The Prince Wants to Assassinate Me Every Day-Chapter 37 - 38 Rejection of Engagement

At the imperial banquet.

Xiao Zhanping suddenly spoke up, "Wan’er should be sixteen this year, right?"

Bai Mowan, hearing the Emperor address her, reluctantly moved her gaze away from Xiao Jinxing.

She quickly stood up and saluted, "Replying to your Majesty, this servant girl just turned sixteen."

"Are you already wed?" Xiao Zhanping asked, directly aiming at tonight’s main topic.

The Empress Yu Qingyuan, sitting next to Xiao Zhanping, had an evident change in her expression.

She had long heard that the Emperor intended to decree the Bai Family’s legitimate daughter to marry the Prince of Chu. If such a marriage were to take place, it would pose a threat to her and the Crown Prince.

Sitting on the other side, the esteemed Imperial Concubine Zhao Mengyu felt entirely different; she knew that today’s imperial banquet was mainly to matchmake her son with a bride. If they could ally themselves with Bai Wenwu’s family, her son’s ascension to the throne would be half completed!

Besides, her son and Bai Mowan were already on good terms. The so-called matchmaking was literally a matter of a single word. After all, both parties were willing, and even if the Empress had a lot to say, she couldn’t possibly stand in the way of these lovebirds.

With these thoughts in mind, Zhao Mengyu couldn’t hide the joy that welled up in her heart.

Ye Qichi was also observing everyone here covertly, occasionally casting glances at Xiao Jinxing.

Xiao Jinxing was also aware that the woman he loved most was about to be promised to someone else tonight, and his mood was, undoubtedly, painfully intense!

"This servant girl is not yet married," Bai Mowan replied respectfully.

"I wonder if my second prince would meet Wan’er’s approval?" Xiao Zhanping asked with a hearty laugh.

He couldn’t have been clearer.

Bai Mowan kept her head lowered, but in that moment, still lifted her gaze slightly to look at Xiao Jinsen.

Just thinking about his cruelty made her wish she could kill him.

Yet she could only disguise herself and pretend to still love him.

Xiao Jinsen’s gaze, naturally, was also on Bai Mowan, filled with deep affection.

Not to say exactly how much Bai Mowan had moved his heart; after all, from the very beginning, his approach towards Bai Mowan was with an ulterior motive, bluntly put, to use her, hence not likely to be filled with much affection! But after truly interacting with her, he discovered this woman was indeed smarter and wiser than the average woman, bringing forth some genuine feelings.

Now, Xiao Jinsen was confidently expecting Bai Mowan to agree immediately.

Bai Mowan withdrew her gaze, speaking with utmost respect, "The prince is a paragon among men, naturally, this servant girl is pleased."

The words had just left her mouth.

Ye Qichi immediately sensed the repression beside him from Xiao Jinxing; his fists were clenched tight, probably enduring, but also forcing himself to accept the reality.

Xiao Zhanping nodded with satisfaction, just about to make the decree at that moment.

Bai Mowan spoke up, "Your Majesty, but this servant girl has one request."

Xiao Zhanping was in a good mood and said warmly, "What is it?"

"Currently, the border is in constant unrest, with wars ceaseless all year round. My father and my elder brother can hardly return home once every year and a half. And yet my brother is already twenty-two, well beyond the marrying age, but has remained unwed due to his perennial absence. Our Bai Family only has one male heir; the family’s lineage needs him to continue. Moreover, due to constant battles, my father has been repeatedly injured, and his health is now much deteriorated. Therefore, this servant girl boldly requests to take my brother’s place in staying at the border with my father. After my brother marries and has children, this servant girl shall retire after completing her service."

Her speech was resonant and vigorous, filled with grandeur, which astonished everyone present, excluding Ye Qichi.

Xiao Jinsen’s face changed drastically in an instant.

Previously, he had privately made it clear to Bai Mowan that the Emperor would decree their marriage and Bai Mowan had agreed.

Publicly reneging now?!

Xiao Jinxing was also somewhat surprised.

He couldn’t help but glance at Bai Mowan, seeing the determination in her eyes.

Xiao Zhanping’s expression darkened. Being refuted naturally made him uncomfortable.

Bai Wenwu hurriedly stepped forward, knelt on the ground, and said, "My humble mother threatened my life, forcing me to ensure that my son stays behind to marry and have children, so I had no choice but to comply with her wishes. But over the years, I’ve grown accustomed to having my son by my side and fear that I would struggle without him. However, Wan’er has been learning military strategies and practicing with sword and spear since she was young. Having her by my side can be a compensation. What’s more important, I also intend to send Wan’er to the battlefield for training. In a military family, it’s not about gender; all should be loyal to the Emperor and the country. I also hope that after my years have waned, I can raise a capable general to protect the family and defend the country!"

Such unyielding loyalty to the state left Xiao Zhanping unable to find words to rebut, and given that the continuation of a family line is a major matter, he had even less reason to refuse.

He glanced at Xiao Jinsen.

Xiao Jinsen pursed his lips tightly, not daring to make a sound.

Even though inside, it was incredibly cruel.

"General Bai’s loyalty and bravery are evident to all." Yu Qingyuan spoke up.

She couldn’t be happier that Bai Mowan was not marrying the Prince of Chu. Her heart was delightfully elated at the moment.

Zhao Mengyu thought she could compete with him, but she stood no chance.

"Given that General Bai has been away at war for many years and his lineage is sparse, having your mother wish for Moyi to stay behind and continue the family line is not without reason." Yu Qingyuan kept speaking up for Bai Wenwu, "It’s rather admirable that Wan’er has volunteered to go to battle. I am very much looking forward to seeing a female general arise from the Daxuan Kingdom!"

"The Princess Consort is grateful for the Empress’s appreciation and will surely fulfill everyone’s expectations by defending the nation’s peace!"

Yu Qingyuan nodded in satisfaction. She turned to the Emperor and said, "Your Majesty, I think that in the face of the nation’s interests, romantic attachments can wait. The marriage between Jinsen and Wan’er can be postponed to another day."

The Empress having said as much, the Emperor couldn’t completely disregard her face, and since Bai Wenwu’s reasons were sensible, he had to descend the steps that were provided for him.

Xiao Zhanping cleared his throat and said, "Since my loyal official is devoted to cultivating talents for our nation, I naturally offer my full support."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your consideration!" Bai Wenwu quickly kowtowed in gratitude.

And at that moment, he couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.

He had managed to temporarily help his daughter refuse the marriage arrangement without offending anyone.

The Bai family returned to their seats at the banquet.

The atmosphere of the palace banquet became somewhat oppressed after that.

Just as it was coming to an end.

Xiao Zhanping said, "I almost forgot; during the last assassination attempt outside the palace, fortunately, the wife of the Prince of Chen risked her life to save Xing’er. I promised a reward. Princess Consort of Chen, tell me, what would you like?"

Ye Qichi’s heart fluttered.

Once invisible, she suddenly became the center of attention at that moment.

Even the Empress and the Imperial Concubine, who hadn’t given her a second glance before, now looked at her for a rare moment.

And for a moment, were stunned by Ye Qichi’s overwhelming beauty. freeweɓnøvel.com

Ye Qichi quickly rose from her seat and bowed, saying, "Father Emperor, as the wife of the Prince of Chen, risking my life to save my husband is my duty. I desire no reward; I am content as long as the Prince of Chen is safe and I can serve him by his side forever."