The Emperor’s expression shifted slightly, a mix of anger and a cold edge in his tone, “Han Jin, you must be trying to drive a wedge between us, father and son. Do not be deceived by treacherous people.”
Xiao Han Jin looked at him indifferently, “Whether I am deceived or not, I have already investigated thoroughly. Rest assured, Father, I am not as ruthless as you, willing to harm my own son for the sake of securing the throne. From now on, you can recuperate peacefully in Jiangnan.”
As the last four words fell, a wave of intense anger flashed across the Emperor’s face, “How dare you! With just these few people, you think you can seize the throne?”
Xiao Han Jin chuckled, “The high officials of the court are all gathered here, and the commander of the Imperial Guards has long been on my side. You are isolated here, Father, and no one will come to your rescue. As for my men surrounding the Second Prince’s residence, it’s not for the purpose of seizing the throne…”
Under the astonished gazes of everyone, his smiling eyes turned back to the woman standing before him, her face filled with shock, “Princess, the master of ceremonies is here, the guests are all gathered, and the auspicious hour has not yet passed.”
His deep voice was gentle, tinged with a hint of indulgence, “I will give you everything you desire, marry me once again, hmm?”
Xiao Yi Xun’s body trembled.
Di Rong Hua stood rigid, her pupils continuously contracting.
She couldn’t tell if it was heartache or shock that dominated her feelings more. Perhaps it was because she had been pampered since childhood that she had never imagined a father could be so willing to kill his own son.
But beyond these feelings, what she felt more was a surge of anger after the initial shock—he could have done this at any time, yet he chose today, even specifically at the moment she began her wedding ceremony.
He did it on purpose.
“Rong Hua, don’t you regret it.”
This man did it on purpose.
“No, I won’t.”
Di Rong Hua’s eyes were filled with suppressed rage as she spoke word by word, “Don’t even think about it.”
Xiao Han Jin’s eyes turned cold.
Before he could speak, Xiao Yi Xun, dressed in his wedding attire, swayed slightly.
Di Rong Hua’s face changed instantly, instinctively reaching out to support him, then sharply looking up at the man before her, “Xiao Han Jin, what have you done to him?”
Xiao Han Jin met her eyes, which were filled with undisguised cold anger, his gaze lowering to her almost instinctive action of supporting Xiao Yi Xun—it seemed as if everything was highlighting their intimacy and compatibility.
Just a month ago, she would have stood by his side no matter what, viewing Xiao Yi Xun as the enemy.
And now, he had become the one who needed to be viewed with hostility.
His Adam’s apple bobbed as he let out a low laugh, “Nothing much, just a muscle-relaxing drug. But Rong Hua, you are after all a member of the royal family, you should know very well that during a change of imperial power, some people are bound to die.”
Di Rong Hua, both shocked and angry, retorted, “Your father tried to kill you, yet you spared his life, and now you’re telling me some people are bound to die?”
“Because he touched you?”
The man’s low laughter carried a faint hint of mockery, but deep in his eyes was a cold, ruthless intent, “So, Princess, his current state is also thanks to you. Think carefully, whether you want to marry me or watch him die.”
The woman’s face suddenly turned pale.
He could even see her entire body visibly stiffen.
The gloom in Xiao Han Jin’s heart finally dissipated a bit.
Xiao Yi Xun closed his eyes, “Rong Hua.” He patted the back of her hand, “Even if I die, I don’t need my woman to marry someone else to save me.”
Di Rong Hua’s face turned even paler.
Xiao Han Jin narrowed his eyes at their undisguised intimacy, his thin lips pressing into a straight line, “Rong Hua, the auspicious hour is almost over, I don’t have much time for you to consider.”
Di Rong Hua closed her eyes and suddenly laughed, “Xiao Han Jin, I dislike being threatened the most.”
Before the words had fully left her mouth, she swiftly pulled a hairpin from her hair and pointed it at her own neck.
Xiao Han Jin’s face changed dramatically, “Di Rong Hua!”
The woman looked straight at him, enunciating each word clearly, “I will not marry you, nor will I beg you. If you want him dead, I will die with him.”
