"Enough!"
The Grand Elder shot a stern glance at Feng Tongtong and reprimanded her sharply, "You have no right to speak!"
Her words effectively silenced Feng Tongtong, who looked at Baili Ye with a wronged expression.
It was Feng Ninghe who had crippled her cultivation, yet this woman acted as if nothing had happened, completely unaffected by the incident.
Baili Ye's expression was cold as he swept his gaze across everyone seated in the main hall. "Everyone, the third miss of the Feng family had her cultivation crippled. You failed to inform me beforehand, and with my wedding to her imminent, you must give me an explanation today!"
Feng Tongtong's reputation was already in tatters. Now, not only was she bald, but her cultivation was also destroyed.
Such a person, undeserving of her position, was utterly unfit to be a princess consort and marry him!
"Your Highness, the Emperor's decree set this marriage. The third miss's cultivation being crippled was truly unavoidable. Our Feng family is also a victim. It is indeed our fault for not informing you truthfully. As compensation, the Feng family will add a substantial dowry."
The Grand Elder spoke softly after a moment's thought.
Baili Ye's objective was to annul the engagement. The Feng family had deceived him first, and a mere dowry meant little to him.
He shook his head and rejected the offer without hesitation. "Your Feng family deceived me, and now you wish to silence me with a dowry? If this matter reaches the Emperor of Li, you will be charged with deceiving the sovereign."
Feng Guangyao's expression darkened slightly, but he patiently looked at Baili Ye. "Your Highness, what is it that you desire?"
In response to the question, Baili Ye let out a soft scoff. "If you can marry Feng Ninghe to me as well, I will let this matter go. If not, I will personally go before the Emperor of Li to break off the engagement!"
Feng Tongtong's complexion turned pale and then flushed red with anger at his words.
Ultimately, Baili Ye had always wanted to marry Feng Ninghe.
What kind of seductive tricks had this vixen used?
"Your Highness, we are unable to agree to this matter."
Madam Zhang strode into the main hall, her voice clear and resonant. "Our Feng family did not intentionally conceal anything. I believe the Emperor of Li, considering the late Duke of Zhenguo, will not hold our Feng family accountable. The Emperor of Li personally issued the decree, and the marriage is set. Perhaps our Feng family can contribute more spirit stones to prepare for the wedding?"
Feng Ninghe would never be able to marry the First Prince, not even in her wildest dreams.
This marriage would not fall to her, no matter what.
Baili Ye was infuriated.
He knew that if this matter truly reached the Emperor of Li, he would not fare well.
Feng Guangyao repeatedly nodded in agreement. "In the future, when Your Highness ascends to the Nascent Soul stage, our Feng family will lend our full support."
Feng Tongtong's eyes reddened, and she looked at Baili Ye tearfully, her voice soft. "If it weren't for Feng Ninghe, I wouldn't be in this predicament. Brother Baili Ye, rest assured, after our families are allied, the Feng family will wholeheartedly assist you in becoming the Crown Prince."
Mention of the Crown Prince's position caused Baili Ye's gaze to subtly narrow.
He still wished to ascend to the throne of Crown Prince, and he could not afford to fall out with the Feng family now.
Baili Ye looked at Feng Tongtong with some reluctance. He had not wanted to marry this woman in the first place, and now that Feng Tongtong could no longer cultivate, he wanted to marry her even less.
Feng Guangyao painfully took out a fourth-grade pill. "Your Highness, this is a token of my sincerity. I hope you will accept it."
This was the only fourth-grade Longevity Pill he possessed, which he had originally intended to take himself. Now, to quell the anger, he had no choice but to offer it to Baili Ye.
The fourth-grade Longevity Pill was round and translucent, immediately brightening Baili Ye's eyes.
After his treasury had been completely plundered, he did not have many resources left.
If he consumed this pill, it could at least increase his lifespan by three hundred years.
For cultivators, a hundred years passed in the blink of an eye. However, if their cultivation remained stagnant, they would need Longevity Pills to extend their lives. Longevity Pills not only prolonged life but also strengthened the body.
This Longevity Pill, also known as the Hundred Beasts Pill, was beneficial not only to humans but also to spirit beasts.
Baili Ye's gaze narrowed slightly, and he calmly accepted the pill. "Since the Feng family is so sincere, I cannot refuse. I will accept this pill."
His willingness to accept it instantly relieved the members of the Feng family.
The matter of Feng Tongtong's crippled cultivation had finally been resolved.
Her position as a consort was secured.
After the discussion concluded, Feng Tongtong took the initiative to see Baili Ye off, saying softly, "Your Highness, allow me to escort you."
Baili Ye's chest was filled with suppressed anger, and he had no time to pay attention to her. He pretended not to hear, his figure flashed, and he left swiftly.
Now that Feng Tongtong had no cultivation, she was no match for Baili Ye. She could only watch as his figure disappeared before her eyes.
"Damn Feng Ninghe!"
She gritted her teeth and stomped her foot in frustration.
Taohua quickly comforted her, "I believe Your Highness is still angry. In time, Your Highness will surely understand your good intentions."
Feng Tongtong's smooth fingertips dug into her flesh, her face a mask of fury. "Order the kitchen to make a cup of nourishing dew. I will personally visit the First Prince's manor!"
Inside the opera house.
As a song concluded, Si Xin Xin, drowsy, slumped her head onto the table.
Si Jian Ye gently picked her up, a hint of tenderness in his eyes.
"Xin Xin is already asleep, and I have nothing else to do. I shall take my leave."
Feng Ninghe spoke up, her gaze lowered as she quietly looked at Si Xin Xin, who was sleeping soundly.
The innocent face before her seemed to warm her heart, and Feng Ninghe broke into a smile.
After a simple farewell, she got up to leave.
Si Jian Ye subconsciously raised his eyes, and as he watched her departing back, his gaze subtly shifted.
After learning his identity, Feng Ninghe had not made any excessive demands. Her words and actions remained as they always were.
Other women would likely have been eager to climb into his bed.
Could it be that Xin Xin liked her so much for the same reason?
In just a moment, Si Jian Ye withdrew his thoughts and handed Si Xin Xin, cradled in his arms, to A Xi. "Take her back."
A Xi dared not disobey and nodded repeatedly. "Master, rest assured, I will take good care of the young lady."
On the bustling street.
A luxurious carriage weaved through the crowd.
Inside the carriage, Baili Ye held the Longevity Pill in his hand, examining it closely.
Xiao Zhao, also on the street, was perched on Feng Ninghe's shoulder.
Master!
There seems to be something good in this carriage!
Xiao Zhao's sapphire-blue eyes brightened as if he had discovered something, and he stared intently at the carriage.
Sensing where Xiao Zhao's gaze was directed, Feng Ninghe immediately noticed the carriage before her.
She instinctively raised her delicate eyebrows. "The First Prince? What good things could he possibly have on him now? Let's go take a look!"
The carriage stopped in front of the First Prince's manor.
Baili Ye playfully toyed with a bottle of pills as he slowly alighted from the carriage.
Xiao Zhao's gaze fell upon the pill in Baili Ye's hand, his eyes, clear as glazed pottery, fixed on the pill, and he whimpered slightly with excitement.
Master! If I could eat this, perhaps I could grow taller!
Feng Ninghe reached out and gently stroked Xiao Zhao's soft, velvety fur, murmuring softly, "Don't rush..."
Just as Baili Ye took a step towards entering the First Prince's manor, a clear female voice sounded from behind.
"First Prince, please wait."