My enemies became my companions

Chapter 681 Second Bow to Parents (Part 2 Combined)

After he finished speaking, the room fell silent.

Only the embers of the red candle occasionally crackled softly once or twice.

Min Ning, dressed in a tight-fitting outfit, stood with her sword in hand. As if to fit the occasion, her red dress, however, was as red as blood, standing out from the surrounding festive atmosphere and looking out of place.

Although she did not draw her sword, the sword in her heart was already drawn. Holding the nuptial cup, she seemed determined to never let Qin Qingluo and Chen Yi complete this marriage.

Chen Yi was filled with mixed feelings. Perhaps because he had expected things wouldn't go so smoothly, he wasn't particularly surprised when Min Ning actually appeared. Instead, he even had the leisure to think about what a wonderful thing it would be if he could marry both women today.
Chen Yi slightly raised his eyes and met Min Ning's sharp gaze. He quickly looked away. That's how men are; their movements always seem to happen at the most inopportune times.

He truly wanted to marry Qin Qingluo, hoping the prophecy would vanish after the wedding. As for Min Ning, he did intentionally or unintentionally want her to leave, but after she actually left, he couldn't bring himself to be completely at peace with himself...

Min Ning remained standing in front, sword in hand, seemingly growing impatient, and coldly said:
"You, City God of the Underworld, have been adjudicating cases and upholding justice all the way south. How come you are helpless when a woman comes to plead her case?"

Her words were already filled with a strong sense of confusion and disarray, and she was barely able to maintain her composure.

As soon as he heard the words, Chen Yi racked his brains, trying to find a few words to respond, to comfort and console Min Ning, and in short, to calm her down. He said that if all three of them got married, he wouldn't mind.

However, before he could even open his mouth, Qin Qingluo stepped forward, his tall figure positioned perfectly between him and Min Ning.

She slowly lifted the veil, glanced at Min Ning from head to toe. There was no need to ask why Min Ning had returned, or even what changes had occurred in his heart. The two were quite similar in temperament, but different in essence, and both understood each other's desires.

“Min Yuechi, there’s no need to make things difficult for him,” Qin Qingluo said, her snake eyes flashing with a chilling light. “This is a matter between you and me.”

She was dressed in a black robe with a golden python pattern. In the flickering candlelight, shadows stretched between the folds, and the python on it seemed to come alive, exuding a majestic and imposing aura.

Gazing at her auspicious attire, Min Ning tightened her grip on the sword hilt, her knuckles turning white. She remained composed, not losing her composure, but the fierce aura between her brows lingered.

"What happened between you and me?" Min Ning sneered, his tone both mocking and sarcastic. "Qin Qingluo, tell me, what happened between us? At Hanhai Tower, I gave him to you and was willing to leave. Our affair is over. Even if I receive a letter in the future saying that you have another child, I will accept it. But today, I want justice."

Upon hearing this, Qin Qingluo frowned again. She thought Min Ning was unwilling to accept her fate and had suddenly turned back. But if she had accepted it, why would she turn back like this?

What kind of justice does she want to seek today?
Min Ning took a step forward; though her sword remained sheathed, her sword intent grew increasingly sharp and intimidating.

"I'm not here today to compete with you for affection, nor to demand an explanation; I'm here to take this to the authorities!"
"Chen Yi, you are a judge of the underworld! Will you accept this case today, or not?! If you accept it, then proceed to court now!"

Min Ning didn't say "what will happen if you don't answer," but there was no need to say it explicitly. If she really didn't answer, she would handle it in her own way.

Qin Qinglu frowned, clearly furious at Min Ning's unreasonable behavior.

Her aura grew increasingly cold, and the golden python on her auspicious robe seemed ready to raise its head and devour people. Just as she was about to unleash her power, Chen Yi reached out and gently pressed his hand on Qin Qingluo's tense arm.

Qin Qingluo paused slightly, turned her head to look at him, her snake-like eyes filled with question and lingering anger.

Chen Yi shook his head slightly at her, signaling her to calm down.

Then, he slowly walked out from behind Qin Qingluo and faced Min Ning again.

Chen Yi's expression had calmed down, no longer showing surprise, but rather a faint golden light shimmering between his brows, already resembling the City God and the Underworld Official.

“Min Ning,” he began, his voice steady, yet, “since you have accused Prince Qin Qingluo of stealing your beloved and forcibly taking your betrothed wife, then…”

"Ascension to the Hall."

………………

What should have been a happy wedding turned into a lawsuit.

A perfectly nice wedding room has been turned into a lavish and extravagant affair.

No one knew how things had developed to this point. Min Ning suddenly barged into the Prince's mansion and inexplicably demanded that the wedding be held in court, interrupting the final step of the marriage. However, Chen Yi went along with it. Since he felt guilty towards her, he agreed to her request this time.

Although his behavior was somewhat abnormal, it suited his own desires perfectly.

Let's pretend to be a corrupt official and a female knight-errant for once.

Chen Yi sat upright in his chair, looking in both directions. He glanced at Qin Qingluo, whose brows were furrowed, and then at Min Ning, whose face was filled with murderous intent.

Although they were in the bridal chamber, he still exuded the solemnity and majesty of a city god. He glanced at Min Ning and said in a deep voice, "Min Ning, then you shall present your case and explain the reasons for your grievances one by one."

Min Ning took a deep breath, suppressing her turbulent emotions, her gaze sharp as a knife, piercing Qin Qingluo.

“Min Ning, a commoner, accuses King Qin Qinglu of Annam of bullying the weak, being shameless and unscrupulous, and of stealing what belongs to others and usurping their place.”

She knew all along that you and I... Chen Yi," she pointed to Chen Yi, "...that we met when we were both nobody, that we entrusted our lives to each other, and that our friendship was extraordinary. But she took advantage of her power and position, and even took advantage of me... when I was down on my luck, to use despicable means to seduce him... to have a child with me!"

She never truly cared for him; she only valued his martial prowess and… his usefulness! Using this as a bond, she forcibly kept him in the Southern Frontier, binding him to her side! Now, she has disregarded all moral principles, forcing this marriage that transgresses propriety, shattering the young woman's dreams and leaving her with a lifelong regret! If this isn't robbery, then what is?

After Min Ning finished her accusations, she looked at Qin Qingluo. As Qin Qingluo listened, her face did not turn pale as if her conspiracy had been exposed. Instead, her brows relaxed a little, as if she found it somewhat amusing.

Min Ning was taken aback by her reaction, and her murderous aura intensified as she said, "What...what are you laughing at?"

Qin Qingluo did not answer her directly, but slowly turned her head, her snake eyes full of amusement, and lightly landed on Chen Yi's face, who was sitting upright to the side.

Her gaze swept over him from head to toe, lingering deliberately on certain parts of his body for a moment, the meaning in her eyes indescribable.

Chen Yi immediately felt embarrassed.

The aura of the Yin official just now dissipated by more than half in an instant. He subconsciously wanted to look away, coughed, and even raised his hand to straighten the unfinished hem of his wedding dress.

Chen Yi coughed again, then looked at Qin Qingluo and slowly asked, "King of Annan, is this true?"

After saying that, he gave a wink.

The two are getting married today, and things have come to this point, so it should proceed smoothly. It is only right and proper for Qin Qingluo to cooperate.

Qin Qingluo slowly said, "There's more to this than meets the eye."

Chen Yi froze.

Min Ning raised her head and, following Qin Qingluo's gaze, stared directly at Chen Yi.

Qin Qingluo lowered her snake-like eyes slightly, as if recalling something, then curled the corners of her lips and slowly said, "Now that things have come to this, he still wants to hide it from you, but I have no need to hide it from you."

Seeing her so composed, Min Ning paused for a moment, then abruptly turned to Chen Yi.

When she saw Chen Yi's appearance, her heart sank.

Details that seemed illogical years ago—why the use of sperm donation, why Qin Qingluo's attitude towards this matter was so peculiar, and why Chen Yi was always vague about this past—suddenly flooded into my heart like fragments.

"Back then at Yaoshang Temple, I was his mortal enemy. He used every trick in the book, and was ruthless and vicious. He was indeed a cut above me." Qin Qingluo spoke calmly, as if he were talking about an interesting anecdote that had nothing to do with him. "Unfortunately, I have an inch of Glazed Light protecting my heart meridian, so he can't kill me."

"If you can't kill him, then find another way to humiliate and degrade him." Her gaze swept over Chen Yi, carrying a faint hint of mockery.

"He then devised that despicable method: by possessing my body, he could completely destroy my martial spirit and sever my martial path. And that bastard child of Yue'er... was born at that time..."

Chen Yi wanted to stop them but couldn't speak for a moment. Both strong-willed women were looking at him at the same time, so he could only lean forward and then lean back slightly.

Min Ning seemed to understand something, her gaze deepening with a complex meaning, "So that means..."

"The matter of borrowing a seed is just to keep it from you. It's easier to change mountains and rivers than to change one's nature. He can't change himself, but it's very easy to keep it from you," the Queen said with a smile. "Where does this talk of borrowing a seed come from? You're giving him too much credit and looking down on me too much."

Min Ning's gaze shifted several times, a complex mix of emotions flashing through her. She suddenly felt a sense of the truth coming to light, but more than that, she felt a sense of absurdity.

If so,

How many things is he still hiding from her?
After speaking frankly,
Qin Qingluo seemed to feel that since she had already spoken, there was no need to leave any room for negotiation. She continued, her tone regaining the indifference and disdain befitting a vassal king:
"Later, by a twist of fate, he saved me instead. At first, I thought he had ulterior motives, perhaps a pawn sent by the court or some other power, and I tested him several times..."

She chuckled and her gaze fell again on the uncomfortable Chen Yi. "But I found that this man is really unambitious. His mind is full of thoughts of love and intimacy. He is greedy for money and lustful, indecisive, yet... he does have some real skills and luck."

“Since that’s the case,” Qin Qingluo raised his chin, his tone almost condescending in his authority, “If he wants it, I will grant it to him. Is the Southern Border Royal Palace not even able to accommodate a man who suits my taste? As for love? My ambition lies in the world, not in this small world. These entanglements of love should have been severed cleanly long ago.”

Upon hearing this, Min Ning suddenly interrupted her coldly, "Since that's the case, Your Highness has lofty ambitions and a heart for the world. After you parted ways in the capital, you and he should have gone your separate ways, one on your own path and the other on his own, completely severing ties and having no further connection."

Isn't today's wedding a contradiction?

The tall woman was not angered by the provocation in her words; instead, her smile deepened. She pursed her lips, glanced at Chen Yi, then looked away and slowly said:

“In the past, I thought I would just treat him like a promiscuous whore for the rest of my life, someone I could summon and dismiss at will. But now that I think about it, that was a bit of wishful thinking.”

Min Ning was slightly taken aback.

"He is still somewhat likable."

Qin Qingluo picked up the wine pot and actually got up to pour wine for Min Ning in the nuptial cup.

"However, he and I have already gone through the wedding ceremony."
"What's wrong with letting you have this wedding ceremony?"

As the drink swirls gently in her glass, the astonishment in Min Ning's eyes gradually rises to her brow, momentarily dispelling her pent-up anger and leaving her momentarily at a loss.

Immediately afterwards, her forehead furrowed slightly, and ripples suddenly appeared in her heart. Chen Yi lowered his gaze and suddenly caught a glimmer of light from her forehead.

Chen Yi extended two fingers straight out, flicking them out of thin air.

Anger-inducing Talisman?
An invisible talisman, radiating only primordial energy, was pulled out. Chen Yi frowned slightly. Who had done this?

Such talismans can greatly enhance the yang energy of the person who is afflicted, making them capable of breaking through various mental and physical means. However, this also generates a lot of malevolent energy, and frequent use of such items can easily lead to a loss of reason.

However, now that it has been removed, there is no major problem. Chen Yi thought to himself.

Min Ning's long-suppressed murderous aura almost instantly crumbled. She pressed her forehead, seemingly unaccustomed to the situation, and even more confused as to how her anger had vanished without a trace in an instant.

Just then, a loud bang was heard. It turned out that Chen Yi slammed his hand on the table like a gavel.

He sat upright in his chair, trying his best to maintain a solemn expression.
"Now that things have come to this, the truth is clear. Min Ning, I ask you, is this whole entanglement due to your misunderstanding of the Prince of Annam?"

Min Ning was startled by the question. As she looked up, her gaze swept over Qin Qingluo's indifferent yet frank face and finally landed on Chen Yi.

A thousand emotions surged within her. She had indeed misunderstood Qin Qingluo, but she had not misunderstood Chen Yi!

He concealed his past, maneuvered among women, and was adept at navigating social situations. His heart was despicable. A thousand words stuck in her chest: accusations, complaints, disappointment... But in the end, under the emptiness left after the invisible talisman dissipated, and under Chen Yi's gaze, she found that all her emotions had no foothold.

After a long silence, she finally took a deep breath, suppressing all her turbulent emotions, and with a slight movement in her throat, uttered a single word:
"…Yes."

Looking into her clear yet dim eyes, Chen Yi felt a complex sense of guilt.

But he knew even more that he could not hesitate at this moment; the arrow had already left the bowstring, and there had to be a resolution.

Since he doesn't want to push Min Ning away, nor can he neglect Qin Qingluo like this, what's wrong with ruling that Min Ning and Qin Qingluo should both marry the same person?
Since we've already served as officials in the underworld and handled the case, why not see this corrupt official through to the end and adjudicate an unprecedented case?

"In that case, the case is clear. The crime of 'stealing another's love and forcibly taking another's wife' committed by Prince Qin Qingluo of Annam is not established. However, this matter is complicated by a series of coincidences and is deeply entangled. When three people are together, one of them will inevitably be hurt... Uh, no, what I mean is that when feelings run deep, they cannot be forcibly separated by human power."

He paused, then, meeting the sudden, focused gazes of the two women, he steeled himself and voiced the long-held thought:
"I hereby decree that Min Ning and Qin Qingluo, since you two both have a predestined relationship with him and are both... well, compatible in temperament, why not marry the same man, share the same husband, and share the same wife? From now on, you will be like Ehuang and Nüying, forming a harmonious marriage, thus avoiding the conflict we have today. What do you say?"

"........."

"........."

There was a moment of silence.

Chen Yi thought there would be no response, but after a long while, there were two separate voices:

"it is good."

"…it is good."

The two women actually agreed, both taking a step back for him. Chen Yi was immediately stunned, then burst into uncontrollable laughter.

After overcoming countless hardships, one finally enjoys the happiness of having two wives.

The two women, holding the nuptial cups, slowly approached, the candlelight flickering and swaying as they drew nearer.

Suddenly, the candlelight was extinguished by a gust of wind, dimming the colors of the scene and blurring the faces of the two women.

Chen Yi hurriedly picked up a candlestick and lit it quickly. The flame rose and then flickered a few times with white light. Suddenly, Chen Yi felt as if there was another person. He looked up and suddenly saw the one-armed woman appearing and disappearing in front of him.

"Master, are you here to get married too?"

Chen Yi paused for a moment, then continued:
"Didn't I already marry you?"

The moment she finished speaking, the one-armed woman swayed slightly, as if she were about to lose her balance, but she quickly regained her footing and took a step forward.

Zhou Yitang's usually cold expression suddenly turned angry, and she raised her finger and struck Chen Yi's head hard.

"Foolish child! Haven't you noticed something's wrong?!"

Suddenly, a furious shout rang in his ears, as if enlightening him. Chen Yi looked sharply to both sides and saw that the bright red and purple of the bridal chamber, as well as the curtains and screens, were rapidly losing their color and becoming frozen.

All colors dissolve into a vast expanse of black and white, like a black and white painting, lifeless and frozen.
Upon seeing this unexpectedly familiar scene, Chen Yi immediately understood.

"You've always had your wishes fulfilled; you've never left the world of ignorance!"

(End of this chapter)