The Emperor did not get angry.
Instead, he smiled.
It was a calm, measured smile—one that carried neither warmth nor hostility, only authority tempered by calculation.
"This Emperor is well aware," he said slowly, his voice echoing through the silent hall, "that the engagement between Bai Zihan and you exists."
A faint pause.
"As far as this Emperor knows," he continued, "that engagement was formed for the sake of an alliance between the Bai Clan and the Chu Clan."
The Emperor stated this plainly. It was clear that he was trying to undermine the engagement.
No matter the reason, an engagement was still an engagement.
The Emperor's gaze shifted—briefly, subtly—toward Chu Ziyan.
"However," he said, his tone softening just a fraction, "this Emperor's Ninth Daughter has already fallen in love with Bai Zihan."
The hall stirred.
Love?
The Emperor continued calmly, as if speaking of something entirely reasonable.
