"Your Majesty, please withdraw the Imperial arrangement!" Lin Mo pleaded, stepping forward boldly with his head bowed.
"How dare you defy the Imperial Marriage Decree?!" the Head Eunuch shouted sharply, his voice piercing through the silent court. "This is an honor bestowed by the Emperor himself!"
"See? I knew it, that is what he is gonna report. He really hates 'me' that much," Zhou Tianyi thought, watching the scene unfold. But wait, it's not me he hates. It's the original guy who lived in this body before. The Old Host. He is the one who treated Lin Mo like garbage and made him resentful. No wonder he is willing to offend the Emperor just to avoid marrying the villain.
Zhou Tianyi stroked his chin, thinking quickly. Hmm, wait a minute. Should I help him? If the engagement is annulled and I don't marry him, maybe I can completely avoid the tragic ending where he betrays and kills me. Hahaha! I'm a genius! That's the best plan ever!
With that brilliant thought in mind, I stepped forward and bowed low beside Lin Mo, deciding to help him plead his case. "Your Majesty, perhaps... perhaps Lord Lin Mo has valid reasons. Maybe we should reconsider—"
"Silence!" The Emperor's deep voice boomed across the hall, cutting me off instantly. His expression was stern as he looked down at us. "Are the two of you aware that once I have made a decision, it is final? An Imperial Marriage is absolute. It cannot be dissolved, nor can there be any talk of divorce."
Both Lin Mo and I froze, exchanging a quick glance before bowing our heads again. "We understand, Your Majesty," we responded in unison.
As I stood back up, Lin Mo shifted slightly closer to me, his voice low and dripping with cold sarcasm meant only for my ears. He looked at me sharply and whispered, "So, this is why you suddenly helped me huh? You have some sort of scheme brewing again, don't you?"
He scoffed quietly, his eyes burning with resolve. "Your plan isn't going to work. I will accept this marriage and do my best to endure you, but I will do anything to protect my family. Do not think you can manipulate me."
I was left speechless by his intense reaction.
"Let me make this clear," the Emperor continued, his tone turning icy. "If either of you breaks this engagement or creates a scandal to force a cancellation, you know the law. The punishment is exile to the Remote Cold Lands."
He paused, letting the threat sink in before looking directly at Lin Mo.
"And you, Lin Mo... if you choose to abandon this marriage or betray the Crown Prince, it will not be just you who faces exile. Your entire family parents, relatives, and descendants will share your fate."
The Emperor leaned back on his dragon throne, his expression shifting from anger to a heavy, regal weariness. He looked out over the court and spoke in a solemn, historical tone.
"I have examined my heart and reviewed my judgment. The Sage Kings taught us that 'Even the Dragon may stumble.' In my haste to secure the dynasty's future and unite the great clans, I may have overlooked the human hearts involved. I was wrong. But as the Son of Heaven, my word is the decree of the Heavens. What has been set in stone cannot be ground into dust. This marriage shall proceed, for the stability of the Empire outweighs personal sentiments."
"This humble servant understands," Lin Mo replied, bowing his head deeply.
The Emperor shifted his gaze from Lin Mo to me, his eyes unreadable. Then, he waved his hand and announced, "Court is dismissed."
As the Emperor departed and the crowd began to disperse, I turned towards my two older brothers who were waiting nearby. Before anything else, I needed to bid them farewell properly.
I walked up to them and performed the parting salute—cupping my left hand over my right fist and bowing respectfully at the waist.
"Third Brother bids farewell to Eldest Brother and Second Brother. May your journeys be safe and your affairs prosperous," I recited in a formal tone, following the proper rites.
Zhou Changfeng nodded, his expression warm. "Take care, Third Brother. We shall meet again soon."
Zhou Zishu offered a gentle smile and returned the gesture. "Farewell, Third Brother. Do not forget your manners wherever you go."
"He he he Yes Brother " Zhou Tianyi said while saying to go because they are still busy and After exchanging our goodbyes, I turned back to the hall. That was when Lin Mo walked past me. He deliberately brushed against my arm and leaned in close, his voice low but carrying a distinct tone of mockery.
"Even though I am agreeing to this marriage solely for the sake of my family, don't get smug because of this 'victory'," he sneered. "There are still three others who despise this arrangement just as much as I do. You haven't won anything yet."
With that, he turned on his heel and walked away, a look of pure satisfaction and smugness plastered on his face.
I watched him go, feeling a surge of irritation rising in my chest. I couldn't help but shout at his retreating back, "You! Youuu! Come here again and I will knock some sense and IQ into that thick head of yours!"
Urg! That bratty look of his... Tch!
As he walked further away, my eyes suddenly started to sting again. The familiar translucent window popped up in my vision, displaying his information:
*Lin Mo
- Gender: Male
- Age: 22
- Ling Gan: Fire Realm II (- Snake Control)
- Title: The Great Investigator
- Position: Minister of the Department of Criminal Investigation
- Skills: Observation (Master III), Deduction (Master III), Tracking (Expert V), Interrogation (Expert III)*
Oh! So these are his skills... I didn't even know about this. In the novel, they just mentioned that he was the second greatest detective in the empire, second only to his father. Well, I have to admit, he is really impressive.
I couldn't help but admire him despite the annoyance. That long black hair and those sharp green eyes... he really is incredibly handsome.
Just as I was lost in my thoughts, a couple of eunuchs approached me respectfully.
"Your Highness," one of them said, bowing low. "His Majesty has requested your presence in the Imperial Study."
What is it againnn? Can't I just catch a break? I sighed inwardly..