Chapter 69: Overflowing Jealousy and Pei Zhao's Decree of Marriage

Li Chengyin stood beneath the palace corridors, the sunlight filtering through the carved window lattices and casting a warm glow upon him, yet it failed to dispel the gloom in his heart born from the events of the previous day.

Yesterday, Xiaofeng had shown excessive concern for Pei Zhao. The worry and care in her eyes, though entirely pure and innocent, felt like thorns in Li Chengyin's side.

He knew very well that Xiaofeng was naturally kind-hearted and sincere with everyone, and her concern for Pei Zhao was likely nothing more than the duty of friendship. Even so, an uncontrollable wave of jealousy continued to churn wildly in the depths of his heart.

"Someone come, summon Pei Zhao to see me."

Li Chengyin's voice, carrying a trace of unperceived irritation, echoed through the empty corridor.

Before long, Pei Zhao hurried over. With a posture as straight as a pine and a steady, powerful stride, he arrived before Li Chengyin and bowed respectfully.

"Your Highness, what are your orders for calling this subordinate here?"

Li Chengyin narrowed his eyes slightly, complex emotions flashing within his gaze. He looked Pei Zhao up and down before speaking slowly:

"Pei Zhao, you have reached the age where you should be married. I ask you, is there someone you hold in your heart? If there is, speak frankly, and I will surely grant your wish."

His tone sounded calm on the surface, but his tightly clenched fists betrayed the turbulent waves within his heart.

Pei Zhao was slightly startled, but then replied with a calm and composed expression:

"Your Highness, this subordinate has no one in mind."

His gaze was steadfast and clear, meeting Li Chengyin's eyes directly without the slightest trace of evasion.

Li Chengyin's annoyance grew even more intense. He thought to himself that he must arrange a marriage for Pei Zhao as soon as possible; only then could he soothe this vexing jealousy of his.

Pacing back and forth, he suddenly stopped as if a thought had struck him, the corners of his mouth curving into a meaningful smile:

"I happen to notice that you and Miss Muluo from the tavern are on rather close terms."

Upon hearing this, Pei Zhao was startled. He hurriedly dropped to one knee, cupped his fists, and said:

"Your Highness has misunderstood. This subordinate has merely met her on a few occasions and has never overstepped any boundaries."

His voice was steady as he attempted to explain himself clearly to Li Chengyin.

However, Li Chengyin acted as if he hadn't heard. He waved a hand, his tone leaving no room for argument:

"Say no more; I have already made up my mind. Starting today, your marriage to Muluo is settled. I will bestow a marriage decree upon you both in due time. Prepare yourself well and treat her properly in the days to come."

With that, a seemingly pleased smile appeared on his face, yet it did not reach his eyes. Carrying a hint of retaliatory satisfaction, he turned and strode away, leaving Pei Zhao kneeling in astonishment.

Pei Zhao watched Li Chengyin's retreating figure, his heart filled with helplessness and bitterness.

He knew full well that Li Chengyin's actions were entirely on account of Xiaofeng. Yet, since he harbored no romantic feelings for Muluo, this sudden imperial decree of marriage plunged him into a difficult dilemma.

As for Li Chengyin, he was currently walking briskly along a palace path. Though the jealousy in his heart had slightly subsided, a trace of lingering guilt began to well up.

He understood that acting this way might be unfair to Pei Zhao, but once the flame of envy was ignited, it was difficult to extinguish it easily.

He could only silently comfort himself, telling himself that all of this was for the sake of ensuring a smooth path for his relationship with Xiaofeng. As for Pei Zhao's happiness, he would simply have to find a way to make it up to him later.

Returning to his quarters, Li Chengyin saw Xiaofeng sitting in the courtyard, holding a flower and gently inhaling its fragrance.

Her innocent and carefree appearance instantly chased away a portion of the gloom in Li Chengyin's heart. Catching sight of his return, Xiaofeng smiled and hurried over to greet him:

"Where did you go? I couldn't find you anywhere just now."

Li Chengyin paused for a moment before breaking into a smile and pulling Xiaofeng into his embrace:

"Nowhere, I was just attending to a few trivial matters."

He swore to himself secretly that, no matter what, he would never allow anyone or anything to affect the bond between him and Xiaofeng, even if he had to pay a certain price for it.

Meanwhile, Pei Zhao remained kneeling on the spot for a long time. Gazing up at the sky, he felt a swirling mixture of emotions.

He knew that as a subject, he could not defy Li Chengyin's command, but how was he supposed to face Muluo?

Muluo's bright, expressive eyes and ringing laughter continuously surfaced in his mind. Though he felt no love for her, he held a certain degree of appreciation and fondness for her.

Now, this forced marriage had undoubtedly bound the fates of the three of them tightly together. What kind of storms and trials awaited them in the future remained entirely unpredictable.