Rebirth of a Lost Nation: Princess, Please Respect Yourself

Chapter 149: Forcing Sincerity

When Xiao Xingrong roared out this sentence in embarrassment, tears flashed in his beautiful eyes. The words he had rehearsed thousands of times in his mind were stuck in his throat. He hesitated and struggled, and then the moment he saw Jiang Lige, he had an idea of "breaking the jar and throwing it all away".

He clenched his fists and tried to suppress the tears in his eyes, then mustered up all his courage and looked at Jiang Lige seriously.

"Jiang Lige, I have liked you for a long time."

After saying this, Xiao Xingrong was no longer nervous, and smiled soberly and embarrassedly.

"Before, I didn't understand what love was. I just thought you were lively, interesting, kind, and duplicitous, very different from other rich girls. The time I spent with you was my happiest time. When I finally understood that this feeling was love, it was too late. I like your pride, your kindness, your domineering nature, every little bit of you. Jiang Lige, I like you."

Initially, Xiao Xingrong only regarded Jiang Lige as a playmate, but an imperial decree granting marriage made him drunk, and also made him realize his feelings for Jiang Lige for the first time.

Later, Xiao Xingrong kept reminding himself that the so-called sadness was just a small discomfort that his friend no longer belonged to him. He and Jiang Lige were friends, so he should put away those inappropriate thoughts and not think about those people who did not belong to him.

Until the day Jiang Lige fell into the water, he knew what kind of rumors would be brought to them if he rescued him, but he still went.

Because, at that moment, he finally saw his own heart clearly.

Life is but a few short decades long. If you can't even fight for the one you love, what's the point of having a high position, generous salary, fine clothes and delicious food?

When Jiang Lige's life and death were at stake, reputation and rules no longer mattered.

He only wants Jiang Lige.

After the words fell, silence spread like water. All around was quiet, with nothing but the sound of rain.

Jiang Lige stood there in a daze, feeling a roar in his ears, as if someone was pinching his throat, and he couldn't utter a word.

At this moment, the main gate of the Yangxin Palace opened wide and Emperor Shengwu walked out. Seeing the two people in a stalemate in the court, he spoke in an ambiguous tone.

"Everyone is finally here."

The two men were confused about what Emperor Shengwu meant, and were both stunned. Then they saluted politely.

"Your Majesty, long live the emperor."

"No need to be polite."

Emperor Shengwu raised his hand and stood under the eaves of the Hall of Mental Cultivation without stepping out.

"Speaking of which, Xingrong was also raised by me since childhood, and he's no different from my own biological brother. After all these years, this is the first time Xingrong has asked me for help, and I'm not a heartless person. Since you two are here today, I'll make it easy for you."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Xingrong was immediately overjoyed and kowtowed once more, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Emperor Shengwu only looked at Jiang Lige, "I know what Xingrong is thinking. Princess Zhaohua, what about you? If you share the same feelings, I will grant you two a marriage."

"Your Majesty, Zhaohua..."

Jiang Lige put away his umbrella and bowed as he did to Xiao Xingrong. Then he spoke solemnly, emphasizing each word:

"I don't want to."

"Oh?" Emperor Shengwu seemed a little surprised by Jiang Lige's choice. "I might as well tell you that Guangzhanggou is a dangerous place with many poisonous insects, snakes and ants. Ning Yunxiao fell from the main peak, and it has been over ten days since then. The possibility of survival is very slim. You are the Princess of Nanchu, so it is naturally unreasonable for you to remain a widow for Ning Yunxiao. However, according to the rules, you are not allowed to discuss marriage again for at least one year. If you waste a year, you may not be able to negotiate a marriage like the Xiao family. You will regret it then. Besides, you and Xingrong are childhood sweethearts. He likes you and respects you. Marrying him may be a far better match than Ning Yunxiao."

Facing Emperor Shengwu's reminder, Jiang Lige's expression remained unchanged. "Your Highness fought for the country and is a hero. No matter what the outcome, Zhaohua has no regrets."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Shengwu paused for a moment on Jiang Lige, then sighed and said helplessly:

"In that case, you two should handle this matter yourselves. I will not be involved."

After saying this, Emperor Shengwu turned around and returned to the Yangxin Palace.

To solve the problem by oneself means to see who gives in first, the one who wants to marry or the one who doesn't.

The heavy rain formed a dense net, pouring down and soaking people like drowned rats in an instant.

Seeing this, Xiao Xingrong said anxiously, "Go back quickly and don't get wet in the rain here."

Jiang Lige, however, acted as if he hadn't heard anything and shrugged nonchalantly, "Xiao Xingrong, you can't possibly win against me."

"Do you really want to marry Ning Yunxiao?"

Xiao Xingrong suddenly turned sideways and grabbed Jiang Lige's shoulder. His eyes, which had always been as bright as the morning sun, now only had a dry well with no end in sight.

"Jiang Lige, marry me. What Ning Yunxiao can give you, I can give you too. We'll be together for the rest of our lives. Didn't you always say you loved the vast world outside the palace? If you're willing, I'll resign from my official position and travel the world with you, okay?"

Jiang Lige did not dodge or evade, but looked straight into Xiao Xingrong's eyes. He had so many things he wanted to say, whether it was explanation or reluctance, but in the end, they were all just one sentence.

"I'm sorry, Xiao Xingrong, I'm sorry."

The hand that was holding her shoulder dropped down weakly, and the last bit of light finally disappeared from Xiao Xingrong's eyes.

"Jiang Lige, I've never been one to back down when faced with difficulties, you know that."

He had experienced the prosperity of high official positions, generous salaries, fine clothes and delicious food. Now, he was using this prosperity to force Jiang Lige's heart.

It's a big gamble, and it doesn't matter if you lose.

A rain that lasts and is heavy.

A silent standoff, no less.

The number of people kneeling in front of the Hall of Mental Cultivation increased from one to two. Raindrops streaked across the jawline and landed on the neatly tiled floor of the imperial court, splashing water everywhere.

Jiang Lige had just recovered from a serious illness, how could he withstand such torture?

The palace dress was soaked by the rain and weighed heavily on her body. Her hair was no longer neat under the rain, and her hair stuck to her face wetly. The blood color on her lips faded away little by little. Later, Jiang Lige felt that even her consciousness became hazy, and she was only holding on with her faith.

At this moment, a tall figure came through the rain, carrying the wind. His dark robe embroidered with gold made his serious face look particularly noble.

All the people accompanying him were dressed in black clothes as dark as ink, following closely behind him. They had a solemn and murderous aura and it was obvious that they came from the battlefield.

Isn’t the person walking in front the “missing” Ning Yunxiao?

After running across most of the imperial court, Ning Yunxiao stopped in front of the Yangxin Palace and bowed.

"I, Ning Yunxiao, have fulfilled my mission and have annihilated the Guangzhanggou bandit lair. All remaining bandits have been executed, and the leader has been escorted back to the capital. I leave it to Your Majesty to decide."