Betrothal

Obviously, Empress Dowager Lu had not been referring to Shen Li. Shen Li did not have time to understand why Si Yan was dragging her down with him.

However, Shen Li had enough tact to play along with Si Yan's words in the presence of royalty.

Shen Li stood up and bowed respectfully.

"Yes."

She said little, and others only thought that she was shy.

Zou Yuan had no impression of Shen Li at all. He had never heard of Si Yan knowing her.

However, no matter what, this marriage decree was set.

"General Si has been stationed at the border for many years. It's time for you to start a family. Since you two love each other, I'll grant you a marriage today.

This had been completely beyond Empress Dowager Lu's expectations. She blinked in a panic. She said hurriedly, "Wait, marriage is a big matter, we still need to reconsider this. Why not...?"

Zou Yuan raised his hand and pressed it against Empress Dowager Lu's arm. His expression was calm.

"Mother, didn't you just say that General Si is no longer a young man? Both of them are in love. I see no better time to do this!"

Empress Dowager Lu's face turned green when Zou Yuan brought her words back to full circle.

Zou Yuan struck while the iron was hot. He directly called for a eunuch to bring over a brush, ink, paper, and an inkstone. With a big wave of his brush, he directly issued an Imperial edict at the banquet.

"By the will of the heavens, the Emperor has announced that the daughter of the Imperial Censor, Shen Li, is skilled, generous, and has an outstanding appearance. The General of the guards, Si Yan, has rendered meritorious service in protecting the country and has saved it from chaos.

"The beautiful woman, Shen Li is hereby betrothed to Si Yan, and they are to choose a good time to get married.

So shall it be," Zou Yuan said after the Imperial edict was read.

"General Si is unable to accept the decree, so please allow me to accept it on his behalf."

Shen Li knew it was time for her to make her appearance. She glanced at Zhong Ning, who looked like a deer caught in headlights. Her heart was in shambles.

Under everyone's gaze, she decisively strode forward. One would think that she was walking herself to the guillotine.

Shen Li stepped forward to receive the decree. When she turned around, Si Yan had already wheeled himself to the center of the hall. She kneeled beside him and thanked the Emperor for his kindness.

"Thank you, my Lord, for your kindness. Long live our Emperor."

...

Shen Li did not even know how she managed to make it back to her seat.

As soon as she sat down, Zhong Ning grabbed the hem of her clothes. She moved in front of her and tried to keep her face calm as she spoke to her in an extremely low voice.

"Li'er, do you know that person? How did this suddenly happen?"

Zhong Ning's hands were trembling. She had no idea what kind of relationship Shen Li had with General Si. She had never even seen Si Yan's face.

Where did this mutual love blossom from?

Shen Li grabbed the table to steady herself.

"It's a long story. I'll tell you in detail when we get back."

Zhong Ning also knew that it wasn't the right time to discuss this, so she simply schools her expression and fell into troubled silence.

In the main hall, the singing and dancing continued, and the folk raised their glasses to drink. Shen Li felt the world drift past her as a distant bystander.

The surrounding people looked at them from time to time. Their questions were written on their faces. They were probably wondering how the two of them got together.

Shen Li's plan to hide herself had failed. The news of her marriage to Si Yan would probably spread throughout the capital by tomorrow.

...

Shen Li was lost in her thoughts for the second half of the banquet.

When the banquet was over, Shen Li saw Si Yan leaving. She finished the fruit wine in her hand and turned to Zhong Ning.

"Mother, wait for me outside the palace gates. I'll meet you in a while."

Without waiting for a response, Shen Li turned and chased after Si Yan.