I died tragically in my previous life, and I want to be an empress in my next life

The next morning, the capital was in an uproar. The imperial edict for the marriage between Xuanyuan Che and Princess Jialan came down, and the wedding was scheduled to be completed in a month. This news was like a heavy bomb, shocking everyone.

Hearing the news of Xuanyuan Che and Princess Jialan's marriage, Pei Zhiyan felt an inexplicable emotion in her heart. Was it loss, envy, or deep blessing? She herself couldn't tell.

Princess Jialan, the beautiful woman like a peach blossom, is about to become Xuanyuan Che's wife. To be fair, the two of them are indeed a match made in heaven.

Pei Zhiyan admitted that she envied Princess Galan's happiness and envied her for being able to spend the rest of her life with her beloved in an open and honest manner.

She sat by the window, the embroidery needle in her hand trembling slightly, and each stitch seemed to have lost its former fluency. Outside the window, the peach blossoms on the courtyard wall were in full bloom, but her heart was like the petals that drifted away, with nowhere to rest.

The little bean bun lay obediently at her feet, and seemed to feel the sadness of its owner. It gently rubbed Pei Zhiyan's legs, as if to comfort her. Pei Zhiyan lowered her head and stroked the little bean bun's fur, with a hint of tenderness in her eyes.

The peach blossoms were still blooming in the spring breeze, but Pei Zhiyan's worries were hard to calm down. She looked out the window and prayed silently in her heart, wishing Princess Jialan and Xuanyuan Che happiness and well-being.

Princess Galan came to the Sixth Prince's Mansion alone.

"You said that day that you had no feelings for me? Why did you ask the emperor to grant you a marriage?" Princess Galan asked.

"I said, I will give you an explanation." Xuanyuan Che said lightly.

Princess Galan sneered, her laughter full of bitterness and mockery, "Is this your explanation to us?"

"I said, what I want is your sincerity, not your sympathy."

Princess Galan looked up at him, tears glistening in her eyes. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down. "Are you doing this because of Princess Jing?"

Xuanyuan Che was slightly stunned, silent for a moment, and then said lightly, "This has nothing to do with Princess Jing."

Princess Galan understood about 70% of the situation. She had also heard the rumors about him and Pei Zhiyan in the capital. At first, she was shocked, but soon she was relieved. Pei Zhiyan was a fresh and refined woman, like a blooming white lotus. People couldn't help but want to get close to her. If she were a man, she would also be moved.

So, she didn't think it was unfair that she lost to her.

"If it's really for Princess Jing, I can only say that you are a coward!" Princess Galan said coldly.

Xuanyuan Che frowned slightly. He did not agree with Princess Jialan's statement. But he also knew that at this moment, he really could not explain it clearly to her. He had love in his heart, but also too many constraints and helplessness.

"If you love someone, you should pursue him/her bravely, right?" Princess Galan continued, "But you care so much about worldly opinions that you give up true love for the sake of empty reputation."

Xuanyuan Che was silent. He did not refute Princess Galan's words.

"In your heart, is the person you love more important, or is your face more important?!" Princess Galan's words were like a sharp sword, piercing Xuanyuan Che's heart.

Xuanyuan Che raised his head, his eyes met with Princess Galan's, a trace of pain and struggle flashed in his eyes. He took a deep breath, and said in a low and firm voice, "I am a man, I can ignore my face, but she is a woman, how can she face everyone now?"

Princess Galan was stunned. She didn't expect Xuanyuan Che to answer like this. A complex emotion surged in her heart, including disappointment and understanding.

She knew very well that the Great Zhou was different from the Western Liang, and that the reputation and status of women in the Great Zhou were extremely important. Once they were lost, it would be difficult for them to move forward.

But no matter what, she couldn't just watch Xuanyuan Che give up his true love like that. Thinking of this, she stood up and left the Sixth Prince's Mansion.

On the second day, another important news spread in the capital: Princess Galan refused the marriage.

The people of Beijing have been very busy these days, with so many melons coming one after another that they can hardly eat them all.

It is said that Princess Galan personally went to ask the emperor to revoke his decision. She said that she had fallen in love with Xuanyuan Che on impulse at the beginning. After calming down, she felt that it was really difficult to marry far away in the Great Zhou, as she was not accustomed to the customs and practices of the Great Zhou.

The emperor was very angry about this. He had been pressured by Xiliang many times to grant a marriage between Xuanyuan Che and Princess Jialan. However, Xuanyuan Che's opinion had always been his concern. Now, Xuanyuan Che finally agreed, but Princess Jialan refused again.

The emperor couldn't help but smile bitterly in his heart. What tricks were these two young men playing?

However, only Princess Galan herself knew that she had a lot on her mind. It wasn't that she didn't like Xuanyuan Che, on the contrary, she had deep respect for him. However, she knew better that marriage was not a joke and could not be decided on impulse.

What she needs is a partner who can go through the ups and downs with her and spend the rest of her life with her. Since Xuanyuan Che has his true love, she will just fulfill his wish.

Princess Galan, as the most noble princess of Xiliang, is naturally proud. She admires Xuanyuan Che, and if Xuanyuan Che has no interest in her, she will not force him.

When she first met Xuanyuan Che at the palace banquet, he was dignified and his unruly eyes revealed an indescribable charm. At that moment, Princess Galan's heart was deeply attracted.

The incident at Mulan Paddock was nothing more than a carefully planned conspiracy to implicate her and Xuanyuan Che. And Xuanyuan Che asked the emperor to grant them marriage only out of guilt for her.

Princess Galan does not need such sympathy and charity. What she wants is Xuanyuan Che's sincere love and commitment.

She would rather choose loneliness than lose herself in false love.

Princess Galan's refusal of marriage made the rumors about Xuanyuan Che and Pei Zhiyan in the capital even more confusing, and the entanglement between these three people was discussed in every street and alley in the capital.

Inside the secret room of Fuyun Building

"Master, I have already found out that all the rumors in the capital recently were spread by people from the Princess's Mansion." Li Qiuniang reported to Pei Zhiyan respectfully.

Pei Zhiyan gently picked up the teacup and took a sip gracefully. She was not surprised by this result. She had guessed that there must be a driving force behind this. This matter must be related to the eldest princess and the second prince. After all, they are the biggest beneficiaries behind this matter.

As for the last attack in the mountains, Pei Zhiyan knew in her heart that Princess Yongtai was just a pawn used by them. She gently put down the teacup, with a sneer in her eyes.

Seeing Pei Zhiyan remained silent, Li Qiuniang asked again, "Master, what should we do next?"

"Don't worry," Pei Zhiyan said calmly, "I still need to plan this matter carefully."