The atmosphere inside the Star Luo Imperial Palace's study was heavy with formal tension. The Star Luo Emperor sat at his desk, his face a mask of calm authority, while Dai Mubai stood before him with the steady posture of a man who had finally earned his place. With Ye Yin's secret help, Mubai had consolidated his power and stabilized his position as the heir to the throne.+2
"Mubai," the Emperor said, his voice echoing with majesty, "You have done well. The court officials are impressed. It seems I made the right choice in picking you".
Dai Mubai bowed respectfully. "It is only because of your trust, Father. I will do my best to meet your expectations".
The Emperor nodded, though his feelings were complicated. He still felt uneasy about this son who had once been an exile, but for the sake of the Empire, he pushed those thoughts aside.
"As the Crown Prince, we must plan for your future immediately," the Emperor continued, getting straight to the point. "Your marriage to Zhu Zhuqing is the next step. I have already spoken to the Zhu family, and they agree".
For generations, the Star Luo Imperial Family had married into the Zhu family to secure the power of the Hell Civet Spirit. It was essential for the Martial Soul Fusion Skill that defined their lineage. To the Emperor, this was simply how things were done.
However, Dai Mubai didn't react the way he expected. His body went stiff, and he looked away, his voice sounding tight and dry. "Father... about that... I don't think we can do that right now".
The Emperor's brow furrowed. He was too sharp to miss such a clear sign of trouble. "What is it? Did the Zhu family ask for too much? Or is Zhuqing the problem?".
"No, it's not her," Mubai said quickly, his hands clenching into fists. "It's just... I don't think we should rush into this".
"Nonsense!" the Emperor snapped, his voice turning cold. "An imperial marriage is not a game! It is the law of our ancestors and the foundation of our Empire! Tell me the real reason immediately!".
The weight of the Emperor's presence felt like a physical force, and sweat began to bead on Mubai's forehead. He knew he couldn't hide the truth any longer. Taking a deep breath, he looked up with a desperate sort of courage.
"Father, please don't be angry! It's not that I want to break tradition," Mubai blurted out. "It's just that Zhu Zhuqing... her heart belongs to someone else. She has no feelings for me at all!".
The Emperor stared at him in shock before letting out a cold snort. "Her heart belongs to someone else? In an imperial marriage, her feelings do not matter—". He stopped suddenly as a realization hit him. His eyes turned sharp, cutting into Mubai like a knife. "Who is it? Is it that Ye Yin?!".
To the Emperor, only that mysterious man who had been causing miracles across the capital could possibly make a girl turn down the title of Crown Princess. He couldn't believe it—Ye Yin was stealing from the Imperial Family right under his nose.
Mubai flinched but nodded slowly. "Yes... it's him".
A wave of pure frustration washed over the Emperor. First, Ye Yin had interfered with the throne's succession, and now he was taking the intended bride of the future Emperor. He forced himself to breathe, his face darkening with rage. "What a man! This Ye Yin certainly has talent!".
He tried to calm down. He knew that forcing Zhu Zhuqing would only ruin his relationship with both Mubai and Ye Yin. At the very least, Ye Yin was still an ally to his son.
"Fine!" the Emperor said, waving his hand as if to dismiss the problem. "If she isn't interested, we won't force it. She isn't the only daughter in the Zhu family". His eyes narrowed as he thought of a backup plan. "The eldest daughter, Zhu Zhuyun, is just as talented and beautiful. She was supposed to marry Dai Weisi, but since he is gone... she is the right age for you".
In his mind, this was the perfect solution. It kept the alliance with the Zhu family strong and gave Mubai a high-ranking consort. But as he spoke, he noticed Mubai's face turning a strange shade of pale green.
"Father..." Mubai's voice was almost a whisper. "Zhu Zhuyun... she won't work either".
The Emperor stood up from his throne, his voice rising in total disbelief. "What do you mean she won't work?! Is she also—?!". A terrifying thought filled his mind.
Mubai looked down at the floor, unable to meet his father's eyes. "It's... also Ye Yin".
The news hit the Emperor like a physical blow. He was stunned into silence. Zhu Zhuqing and Zhu Zhuyun—the two brightest stars of the Zhu family, both meant to be queens of Star Luo—had both been taken by the same man.
This wasn't just a problem; it was an embarrassment. It felt like the Imperial Family's honor was being dragged through the dirt in their own city. The Emperor trembled, pointing a finger at Mubai but unable to find the words to express his fury.
He felt powerless. He couldn't fight Ye Yin, and he couldn't even yell at him because he needed him. The anger burned in his chest until he felt like he might faint.
[Resentment from the Star Luo Emperor +99!]
Finally, the Emperor managed to catch his breath. His face was pale as he hissed through his teeth, "What about the rest of the family? Does no one control them? What about Zhu Zhuyu? Surely she is still available?!". He practically roared the question, desperate for any shred of dignity left to save.
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