The Sickly Regent Prince Who Was Abandoned as a Substitute Bride

Soon, Dongfang Wan'er was dressed. She wore a long pink dress, the hem embroidered with exquisite patterns, and the collar, cuffs, and hem edged with gold thread. As she moved, the dress swayed gracefully, like a blooming flower. Her hair was styled into a beautiful updo, adorned with a delicate jade hairpin set with a crystal-clear pearl that shimmered with captivating light as she moved. She appeared ethereal and beautiful beyond compare.

Meanwhile, Ye Jiuchen's carriage had already stopped at the entrance of the Marquis's residence. He alighted from the carriage, dressed in a magnificent black robe with a dark cloak over it. His handsome face gleamed faintly in the sunlight, with sword-like eyebrows, bright eyes, a high nose, and slightly pursed thin lips. He exuded a cold aura that made people afraid to look directly at him. His appearance immediately attracted the attention of everyone around him, and many women showed infatuated expressions.

"Wow, the Ninth Prince looks so handsome today..."

"Yes, he looks more handsome than ever before!"

"I really wish I could become the Ninth Prince's wife, how happy that would be..."

"Stop being infatuated. The Ninth Prince wouldn't be interested in you. Didn't you see him come to the Marquis's residence today to propose marriage to Dongfang Mingzhu?"

A commotion arose outside the door, causing Dongfang Mingzhu to frown. She looked at Liu Qiqi beside her and asked, "What's going on?"

Liu Qiqi smiled and said, "The Ninth Prince has arrived at the door, and the Marquis has already gone out to greet him."

Upon hearing the news, Dongfang Mingzhu was overjoyed. She quickly stood up, straightened her clothes, and prepared to go out to greet them. However, she still felt an unbearable itch and couldn't help but scratch it.

"Mingzhu, you have to hold back! Stop scratching, or you'll ruin your makeup!" Liu Qiqi quickly grabbed Dongfang Mingzhu's hand to stop her from scratching.

Oriental Pearl said anxiously, "Auntie, I can't bear it anymore..."

Just as the two were talking, a maid rushed in, panting, and said, "Miss, the Ninth Prince has arrived..."

"So fast?" Dongfang Mingzhu said in surprise, and quickly asked her maid to touch up her makeup. Then she and Liu Qiqi walked out of the room together.

At this moment, Oriental Pearl was dressed in her best clothes, adorned with various precious jewelry, looking dazzling and radiant. However, she didn't realize that she looked more like a nouveau riche than a noble and elegant aristocratic woman.

"Auntie, do I look good like this?" Dongfang Mingzhu walked to Liu Qiqi's side and looked at her expectantly.

Liu Qiqi praised, "Beautiful, of course beautiful, our Mingzhu is the most beautiful."

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Mingzhu smiled smugly. She secretly thought to herself, "Today I must show Ye Jiuchen my most perfect side and make him look at me with new eyes."

Liu Qiqi took a deep breath, slowly stood up, gently brushed the dust off her skirt, straightened her slightly wrinkled clothes, then took Dongfang Mingzhu's hand and stepped out of the room together.

The two walked side by side into the courtyard, where they were met by a group of people, led by a man dressed in black robes. The man had a cold and stern face, with sword-like eyebrows, bright eyes, a high nose, and thin lips that were slightly pursed. He exuded an aura of majesty. He was the current Regent, the Ninth Prince—Ye Jiuchen.

Dongfang Wan'er also arrived, but after glancing at Ye Jiuchen, she lowered her head slightly.

[This Qiuqin, dressing herself up like this, makes Ye Jiuchen think he really cares about his marriage proposal...] ​​she muttered to herself.

The Ninth Prince's gaze was as cold as a knife as it swept across the crowd before finally settling on the Oriental Pearl Tower.

"Greetings, Ninth Prince!" Dongfang Zheng led everyone in kneeling and bowing.

The Ninth Prince nodded slightly and said expressionlessly, "Get up, all of you."

After everyone had taken their positions, the Ninth Prince's gaze fell on Oriental Pearl again. With a slight smile, he said, "I have come here today to propose marriage to the Marquis's family."

His voice was deep and powerful, as if it contained endless pressure, which made people feel awe.

Liu Qiqi's face was beaming with joy as she quickly walked to Dongfang Mingzhu's side and said with a big smile, "Thank you for your kindness, Ninth Prince. It is my great honor to have your favor."

Dongfang Mingzhu bit her lip tightly, lowered her head, and dared not meet the Ninth Prince's gaze. Her heart felt like it was being gnawed by countless ants, filled with contradictions and struggles. She knew she couldn't easily agree, but she couldn't refuse either, so she could only remain silent.

Seeing that Dongfang Mingzhu remained silent, Liu Qiqi quickly answered for her, "Of course my daughter is willing. To be able to marry the Ninth Prince is a blessing she has accumulated over several lifetimes!"

Dongfang Wan'er leaned against the wall, watching the scene before her with a half-smile, secretly finding it amusing.

The Ninth Prince's lips curled slightly upward, revealing a barely perceptible smile. Then, he gently waved his hand, signaling the people behind him to carry the betrothal gifts into the courtyard.

In an instant, the courtyard was filled with all sorts of treasures and gifts, a dazzling sight. And outside, even more boxes awaited to be moved into the courtyard; it seemed the entire storeroom of the Marquis's mansion would be insufficient to hold all these gifts…

Liu Qiqi and Dongfang Mingzhu stared in shock at the betrothal gifts. They had never imagined that the Ninth Prince was so wealthy! Moreover, his high regard for Dongfang Mingzhu filled them with envy.

However, Dongfang Zheng's mood was not as pleasant as it appeared. He was already displeased because Liu Qiqi had spoken out without permission, and it was only after seeing the betrothal gifts that his mood improved somewhat.

Wang Yu stood to one side, her eyes gleaming as she stared at the chests of treasure, as if she were seeing countless gold and silver jewels. She couldn't help but laugh out loud, thinking, "Our family is going to be rich!"

Lu Wanning frowned, her heart filled with doubt and worry. She felt that something was wrong, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. She couldn't help but silently pray that everything would go smoothly.

"Quickly, carry all these things into the storeroom... Hahahaha..." Dongfang was so happy that he danced around, waving his hands to signal his servants to get to work. He laughed as he eagerly wanted to take all the treasure for himself.

Ye Jiuchen stood there quietly, his gaze sweeping over his surroundings. When his eyes fell on the woman leaning against the wall, a barely perceptible tenderness flickered in his eyes. However, this tenderness was fleeting, and he quickly reverted to his usual coldness.

"Wait a minute..." Just then, An Ye suddenly spoke up, stopping the servants' actions and plunging the scene into silence.