The whole family was brutally murdered? The ruthless heiress's eldest daughter went berserk aft

"Your Majesty," the Empress began softly, "I have a suggestion."

The Emperor raised an eyebrow. "Please speak, Empress."

The Empress said slowly, "I heard that Madam Gu said that General Gu married her because of the life-saving grace. In my opinion, it would be better to let them divorce so that they can each make a new choice."

As soon as these words came out, there was an uproar in the palace.

Murong Xuewei's expression remained unchanged, but her heart was in turmoil.

Murong Xuewei knew that this was yet another test from the Empress.

"Your Majesty!" Murong Xuewei cried out, "You cannot separate my husband and me just to bring the Second Princess and my husband together! General Gu and I are deeply in love and do not wish to divorce!"

A cold glint flashed in the Empress's eyes. "Miss Murong, you should think this through. After the divorce, you will regain your freedom. Besides," she glanced meaningfully at the Emperor, "there might be a better option."

The Emperor nodded with great satisfaction upon hearing the Empress's words. "Yes! Xuewei, you married Gu Ye because he is a great general, didn't you? If you divorce him now, you might find someone better in the future."

The emperor's words caused many officials and their families to whisper among themselves.

"Since ancient times, it has been said that it is better to tear down ten temples than to have one marriage. Why is the emperor forcing people to divorce?"

"In my opinion, it's highly likely that the Emperor has taken a liking to Lady Gu again."

"You know, although Madam Gu is from the frontier, she looks like a woman from Jiangnan, gentle and charming."

"What good is a woman? You know, if the emperor takes a liking to her, she'll inevitably end up in the harem as a widow."

Although the children were young, Murong Xuewei had excellent hearing and overheard everything they said.

No wonder Qin'er told her to be careful; it turns out that this so-called arranged marriage was orchestrated by Xiao Wan Ning to target her.

Murong Xuewei sneered inwardly, but her face showed a firm expression. "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty, but I really do not wish to divorce you."

The Emperor pondered for a moment, then looked at Gu Ye and said, "Gu Ye, what about you? Are you willing to divorce and marry the princess?"

Murong Xuewei looked up at Gu Ye. She knew that in her past life, Gu Ye had rebelled because he refused to marry her.

How could he possibly agree to divorce and marry the princess just because of a few casual words from the emperor?

Gu Ye's expression changed, and he said firmly, "Your Majesty, I do not wish to divorce."

"You!" The Emperor roared in fury, "I'm doing you a favor by granting you a divorce, how dare you refuse?"

Gu Ye looked up and stared directly at the Emperor, a hidden glint in his eyes. "Please forgive my bluntness, but marriage has always been arranged by parents and matchmakers. My marriage to Miss Murong was a formal ceremony, how can we just divorce each other like that?"

The Emperor, enraged, laughed instead, "What a sharp-tongued Gu Ye! Are you lecturing me?"

Gu Ye immediately knelt down, "Your Majesty, I dare not. I am merely expressing my truest thoughts."

The Emperor snorted coldly, "Since you are so ungrateful, then don't blame me for being impolite!"

It was clear that the emperor was about to lose his temper.

Murong Xuewei was startled and quickly stepped forward, "Your Majesty, please calm down! It was my fault, please forgive General Gu!"

The Emperor glared at her fiercely. "Shut up! Guards, drag Gu Ye out and give him fifty strokes of the cane!"

"Wait!" A loud voice suddenly rang out. Minister of War Li Dequan stepped forward. "Your Majesty, General Gu is a pillar of the nation. How can General Gu bear fifty lashes?"

The Emperor said coldly, "Minister Li, are you trying to plead for him?"

Li Dequan cupped his hands and said, "Your subject dares not. However, there have been frequent battles on the frontier, and it is precisely at this time that we need capable men. If General Gu were to suffer any mishap, it might affect the morale of the army."

Upon hearing this, other ministers also offered their advice to dissuade him.

"Please, Your Majesty, show mercy."

"Your Majesty is of utmost importance!"

The emperor's expression shifted between anger and rage. Hearing these ministers kneeling and begging for his hand in marriage, his anger surged, and he wanted to chop them all up.

Finally, the Emperor waved his hand and said, "Fine, I will spare you this time because you have rendered meritorious service in guarding the border. But I still have to punish you. You are to immediately set off for Yumen Pass for three years! You are not to return to the capital until you are summoned."

Gu Ye's heart sank, but he still respectfully replied, "Your subject obeys the decree."

Upon hearing this, Murong Xuewei was struck dumb, staggering several steps and nearly falling. Fighting back tears, she said in a trembling voice, "Your Majesty, I am willing to accompany General Gu to Yumen Pass."

The Emperor sneered, "This is punishment. Do you think it's a joke? You can even bring your family."

Murong Xuewei felt a chill run down her spine, knowing that the situation was dire, but she was powerless to resist at this moment.

Murong Xuewei could only lower her head silently, not daring to say anything more.

Outside the hall, a cold wind howled past.

The candlelight in the main hall flickered, as if foreshadowing the impending storm.

Night fell, and a cold wind howled. Murong Xuewei stood in the courtyard, gazing at the star-studded night sky, her heart aching.

"Xuewei," Gu Ye's voice came from behind, "What are you doing here? Be careful not to catch a cold."

Murong Xuewei turned and threw herself into Gu Ye's arms, unable to contain her pain any longer. "General, it's all my fault! If I hadn't killed Murong Lian, if I hadn't fallen out with my mistress, you wouldn't have..."

Gu Ye gently patted her back, "Silly girl, it's not your fault. There have long been people in the court who are dissatisfied with me; this is just an excuse."

Murong Xuewei looked up at Gu Ye, her eyes brimming with tears, "But, three years! How am I supposed to get through these three years?"

Gu Ye gently wiped away her tears. "Xuewei, you must be strong. You must take care of yourself while I'm gone. Remember, no matter what happens, don't easily trust anyone."

Murong Xuewei nodded, a resolute glint in her eyes. "I understand. General, you must be careful at the border."

Gu Ye looked deeply into his wife's eyes and said in a low voice, "I've been fighting on the battlefield since I was thirteen. Going to Yumen Pass is like coming home to me. You don't need to worry so much."

The two stood embracing, their silence speaking volumes.

Murong Xuewei knew that Gu Ye's rebel army in his previous life started from Yumen Pass, and perhaps Gu had already hidden a force there.

Only after thinking about this did Murong Xuewei finally feel relieved.

The moonlight shone on them, bathing the inseparable couple in a silvery glow.

The next morning, Gu Ye was all dressed and ready to go. Murong Xuewei, fighting back tears, helped Gu Ye straighten his clothes.

"Xuewei, remember this," Gu Ye whispered, "no matter what happens, never easily trust anyone, including those two princesses. Especially Xiao Wanning; she's far too cunning to be easily outsmarted..."

Murong Xuewei nodded, a hint of coldness flashing in her eyes. "I know. General, don't worry, I will handle it."

Gu Ye nodded solemnly, turned around and mounted his warhorse.