A Crush on Shen Li

Si Yan didn't reply, but Si Yao, who was sitting not far away, grew extremely anxious. He quickly prostated himself to thank Empress Dowager Lu.

"You have my eternal thanks for keeping my son in your mind, Your Majesty. You bring great blessing upon the Si Family."

After expressing his gratitude, Si Yao's demeanor made a full turn. He put on the air of an elder and spoke to Si Yan.

"The Empress Dowager has arranged a marriage for you. This is a great blessing. Quickly, bow down and thank her."

Si Yan lowered his eyes. He did not even raise his eyelids.

He didn't expect the Empress Dowager to be so insistent on shackling him with a marriage. This had to be Lu Xiangwan's doing.

It was practically impossible to turn down any good intentions from any member of royalty, especially in public.

At this moment, the hall was so silent that one could hear a pin drop. Everyone looked on, as if waiting for him to make a statement.

Those who didn't know the situation any better would probably think that this was a great thing, but those who knew a little about the Si Family were certain that the Empress Dowager was toying with him.

Si Yan's expression remained impassive. He had been backed into a corner.

While comparing the two evils, Si Yan weighed his options.

He spoke with a casual lightness.

"Empress Dowager, many thanks for your concern. However, there is already someone else I like."

As soon as these words came out, the banquet suddenly went into an uproar. They had never heard of Si Yan being close to any girl.

Shen Li, who had been sitting on the sidelines, perked up. Her eyes lit up with energy as she watched the changes in the hall.

She had long heard that there were many secrets within the royal family, and now, she had finally seen it for herself.

Shen Li, like the others, looked at Si Yan. He was sitting in a wheelchair, but looked no less regal among the several members of royalty.

Shen Li was only confused by his claim about having someone else in mind. There was no trace of warmth on his face. He did not look like someone who had fallen in love.

Empress Dowager Lu looked embarrassed. She had not expected Si Yan to come up with such an excuse, but she still wanted to see who the special girl was.

Was there a noble lady in the capital who was not under her rule? She could not believe that someone would secretly have an affair with Si Yan without her blessing!

Empress Dowager Lu fidgeted with the Buddha beads on her wrist and put on an air of indifference before she asked, "Oh? I am curious to know who this woman is. Is the woman you speak of in this hall?"

As soon as Empress Dowager Lu said that, Shen Li suddenly felt a gaze boring into her.

She looked back, and when she saw the owner of the burning gaze, her heart skipped a beat.

Si Yan had leaned against the back of the wheelchair lazily and was staring at Shen Li with his narrow eyes.

All of a sudden, Shen Li felt the crowd around her vanishing. Only Si Yan's cold voice rang in her ears.

"The Empress Dowager is right, the Shen Family's girls are very good."

As soon as he finished speaking, Empress Dowager Lu looked suspicious, as if she didn't believe Si Yan would say something like that.

Sure enough, in the next second, Si Yan continued.

"The lady I like is Miss Shen Li of the Shen Family. Please grant my wish, Your Majesty."

Si Yan's change in tone had been masterfully done. Although he was answering the Empress Dowager's question, he had left the decision to the Emperor.

Zou Yuan was obviously on Si Yan's side. He immediately agreed to it.

"Good! But let this question be asked. Are you and Miss Shen in love?"

Shen Jiao, who was standing at the side of the hall, was close to tears. Wasn't she supposed to be betrothed to him? How did it become Shen Li?

Shen Li was as confused as everyone else. Had Si Yan lost his mind?

Si Yan answered Zou Yuan's question decisively.

"Naturally, both of us are in love. She is right there. How could I force her into such a decision against her will?"

Zou Yuan laughed. He seemed pleased. He turned around and asked Shen Li, "Shen Li, is what he said true?"