Chapter 31 - 19: The Blind-Eyed but Clear-Hearted Young Marquis
"No, Ming brother, you... you don’t understand..." Ji Liruo’s voice was very low, filled with sorrow, "The young Marquis is upright, and we are betrothed, so naturally, he wouldn’t do anything out of line. Even though he is blind, he is so outstanding. I think many women in the Capital City envy me for this betrothal."
Liu Ming was silent for a moment. Xiao Anning indeed was very outstanding. Even though he was blind, his knowledge and martial arts surpassed those of his peers. Every time Emperor tested them, he wouldn’t say much at that moment, but afterward, he would always teach them with a tone of disappointment. Look at Anning, he can’t see, yet he is more diligent and hardworking than you all. What can you compare to him?
That was precisely why they disliked Xiao Anning. A blind person, yet he had outdone all the strong and healthy Princes and Imperial Grandsons.
Additionally, such an understanding and considerate Ji Liruo was given in marriage to Xiao Anning, which made Liu Ming feel like a bone stuck in his throat.
While Liu Ming indulged in his chaotic thinking, Ji Liruo softly murmured, "There’s really no need to envy me. One’s honey is another’s poison..."
The last half of the sentence was almost inaudible, but Liu Ming heard it clearly.
Liu Ming suddenly turned to Ji Liruo and urgently asked, "Sister Ji, what did you say? Are you also unhappy with this marriage? I can go tell my father, I can plead with Emperor to cancel this marriage."
"No, I didn’t say anything. You heard wrong." Ji Liruo was shocked, her face pale, and she quickly shook her head to deny.
"Why didn’t you tell me if you were aggrieved? You always told me if anything happened before. This marriage, if you are unwilling, why didn’t you tell me? I would certainly find a way to stop it." Liu Ming looked at Ji Liruo’s pale smiling face, heartbroken as if stabbed by a knife.
"Ming brother, this marriage was bestowed by Emperor! I don’t wish to bring you any trouble or distress. If you go to plead, what will others think, what will Emperor and Crown Prince think? How can I let you be troubled for me?" Ji Liruo’s voice was low, initially stern, then slowly turning sorrowful and bitter.
Liu Ming’s expression turned pale as well. Being part of the royal family, he was naturally more aware that he couldn’t act recklessly with his words and deeds.
"Alright, Ming brother, don’t say anything, just pretend you don’t know. I beg you, don’t put yourself at risk for me. The young Marquis is so good, after I marry him, he will certainly treat me well." Ji Liruo pleaded earnestly.
Liu Ming clenched his fists tightly, his eyes filled with anger and... hatred towards Xiao Anning.
"Ming brother, I should go now. I just want you to be well, don’t do anything foolish." Ji Liruo advised, then lifted her head, raised a smiling face, and walked towards the Crown Princess Consort.
Liu Ming stood alone in place, staring intensely at Xiao Anning’s back, not moving a single step for a long time.
Tianmiao, at this time, went to the Eastern Palace garden with Yong’an Commandery Princess. The garden had been divided into two parts by folding screens, separating the women from the men. The screens in the middle merely served as a symbolic separation, and in fact, there was enough gap in the middle for a person to squeeze through. This allowed for the young men and women to observe each other.
𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎
The Crown Princess Consort was also very interested in Tianmiao but dared not be too welcoming. Because Emperor had specifically ordered to treat this fortune teller with respect, but also not make him feel uncomfortable in any way.