CHAPTER 270: CHAPTER 268: A LAND OF BEAUTY, I HAVE NEVER FEARED COMPETING WITH OTHERS

Luo Wanzhao sat on the bed.

The night wind blew through the window crack. Though the spring breeze was gentle and pleasant, she felt cold all over, her teeth chattering.

Facing Lu Shiyan, her facial muscles twitched uncontrollably, pulling into an ugly smile, her brows and eyes quickly drooping again. Her lips trembled as if caught in spasms, and coupled with her pale, sickly appearance, the scene was both unseemly and pitiful.

But in her eyes, there still lingered a final thread of hope. In a hoarse voice, she asked, "What did Your Highness say?"

Lu Shiyan remained impassive: "I want to divorce you."

Luo Wanzhao stared at him, unconsciously swallowing. Her hands, resting on the embroidered quilt, quietly clenched into fists.

Tears welled in her eyes, and her voice was barely audible: "Why?"

"You and I were never meant to be. Zhaozhao and I were childhood sweethearts, inseparable from the start. At this point, I’ve resolved to give up the position of Prince Wu and live a life of anonymity with Zhaozhao, wandering the world. You’ve said before that my happiness is your happiness, so you will agree to the divorce, won’t you?"

Luo Wanzhao gazed at him, tears rolling down her cheeks, fat and heavy.

The embroidered quilt darkened with wet stains.

Her voice was broken and nearly pleading: "But Your Highness once promised that, no matter what, the position of Princess Wu would only belong to me... Even if Sister Shen came to Jiangnan, that promise would never change... Have you forgotten your vow?"

"I am no longer a prince, so whence comes a princess? My mind is made up. I only want to be with Zhaozhao, forever. I don’t wish to play this ridiculous, despicable role of Prince Wu anymore!"

Lu Shiyan’s face was resolute as he maneuvered his wheelchair to leave the bedroom.

"Your Highness! Your Highness!!"

Luo Wanzhao’s tears fell like rain. Ignoring her frail and weakened body, she attempted to get out of bed to stop him.

Yet, having slumbered for so many days, her strength failed her. As she stepped off the bed, she collapsed onto the floor, her outstretched hand grasping nothing but air. She could only watch helplessly as Lu Shiyan departed.

"Your Highness! You cannot leave me!"

She screamed, her voice hoarse.

The man, however, ignored her cries.

Outside the Zhao Yue Pavilion, a number of Imperial Guards were stationed, preventing Lu Shiyan from entering. Left with no choice, he sought out Lu Ying instead.

It was past midnight, and Lu Ying was still tallying ledgers.

Upon hearing Lu Shiyan’s intent, he threw two thick accounting books in front of him: "Elder Brother still has the energy to look for her? Do you need me to remind you of all the things you’ve done in Jiangnan these past years?"

Lu Shiyan picked up the ledgers.

Flipping hastily through several pages, his refined and noble features were suddenly clouded with shock and mortification.

Though aware that he had acted reprehensibly alongside the Luo Family during these years, he had not realized the extent to which he had participated in the looting of merchant caravans and the accepting of bribes!

Lu Ying swept his sleeve and took his seat: "Tax collection in Jiangnan is twofold higher than in other regions, with all funds channeled into the coffers of Prince Wu’s Mansion. It seems Elder Brother has lived quite comfortably in Jiangnan over these years, which might explain the abundance of rare treasures sent annually to Shen Yinning."

Lu Shiyan clutched the ledger, his palms hot and sweaty.

He did not wish to recall those years of living as a shadow of himself—a mere ghost of a man. Tossing the ledger aside, he steadied himself and said gravely, "These matters can wait. I only ask you this: in light of our brotherly bond, can you allow me into Zhao Yue Pavilion to see her? I have something crucial to ask her. If I can fulfill my wish, I vow to withdraw from the struggle for succession entirely, never to hinder your path again."

Lu Ying lightly caressed his tea cup.

What Lu Shiyan wanted to ask that fox spirit was as obvious as ever.

The Emperor and Noble Consort Zhang had poured their full efforts into him, only to cultivate a useless man who only chases women.

And Lu Ying was well aware that, even if Lu Shiyan confronted Shen Zhaozhao directly, he’d gain nothing from her.

Because that fox spirit cared for nothing but herself, and for her bitter vendettas.

There was an icy indifference in his gaze as he tossed him a token.

"Many thanks!" Lu Shiyan clutched the token tightly, his eyes toward Lu Ying growing increasingly complex, "You know full well what I intend to do—aren’t you afraid she’ll accept my offer and escape with me, wandering the world together? After all, Zhaozhao and I share a foundation of deep feelings. If I promise her a position as my wife, she may readily agree to go with me..."

Lu Ying looked at him as if he were an imbecile.

A prince who held the title of the eldest legitimate son yet became crippled years ago, losing eligibility for the succession entirely. Now, after a slew of crimes committed on his estate, he faced the likelihood of being stripped of his title altogether.

With his position and power about to be obliterated, did he truly believe Shen Zhaozhao would choose to run away with him?

Shen Zhaozhao was a calculating opportunist; she wouldn’t waste her time on a broken man.

Not Lu Ying, not Lu Shiyan, nor Luo Xibai.

He leisurely sipped his tea, his profile strikingly noble, his demeanor cold and commanding, his voice perpetually low and steady: "Whether it’s power, kingdoms, or beauties, I have never feared competition. The best possessions are seized outright. If Elder Brother wishes to contest Shen Yinning with me, then go ahead—I’m giving you this chance."

Lu Shiyan glared at him.

Egotistical, arrogant, intolerable.

Lu Ying had been this way from childhood to adulthood, never shedding these traits.

But he seemed unaware that people and objects were different.

Hearts are fickle; though Zhaozhao doesn’t want to be his concubine, she might very well aspire to be his wife.

With a rigid face and no comment, Lu Shiyan departed.

Using Lu Ying’s token, Lu Shiyan successfully entered Zhao Yue Pavilion.

He brought Shen Yinning fresh dishes and requested Luo Xibai temporarily leave the room.

Straightforwardly and solemnly, he began, "Zhaozhao, I’ve thought deeply over these past days. Because your identity is unique, as long as I remain a prince, we cannot openly be together. I’ve decided—no longer will I be Prince Wu, nor will I involve myself in the Court’s factional disputes. I want to live a simple life with you, as a humble, ordinary couple. Zhaozhao, I wish to marry you."

Shen Yinning’s movements as she ate were graceful.

Her lashes lowered as she replied indifferently, "And Luo Wanzhao?"

"You needn’t worry about her interfering with us. I’ve already informed her of my intention to divorce her. Zhaozhao, I admit I was wrong before, but I’ve changed my mind these past days. I no longer seek wealth or power, nor the status of a prince—I only want to be with you!"

Shen Yinning looked at him incredulously, as if staring at a fool.

She coldly replied: "You’ve seen my current situation. Do you truly believe that relinquishing the title of prince and embracing a commoner’s status will enable you to protect me and Luo Xibai beneath Lu Ying’s grasp? Lu Shiyan, you’ve competed in the fight for succession; how is it that Lu Ying can rise triumphant from despair, yet you remain so pathetically inept? You are allied through marriage to the Luo Family; their honor is your honor, their disgrace is your disgrace. Your priority should be safeguarding me and my brother, preserving the Luo Family’s influence in Jiangnan! Jiangnan is your fiefdom—how can you lose to Lu Ying on your own territory? You could have protected everyone! Lu Shiyan, what exactly is wrong with your brain?!"

Having been berated so harshly, Lu Shiyan did not take offense. Desperately, he countered: "Even if chaos reigns beyond these walls, what does it matter to me? Zhaozhao, I cannot concern myself with anything else—I only wish to be with you—"

"Fool!"

Shen Yinning angrily overturned the low table laden with food.

Delicacies scattered across the ground.

Her expression was icy: "Get out."