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The Prince Wants to Assassinate Me Every Day-Chapter 108 - 74: Bestowal of the Death Exemption Token_2
Chapter 108: Chapter 74: Bestowal of the Death Exemption Token_2
Ever since she entered the palace, she has been continuously suppressed by the Empress and has been stifling her anger, never having the chance to vent.
It was because of Ye Qichi that she felt a bit more relieved.
However, at this moment, Zhao Mengyu’s face naturally looked even more unpleasant.
She thought that by taking advantage of the Empress being grounded, she could host a palace banquet, but unexpectedly, the Emperor still allowed the Empress to leave her confinement.
Her hopes were dashed.
Zhao Mengyu’s mood couldn’t be good.
But impatience may spoil great plans, and besides, her focus was not on the palace strife with Yu Qingyuan at the moment.
After all, once her son becomes emperor, Yu Qingyuan would be easily defeated!
She needn’t waste her time secretly competing with Yu Qingyuan.
Her focus has always been on her son, Xiao Jinsen.
However, these days, there had been some uncontrollable situations.
Nobody could hide the news of the plague outbreak in Yuzhou City anymore; it had already spread everywhere.
They now needed to find ways to disassociate themselves from it, without diminishing their own power.
Zhao Mengyu was deep in thought.
At this moment, the Empress already walked up to Xiao Hezhen.
Xiao Hezhen was exceptionally beautiful, not in the classical beauty type, having somewhat overtly bold features, uninhibited and enthusiastic, which matched more with modern aesthetics.
At least perfectly fitting within Ye Qichi’s taste.
She couldn’t help but glance at Wu Xufan on the side.
Wu Xufan’s gaze naturally also fell on Xiao Hezhen at this time.
The deep affection in his eyes, markedly visible.
Ye Qichi couldn’t help but sigh.
Wu Xufan, such an outgoing and lively person, also had a rugged and scarred emotional life.
The auspicious time arrived.
"Princess Hezhen’s Coming of Age Ceremony now officially begins," a Palace Attendant quickly announced loudly.
All eyes focused.
Xiao Hezhen performed the kneeling ritual.
After completing it, she still kneeled properly facing the palace gate.
Yu Qingyuan kept a kind smile as she took a jade comb from a Palace Attendant and personally styled Xiao Hezhen’s hair.
The ritual of the Empress styling the Princess’s hair started when Xiao Zhanping ascended the throne. Previously, it was done by married women of virtue from the same generation; Xiao Zhanping, to emphasize his love for the princess, changed this custom so the Emperor would personally conduct it since the first princess. This was now the third princess.
After setting the hair, Yu Qingyuan took a jade hairpin prepared beforehand and adorned Xiao Hezhen’s hair with it.
Yu Qingyuan loudly recited, "By the certainty of the years, by the command of the months, all add to your attire. Brothers all present, to complete your virtue. The age is boundless, receiving heaven’s blessings!"
All performed a focused bowing ritual.
Xiao Hezhen successively performed formal bows to the Emperor, the Empress, her mother, and the guests.
The Coming of Age Ceremony was complete.
Xiao Hezhen returned to her place.
The Empress naturally had also returned to her place.
At this point.
The Emperor’s attendant, Mu Gonggong stepped forward, bringing out the imperial decree, "Young Master Wu Xufan of Marquis Wu’s Mansion, accept the decree."
Wu Xufan hurried forward, kneeling, "This subject accepts the decree."
"May heaven’s mandate prosper, the Emperor decrees: Princess Hezhen, my third daughter, born of the beautiful consort, carries a noble status, vibrant and intelligent from youth. Now that the princess is of age, it is time for marriage. By the sacred command of the Empress Dowager, from the lords my subjects, a worthy son-in-law has been chosen for my beloved daughter. Young Master Wu Xufan of Marquis Wu’s Mansion, noble in character, impressive in bearing, and yet unwed, matches with the princess as if made by heaven, to my great pleasure. To forge this beautiful union, I hereby bestow Princess Hezhen in marriage to Young Master Wu Xufan, with the wedding to be held on the mid-autumn August 15. Let this be known both within and without. By My Decree, the Emperor."
"Your subject thanks You for Your profound grace," Wu Xufan bowed deeply, receiving the imperial decree.
"Young Master," Xiao Zhanping spoke, "I entrust my most cherished princess to you; you must take good care of her."
"This subject will surely respect, cherish, and treasure her," Wu Xufan promised.
"Rise,"
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Wu Xufan stood up.
In the moment he stood, he couldn’t help but glance at Xiao Hezhen.
Xiao Hezhen’s expression was indifferent, not a hint of joy, rather, quite cold.
The smile on Wu Xufan’s lips slowly faded in that moment.
With the Coming of Age ceremony concluded and the marriage granted, everyone stood up, ready to leave the hall for the celebratory drinks.
Xiao Zhanping was just rising.
Suddenly, a figure rapidly approached Xiao Zhanping within the hall.
Xiao Zhanping was visibly startled.
"Protect the Emperor!" Mu Gonggong yelled loudly.
The sudden commotion caused a stir of chaos.
The assassin charged directly towards Xiao Zhanping, and as the sharp dagger was about to plunge into Xiao Zhanping’s body, Xiao Jinsen instantly appeared in front of him, shielding Xiao Zhanping. The assassin struck at Xiao Jinsen instead, and while Xiao Jinsen had some skill, slightly dodging, the assassin slashed his arm, immediately streaming blood.