Chapter 159: Once Had a Dream

The Emperor is the Supreme Sovereign, the ruler of the nation, standing above ten thousand people, and no one dares to refute any of his words.

To do otherwise is to defy the imperial decree.

Although the Estate of the Defender of the State is illustrious and holds a pivotal position in the imperial court, it simultaneously stands on the edge of a cliff. The slightest misstep would plunge it into an abyss of eternal damnation, necessitating extreme caution with every single step taken.

As a member of the Estate of the Defender of the State, every word and deed of his is watched by countless eyes, leaving him with no choices and no room for maneuver.

In fact, he had anticipated such a day long ago. What the Emperor desires is the absolute loyalty of the Estate of the Defender of the State, which is why, for all these years, he has never kept a young woman by his side, fearing that if this day were to come, he would fail her.

True enough, this day has arrived right on schedule.

Shen Sinianslightly turned his head and smiled to reassure her: "Youyou, you do not need to feel sad for me. I have thought about this long ago, so I do not feel sad now."

This was, after all, the destiny that should befall him.

A destiny controlled by others.

Sitting in the high seat, the Emperor and the ministers exchanged cups and made merry. Meng Chuyues complexion still lacked a trace of blood, her gaze slightly lowered, and her red lips pressed tightly together, as though she were pondering something.

The capital is a place that everyone yearns for.

With its dazzling lanterns and bustling streets stretching in all directions, it represents the prosperity and flourishing of the nation.

It is also the absolute peak of power.

Yet, at the same time, the capital is a gigantic net that traps them deeply within, unable to free themselves.

Shen Nanyuan's gaze swept lightly over Xiao Yan, her hands involuntarily tightening.

The Emperor was feeling somewhat indisposed and had departed early alongside the Empress. Shen Sinian took a sip of wine, listened to the voice of Shen Yi beside him, and raised his eyes with a calm expression: "Father."

Shen Yi's gaze was heavy: "You have been wronged in this matter."

"There is no wrong to speak of," Shen Sianian wore a faint smile at the corners of his mouth. "The Princess is a person of noble birth; marrying me is what does her a disservice."

Shen Sinian raised his eyes slightly to look in the direction of the Grand Princess, continuing a moment later: "It is just that Miss Meng, having to marry far away to Houlan, must be suffering the most."

And it is not merely marrying far away to Houlan...

She already had someone she loved in her heart, yet in a single evening, she was granted a marriage to another, and even the person she loved was betrothed away.

From this moment onward, not even the slimmest chance remains, and it is likely she will find it even harder to ever see him again.

Shen Nanyuan's throat felt somewhat dry, and a pang of sorrow unexpectedly welled up in her heart.

Added to this was the realization that because Meng Chuyuan was to be married off to Houlan, she would remain there forever, perhaps never to see her again for the rest of her life.

A figure abruptly appeared before her eyes. Lifting her head, she discovered it was Gu Shengyu.

He wore an expression of deep concern: "What is wrong with the County Princess? Your complexion appears somewhat poor."

"It is nothing," Shen Nanyuan pressed her lips together. "Your Highness need not worry."

Unable to shake off the restlessness churning within her, she stood up, her tone carrying a slight weight: "Would Your Highness please step aside? This subject's daughter wishes to go out and get some fresh air."

Hearing this, Gu Shengyu's eyes gradually deepened. He stepped aside, though he did not utter any complaints about her impatient attitude. He merely watched her retreating figure, his eyes cold as ice.

The moonlight outside was exceedingly bright, casting a sheet of silver radiance over the palaces, making them appear somewhat desolate and chilly.

Only after coming outside did Shen Nanyuan feel the oppression in her chest dissipate slightly. Below the Taiji Palace lay hundreds of stone steps, from which one could overlook the rolling tiers of palaces in the distance, one pressing down upon the other. Standing beneath them, she felt as tiny as an ant.

A cool breeze swept past, carrying with it a voice, cautious and tentative: "Youyou."

Hearing this, Shen Nanyuan turned around instantly. Looking at Meng Chuyuan, whose ash-pale face still bore a faint smile so fragile it seemed about to vanish, Shen Nanyuan parted her lips slightly: "Chuyuan, you..."

"I am fine," Meng Chuyuan took a few steps closer to her, and only after putting a considerable distance between them and the imperial guards at the entrance did she continue, "The Fifth Prince... is a decent person. Although I do not fancy him, going with him to Houlan should spare me from hardship."

"You know the Fifth Prince?"

Amidst Shen Nanyuan's astonished voice, Meng Chuyuan nodded: "We met in the capital. At the time, I did not know he was the Fifth Prince; I only realized it when I saw him at the banquet today."

Therefore, from the moment she caught sight of him, from the moment the Emperor spoke those words, she had guessed that the one chosen for the political marriage might well be her.

"My father told me just now that even though I am born of a concubine, the Emperor will bestow upon me the title of commandery princess before I journey to Houlan for the alliance marriage, granting me a status even more honorable than that of a legitimate daughter," Meng Chuyuan smiled faintly. "My father is utterly devoted to the country. Furthermore, our dynasty has just concluded wars with Beiliang and Sangluo; although we achieved a complete victory, we also lost a multitude of soldiers and are in desperate need of recuperation. At present, we must maintain favorable relations with the other nations. My going for the alliance marriage serves the diplomatic ties between our two countries, so my father will certainly not plead on my behalf."

"Youyou, I am truly not sad. You really do not need to worry for me."

Her long eyelashes fluttered slightly: "Moreover, marrying the Fifth Prince is the absolute best choice available to someone of humble birth like me."

Had she not witnessed Meng Chuyuan's pale visage, Shen Nanyuan might actually have believed her.

She paused, letting out a long sigh: "Once you are married to Houlan, you may never return for the rest of your life."

Meng Chuyuan remained silent for a long while before speaking: "I know. Perhaps I shall never see you again in this lifetime."

She turned her head, her eye sockets instantly turning red as a thin film of moisture welled up in her eyes. She tugged at the corners of her mouth, maintaining her smile: "Youyou, actually... there is something I have kept buried in my heart and never told you."

She had never told a single soul; apart from herself, no one knew.

Shen Nanyuan gazed at her fixedly, her fingers clenching tightly together.

***

Shen Sinian followed closely behind Shen Nanyuan, frowning slightly: "Where are we heading? This is the inner palace, it is best not to wander about aimlessly."

Shen Nanyuan acknowledged softly, ducking into a secluded corner. Turning back to look at him, she said: "Eldest Brother, walk further inside. Someone is waiting for you. Go on ahead, I will wait for you right here."

"..." Shen Sinian's brows furrowed in confusion. He hesitated for a fraction of a second, yet still followed the direction she pointed. It was somewhat dark, but he could clearly make out that a figure was indeed standing not far away, as if waiting for someone.

The silhouette looked somewhat familiar. As she turned her head, Shen Sinian finally realized it was Meng Chuyuan.

He was somewhat surprised: "Miss Meng? It was you who sought me out?"

"Elder Brother Shen," Meng Chuyuan called out softly without drawing closer. A certain distance separated the two of them, and neither took a step forward. She smiled, her dark eyes shining as brightly as the stars in the firmament.

A gentle breeze blew past, carrying her clear, soft, and gentle voice to his ears.

"There are some things I wished to tell you, for I fear I shall have no opportunity to do so hereafter."

Meng Chuyuan smiled, her eyes resembling a galaxy of stars: "Elder Brother Shen, I once had a dream."