee. She lifted the curtain and watched the fleeting silhouette still standing there, unmoving for a long time.