Late Bloomer Brings The Light

Chapter 30

Shock and confusion erupt in the room as the crown prince bathes in the bloodied robe, where he comes to hold the hand of his fiancé. Guards rush forward to apprehend the man who dares defile the sanctity of the royal wedding, which turns into a funeral as everyone falls silent at the emperor's raised hand, watching the scene unfold before them, unsure of what to make of it.

Lan Xichen's eyes widen in disbelief as he takes in the sight before him. His hand trembles as he reaches out to touch the bloodstained robe, his mind racing with questions and doubts. "Whose robe is this? Why is it covered in blood?"

Before anyone answers, Yu Ziyuan appears at Lan Xichen's side, her face pale and her eyes filled with sorrow. She takes the robe from his trembling hands and whispers, "This robe... A-Ying..." The once strong and arrogant lady is now reduced to a shivering mess as realization dawns on her. Holding the Jiang clarity bell along with the torn and bloodied fabric, she falls to her knees, tears streaming down her face.

"Mother," Jiang Yanli rushes to Yu Ziyuan's side, her own eyes filled with fear and concern.

Lan Xichen can feel his heart sink as he puts the pieces together. The bell, the robe, the blood—it can only mean one thing. His fiancé, Jiang Ying, is in grave danger or... dead. He grips his sword tightly, his mind racing with possibilities of what to think when he notices the forgotten figure clutching their veil in the middle of the room. "Isn't he Jiang Ying?"

"Unfortunately, he's not, Crown Prince! He is a fake bloomer who has played with your feelings to save the Jiangs from disgrace." Su Minshan steps forward, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Actually, the real Jiang Ying eloped with a thief, thinking he was better than you, as you abandoned him even before marriage by not attending the engagement party."

"Don't speak ill of my son," Yu Ziyuan's voice booms as she rises, anger flashing in her eyes. "I won't tolerate anyone tarnishing his name."

Su Minshan laughs. "Oh, but it's the truth. If you don't want to believe me, let the fake bloomer speak then. First, take off that veil and show their true face!" He gestures toward the mysterious figure in the veil, urging them to reveal themselves.

The murmurs of the crowd grow louder as Yu Ziyuan turns to face the veiled figure, her heart racing with anticipation and fear. "Take off your veil," she commands, her voice trembling slightly.

The figure slowly backs away, reluctant to reveal their identity. The crowd watches in suspense as the figure takes a step back, retreating into the shadows. Su Minshan grins triumphantly, confident that the truth will soon be exposed and the imperial family will suffer from heartbreak and betrayal.

Nie Huaisang, with no way to escape, stands frozen, fear and uncertainty racing through his mind. His heart pounds as he realizes he is trapped, with nowhere to run or hide. The realization dawns on him that he has no choice but to face the consequences of his actions, whatever they may be. Praying to the heavens, he slowly pulls the veil from his face and throws it in the air, sending it soaring toward another figure who just enters the room. All eyes are drawn to the billowing veil, their attention captured by the dramatic gesture of unveiling.

The figure pulls the veil off their face, revealing a look of shock and confusion. The room falls silent as the truth is revealed, the tension thick in the air. All eyes search for the imposter who has disappeared without a trace, leaving behind a sense of betrayal and disbelief. Whispers and murmurs fill the room as the gravity of the situation settles in. The emperor gestures for the guards to search for the elusive imposter.

As the guards fan out, Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan run toward Jiang Ying, their hearts pounding in their chests. "A-Ying!" They embrace him tightly, grateful that their beloved son is safe and sound. Tears of happiness stream down their cheeks as they hold on to each other, feeling a deep sense of love and unity.