Feng Guangyao was anxious, his tone a little more urgent: "Your Highness, marriage is no child's play, you must be cautious!"
The elders of the Feng family were also startled. They exchanged glances, not expecting that the First Prince would intend to break off the engagement.
This was precisely the result of Baili Ye's careful consideration.
If he married Feng Tongtong, that useless woman, wouldn't it tarnish the royal family's reputation?
He didn't want a foolish woman to affect his claim to the throne.
Immediately, Baili Ye feigned deep thought, his expression slightly somber, and stated his true intentions: "From the beginning, it was Feng Ninghe and I who were betrothed. Now, marrying her is only right and proper."
For the Feng family elders, it didn't matter who Baili Ye married, as long as it was beneficial to the Feng family.
But now, Feng Tongtong's situation was rather precarious. If they missed out on such a good match, it would be difficult for her to find another suitable family to marry into.
In the past, even if this marriage was excellent, it wouldn't have made Feng Guangyao so reluctant. After all, Feng Tongtong was considered among the outstanding younger generation.
"Your Highness, the marriage was settled five years ago. Isn't it inappropriate to cancel it now?"
Feng Guangyao was displeased but dared not express it too much. His words carried a hint of warning.
"What's going on?"
"Brother First Prince, are you breaking off the engagement?"
At this moment, a graceful figure appeared at the entrance of the hall.
Feng Tongtong, with her exquisite makeup and a delicate oval face, wore an expression of astonishment, her features stiffening slightly.
She had dressed up meticulously, changed into a new dress, and arrived full of anticipation.
She had never expected to hear such news.
Seeing her, Baili Ye recited the words he had rehearsed countless times: "Tongtong, my desire to change the bride is due to circumstances. After all, my engagement was with Feng Ninghe since childhood. The Emperor and Empress are well aware, and I believe the Emperor would prefer me to marry the eldest daughter."
Feng Ninghe felt her vision darken, her head throb, and her face turned unsightly. She looked at the face that had once deeply captivated her with disbelief: "Brother First Prince, do you have no feelings for me at all? Why would the marriage change so suddenly?"
For Feng Tongtong, the First Prince's intention to break off the engagement was as devastating as having her cultivation crippled.
Once the engagement was broken, her dream of becoming an imperial consort would be dashed.
More importantly, her best option now was to marry Baili Ye.
She had to hold onto this man tightly!
But Baili Ye said he wanted to marry Feng Ninghe?
"Tongtong, you know how I've treated you all these years. How could I not have genuine feelings for you? It's just that to ascend to the position of Crown Prince, and to give a good account to the Emperor, I have no choice but to marry the eldest daughter."
Baili Ye looked at Feng Tongtong with affectionate eyes, sighing occasionally.
These were just polite words.
Feng Tongtong was not a fool and naturally understood Baili Ye's intentions.
She felt a surge of anger welling up in her chest. Her vision went black, and she fainted.
Fortunately, Taohua was behind her and caught her.
"Tongtong!"
Madam Zhang hurried to her feet, supporting her, her eyes filled with urgency.
Feng Guangyao looked at Baili Ye with a dark expression: "Your Highness, an accident occurred back then, which led to the engagement being with the third young lady. The marriage is set. It would be difficult to change it without causing external gossip."
To change the bride, Baili Ye had already made preparations.
Facing the inquiry, he spoke righteously: "As long as your Feng family agrees, I can go to the palace anytime and ask the Emperor for his consent. Feng Ninghe is the only remaining descendant of the Duke of Zhenguo. I believe the Emperor will not refuse."
Shi Wan.
Feng Ninghe shivered involuntarily.
"Eldest Miss."
Chi Xia rushed in, relaying everything that had happened in the hall.
Upon learning that the First Prince intended to change the bride, Feng Ninghe raised her eyebrows, her eyes involuntarily turning cold. She let out a muffled hum: "This First Prince really thinks highly of himself. He's dreaming even in broad daylight."
She quickly got up and strode out of the house.
Chi Xia dared not delay and hurried to follow.
In the hall, the elders remained silent, each contemplating the pros and cons.
"Your Highness, Tongtong has fainted. It's likely due to the suddenness of it all. Perhaps we should conclude our discussion for today and resume it when her emotions have settled."
Madam Zhang took the initiative to suggest: "There's no rush for the wedding. A thorough discussion is always better."
The matter had come too suddenly, catching everyone off guard. They hadn't figured out how to respond.
The best course of action was to postpone the matter and then discuss it properly.
Baili Ye shook his head and rejected the idea: "Since I'm already here, let's decide on the bride today. Originally, the eldest daughter was betrothed to me, so it's only natural to marry her."
"Our Feng family is not a minor household. This matter cannot be rushed."
The First Elder spoke, his gaze slightly沉, and he quietly looked at Baili Ye: "After all, you are already engaged to the third young lady. It would be bad for your reputation to cancel it now."
Baili Ye smiled it away: "Elders, the eldest daughter is the only descendant of the Duke of Zhenguo. When she marries, the Emperor and Empress will surely bestow lavish gifts, which will not benefit the Feng family."
In the past, he had only thought of getting rid of this cultivation waste and hadn't considered so much.
Now, upon careful reflection, the Empress doted on Feng Ninghe, treating her like her own daughter. If Feng Ninghe were to marry, the Empress's gifts would certainly be substantial.
Ever since the treasury was emptied, Baili Ye's purse had been shrinking daily. He was even more eager to marry Feng Ninghe.
Feng Tongtong, who had been feigning unconsciousness, was so angered that she opened her eyes.
But she could only suppress the discomfort in her heart, her eyes misting over, biting her lip, and looking at Baili Ye: "Brother First Prince, why have you suddenly changed your mind? Could it be that Feng Ninghe has bewitched you?"
In her heart, she was convinced that Feng Ninghe was behind all this.
She had wondered why this bitch was so kind as to suggest expediting the wedding. So, she had already bewitched the First Prince.
"Tongtong."
Baili Ye's eyes flickered slightly, and a scheme formed in his mind: "My feelings for you are sincere and true. I have always had you in my heart. How about you and the eldest daughter marry me together? I promise you will be the primary wife."
"Pfft! I was wondering who was dreaming in broad daylight, and it turns out to be the First Prince."
A clear female voice rang out from outside the hall.
Feng Ninghe strode into the hall. Her expression was cool, and her eyes held a chilling glint: "Your Highness, since you have sincere feelings for the third young lady, then marry her. What you are saying now clearly shows you are two-timing, looking at the bowl while coveting the pot."
"Nonsense!"
Feng Tongtong was the first to retort, her eyes sharp as if she wanted to flay Feng Ninghe alive: "The First Prince is devoted to me, how could he be two-timing? It must be you, you bitch, who has played some insidious trick from behind the scenes, thus temporarily confusing the First Prince!"
Feng Ninghe sneered and casually found a seat.
Green tea paired with dogs, forever and ever.
These two were indeed a match made in heaven.