Chapter 842: Chapter 842: Heartache and Reluctance, Yet Helpless
Watching Sikong Mo being unable to retort against Prince Jing, but still not showing anger, the old Emperor believed the Crown Prince’s words a bit more.
Although he was quite pleased to see Sikong Mo being taken down a notch, after all, he was the illustrious War King and had just achieved merits, so the old Emperor couldn’t make him lose too much face.
Therefore, when the time seemed right, the old Emperor spoke again, “It is said that marriages are arranged by parents. Today, the War King proposes to marry Princess Changfu using the Tiger Talisman as a betrothal gift. I wonder if the old Princess Consort at the Royal Residence knows about this?”
Sikong Mo could only remain silent—no matter what, Sikong Yun was still his biological mother, and he couldn’t speak ill of her in front of outsiders.
“Judging by the War King’s demeanor, it seems the old Princess Consort is unaware,” the old Emperor understood and continued, “Since the old Princess Consort doesn’t know, nor has she agreed, then I truly cannot approve of this marriage.”
Sikong Mo had considered everyone, yet he never realized that Sikong Yun was also a major obstacle in his path to marrying Ye Jiu.
Gripping the Tiger Talisman tightly in his hand, Sikong Mo’s throat moved with emotion.
Even giving up the Tiger Talisman won’t win her hand in marriage. Do I really have to take that step?
Unless absolutely necessary, Sikong Mo truly didn’t want to.
Sighing softly, Sikong Mo comforted himself, reminding himself not to act impulsively, that there was still time, and a solution would eventually be found; he couldn’t be hasty.
However, despite this, his eyes never dared to look towards the direction behind Prince Jing.
He was terrified of seeing her disappointed expression.
Sikong Mo didn’t know how complex Ye Jiu’s feelings were after the old Emperor rejected Sikong Mo’s marriage proposal using the Tiger Talisman.
The feeling was both disappointment and relief.
If Sikong Mo truly handed over the Tiger Talisman, even if they married, she would feel enormous guilt.
Because the Tiger Talisman of the Sikong Royal Residence wasn’t a granted reward; it was an inheritance passed down through generations.
This was something Ye Jiu had learned only after returning to the capital city. In those days, amid chaos, it was two young men who won Dongyue’s land—the ancestors of the Qin Family and the Sikong Family.
Yet, the ancestor of the Sikong Family was indifferent to fame and wealth and didn’t wish to be bound by the confines of the Imperial Palace, so the ancestor of the Qin Family ascended the throne instead.
Afterwards, when the ancestor of the Qin Family ascended as Emperor, to thank the Sikong Family’s ancestor, he titled him War King. Through the ages, the two families maintained a bond as close as brothers: one holding the reign of power, the other holding military authority.
But later, as both ancestors passed away, and with Sikong Royal Residence being far from the capital city, their relationship gradually grew distant.
Until now, when they were even on guard against each other.
Although Sikong Mo’s proposal to marry Ye Jiu was perfectly rejected, both the old Emperor and the Crown Prince still looked longingly at the Tiger Talisman in his hand.
Ultimately, the Crown Prince couldn’t hold back, “War King, this Tiger Talisman…”
He wanted it, yet he had no reason to speak up. Even as he opened his mouth in impatience, the Crown Prince still didn’t know how to continue.
But with just a light glance, Sikong Mo put away the Tiger Talisman, meaningfully saying, “I’m relying on this to get a wife…”
Unwilling to give himself away, yet wanting the Tiger Talisman—there’s no such easy thing in this world!
The Crown Prince was choked by Sikong Mo’s words, watching helplessly as Sikong Mo tucked the Tiger Talisman into his sleeve, heart aching yet helpless.
To get a wife, he had several unmarried daughters at home, but in front of everyone, the Crown Prince couldn’t bring himself to say such shameless words!
The same went for the old Emperor.
In the capital city, there were so many noble girls from Aristocratic Families; why did he have his eyes on that girl?
If it were another person, even if it were a Princess, as long as he wanted, he’d have given her with a heavy heart.
But that girl was different!