The prince loves me like his life, but I force him to rebel

"The flowers in the Central Plains are also so red." Gu Nianzhi responded. However, his answer did not reveal much enthusiasm, as if the Central Plains he described was just a faint shadow in his memory.

"I heard from storytellers in the city that the sky in the Central Plains is moist, the air is moist, there are countless beautiful flowers, and countless tall trees. I have always had endless imaginations about the beauty of the Central Plains until I met you, Gu Nianzhi." Ulan Ya looked directly at Gu Nianzhi, her eyes were like deep galaxies, full of exploration of the unknown and appreciation of the person in front of her.

Gu Nianzhi felt a little uncomfortable being stared at by Ulan Ya, and his eyes began to wander around, as if he was looking for a place to hide.

"Princess Ya, you are too kind. I am just a scholar. I am not as good as you say." He answered modestly.

"Really, really." Princess Ulanya's words were full of amazement. Her eyes were like bright stars, staring straight at Gu Nianzhi, as if she was deeply attracted by his appearance. She unconsciously moved forward, and the distance between the two was instantly shortened. They could almost feel each other's breath. She looked at Gu Nianzhi, and her eyes reflected the delicacy and uniqueness of a Central Plains man.

"It is surprising that a man from the Central Plains can be so handsome and delicate. Your skin is as smooth as silk, just like the sky of the Central Plains described by the storyteller, so clear and transparent, and just like the air of the Central Plains, fresh and deep. And your eyebrows and eyes are even more like a painting, just like the flowers, plants and trees of the Central Plains described by the storyteller, both vivid and beautiful, making people unforgettable after just one look."

Gu Nianzhi was somewhat overwhelmed by Ulanya's praise; her frankness and enthusiasm caught him off guard.

In the Central Plains, there are strict etiquettes for interactions between men and women. She quickly stood up, politely took two steps back, and kept a certain distance from Ulan Ya.

"Princess Ya, thank you for your compliment. In our Central Plains, there is a custom of 'men and women should not touch each other'. I hope that Princess can understand and respect this and keep a proper distance from me."

His words were full of respect, but they also clearly expressed his insistence on etiquette.

He chose to sit down in another corner of the room, hoping that Sima Yao and Shu Huaiyuan would come back soon.

"You people in the Central Plains are like this, you take etiquette more seriously than anything else. But in Qiangyi, if we like someone, we like him, and if we don't like him, we don't like him. If there's a man I like, I will tell him frankly that I like him... I don't care about status or etiquette..."

"No matter how much the princess longs for a free and unfettered life, hasn't she agreed to a marriage with Dasheng?" Gu Nianzhi blurted out, but after she said it, she felt a little regretful because she saw that Ulanya's face had visibly become worse.

"Yes, how could I have forgotten that the last time Mr. Gu and I met, he was originally here to deliver the imperial edict for marriage."

Princess Ulanya's face was gradually covered by a gloomy shadow, just like the dark clouds in the clear sky foreshadowing the coming storm. As the eldest princess of Qiangyi, her life was not as glamorous as the outside world imagined. Since she was a child, she was instilled with the duties and obligations of a princess, which was an invisible shackle that bound her desire for freedom.

Qiangyi, this ancient kingdom, is famous for its strict hierarchy and complicated court etiquette. For Ulan Ya, the identity of a princess is both an honor and a bondage. She is in a high position, enjoying the gifts of power and wealth, but at the same time she is bound by endless royal responsibilities. At every banquet, every diplomacy, and every public appearance, she must appear in the most perfect posture, even if this is not what she wants in her heart.

In her heart, there is an unknown Ulanya, a woman who longs for freedom and a simple life. She dreams of riding a horse on the endless grassland, dancing freely under the starry sky, and living an ordinary and happy life with her beloved. However, these dreams always seem so far away in front of her princess status.

She had tried to resist and break free from the shackles, but each attempt ended in failure. The royal rules and expectations were like a heavy mountain, weighing her down. She began to doubt whether freedom was just an unattainable illusion for her.

However, Princess Ulanya did not despair completely. She knew that even in a cage, her heart could still fly. She began to find happiness in limited freedom, expressing her inner feelings in poetry and helping those in need through charity. She began to understand that freedom is not complete freedom, but a kind of spiritual liberation and the right to dominate one's own life.

"If Mr. Gu can help me escape the fate of the eldest princess' marriage, would you be willing to help me?" Ulan Ya asked boldly again.

"I?"

"I fell in love with Mr. Gu at first sight, and the eldest prince I was going to marry has passed away. The current emperor doesn't seem to be very interested in marriage, so I don't need to be sent to marry for the time being. But I'm not young anymore, it's time to get married. If Mr. Gu is willing, you are an important official around Prince Yao. As long as he can say a few words for us in front of my father, I think I may not have to be with someone I don't like."

"I'm afraid my humble status..."

"I heard that the coalition forces of the three countries have begun to withdraw their troops in private. Prince Yao won without fighting and has made great contributions to Qiangyi. As long as he asks, my father will definitely agree."

"Do you want Prince Yao to propose marriage to your father on our behalf?"

Gu Nianzhi's mouth opened into an O shape.

She knew Sima Yao's feelings for her better than anyone else. The princess's idea was not outlandish, but at least it was earth-shattering...

"Mr. Gu is really wise, that's exactly what he meant."

"This... I don't think Prince Yao will agree."

"Why?"

Gu Nianzhi's eyes were fixed on the familiar figure at the door. Sima Yao was like a bright star in the crowd, shining with every step, getting closer and closer. She sighed softly, with a hint of helplessness and expectation in her tone, and said to Ulan Ya beside her: "It seems that the prince has returned. If you have any questions, you might as well ask him directly."

Upon hearing this, Wulanya slowly turned her head and her eyes met Sima Yao's. She saw wisdom and determination flashing in his deep eyes, and she couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. Summoning her courage, she looked directly at Sima Yao and asked, "My Lord, are you coming back to prepare for war this time?"

Sima Yao heard this and shook his head gently. His eyes swept through the crowd and finally fell on Gu Nianzhi who was beside Wulan Ya. His eyes were as deep as the sea, and it was impossible to guess. Gu Nianzhi felt his gaze, and for some reason, she felt a sense of guilt in her heart, and she subconsciously lowered her head.

This feeling is so strange. I haven't done anything wrong, but I can't hold my head up in front of him.

In the peaceful atmosphere, Hatulig's voice was like the warm sunshine of spring, breaking the silence, "Thanks to Lord Yao's careful consideration, we now have a chance to win this battle without a single soldier."

There was a gleam of admiration in his eyes and his words were filled with deep respect for Sima Yao.

"Your Highness's wisdom is as vast as the sea. He can decide the outcome without shedding blood. We are truly fortunate."

His words were like a bolt from the blue, making everyone present feel the invisible power.

Ulan Ya gracefully saluted sideways, her posture like a lotus under the moonlight, elegant and noble.

Her eyes were filled with gratitude to Sima Yao. "Your Highness has made far-reaching plans for the future of Qiangyi. Ulan Ya is grateful to him. I admire him deeply."

Sima Yao smiled slightly, "Princess, there is no need to be so polite."

There was a hint of authority in his words, yet they were also friendly.

"Ulanya has something to ask for, please grant it, Your Majesty."

At this moment, Sima Yao's eyes unconsciously drifted to Gu Nianzhi behind the princess. He already had some premonition in his heart. He knew very well that the princess' request might be related to Gu Nianzhi. Although he was prepared in his heart, he still needed to hear the princess's words in person. This subtle turn made the atmosphere present more tense and expectant.

"I, Sima Yao, will do my best in the princess' affairs and only hope to live up to her trust. However, if there are some things I cannot help with, please don't blame me." Sima Yao thought of this and left some room for maneuver in his answer.

"Ulan Ya dared to ask the prince to propose to me on behalf of Mr. Gu in front of the emperor."

The air seemed to be frozen by an invisible force, becoming heavy and oppressive. Sima Yao's eyes widened, with a light of surprise flashing in his eyes. His lips slightly parted, forming a silent "O", and his brows unconsciously wrinkled, forming a shallow line. His thoughts were spinning rapidly, trying to understand this incredible scene in front of him.

Could it be that in the short time of less than half an hour since I left, Gu Nianzhi's heart has been shaken by the princess? She actually made such a bold suggestion, asking me to propose marriage for the two of them? ?

Sima Yao was confused. He thought that others might not understand his feelings for Gu Nianzhi, but Gu Nianzhi knew it. She had responded to him, and this response made him think that they were interested in each other. But now he began to doubt what his deep affection for Gu Nianzhi meant in her eyes.

Gu Nianzhi had never expected that Ulanya's frankness and courage would exceed her imagination. She had no reserve and subtlety that a girl should have. She wanted to explain and tell Sima Yao that it was just a misunderstanding, but her words seemed to be frozen in her throat and she couldn't find a way out.

The air around seemed to have frozen into ice, cold and biting.

Sima Yao and Gu Nianzhi, their hearts were tightly entangled in silent doubts and confusion at this moment, their eyes met in the air, but they could not penetrate each other's hearts. At this moment, time seemed to stand still, leaving endless speculation and confusion.

"Lord Yao, is this okay?"

Ulanya's voice was gentle yet firm, like a spring breeze blowing across the lake, creating ripples.

There was doubt and respect in her eyes, like a deep lake reflecting her inner struggle.

Sima Yao looked a little tired, and his gentle expression was replaced by a faint dejection, like a painting eroded by wind and rain, with a few more cold and hard lines. His voice trembled slightly.

"Is this the common wish of you and Mr. Gu?"

Wulanya lowered her eyes slightly, her long eyelashes casting a shadow under her eyelids. She bit her lower lip lightly, hesitated for a moment, and then slowly said, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Although there were only four short words, Sima Yao couldn't help but be shocked when he heard it.

Gu Nianzhi opened her mouth to explain, but was worried that her explanation would make Princess Ya lose face in front of everyone. While she was hesitating, Ulan Ya answered first: "Mr. Gu and I have already discussed it. Now, it depends on whether you are willing to help. If you are willing to speak up, I think my father will agree. After all, I am not young anymore..."

Sima Yao's eyes moved slightly, and he turned to Gu Nianzhi beside him. His eyes were so empty and blank.

Gu Nianzhi opened his mouth, but didn't know how to explain in front of so many people, so he could only lower his head silently. In Sima Yao's opinion, Gu Nianzhi's action seemed like a guilty conscience after doing something wrong to him.

His heart felt like it was being squeezed tightly by something, causing a dull pain. He forced himself to speak.

"There is no rush for this matter. Once we win this battle, I will do my best to help you two lovers get married."

Sima Yao's gaze was like the deep night sky, staring at Gu Nianzhi. The words "lovers will eventually marry" were such an ironic statement.

Sima Yao's heart was filled with bitterness. He once firmly believed that the power of true love could transcend all boundaries, even gender. He once thought that their feelings were so unique and so tenacious that they could withstand the prejudice and misunderstanding of the world. However, he was wrong, so completely wrong, so heartbreaking.

Perhaps in Gu Nianzhi's eyes, his feelings for her were just a joke, a fantasy mocked by reality.

Sima Yao took a deep breath, trying to calm his inner turmoil.

He understood that their love might have been a misplaced tragedy from the very beginning.

Their love is like a flower blooming in the desert, beautiful but fragile, destined to not survive under the worldly sunshine.

What Ulan Ya can give to Gu Nianzhi, he can never give in his lifetime.

And what Gu Nianzhi wanted might not be a relationship with him that would lead to no result.

Sima Yao felt a sharp pain in his heart and felt that he could no longer stay here.

"Batu won't make any moves today. I have something important to attend to in the barracks. We can only have tea another day. If there is anything, please send someone to the barracks to let us know."

Sima Yao patted Hatulig's arm, apologized, and then turned and left.

Gu Nianzhi quickly trotted along, following Sima Yao.