Chapter 16: The Marriage Decree Turmoil (1)

The Golden Throne Hall, resplendent and magnificent, had an elder in a bright yellow dragon robe sitting atop the grand hall. Beside him was a stunningly beautiful woman, who appeared very young. Her delicate features could captivate any man's heart, even that of Emperor Zi Yue, who had grown too old to partake in such pleasures.

Mu Ruyue had just stepped into the hall and instantly drawn everyone's attention.

In the Golden Throne Hall, besides Emperor Zi Yue and his beloved Consort Ya, there were also several high-ranking ministers and princes.

"It's her."

Ye Yihua enthusiastically stroked her chin, recognizing the unlucky girl who had been struck by that fool. She could never forget the look Mu Ruyue gave her in that final moment.

This woman was interesting, but unfortunately, she was renowned as the worthless one of Feng City.

"Greetings, Your Majesty," Mu Qing knelt down, tugging at the unresponsive Mu Ruyue and glaring at her. "What are you standing there for? Kneel and pay your respects!"

Mu Ruyue still didn't respond, the defiance in her cold eyes unmistakable.

In her two lifetimes, she had only ever knelt before two people.

One was her former teacher who had selflessly guided her, and the other was her grandfather who had doted on her and entrusted her with the Dan Book.

Beyond that, she would rather die than break her proud spirit by kneeling to anyone else.

"Mu Ruyue!"

Seeing Emperor Zi Yue's face darken, Mu Qing grew anxious, and shouted in a low voice. When had this rebellious girl become so disobedient? Her death didn't matter, but implicating the Mu Family would be her fault!

"How insolent! I…"

"Your Majesty!"

Suddenly, a sweet voice interjected from the side.

Emperor Zi Yue withdrew his gaze from Mu Ruyue, turning to the woman he favored most, and gently asked, "Beloved Consort, what is the matter?"

"Your Majesty, this humble servant is feeling a bit hungry." Ji Ru Ya touched her stomach, a shy smile playing on her lips. "I wish for Your Majesty to accompany me for a meal once this matter is settled."

"Haha," Emperor Zi Yue laughed heartily, pulling Ji Ru Ya into his embrace tenderly. "Very well, I shall dine with my beloved consort shortly."

"Then this humble servant thanks Your Majesty in advance." Ji Ru Ya suppressed her inner disdain, her delicate face lighting up with a happy smile.

After Emperor Zi Yue's attention shifted away from her, she turned to look at Mu Ruyue and winked secretly. This made Mu Ruyue even more certain that this woman was intentionally helping her.

But why?

They were strangers, so why help her?

"You are Mu Ruyue?" Emperor Zi Yue looked at the young girl's delicate face and couldn't help but marvel at how someone so young from the Mu Family had such beauty that could ruin empires. If she weren't a good-for-nothing, Feng'er wouldn't have wanted to annul the engagement.

"Precisely." Mu Ruyue looked directly into Emperor Zi Yue's eyes without a trace of fear.

Emperor Zi Yue frowned slightly in displeasure but didn't erupt. He merely spoke in a stern tone. "I summoned you here today for a reason. The marriage decree between you and the Heir of Prince Jing was indeed poorly considered. Now, I annul this engagement in public and will choose another husband for you. Among those present are several princes who have yet to marry an official wife. Marrying into their families won't wrong you."

Upon hearing these words, all the royal and noble men couldn't help but step back a few paces.

Indeed, this woman had a beauty that could topple nations, but a daughter of the Mu Family, even if a useless one, could never be a mere concubine in their prince mansions. But they would never grant the position of official wife to someone so useless.

Such a good-for-nothing wouldn't bring them any benefit.