An Youyou has left.

She also feels that in this situation where everyone’s emotions are bad, it’s best not to say much.

It’s easy to intensify the conflict further.

After Youyou left, Anqi’s eyes reddened again.

Even though Youyou’s words were always restrained, they still hurt her.

Regarding the matters between her and Luming, she was originally the victim, yet Youyou still sided with Luming.

In her heart, there would always be some discomfort.

She had genuinely devoted herself to Youyou since childhood, but unexpectedly, in the end, she no longer understood her.

"Princess."

The Palace Attendant knelt before her, trembling with fear.

Anqi pressed her lips, adjusting her emotions, "What’s the matter?"

"Today His Majesty came to see you, and you let me lie on your bed. At first, His Majesty thought I was you, so he said many things to me." The Palace Attendant couldn’t hold back and wanted to tell the truth to the Princess.

"What did he say?" Anqi’s eyes flashed with a trace of disgust.

No need to think too much, she knew what Luming would say.

Still those sentiments, sincere and profound, to her.

She didn’t need Luming’s feelings for her at all.

"His Majesty said he would fulfill your and Prince Jing’s union."

"..." Anqi’s expression changed.

She couldn’t believe her own attendant.

Thinking she had heard wrong.

The palace maid who had been with her for many years saw through her disbelief at once and hastily repeated, "His Majesty truly said he wants to fulfill your match with Prince Jing."

Anqi tightly pressed her lips.

She couldn’t even believe it; Luming really let go.

Let go so quickly.

And had she truly misunderstood Luming and even misunderstood Youyou?!

The guilt in her heart and that trace of shame seemed to contort her face.

At the same time.

"Imperial edict has arrived!"

A proclamation suddenly rang out outside the door.

Anqi immediately got down to the ground with the Palace Attendant’s support.

She walked towards the front hall to receive the decree.

"By the mandate of heaven, the emperor decrees: Princess Anqi, elder sister of His Majesty, noble by status, wise and perceptive from youth. Now that the princess is seventeen, it is time for marriage. By the cherished decree of the Holy Mother, Empress Dowager, His Majesty has chosen a suitable groom from among the dukes and ministers for the elder sister. Prince Jing Xiao Jinyu is noble in character, handsome in appearance, and without a family, a match with the princess can be called heaven-made. His Majesty is greatly pleased. To enhance the happiness of a beautiful couple, Princess Anqi will be wed to Prince Jing Xiao Jinyu, marrying on the Mid-Autumn Festival, the fifteenth of August. This announcement serves to inform all. By the order of the Emperor."

Listening to the edict, Anqi’s entire body stiffened in place.

"Princess, you have yet to accept the decree," the eunuch reminded.

He too, had always been beside His Majesty, well aware of the feelings between the Emperor, the princess, and Prince Jing.

Now His Majesty finally let go, yet the princess seemed devoid of expected joy.

Xiao Anqi regained her senses.

She knelt on the ground, loudly proclaiming, "Anqi accepts the decree, thanking His Majesty for the gracious kindness."

The eunuch handed the edict to Anqi, saying, "Such a decree has also been sent to Prince Jing Mansion, and today Prince Jing will also receive His Majesty’s granting of marriage. Furthermore, His Majesty has instructed the Ministry of Rites to prepare the princess’s wedding. Mid-Autumn is only half a month away. Congratulations, princess."

"Thank you, eunuch." Anqi expressed gratitude.

Unsure whether it was indeed a misunderstanding of Luming and Youyou causing her unease, or the happiness arriving too suddenly leaving her somewhat unprepared.

She wasn’t as delighted as she thought she would be.

...

The news of Princess Anqi marrying Prince Jing quickly spread throughout Daxuan Kingdom.

All along, the common people believed that Princess Anqi delayed her marriage because she was waiting for His Majesty to turn sixteen and wed her as empress.

Unexpectedly, Princess Anqi ended up marrying Prince Jing.

However, lovers finally coming together can be considered a beautiful story.

Many blessings were given by the people.

The Imperial Palace also bustled with joy for the festive occasion.

On the day of the grand wedding, August 15th.

Princess Anqi, following the highest ceremonial protocol as the elder princess, wed.

She rose early, going to bid farewell to Xiao Jinxing and An Ning.

An Ning ultimately felt some reluctance, having watched Anqi grow up.

Thinking back to when she brought her home, she was merely a little baby.

Moreover, Anqi was only seventeen.

In her mind, it shouldn’t be the age for marriage.

But customs must be followed.

She accepted it.

An Ning reluctantly stroked Anqi’s hand, "No matter what happens, father and mother will always be here. Whether you’ve married or not, we are family. If you think of home, return where the palace doesn’t close its gates to you, and Wen Zhou will always welcome you."

"Thank you, father. Thank you, mother." Anqi knelt on the ground.

Moved by her parent’s kindness towards her, tears welled in her eyes.

"Don’t delay the time for departure; leave early," An Ning gently said.

"Yes." Anqi respectfully left.

After leaving, she went again to Qiankun Hall.

According to tradition, it is necessary to pay respects to the emperor.

Since the day His Majesty granted the marriage, she hadn’t seen His Majesty again.

The guilt in her heart needed to be voiced in person but remained unsaid.

At this moment, seeing Luming sitting on the high and unreachable Dragon Throne, she suddenly felt a sense of distance.

"Luming." Anqi couldn’t resist, "Does your wound still hurt?"

"It has healed, thank you, elder sister, for your concern." Luming responded unemotionally.

Anqi felt somewhat sad inside.

In the past, Luming always called her "Anqi," but now addressing her as "elder sister," seemingly closer yet feeling ten million eight thousand miles apart.

"I was too impulsive back then, I’m sorry..."

"Today is elder sister’s wedding day, a day of great joy, there’s no need to talk about unpleasant matters anymore. The time is about right, elder sister, please begin your journey," Luming said calmly.

There was no sense of his emotions.

No sadness or distress nor happiness, just plain and indifferent; today’s wedding seemed wouldn’t affect him at all.

Was he truly devoid of feelings for her?!

Even familial bonds, gone?!