Commoner Queen: Falling in Love with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince - Chapter 21

The emperor did not deliberately reject Murong Ziying. Seeing her pitiful yet dignified demeanor, he couldn’t help but wonder—how could anyone bear to brand her with the term “witch”?

“Do you know what crime you’ve committed?”

“Father…” Yi Han hurriedly stepped forward to protect her.

The emperor raised his hand, signaling for Yi Han to remain silent.

“I do not know,” she replied calmly, without fear. In truth, what crime had she committed? Everything that happened today was an unjust disaster—one she never sought.

“You don’t know? Fine, then allow me to tell you. Do you realize that you have become the cause of discord between me and the crown prince?” the emperor said angrily.

She immediately dropped to her knees. “Your Majesty, I had no intention of inciting any conflict. Please investigate the matter clearly.”

She was composed and steady. His son had always been sharp in judging people—perhaps making her his consort was feasible… if only she… The emperor couldn’t help but reconsider. This was, after all, a matter of great importance.

“Rise.”

Yi Han quickly helped her up, his heart aching for her. But as soon as she stood, she stepped back, deliberately putting a safe distance between them—one full step away. She had no desire to deepen the emperor’s suspicions.

Yi Han frowned slightly at her sudden detachment.

“My son, I have already made my decision regarding today’s selection. I order you to take both Li Yingshui and Murong Ziying into the Eastern Palace as your concubines. Later, one of them will be chosen as the crown princess,” the emperor declared. Perhaps Yi Han was merely infatuated with Murong Ziying for the time being. Given time, he might grow bored and tire of her. When that happened, he could still establish his favored consort’s niece as the rightful crown princess.

Although Yi Han disagreed, he had no choice but to accept it. This was the last concession his father was willing to make. If he continued to resist, it would only further enrage the emperor. For now, he would endure this injustice toward Ziying, but one day, he swore he would make her his crown princess.

“As you command, Royal Father.”

“No! I refuse!” Murong Ziying suddenly shouted.

Everyone was stunned.

Even the emperor was taken aback. Did she truly dare to defy him so openly? Was she unwilling to accept the rank of concubine?

“Why do you object?”

Her clear, unwavering gaze met the emperor’s.

“Your Majesty, forgive my impertinence, but I do not wish to enter the Eastern Palace as a concubine, nor do I have any desire to compete for the title of crown princess in the future,” she declared firmly.

She had not forgotten her mother’s instructions. There was no other way—after all, this body belonged to someone else’s daughter, so she had to abide by their wishes.

“Ziying, are you rejecting me?” Yi Han stared at her in disbelief. He had only ever thought about having her; it had never crossed his mind that she might resist his affection.

“I appreciate Your Highness’s kindness, but please plead with His Majesty to revoke the decree. I am in no way worthy of serving in the Eastern Palace.”

“You…” Yi Han was dumbfounded. Never in his life had he imagined that, as the crown prince, he would be turned down.

Princess Li, watching from the sidelines, was utterly delighted.

“Your Highness, since she knows her place, you should not force her,” she said smugly. With Ziying out of the picture, Yingshui had one less rival.

“Indeed, Your Highness. If she doesn’t know what’s good for her, I am more than willing to serve you,” Li Yingshui said coyly as she leaned toward him.

Rage surged through Yi Han.

“It doesn’t matter whether she is willing or not. The imperial decree has been issued—she is now my concubine, and she has no right to refuse,” he declared coldly.

Pushing Li Yingshui aside, he strode toward Murong Ziying.

“You belong to me now. From this moment on, you will come with me to the Eastern Palace. There is no need for you to return to the Murong Manor.”

“Your Highness, you…” Murong Ziying wanted to argue, but the words caught in her throat. She didn’t want to cause harm to herself or others, but how could anyone be this domineering?

“Xiao Zhuzi, escort Ziying to the Eastern Palace at once,” Yi Han ordered.

He wouldn’t give her any chance to resist. He would take her with him immediately.