A loud announcement echoed through the main hall, signaling the arrival of the bridal procession. As everyone rose to welcome the newcomers, no one paid attention to Zhong Li, who remained seated in his prominent position. Seizing the opportunity, he quietly moved behind Ying Zheng and gently tugged at the corner of his robe, his eyes red-rimmed.
"Your Highness, please help me. I truly can't endure this any longer."
Ying Zheng's arm stiffened, his tone cold and detached.
"Prince Huan's household has treated you well enough. Why come to an unfavored prince like me?"
"I mean you no harm. Please believe me, just this once," Zhong Li pleaded urgently, his eyes filled with desperation.
For a moment, Ying Zheng seemed to waver, but before he could respond, the Second Prince, Zhao Qi, interrupted sharply:
"Concubine Zhong, are you openly latching onto another prince in front of everyone?"
Zhong Li forced a smile and bowed to Zhao Qi.
"Your Highness, how can you accuse me so unfairly? If Prince Huan hears of this, I'll be punished again."
Ying Zheng snapped back to his senses, inwardly scolding himself for nearly losing composure. He lowered his head and shrank back, adopting a timid posture.
"Greetings, Your Highness."
Zhao Qi curled his lip.
"Don't call me 'brother.' You're not worthy."
Ying Zheng took a step back, his voice trembling.
"My apologies." He turned as if to leave.
Seeing him being bullied, Zhong Li shot a sharp glance at Zhao Qi, his tone edged with defiance.
"Your Highness refuses to acknowledge his own brother—how impressive."
Zhao Qi's face darkened.
"You're nothing but a kept concubine. How dare you interfere in my affairs?"
Just as Zhong Li was about to retort, he noticed Shao Hong approaching with his attendants. He pinched his own thigh hard, forcing tears to well in his eyes, and softened his voice.
"Your Highness, I know I am… pleasant to look upon, but you mustn't speak to me like this…"
Shao Hong, hearing this as he drew near, flew into a rage. He stormed forward and punched Zhao Qi squarely in the face.
"How dare you lay a hand on what's mine!"
Zhao Qi staggered but quickly steadied himself, desperate to explain.
"He was the one who approached me! Said he wanted to be my consort!"
Shao Hong raised an eyebrow.
"Your consort? And bear your children, I suppose?"
"Exactly!" Zhao Qi declared, puffing out his chest with false confidence.
Shao Hong laughed coldly, scanning the amused onlookers and the furious representatives of the Yongning Estate. He knew the truth—Zhong Li was no woman, and was bound by poison besides. There was no way he would seek out another man. Wrapping an arm around Zhong Li, he announced to the crowd,
"I trust him. I know his character."
He led Zhong Li toward the main hall and handed him a red silk ribbon.
"Today is our wedding. Hold this."
But Lady Wang of the Yongning Estate cried out in protest,
"Your Highness, you are marrying our daughter! How can you perform the ceremony with him?"
"Who I marry is none of your concern," Shao Hong snapped.
Zhong Li kept his head down, his hands trembling slightly behind his back. A few drops of blood fell to the floor—he had pinched his thigh too hard, breaking the skin. Ying Zheng, observing this, grew suspicious and discreetly signaled a hidden guard to investigate Zhong Li's background.
"Your Highness, there's no need for this," Zhong Li said hoarsely, casting a subtle glance toward the Yongning faction.
"The Yongning Estate may be weak now, but small forces can grow. They may be of use in the future."
Shao Hong's eyes flashed with anger at Zhong Li's refusal, but Zhong Li quickly lowered his head in a placating gesture.
"I have prepared a… special wine. Once you complete the ceremony with your bride, it will resolve any future complications."
Intrigued, Shao Hong nodded.
"Since you consider the larger picture, I shall allow it." He handed the red ribbon to the new Princess Zhao and declared loudly,
"Zhong Li has shown great magnanimity. You will treat him well from now on."
The new Princess Zhao gritted her teeth and forced a "Yes," her eyes glinting with resentment.
Zhong Li stepped aside and watched the ceremony. He recalled from the book that the Yongning Estate would later produce a great general—an illegitimate son living outside the estate, who would only be acknowledged after the old lord's death. With this favor, he would restore the family's fortunes.
After the Princess was escorted to the bridal chamber, Shao Hong dragged Zhong Li from table to table, toasting the guests. The imperial relatives showed no restraint, urging drinks on both Shao Hong and Zhong Li, even addressing Zhong Li as "sister-in-law," which made his skin crawl.
"Your Highness, I am unwell from the wine. May I return to the rear court to check whether the Princess has drunk the wine?" Zhong Li whispered to Shao Hong.
Shao Hong waved him off dismissively.
Noticing Ying Zheng in a corner, Zhong Li added,
"Might the Fourth Prince accompany me?"
The table fell silent, all eyes turning to the poorly dressed Ying Zheng. Shao Hong snorted contemptuously.
"Go on, then."
Ying Zheng rose meekly and supported Zhong Li.
"Walk slowly," he said softly.
Once they turned a corner, Zhong Li pulled away and bowed apologetically.
"Your Highness, I overstepped earlier."
Ying Zheng smiled mockingly.
"In my position, you need not be so respectful."
"No matter what, I am only a eunuch from the palace," Zhong Li insisted firmly.
Ying Zheng let out a faint sound of amusement.
"Where do you stay?"
"The Lotus Pavilion. Straight ahead," Zhong Li replied, somewhat uneasy.
When they reached the door, Zhong Li invited him inside, but Ying Zheng declined.
"You belong to Prince Huan now. Know your place."
Zhong Li nearly rolled his eyes—the assumptions people make. Unable to mention the system, he gritted his teeth and said,
"I… am incomplete. I have not dared to agree to… certain obligations."
Ying Zheng paused, turned, and looked at Zhong Li's flushed face. Remembering how Zhong Li had asked for help earlier, his eyes held a trace of pity.
"Is that why you wanted me to take you away?"
Zhong Li hesitated, then nodded quickly.
"Yes."
Ying Zheng fell silent for a moment, then turned and walked back toward the main hall. Zhong Li stood alone, confused.
Did he agree or not?
"System, what does he mean?"
The system bristled:
[Don't call me that! How should I know?!]
Ignoring it, Zhong Li circled around to the Princess's bridal chamber. He overheard a maid urging,
"Your Highness, please have some soup to settle your stomach."
The Princess snarled,
"One day I'll skin that little wretch alive!" She then grabbed the bowl and gulped the soup down violently—as if swallowing Zhong Li's very flesh.
Zhong Li had considered warning her about the poisoned soup, but seeing her arrogance, he changed his mind.
Someone like her would only cause more trouble. Better to let things take their course.