Reincarnation to the Past

Chapter 55

Li Yǔ's POV

The feast continued for over two hours, during which dancers, musicians, poets, etc. entertained us while we ate. During the whole feast, my father kept giving me death glares that seemed to say that I would be facing punishment when I reached home, to which I gave an innocent smile. I could tell that both sisters were glaring daggers at me too, though I didn't look.

Once the feast had finished and everyone was chatting in their groups, a servant came to Father and said that the emperor had called on me for an audience in a while, so the whole family had to wait since he was being greeted by others at the moment. The three of them drifted away into their groups and chatted, leaving me alone, so I left the hall and walked to the garden.

I was thinking about my current situation; it didn't seem bad that I was engaged to Lì (though very unexpected since I was in no way planning to head in that direction) since I trusted him and it prevented me from getting forced into any unwanted engagements that my family was bound to try. They would also have to be more careful around me since it would be bad if word got out that the third prince's fiancée was being bullied so there's that. It also gave me an upper hand and solidified my position in the residence. Honestly, there are no drawbacks in this situation.

"What mischief are you plotting now?" came an amused voice from behind that made a grin spread across my face subconsciously. I turned around and said, "Hub—I guess it's 'fiancé' now." Standing there were Lì, Bai Ze (who was glaring at me), and Bai Zou (with a small smile) standing behind him.

Bai Ze (in protest): No—No, no—No, no, no, NO... There will be no 'hubby' or 'fiancé' or anything of that sort! (His voice getting louder and louder.) What on earth were you thinking?

Me (frowning): You three weren't supposed to be here... How was I to expect that three 'spies' from an enemy country would be present at a feast for the third prince? Or that the said 'spy' would be the third prince?

Bai Ze (shouting): SO YOU DECIDED TO HIT ON HIM AND MAKE HIM YOUR FIANCÉ?

Me (grinning unashamedly): Well... He was there and it seemed like a smart idea at the time to use him to embarrass QinZheng, and it worked. Did you see his face? (laughing) Priceless!!!

Bai Ze (clenching his fists in anger): I'm against the engagement!

Me (shrugging in disinterest): Then cancel it...

Bai Zou (surprised): Wouldn't that affect your reputation???

Me (snorting): Reputation??? My reputation right now is that of a divorced whore who cheated on her fiancé. My reputation is that of a weak, pathetic, good-for-nothing You should hear all the rumors there are about me.

Bai Ze (cautiously): Did you cheat?

Me (sighing): Would you believe me if I said I didn't?

Lì (immediately): Yes. What happened? I mean, you don't have to say if you don't want to...

Me (recalling the memory): It was three days after my mother died... I was so devastated and in need of comfort when a maid informed me that QinZheng wanted to see me. I happily and stupidly followed the maid to a small hut where I was locked inside and almost raped (Lì's eyes rose in shock and fury). I was almost a goner but then the door opened from outside, and standing out there was my sister, 'fiancé' and a crowd of strangers. Before I knew it, I was accused of having an affair, and no matter what I said, no one believed me. When my sister told me that it was QinZheng who was responsible, I was so overcome by shock and heartbreak that I ran myself into a pillar.