Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Su Yingxueâs eyes showed confusion, but she didnât react as dramatically as Su Yurou. She obediently handed the tea to Su Dingheng.
Su Dingheng tasted the tea, finding it remarkably good. Considering that she had mentioned it was a gift from Consort Xiang, he believed she had put in great effort.
He felt relieved. âYingxue, you are considerate. However, today, your Aunt Liu canât have this tea.â
When he had gone to the Ministry of Rites earlier, not only had the documents not been approved, but Lin Qin had also given him a secret decree, almost frightening him to the point of not being able to leave the Ministry of Rites.
It turned out that before the old master had gone to the battlefield, he had discussed with the emperor. The emperor had left a secret decree at the Ministry of Rites, if he were to remarry or take another concubine, he would have to relinquish his title.
This was his fatherâs severe punishment for betraying Long Shuli.
To safeguard his title, he couldnât grant Liu Shulan an official status.
Additionally, Lin Qin had reminded him that even though he had held a wedding, Liu Shulan couldnât become an official concubine, and she mustnât draw too much attention to herself in the Marquisâs Manor. If this information reached the emperorâs ears, it would be difficult to keep the secret decree hidden.
Liu Shulanâs face turned pale as she asked, âMarquis, why?â
Su Yurou erupted in anger, âFather! How can you do this? You married Mother just yesterday! The entire Jiang Capital Du City knows that Mother is your concubine, and now you⦠How can you break your promise?â
âWhat do you mean I broke my promise? Su Yurou, who gave you the audacity to defy your father!â Su Dinghengâs anger, simmering since before, erupted with Su Yurouâs provocation.
Seeing this, Su Yingxue quickly tried to mediate. âFather, please donât be angry. Take care of your health. My younger sister is only worried about Aunt Liuâs status. If you encounter any difficulties, you can tell me. I still have some influence in front of the emperor, and 1 might be able to help.â
Her eyes were sincere, and Su Dingheng was deeply moved. âAll, Yingxue, you have become quite sensible recently. I am very pleased.â
âFather! You havenât explained why Mother canât become your concubine!â
Compared to Su Yingxueâs obedient and helpful demeanor, Su Yurouâs current tantrum made Su Dingheng resent her even more.
His brows knitted into a scowl as he pointed at Su Yurou. âIf you continue to cause trouble, get out! Look at your sister and then look at yourself! If your sister has some face in front of the emperor, and if you have any, go beg your mother yourself!â
âI⦠Sob, sob, sobâ¦â Su Yurou burst into tears from the scolding.
If she had any face in front of the emperor, she would have requested a marriage between herself and the Seventh Prince a long time ago!
Why wait until today?
âMarquis, itâs all my fault for not teaching Rouâer well. Please punish this servant!â Liu Shulan suddenly knelt in front of Su Dingheng.
Her delicate and gentle appearance was already moving enough, and now with tears in her eyes, she appeared even more fragile. It tugged at Su Dinghengâs heartstrings.
Su Yingxue couldnât help but smile. Indeed, she was the woman who had pampered her father for many years. She was truly capable!
She was willing to swallow her pride and lower her status!
âLanâer, what are you doing? Get up! Even if I canât give you a status right now, thereâs no need for you to call yourself a servant!â Su Dingheng quickly embraced her. Her addressing herself as a servant was breaking his heart.
âMarquis, this servant understands. Marquis must have encountered some difficulties, which is why things are this way. This servant wonât blame Marquis! However, the rules of the Marquisâs Manor are strict. If 1 donât have an official status, 1 can only be a servant. 1 cannot violate the rules of the Marquisâs Manor and become a laughingstock if word gets out!â Liu Shulan asserted firmly..