Chapter 2 — She Changed Kisses Right on Kim Loan Palace, Her Coldly Regretful Father Goes Crazy

Originally today, after the marriage decree was read, I was going to personally tie it to Ta Nguy's waist, telling him that from today onwards, the military power of Tran Bac Hau's palace would also belong to him. But right now, the jade just rotates once in my palm. I leaned over and looked towards the person who was always standing silently in the corner of the main hall. Co Truong Khanh was leaning against a pillar carved in the shape of a dragon, wearing a jet-black robe, his face as white as Tuyen paper, and lazily twirling the jade-colored ban on his thumb. He noticed my eyes and immediately looked over, the tear mole at the corner of his eye was so red that it was strange. Everyone in the court knew that the Crown Prince of the Dinh Bac Hau palace was a madman. Rumors say that he hates his father and brother, and his bed is stained with someone else's blood all year round, so even the emperor has to get out of the way when he sees him. Behind him, there was not even a courtier standing next to him, leaving a large space completely empty, looking like a execution ground. I tightened the jade pendant in my hand, took three steps forward, the hem of my skirt lightly brushing Ta Nguy's hem.

"The goddess has changed her mind."

I raised my hand. The jade pendant traced a curve in mid-air, only to hear a "pop" sound, then it fell neatly into Co Truong Khanh's palm. He instinctively reached out to receive it, his five long fingers closed, his pale white knuckles suddenly glowing a pale pink. He looked down at the jade pendant in his hand and suddenly burst into laughter. That laughter spread throughout the quiet main hall, startling the flock of sparrows on the crossbar, flapping their wings and flying away.

"Tham Tri Uan."

He slowly called my name, the last syllable was slightly raised, the tip of his thumb gently caressed the edge of the jade pendant, as if caressing my own palm.

"Have you thought it through?"

He raised his eyes, his deep black pupils locked on me: "Marry me, there will be no turning back."

"I've thought about it carefully."

I reached out to him.

"Do you dare accept it?"

Co Truong Khanh stared at me for three breaths. Those eyes were so hot that it seemed like it was about to burn the whole person. Then, he held my hand. His hands were cold, but his fingertips had a thick layer of calluses, marks left by years of holding a knife. He gently pulled me towards him. The strength of my hand was not strong, but just enough to avoid Ta Nguy's surprised eyes. Co Truong Khanh's voice was hoarse due to illness, but every word was clear.

"I would like to ask to marry the daughter of Tran Bac Marquis, Tham Tri Uan."

The voice from above responded so quickly that it seemed like he had been waiting for this sentence for a long time. I turned my head, finally facing Ta Nguy's eyes. He was still kneeling there, clutching half a block of jade in his hand, his knuckles turning white. On that face, which was always calm and unruffled, a crack appeared for the first time. He slightly opened his lips, as if he wanted to say something, but as soon as he saw me standing next to Co Truong Khanh, his pupils immediately constricted violently.

"Tri Uan, she..."

His throat moved slightly.

"Stop being angry."

I burst out laughing.

"Thank you, Father."

I took Co Truong Khanh's arm and could clearly feel his spine suddenly stiffen at that moment.

"You are blocking my way. The Crown Princess thanks you, Your Majesty."

Countenance Ta Nguy immediately turned pale. Before the carriage returned to the palace, Lam Sat Thu jumped in front of the carriage. Her sideburns were askew, her pure white dress was covered in dust, and her eyes were red as if she had just cried. If it weren't for the lipstick on her lips still intact, I almost believed it was real. She clutched the handlebars tightly, her fingertips turning white.

"Can you leave Big Brother Ta to me?"

The car curtain was gently lifted by a pale white hand. Co Truong Khanh got out of the car first. His jet black robe fluttered in the wind. When he came to look, he didn't even bother to look at Lam Sat Thu, he just turned around and reached out his hand towards me. I placed my hand on his wrist and then gently jumped out of the car. When landing, the hem of her skirt accidentally brushed the back of Lam Sat Thu's hand, she immediately withdrew her hand as if she had just been burned. I brushed my sleeve, which didn't have a speck of dust on it.

"Since when do I have that?"

Lam Sat Thu stood frozen in place, tears hanging on her cheeks, wanting to fall but still not falling.

"Tham Tri Uan."

Ta Nguy's voice echoed from behind the pair of stone lions. He took the horse with him, clearly following the carriage all the way back. The crimson robe was pressed close to her body by the wind, revealing some rare parts of her struggle.