Princess, something terrible has happened! The prince consort has attempted suicide again!

Seeing this, Zhang Xiaomeng understood Liu Qingrou's intentions perfectly, and felt a headache coming on.

I made it very clear to her in private that there was absolutely no possibility between us, so why is she still so persistent?

Seeing that Liu Qingrou was indeed determined to seize the bride and was unwilling to back down, Tang Wan immediately spoke up loudly: "Your Majesty, I also humbly request Your Majesty to grant us a marriage contract."

What the hell!

She somehow got involved too.

Zhang Xiaomeng was speechless, unsure whether to praise their devotion or acknowledge his own charm.

The two women exchanged a glance, their eyes meeting, neither willing to back down.

Liu Qingrou had her heart set on the brothel servant who used the alias Niu Er and, in despair, cursed him awake.

Tang Wan's heart was filled with thoughts of Young Master Lü, who had repeatedly saved her from danger.

Each harbored their own obsessions and secretly began to compete with the other.

The civil and military officials in the hall were immediately filled with curiosity. Two exceptionally beautiful and talented women, renowned throughout the southeast, were simultaneously requesting marriage. They wondered which young and talented man could capture their hearts.

Zhao Qiandong was quick-witted and immediately saw through the reason.

Zhang Xiaomeng has been missing for several days and is hiding in the Tang family mansion. His wonderful poems and essays that previously caused a sensation in the literary world are rumored to have been written by the mysterious son-in-law of the Tang family.

Now that I think about it carefully, that person must have been Zhang Xiaomeng.

The person Tang Wan proposed to must be him.

Liu Qingrou, an orphan from Nanzhao, risked everything to testify in court.

The person who is now taking the initiative to ask for a marriage decree is probably in love with Zhang Xiaomeng.

He secretly marveled at the young man's seemingly carefree and irresponsible demeanor, wondering what kind of charm he possessed that could win the hearts of two talented women.

Zhang Xiaomeng is now his chosen son-in-law in Changning, and he absolutely cannot allow anyone else to interfere.

Think about it quickly.

Zhao Qiandong found a respectable excuse and calmly rejected their requests.

"You two have uncovered the conspiracy today and made a great contribution. I am very pleased."

"However, today is Princess Changning's wedding day, so it is not advisable to finalize any additional engagements, lest it disrupt the auspiciousness of the wedding."

A glint flashed in his eyes, and he publicly announced their official relationship, extinguishing the two women's hopes.

"The Prince Consort of Changning is Zhang Xiaomeng! He went missing unexpectedly before, so someone was found to temporarily take his place in order for the wedding banquet to proceed as scheduled."

"Now that the true sage has returned and all the wicked have been brought to justice, the wedding feast continues."

"After the grand ceremony concludes, I will choose another auspicious day to properly fulfill your wishes."

The implication couldn't be clearer: once Zhang Xiaomeng and Zhao Changning get married, the two of them will have no chance at all.

Liu Qingrou and Tang Wan both understood the emperor's implied meaning and were extremely anxious. Just as they were about to express their feelings, Zhao Qiandong interrupted them sharply.

"Guards! Immediately rearrange the wedding banquet decorations in the main hall and take Zhang Xiaomeng down to change into his wedding attire!"

Liu Qingrou gritted her teeth, her heart churning with countless obsessions.

Today is her only chance to ask for a marriage decree; if she misses it, there will be no chance at all.

She was already homeless and all alone. Zhang Xiaomeng was the only light in her dark days, so she simply threw aside all her concerns, disregarded the dignity of the royal family, and spoke up.

"Your Majesty, I am in love with Zhang Xiaomeng. I beg Your Majesty to grant us marriage!"

As soon as the words were spoken, the hall fell into a deathly silence, the air seemingly frozen in place.

The entire court was stunned.

The emperor has already made it clear that Zhang Xiaomeng is the rightful consort of the current emperor, yet Liu Qingrou dares to ask for him in public, which is clearly disrespectful to the royal family and Princess Changning.

Seeing this, Tang Wan did not hesitate for a moment.

Now that they had taken the step of proposing marriage, there was no reason to turn back, so they might as well go all out and loudly agree.

"This humble woman has been repeatedly saved by Young Master Zhang at great personal risk. Unable to repay him, I wish to offer myself in marriage. I humbly beg Your Majesty to grant my request!"

boom!

The main hall exploded, the officials were in an uproar, and whispers filled the air.

No one expected that the two talented and beautiful women were both longing for and vying for the same man, Zhang Xiaomeng.

Tang Wenyuan knelt quietly to the side, his face calm and composed.

He had anticipated this, and could only sigh softly to himself.

His own daughter was so devoted to him, but in the end, he had to face this embarrassing situation.

Regardless of the outcome, as a father, I will give my full support.

Zhao Changning's brows were tightly furrowed, and a surge of intense anger welled up in his chest. He glared fiercely at Zhang Xiaomeng, who remained silent beside him.

Good heavens, Zhang Xiaomeng! He's only been missing for a few days, yet he's already attracted two romantic interests, one of whom is none other than his best friend, Tang Wan.

We must settle this score with him properly later.

Zhang Xiaomeng's feelings were extremely complicated at this moment; he had no intention of staying in this world.

However, due to a series of coincidences, he failed to commit suicide time and time again.

Now, two women are devoted to him without reservation, willing to defy imperial power and risk everything.

He's not a robot; he can naturally feel emotions.

But he cannot stay in this realm, and there will be no future for him with anyone here.

Before Zhao Qiandong could get angry, he quickly walked up to the two women and said resolutely, "It's impossible for me to be with you. Forget about it!"

Zhao Qiandong nodded in satisfaction; this was the attitude a prince consort should have.

Zhao Changning secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that he was smart enough to know what was good for him.

Zhang Xiaomeng didn't want Liu Qingrou and Tang Wan to be implicated because of him.

Therefore, not giving the two women a chance to continue making trouble, she looked at Wang Dongjian and said, "Brother Wang, Miss Liu and Miss Tang are tired. Please take them down to rest."

Wang Dongjian first secretly glanced at Zhao Qiandong on the dragon throne. Seeing that the emperor tacitly approved, he immediately ordered his men to forcibly take the two women away.

Everyone thought there would be no more surprises and the wedding banquet could finally continue.

Zhao Changning even went up to Zhang Xiaomeng and whispered, "Go change your clothes quickly, don't delay any longer."

Zhang Xiaomeng turned his head and glanced at her. He had to admit, she was really beautiful.

With such a noble princess willing to marry him, I believe no man would refuse.

Unfortunately, Zhang Xiaomeng was an exception.

He said apologetically, "I'm sorry."

Immediately, he was about to refuse the wedding to the emperor in front of the entire court.

Only in this way can one be liberated.

Upon hearing these three words, Zhao Changning immediately realized something was wrong.

This guy is definitely going to cause trouble again.

Seeing Zhang Xiaomeng step forward with a look of fearlessness, Zhao Changning acted decisively, grabbing Zhang Xiaomeng by the back of his collar and forcibly pulling him back.

Then, she touched Zhang Xiaomeng's throat with her jade finger, instantly silencing him.

I rely on!

The woman then silenced herself by pressing her acupoint.

Zhang Xiaomeng was caught off guard, and it was too late for him to resist.

"Take the prince consort down to change!" Zhao Changning ordered, adding, "If anything goes wrong, I will hold you all responsible!"

Several eunuchs and palace maids obeyed the order and escorted the speechless Zhang Xiaomeng out of the main hall.

Zhang Xiaomeng wanted to cry but had no tears.

Zhao Changning's reaction was incredibly fast!

She really went to any lengths to marry him.

……

The side hall for changing clothes.

The magnificent and festive wedding attire for the prince consort has already been prepared.

A group of palace maids stood with their heads bowed, meticulously dressing Zhang Xiaomeng in a crown and brocade robe.

A moment later, the dressing was complete.

"Alright, that's all for you. You can all leave now."

The head palace maid spoke softly.

The remaining palace servants responded and all left the room, the door closing gently behind them.

The room fell silent instantly.

Zhang Xiaomeng raised an eyebrow and looked at the palace maid who was left alone. A strong sense of unease suddenly rose in his heart.

The palace maid before him was slender and bowed low, appearing obedient and ordinary.

The next second!

Her shoulders swayed slightly, and the skin on her face rippled and faded like flowing water.

The ordinary palace maid's appearance was peeled away layer by layer, instantly transforming into a stunningly beautiful face that was captivating and alluring.

A dreamy smile played on the woman's lips as she gazed intently at Zhang Xiaomeng, her voice soft and alluring:

"My benefactor, we meet again. I have missed you dearly."