Chapter 220 - To Disgrace Her Once for All

Melodious and joyful music filled the sky and red silk dotted everywhere. Baili Anning’s ceremony wedding was even grander than Shen Ninghua’s.

A few days ago, news was received about Baili Jinchuan’s victory in the northwest. Baili Qingcang was delighted and instructed the Internal Affairs Department to work overnight to upgrade Baili Anning’s wedding ceremony. He even took our four extra carriages of dowries from his private treasury, each of which was a precious item.

Hearing what the emperor had done, the imperial concubines in the Palace rushed to offer additional dowries to Baili Anning.

After all, Baili Jinchuan’s body was injured and he was disfigured. There was no chance for him to succeed to the throne. In this way, there was no harm in currying favor with a prince who had such outstanding military achievements. Moreover, this could also show that they were of one heart and one mind with His Majesty.

Baili Anqing’s situation was exactly the opposite.

Her palace was now extremely deserted, forming a start contrast to the liveliness in Baili Anning’s palace.

The Internal Affairs Department was busy preparing the dowry for Baili Anning overnight according to the emperor’s instructions. When Baili Anqing’s people went there and asked about her dowry, they were given a cold shoulder.

Baili Anqing bit her lips and looked at the neatly placed ruby accessories on the table. Finally, she made up her mind. “Someone, go with me to see Her Majesty.”

Although she wasn’t very smart, she knew that the empress wouldn’t show special favor to her for no reason. The reason why she comforted her and even gave her precious accessories was that she wanted to use her to deal with Baili Anning and Shen Ninghua. Now, she was in a difficult situation. So, what if she was used by the empress as a chess piece? As long as she could survive, it didn’t matter…

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Inside Ningkun Palace, the maids were dressing up Empress Zhao Huiying. Hearing Baili Anqing’s arrival, the smile in her eyes became even more intense. “Let her in.”

“Anqing, you’ve come in time. I was just about to send someone to look for you. Hurry up and help me take a look. Which hairpin is better?”

“Greetings, Your Majesty. You are a natural beauty and you look beautiful no matter what you wear.”

“As you were. Today is a good day, and your mouth is also much sweeter than usual.” Zhao Huiying smiled and inserted a phoenix bead hairpin into her hair. But she felt unsatisfied and switched to a bead hairpin that featured Nine Phoenixes Worshipping the Sun. “Today is Anning’s wedding day. His Majesty is in a very good mood. He also said that he would attend the ceremony. I will finish my makeup soon and go to the Southern Study to wait for His Majesty. You can follow me.”

“Father Emperor will also attend the wedding ceremony?” Baili Qingcang doted on Shen Ninghua the most, but he did not attend her wedding personally. Baili Anning had a good elder brother, and she actually attracted so much attention from Father Emperor!

Zhao Huiying saw the change in her expression and quietly curled her lips. “Yes, speaking of which, Anning is really lucky. Her husband Qu Yi personally chosen by His Majesty was originally a Rank Four general. But a few days ago, he was appointed to dispatch grains and did an excellent job. Now, he is promoted to a Rank Two official. ”

Baili Anqing’s smile was a little stiff. Her fingers clenched tightly into fists, and jealousy slowly corroded her heart.

Princess Zhaohua’s husband loved her so deeply that he was even willing to sacrifice his life for her. This kind of deep love had long been praised by the people.

That Qu Yi was also affectionate and attentive. He did not have any concubine, and he even imitated Chu Junyi to personally design the scenery of the princess’ mansion. He must be an extremely good husband. However, her husband Yang Lin had a concubine in his mansion even before she married him!

And the concubine was known as Fairy Winter Jasmine. When she thought of Rui Xue’s alluring figure on the stage that day, her anger grew even more intense. As a princess, she was actually no match for a dancer. How could she maintain her dignity?

Thinking of the news she had received a few days ago, Baili Anqing almost couldn’t help but cry. Why was she so unlucky? Not only had she been neglected in the Palace, but even her husband was unfaithful and cold-hearted!

“Anqing, you don’t look well. What’s wrong?” Zhao Huiying hid the smile on her lips and asked in an affectionate tone.

Baili Anqing was shocked and she quickly came back to her senses. “I’m fine. I was just thinking that Sister Anning has found a good husband and felt a little jealous.”

Zhao Huiying paused. She sighed and comforted her. “You shouldn’t worry too much. I think you must learn what Yang Lin has done. Although imperial sons-in-law aren’t allowed to have concubines, few men can remain wholehearted to their wives. Even if the imperial sons-in-law can’t have concubines, they can have bedroom maids. After the maids give birth to children, the children will still be accepted as their bloodline. No matter how unwilling the princesses are, they have to accept the situation. Perhaps it’ll be better after you get married. ”

Baili Anqing’s eyes reddened. She took two steps forward and knelt beside Zhao Huiying. “Mother, I know that you said this to make me feel relieved. He has done such a thing before we get married. How can I expect him to treat me well after we are married?”

Zhao Huiying sighed and reached out to touch her head. “Anqing, I also asked His Majesty, but your marriage has already been arranged. Now that Anning is married, your wedding day is coming closer. If His Majesty cancels the engagement, people will definitely laugh at him. So…”

Baili Anqing couldn’t help but shed tears. “Thank you for your concern, Mother Empress.”

“Alright, a few days ago, I asked His Majesty to issue a decree to promote your birth mother to the position of Pin. Although this position is not high, she can attend your wedding ceremony and do something for you.”

“Thank you, Mother Empress.”

Shen Ninghua had also arrived at the Palace ahead of schedule. Although Baili Anning’s princess mansion was not far from her mansion, she needed to depart from the Palace on her wedding day.

Looking at Baili Anning who was fully dressed up, Shen Ninghua smiled and said, “You are really beautiful.”

Baili Anning carefully stroked the bridal veil that was placed on the side. “Thank you for the bridal veil. It’s the prettiest one I’ve ever seen.”

“My pleasure to help. I promised you so long ago. Alright, today’s etiquette and procedures are very complicated. You should make good preparations. I’m leaving now. His Majesty is going too. I need to go with him.”

Baili Anning nodded with a happy smile on her face.

Shen Ninghua paused for a moment and said softly, “Anning, you also know about Princess Anqing’s matter. Be careful. I always feel that something is wrong.”

“…I see.”

Baili Anning dressed up and went to Chengqian Hall and Ningkun Palace to pay her respects to the Emperor and Empress. Then she went out of the Palace in a sedan chair to her Princess’ Mansion.

When Shen Ninghua and Chu Junyi followed Baili Qingcang to Princess Anning’s mansion, they saw Yang Lin standing in the crowd.

Shen Ninghua’s heart skipped a beat. Yang Lin’s appearance was much more dispirited than a few days ago. There was a trace of blurry expression between his eyebrows, and he appeared in low spirits.

Chu Junyi frowned tightly. The moment they entered the princess’ mansion, Yang Lin’s gaze was fixed on Ninghua, and the gaze was quite explicit. He was simply too rude and presumptuous!

With the jubilant music, Qu Yi was dressed in the clothes of a bridegroom. His handsome face was filled with joy. His sword-like eyebrows, starry eyes and upright posture were extremely eye-catching.

When he heard the protocol officer singing at the door, he hurriedly went forward to welcome the princess’ carriage.

Looking at the couple walking in side by side, Shen Ninghua’s eyes were full of smiles. Whether or not there was any unpleasantness between her and Baili Anning, she always hoped that she could be happy.

Baili Qingcang and Zhao Huiying sat side by side in the seats of honor and looked extremely happy.

Ever since Zhao Huiying entered the hall, her smile had not stopped.

Seeing Baili Anning and Qu Yi coming over side by side, she felt even happier than before. She did not believe that Shen Ninghua had the ability to turn the table after today!

The protocol officer’s voice was loud and clear as he announced, “The newlywed couple greets His Majesty and Her Majesty!”

Qu Yi led Baili Anning with red silk and slowly walked forward.

Chu Junyi saw Yang Lin’s expression from the corner of his eyes, and his heart suddenly skipped a beat. “Ninghua, that Yang Lin…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Yang Lin had already stood up from his seat and strode towards Shen Ninghua. Coincidentally, Baili Anning and Qu Yi were walking past him and were hit by him. Baili Anning lost her balance and she almost fell to the ground. Fortunately, Qu Yi supported her in time.

Seeing Yang Lin rushing over, Chu Junyi stood up and prevented him from approaching Shen Ninghua. “Lord Yang, Princess Anning is holding a wedding ceremony. His Majesty and Her Majesty are both here. What are you going to do?”

Yang Lin’s chest went up and down. He looked extremely excited. After Chu Junyi blocked his way, his mood became even more irritable. “Chu Junyi, get away!”

“Lord Yang! Are you sure you want to cause trouble on Her Highness’ wedding day?” Chu Junyi’s eyes were furious, and his handsome face was filled with coldness. His gaze swept across Yang Lin’s face like a steel blade.

Normally, Yang Lin would succumb under the pressure of his aura. But now, Yang Lin ignored him and directly looked at Shen Ninghua. “Ninghua, how can you be so heartless? You actually forbid me from approaching you now. Have you forgotten about our whispers of love?”

A murderous intent flashed in Shen Ninghua’s eyes. Her dark eyes seemed to be filled with broken ice. “Lord Yang, behave yourself!”

“Ninghua, why are you standing with Chu Junyi? Why?” Yang Lin’s face was filled with pain. He looked at Shen Ninghua with a complicated expression. “How I regret failing to meet you before you got married… Ninghua, seeing the princess getting married, I always imagine that we would be able to grow old together. I don’t want to endure the pain anymore. I want to confess everything.”

Shen Ninghua gritted her teeth in hatred, but there was no fluctuation on her face. At this moment, if she flustered, she would not be able to clear her name however hard she tried. “Lord Yang, you took a concubine before you marry the princess. Now you want to frame me?”

“Frame you? Ninghua, you actually used the word “frame” to describe our feelings to each other? How can you be so heartless?” Yang Lin looked at Shen Ninghua infatuatedly. His face was filled with the pain of being hurt and betrayed.

Chu Junyi gritted his teeth. If the emperor weren’t here, he would have kicked this bastard to death!

Everyone discussed in low voices, not knowing why this scene was happening.

Baili Qingcang’s face darkened as he looked at Yang Lin with killing intent.

Just as the atmosphere was extremely awkward, Baili Anqing cried out with tears, “Your Majesty, I am really no match for Lord Yang. Please cancel our engagement!”