The next morning—
The palace gathered again.
—
No rumors this time.
No whispers.
—
Only expectation.
—
Xueying stood in the hall, her heartbeat steady.
Too steady.
—
She already knew.
—
"His Majesty has arrived!"
—
Li Jianhong took his seat.
His gaze moved across the room—
Then settled.
—
"This matter has gone on long enough," he said.
His voice firm.
Final.
—
"To preserve order… and end speculation…"
A pause.
—
"Princess Xueying will be engaged."
—
Silence fell instantly.
—
"To the son of General Gu—"
—
"Gu Yichen."
—
The words echoed.
Heavy.
Unavoidable.
—
Xueying didn't move.
Didn't react.
—
But inside—
Everything shifted.
—
Yichen stepped forward.
Kneeling.
—
"This subject accepts."
—
The words were clear.
Steady.
Certain.
—
All eyes turned to Xueying.
—
"…Do you accept?" the king asked.
—
A pause.
Long enough to matter.
—
Xueying looked at Yichen.
At the man who had stood for her.
Protected her.
Chosen her.
—
And yet—
—
"…Yes," she said softly.
—
The hall erupted.
—
"Then it is decided," the king declared.
—
And just like that—
Her fate was sealed.
—