chapter 10 The Crown Princess whose engagement was annulled (10)

After learning that the Empress had done something foolish, Emperor Jianping was also angry.
But before he could erupt, Princess Chang expressed her intention to leave the palace.
"Ying, the matter today was due to the Empress's improper consideration..."
"Your Majesty, you should save these words for the Empress," Princess Chang interrupted.
"Your Majesty, Empress Dowager requests an audience!" suddenly interjected Grand Secretary Qi.
"..."
There was a moment of silence, and Emperor Jianping said coldly, "Let her in."
Knowing that Princess Chang was present, the fact that the Empress dared to come at this moment made him wonder what she was thinking.
With such a shortsighted mother, it was no wonder the Crown Prince had committed such foolish acts.
Soon, the Empress entered.
The Empress, who used to dress very extravagantly, surprisingly wore plain clothes today. She had only a few pearl hairpins on her head, which matched her haggard appearance and slender figure.
"I pay my respects to Your Majesty, and to Princess Ying..."
"Now that the Empress is here as well, we can settle this matter once and for all. The Gu family is willing to accommodate the Crown Prince's wishes; this marriage is hereby canceled," Princess Chang declared.
Upon hearing this, the Empress became anxious. "Sister, how can you say such a thing? The Crown Prince misspoke for a moment. We, as elders, should not be hasty."
Princess Chang sneered, "Empress, your words are truly laughable. If you are not hasty, then what about the Wangshan Villa?"
The Empress's face stiffened. "Ying, I..."
"Your Majesty, I've already said everything that needs to be said," Princess Chang interrupted. "Ethan Gu's attitude is the same as mine. This marriage is canceled. Lilith has always been fragile since she was a child, and she can't withstand continuous humiliation and torment."
As for what the Empress hadn't finished saying, she didn't care at all.
What could the Empress do?
If she truly angered her, she didn't mind learning from her mother and finding another compliant emperor!
The Empress said, "Today's misunderstanding..."
"Shut up!" Emperor Jianping sternly rebuked.
The Empress looked at him with a resentful and unwilling expression but ultimately lowered her head.
Emperor Jianping then spoke in a softer tone to Princess Chang, "Ying, I know you're worried about that girl. How about you go back to the mansion and check on Lilith? I promise to give you an explanation."
The Empress discreetly glanced at Princess Chang, her eyes filled with jealousy and resentment.
However, Princess Chang pretended not to notice and said, "Your Majesty, I've heard this three times today. Instead of an explanation, I received news of my daughter's troubles. I don't know what bad news I'll receive the next time you say this."
Her words were not polite at all; it was almost like slapping the Empress in the face.
The Empress looked resentful, and her face turned extremely ugly.
Emperor Jianping, on the other hand, remained composed and reassured, "Don't say such unlucky things. When Lilith was born, the enlightened master at Yun Tai Shan said that she has the life of wealth, longevity, and will surely live to be a hundred years old without illness or calamity."
Seeing that Princess Chang's mood had softened somewhat, he instructed Grand Secretary Qi, "Go to the Imperial Hospital and fetch Senior Physician Zhang. Have him accompany Princess Chang to the Gu residence and take good care of Lilith's health."
Grand Secretary Qi complied and left.
Emperor Jianping continued, "Calm down. Tomorrow, I will have the Crown Prince personally leave the palace and apologize to you all, especially to that girl."
"I'm afraid my sister can't bear the Crown Prince's apologies. To prevent the Empress from inviting me to the palace for tea again, I will have Ethan Gu return the imperial edict of marriage. I hope Your Majesty won't go back on your word," Princess Chang said.
Seeking justice and lodging complaints were secondary; breaking off the marriage was the main goal. She couldn't stand by and watch her beloved daughter jump into a pit if she was to be married to the Crown Prince, who was clearly not a suitable match.
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