The Sickly Regent Prince Who Was Abandoned as a Substitute Bride

Oriental Pearl was equally surprised, her heart filled with doubt and confusion. Why was this happening? What exactly happened?

"Receive the decree..." Li Fu finished reading the imperial edict, his voice echoing in the air, carrying a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

Dongfang Wan'er slowly rose to her feet, her movements elegant and dignified. She stretched out her hands, ready to receive the imperial edict that symbolized destiny.

"This humble woman accepts the decree..." Dongfang Wan'er's voice was clear and loud...

"Hahaha, congratulations, Lord Dongfang..." Li Fu handed the imperial edict to Dongfang Wan'er, his face beaming with smiles, and quickly offered his congratulations.

Dongfang Wan'er nodded slightly in thanks. Her gaze then turned to Qiu Qin beside her, and she gently gestured, "Qiu Qin..."

Qiuqin understood immediately and quickly took out a large purse from her sleeve. The purse was exquisite and gorgeous, with beautiful embroidery on it.

"Please have some tea, Eunuch Li..." Qiuqin said softly as she handed the purse to Li Fu.

Li Fu took the purse, and with a gentle squeeze of his fingers, he could feel its heavy weight. He was secretly delighted, and his smile became even brighter.

"Oh, Your Highness, you're too kind..." Li Fu weighed the purse in his hand with satisfaction, then carefully put it away.

After Li Fu left, a brief silence fell over the room. Dongfang Zheng took a deep breath and finally spoke.

"Wan'er, you are about to marry the First Prince and become his wife. You will share glory and face difficulties together. You will rise and fall together. So, take some time to return to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion... You should understand what I mean..." His tone was full of meaning and expectation.

How could Dongfang Wan'er not know the deeper meaning behind it? She just wanted the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion to support the eldest prince, but that was just wishful thinking.

"Father, I really don't understand what you mean! In that case, I'll take my leave and rest." After saying this, Dongfang Wan'er turned and left.

“You…sigh…” Dongfang Zheng watched her departing figure and couldn’t help but sigh in his heart, “It seems that this daughter is gradually slipping out of my control…”

"Mingzhu, do you still want to marry the First Prince?" Dongfang Zheng turned to look at Dongfang Mingzhu beside him and asked bluntly.

"Father, of course I'm willing..." Dongfang Mingzhu replied without hesitation.

"Alright, Father will do everything he can to make you marry him as you wish!" A sly glint flashed in Dongfang Zheng's eyes.

"Mmm, thank you, Daddy! Daddy is the best to his daughter!" Dongfang Mingzhu said sweetly.

Meanwhile, Dongfang Wan'er returned to Tingyu Courtyard with the imperial edict in her hand. Lu Wanning followed closely behind, her face full of worry.

"Wan'er, what should we do now? Why did this imperial edict arrive so quickly..."

"Mother, don't worry. Even if the imperial decree has been issued, we still have ways to cancel this marriage..." Dongfang Wan'er comforted her mother.

"Wan'er, the Emperor has decreed this marriage; how easy is it to annul it?" her mother said worriedly.

"What if the Crown Prince himself proposes to annul the engagement?" Dongfang Wan'er suddenly had a brilliant idea and voiced a bold thought.

"Wan'er, what makes you say that?" her mother asked, puzzled.

"Of course, this matter also requires the support and cooperation of my maternal grandfather's family..." Dongfang Wan'er explained confidently.

"Alright, Wan'er, let's go back to our maternal grandparents' house tomorrow!" the mother said, making up her mind.

"Mmm..." Dongfang Wan'er nodded in agreement.

"Sister, sister..." Dongfang Mingzhu's voice suddenly came from outside the door.

"Qiuqin, what happened outside?" Dongfang Wan'er frowned upon hearing Dongfang Mingzhu's voice.

"Miss, it's the Second Miss. This is her fourth visit today!" Qiuqin quickly replied.

"Oh? I see. Let her in!" Dongfang Wan'er knew in her heart that Dongfang Mingzhu's visit must be about that matter...

"Sister..." Before she even entered, Dongfang Mingzhu called out to Dongfang Wan'er in her affected and coquettish voice.

"Alright, just say what it is..." Dongfang Wan'er felt a chill run down her spine.

"Sister, here is ten thousand taels of silver, look..." Dongfang Mingzhu handed a silver note to Dongfang Wan'er.

"The things are in the woodshed. Find a servant to move them yourself. Alright, I need to rest now. You can leave..." Dongfang Wan'er said somewhat impatiently.

"Yes, sister..." Although Dongfang Mingzhu was furious inside, she still had a smile on her face.

After leaving Tingyu Courtyard, Dongfang Mingzhu could no longer contain her anger and began to curse loudly, "Ah! Ah! Ah... That bitch, she really thinks she can marry Brother Jingchu smoothly? Brother Jingchu can only be mine..."

"Miss, please don't be angry. Didn't the Marquis say that he would find a way to let you marry the First Prince?" The maid Wanyao quickly comforted her.

"Yes, Wanyao, let's go. We need to hurry and prepare for the talent competition." Dongfang Mingzhu thought to herself, she must win first place in this competition, and then ask the Emperor for a marriage decree...

"Miss, Chunzhi requests an audience!" Qiuqin had just seen off the visitor, Dongfang Mingzhu, when Chunzhi arrived.

"Hmm, let her in..." Dongfang Wan'er's lips parted slightly, her voice melodious and gentle.

"Young Miss... Second Miss came to see me today..." Chunzhi knelt on the ground, bowing her head as she reported.

Dongfang Wan'er nodded slightly, indicating that she understood, and gestured for Chunzhi to continue.

"She asked me about the poisoning. I told her the truth as the eldest young lady instructed. The second young lady asked me to supervise the eldest young lady's preparations for the talent competition..." Chunzhi reported the whole situation to Dongfang Wan'er in detail.

After listening, Dongfang Wan'er frowned slightly and fell into deep thought.

A moment later, a determined look flashed in her eyes, and she said to Chunzhi, "Very good, just say I'm practicing painting diligently!"

"Yes, Miss." Chunzhi acknowledged the order and slowly left the room.

At this moment, Lu Wanning walked in, looked at her daughter, and asked softly, "Wan'er, have you signed up for the talent competition?"

Dongfang Wan'er nodded and answered crisply, "Yes, Mother, aren't there rumors that I'm arrogant, domineering, and ignorant? I want to prove myself!" Her eyes were full of confidence and determination.

“Alright, Wan’er, your mother supports you. Wan’er, here’s 100,000 taels of silver. Go make some clothes…” Lu Wan Ning took out the silver notes directly.

"Mother, where did you get so much money..."

“Silly girl, these are all my dowry shops. Do you think I’m really that stupid to hand over all my dowry?”