Three ex-husbands and a marriage

The Prince's request

"This is great news. Prince Man is the envy of many, once the news is spread, I am sure many princesses and royalties will want to seek out this great match. Shall I correspond with His Majesty for his consideration?" Regent Bai asked.

"This matter indeed warrants His Majesty's attention, but this is a matter that Regent Bai can assist with," Man Chiu said with a warm smile gracing his lips. I pinched my palm to assure myself this wasn't a dream. In my recollections, his countenance was always so cold and calculating. Even his smiles seemed to drip with venomous sarcasm and arrogance. But tonight, he appeared altered, resolute in his attempt to please.

"I dared not presume to help. Prince Man, while it might be somewhat improper to discuss this in the presence of the ladies of our family, the truth remains—the Bai family is already a towering tree drawing attention. Within the court, factions await the slightest opportunity to criticize us. With our Third serving as an ambassador to the northern tribes, particularly in the Man Tribe's court, we stand at the precipice. Assisting you in this endeavour might just hand them another opening."

"Father, this matter isn't overly significant and needn't await the consensus of that lot. Moreover, given my friendship with Prince, isn't it our duty to aid him? Who else in this empire is better suited than you?"

Regent Bai shot his son a cautionary glance, then inclined his head towards his wife. Madame Bai was waiting for this signal and said, "Pardon us, but the girls are fatigued and should retire to their chambers.". Both Mingling and I followed suit, ready to depart.

"Wait. Madame Bai, can you hear me out before leaving?" Man Chiu asked, his eyes fixed on Madame Bai.

She hesitated, then settled back into her seat, her expression expectant. Mingling and I remained standing behind the shield that is Madame Bai. I shifted behind Mingling, fixing my gaze on him, unsure what to expect from this encounter.

"Very well, Prince Man. I do not know how to approach this dilemma because, as my husband says, the political winds are wavering and suspicious of power. The Bai family dares not..."

I stood there, my heart pounding like a trapped bird's wings. There was something off about this situation when he still had that warm and polite smile plastered on his face, not unlike when he cornered me after taking down the Bai family in the previous life.

Man Chiu leaned forward slightly, his tone earnest. "You see, I've always been a firm believer in destiny. Sometimes, from the moment you lay eyes on someone, you know that your paths are irrevocably intertwined. Such an encounter is beyond rational explanation, but it happens."

My eyes involuntarily darted to meet his, and I found an intensity in his gaze that sent shivers down my spine. I shifted uncomfortably, my fingers tightening around the fabric of my dress. This was a trap, a trap he was setting for me. I could feel it in every word he uttered, every calculated pause.

Madame Bai's expression softened, a thoughtful look replacing her initial skepticism. "You believe you've found such a connection?"

Man Chiu nodded, a serene expression on his face. "Indeed, I do. I have recently come across someone who embodies everything I've ever dreamed of and whose presence has shaken the foundation of my beliefs. It might sound audacious, but it's as if my heart recognized her before my eyes did."

The room felt as if it had grown smaller, the air heavier. Madame Bai turned to Mingling and raised her brow. She shook her head slightly and then stared at me.

"Is the Prince suggesting that a Bai person has fallen into your grace?" Madame Bai asked directly.

"That is impossible! My dear wife, the Prince has only had a few moments since coming here and hasn't seen our girls. Women are fanciful. Prince, there's no need to respond to such a question," Regent Bai interrupted with a forced laugh and a meaningful glance at his wife.