"All of you, return to your seats."

As the Beili Emperor finished speaking, some officials slowly rose and returned to their seats. Only Xiang Minghou, the three members of the Zhan family, Qian Fu, Qian Fanji, Old Man Gu, and Gu Shuo remained kneeling.

"What are you all still kneeling for?" the Beili Emperor said, displeased.

"Your Majesty, I implore you to retract your decree," Xiang Minghou’s voice rang out, loud and clear.

"Xiang Minghou, you’d best not spurn my generosity."

"Your Majesty, I have only this one daughter. My only wish is for her to live a peaceful life, free from constraints." ’If it were possible, Xiang Minghou would have resigned his post and taken his daughter far away from all this conflict.’

The Beili Emperor knew of Xiang Minghou’s stubborn nature. But he had already spoken, and he could not go back on his word.

"Your Majesty, the little girl comes from the countryside. Nowadays, the common folk believe in marrying for love between social equals. This old man has a real connection with the girl, and I hope that when she grows up, her future husband will have eyes only for her." Old Man Gu then added, "Just like young Zhan and Madam Zhan, who are so devoted to each other and live in perfect happiness."

Although his words clearly implied the Crown Prince was incapable of this and were incredibly presumptuous, he still dared to say them.

Fury flooded the Beili Emperor’s mind. The child hadn’t even been officially betrothed, and four families were already this united. "Anyone who utters another word will be dragged out and beheaded!"

Not one of the people kneeling in the grand hall moved.

Ye Qianning was touched by Old Man Gu’s words. The old gentleman was genuinely looking out for her. His principles, character, and perspective were all remarkably similar to her own.

She had been signaling her master not to speak. She just wanted to see how far the Beili Emperor would go.

’Now, it seems I’m to be utterly disappointed,’ she thought. ’No matter how great Father’s military achievements are, the Emperor can have him killed at any moment just for disagreeing with him.’

’Imperial power... it’s terrifying.’

"Guards!" The Beili Emperor was thoroughly enraged.

"Your Majesty." Dean Chen stood up.

The Beili Emperor’s cold gaze shifted to him. "Dean, if you intend to dissuade me, you needn’t bother speaking."

"Of course not," Dean Chen said with a faint smile.

Ye Qianning ran down from her seat and knelt beside Xiang Minghou. In a tiny, child-like voice, she said, "This subject thanks Your Majesty for granting this marriage."

"Pangtuan?" Xiang Minghou said in surprise.

Ye Qianning placed her small hand over his. Her soft little hand felt surprisingly heavy.

Xiang Minghou’s hand trembled beneath hers.

The Beili Emperor turned to look at the small, obedient figure kneeling below. Only then did his anger begin to subside. "Beloved Minister Xiang, do you have anything else to say?"

Xiang Minghou remained silent.

Ye Qianning squeezed his hand a little harder. ’The Emperor’s anger had just reached its boiling point,’ she thought. ’We can’t push back any harder.’

The Beili Emperor’s sharp eyes darkened dangerously as he stared at Xiang Minghou.

"This humble servant... accepts the decree." Xiang Minghou kowtowed.

The murderous glint in the Beili Emperor’s sharp, dark eyes finally receded. "You may withdraw."

Xiang Minghou rose, pulled Ye Qianning back to her seat, and gripped her small hand tightly. His heart was filled with immense regret. ’I’m an official,’ he thought. ’The children of officials can never escape the fate of imperially decreed marriages.’

"Father, it’s alright," Ye Qianning whispered.

Xiang Minghou didn’t say anything, just kept holding Ye Qianning’s hand.

Old Man Gu was in low spirits, and Gu Shuo looked grim as well.

Qian Fu felt even worse. His son had been forced into a marriage, and now his granddaughter was, too. Neither match was the least bit satisfactory.

Zhan Yi and Madam Zhan’s faces were pale. They had already sent one daughter into the palace; now, their granddaughter was to suffer the same fate. Sigh.

The music and dancing began, but at this point, no one had the heart to watch.

The somber banquet dragged on until nearly midnight before finally dispersing.

The moment the banquet ended, the Seventh Princess of East Shu, Chu Yue, intercepted the Empress. She wanted to see the Eighth Prince.

The Empress cited the late hour to decline the princess’s request, rescheduling for two days later.