The whole family is obsessed with love? The princess woke them up one after another.

"Sacrificing personal interests for the greater good of the nation preserves the people and protects the country and its people—isn't that still about interests?"

"This is someone who puts the interests of the country, the people, and the nation before their own. I've said it before, I admire that."

Qi Zhiyu's words made Qi Jingxi feel terrible.

He felt his beliefs had been severely shaken: "Sis, what you're saying...it feels so good..."

"How cold-blooded?" Qi Zhiyu said what he hadn't said, "Actually, that's the essence of the matter."

"To give up one's own interests for the benefit of more people is to be a hero."

"To pursue one's own interests at the expense of others is the mark of a petty person."

Qi Jingxi thought for a moment and said, "That makes sense."

"So, Second Brother, you have to be careful..." Qi Zhiyu reminded him, "Be careful that some people don't disguise their own selfish interests as righteousness."

"He may seem to be doing it for everyone, but in reality, he's achieving his own goals."

Qi Jingxi understood: "Isn't this exactly what the King of Wu and his men were doing?"

"Calling you a monster is actually a ploy to destroy you, to cut off our father's greatest support, so that the King of Wu can achieve his goal of sitting on that throne!"

Qi Zhiyu smiled: "That's right."

So, there's no need to feel uncomfortable.

Qi Jingxi stared intently at her younger sister, who was even younger than her. What had she gone through to be so insightful and open-minded?

He knew that many principles and skills could not be learned from books, nor could they be applied flexibly simply by having a teacher teach them.

Only through experiencing things firsthand can one put what's in their mind into practice.

My heart suddenly ached, as if it were exploding, an unbearable pain.

This pain quickly spread to every corner of my body, causing spasms in every part.

However, Qi Jingxi didn't show it. Instead, she maintained a smile and praised in her usual nonchalant tone, "It still has to be my sister!"

Everything seemed normal, yet it was also so unusual.

"Prince Ning should make his move soon, we just need to wait and see," Qi Zhiyu said with a smile. "Second Brother, you just need to keep a close eye on things."

Qi Jingxi smiled confidently: "Don't worry, this time I won't let any of the influence and connections that Prince Wu and his group use slip by!"

Anyone who dares to slander his sister will be destroyed!

The noise outside was like a frying pan on fire; it was impossible to quell it.

Countless scholars flocked to the palace and knelt down to plead for their lives.

One day, there was no news from the palace.

For two days, Emperor Kangwu still ignored it.

On the third day... fully armed soldiers began to enter the city.

Now, those who had volunteered panicked.

On the fourth day, finally, with the help of others, several elderly people who could barely walk and were trembling, arrived in front of the palace and knelt down.

Over these four days, some people couldn't take it and collapsed to the ground, some cried until they fainted, and some banged their heads on the ground, leaving bloodstains everywhere.

On the fourth day, during the morning court session, Grand Secretary Zhang finally stepped forward: "Your Majesty, it's time to make a decision regarding Princess Chen'an's matter."

All the civil and military officials immediately looked at Grand Secretary Zhang.

Grand Secretary Zhang naturally noticed the gazes of the crowd; being the center of attention was something he had anticipated, but…

What's with the way they look at us, like we're looking at a warrior going to his death?

Is Your Majesty the kind of person who indiscriminately kills innocent people?

No way... right?

Grand Secretary Zhang clearly felt Emperor Kangwu's gaze upon him... it was almost excessively focused.

Zhang, who had been full of confidence, suddenly felt a little uncertain.

Emperor Kangwu spoke up: "Grand Secretary Zhang is mistaken."

"What brings you here, Chen'an?"

"There are people outside spreading rumors and trying to harm my Princess Rui. Should I just go along with them?"

"They say Chen An is a monster, produce evidence!"

Grand Secretary Zhang felt a bitter taste in his mouth.

Does this kind of thing require evidence?

Throughout history, how many people who have been accused of being demons have actually been proven guilty?

Once the people have made up their minds, none of those people will have a good ending.

"Your Majesty," a young eunuch rushed in to report, "Prince Ning requests an audience."

Emperor Kangwu refused without hesitation: "I will not see him!"

"Your Majesty, Prince Ning said he can marry Princess Chen'an. He will take her to Northern Dian and never return to Da Rui!" The little eunuch mustered his courage and relayed Prince Ning's words.

Upon hearing this, the civil and military officials in the hall were overjoyed.

In this way, the princess would not have to die, and the people's resentment could be appeased.

In this way, His Majesty will not have to fly into a rage and will not resort to violent suppression.

Good thing!

This is truly a win-win situation!

"Want to marry Chen'an? Dream on!" Emperor Kangwu refused without hesitation.

He then stood up.

"Your Majesty!" Grand Secretary Zhang urged, "This matter cannot be delayed any longer."

"The people outside the capital have also heard the news; if this continues, it will surely cause great chaos!"

"Grand Secretary Zhang," Prince Rui said coldly, "my daughter has never been some kind of monster!"

Grand Secretary Zhang smiled wryly and said, "Prince Rui, I don't think the princess is a monster, it's just... the situation is like this now."

"Why not let Prince Ning come in and listen, and see if he truly cares for the princess?"

"The princess has come of age and will be married sooner or later."

"Moreover, Prince Ning is the Emperor of Northern Yunnan's most beloved youngest son. If he is truly sincere towards the Princess, she will not suffer any loss."

Prince Rui scoffed, "Not going to suffer a loss?"

"Why should my daughter be treated so unjustly?"

"Father!" Qi Zhiyu walked in, smiling as she said, "I can marry into the Northern Yunnan family."

"Yu'er!" Prince Rui exclaimed in alarm, "Stop fooling around, go back!"

"I'm not being ridiculous," Qi Zhiyu said, looking at the Prince Ning she had brought in, and asked, "Are you truly proposing marriage?"

Prince Ning gazed at Qi Zhiyu with infatuation: "Yes."

"If I could marry the princess, it would be the greatest blessing of my life."

Qi Zhiyu smiled: "I agree."

"I will not allow it!" Emperor Kangwu roared. "Guards, take Princess Chen'an back!"

The guards outside the hall immediately rushed in.

Qi Zhiyu chuckled and said, "Grandfather, they can't stop me."

Emperor Kangwu choked, his face alternating between pale and flushed: "Chen'an, this is not the time for you to act recklessly!"

"This is the quickest way to solve the problem." Qi Zhiyu smiled. "It's my decision, Grandfather, so you don't need to worry about it."

"Have your Northern Dian Kingdom's ruler prepare the marriage certificate," Qi Zhiyu said, looking at Prince Ning. "And affix the imperial seal."

Prince Ning agreed without hesitation: "I will send someone back immediately on horseback to retrieve it."

"Mm." Qi Zhiyu nodded.

"Peace be with you, Emperor Kangwu!" Emperor Kangwu roared.

Qi Zhiyu laughed: "Grandfather, don't shout so loudly, I can hear you."

When Emperor Kangwu couldn't persuade her, he glared at Prince Rui and said, "Don't you know how to control your daughter?"

Prince Rui's face was full of bitterness, and he said with heartache, "Father, how...can I possibly control this?"