bayedsolid Chapter 154 Imperial Marriage: I Won't Marry!
Chapter 154 Imperial Marriage: I Won't Marry!
Su Yao'er strode angrily through the gates of the Su residence, her heels slamming heavily on the bluestone slabs, as if she wanted to vent all her resentment.
As soon as he looked up, he saw Mr. and Mrs. Su huddled together in the hall, talking in hushed tones, their expressions grave. When their eyes fell on Su Yao'er's angry look, the two elders couldn't help but exchange a glance, their eyes filled with worry. Mr. Su quickly raised his hand and beckoned, "Yao'er, come here for a moment, I have something important to tell you."
Upon hearing this, Su Yao'er pouted, her face full of reluctance. She moved her feet very slowly, dawdling as she approached, muttering helplessly, "What is it?"
Seeing this, Su's father stroked his beard and suddenly burst into laughter, his expression full of pride and joy. He slowly said, "Yao'er, do you know that the Emperor has recently appointed a new Protector of the Nation General named Zhao Xiong, who is a second-rank cavalry general. This General Zhao is highly skilled in martial arts, has exceptional strategic acumen, and is also hardworking. The Emperor has praised him highly."
Su Yao'er's delicate eyebrows furrowed instantly, her eyes filled with confusion and dissatisfaction. She stamped her foot and said, "Oh? Why is Father telling me this? What does it have to do with me?"
Upon hearing this, Father Su burst into laughter again, his joy even more evident. He stroked his beard and slowly said, "Yao'er, the Emperor has issued a decree betrothing you to this new General Protector of the Nation. This is truly a cause for celebration for our Su family! Hahaha!"
"What?!" Upon hearing this, Su Yao'er's slightly pouting lips instantly widened, her almond-shaped eyes stared wide open, and her face was full of disbelief.
Father Su smiled broadly and continued with his head held high, "Besides, the Mid-Autumn Festival is just around the corner. By the Emperor's grace, your marriage to the Great General Protector of the Nation will be held on that day. This is the greatest honor for our Su family. General Zhao is a peerless hero, and you will surely be happy marrying him."
Su Yao'er's eyebrows shot up, her almond-shaped eyes widened, her face filled with arrogance and resentment. She shouted in a shrill voice, "Father, what kind of talk is this! I don't even know what he looks like, why should I marry him! I absolutely refuse to agree to this marriage!"
Upon hearing this, Mr. Su's smiling face instantly turned bright red, like a cannon that had been ignited. He glared angrily, then slammed his hand on the table with a loud "bang," causing the teacups on the table to tremble violently.
"Insolence!" Father Su trembled with rage, his voice booming like a bell as he shouted, "How dare you question the Emperor's decree? You should rein in your willful and reckless nature! Marriage is always a matter of parental arrangement and matchmaker's word, especially since this is a matter of imperial grace. You cannot simply refuse to marry!"
Su Yao'er refused to give up. Tears welled in her eyes, but she stubbornly raised her head, her voice trembling with sobs yet still resolute: "Father, imperial favor is imperial favor, but is my lifelong happiness so worthless? You keep saying it's for the Su family, but have you ever considered my feelings? I will never marry! At worst... at worst I'll become a nun! I'll run away from home! Humph!"
"You—" Father Su was so angry that he couldn't speak. He felt a tightness in his chest and instinctively covered his chest to try to relieve the pressure.
Seeing the situation, Su's mother immediately approached to comfort him. Her brows furrowed, her eyes filled with worry and heartache, and she said softly, "Master, don't be angry. Let's discuss this properly."
Then, she sighed softly, looked at Su Yao'er, and saw her daughter so stubborn, and her husband so angry that he was puffing out his beard and glaring. She felt heartbroken but helpless. After thinking for a moment, she quickly walked to Su Yao'er's side, pulled her into her arms, and gently comforted her: "Yao'er, don't say such angry words anymore. Your father is doing this for our family, and he wouldn't dare to disobey the Emperor's will. That Grand General who protects the country has made great contributions in battle, so his character must be good. In the future, he might even dote on you. Calm down and don't offend your father anymore."
Su Yao'er took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, but her brows remained furrowed, revealing a stubbornness. She looked at her mother, her eyes reddening, her voice trembling slightly: "Mother, I know you mean well. But I would rather marry a poor scholar from the street, as long as we love each other, than be so confused and let others control my marriage. My life's most important matter should not be just about obeying the Emperor's grace and the Su family's reputation."
After speaking, she slowly turned her head, looked firmly at her father, and straightened her back: "Father, I respect you and understand that the imperial decree is difficult to disobey. But this concerns my lifelong happiness, and I cannot compromise. I hope that you can understand my situation and plead with the Emperor to withdraw the decree of marriage. Otherwise, even if we get married, I will not be happy."
Father Su was so angry that his face turned ashen, his eyes blazing as if they were about to spit fire. He sneered, "Hmph! Do you think the Emperor's decree is a joke! You can't just take it back whenever you want!"
His chest heaved violently as he pointed at Su Yao'er and commanded decisively, "This matter is settled! You have no choice but to agree! From today onwards, you will obediently prepare to be a bride. If you dare to have even the slightest thought of running away from the wedding, I will beat you to death, you unfilial daughter!"
Immediately afterwards, he summoned the steward, his face grim and serious, and ordered, "Have someone guard the young lady's boudoir. They are not allowed to leave for even a moment. If she escapes, I will hold you all accountable!"
The butler quickly nodded in response, "Yes."
Su Yao'er was struck dumb by her father's heartless words. Her eyes widened in disbelief and despair, her lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face.
At that moment, her heart felt as if it had fallen into an ice cellar, chilled to the bone. She gritted her teeth, instinctively clenching her fists until her knuckles turned white from the force. Her whole body felt weak and trembling, her lips quivering slightly. Suddenly, everything went black before her eyes, and she fell straight backward.
Fortunately, Su's mother reacted quickly, exclaiming "Yao'er!" and rushing forward to embrace her limp body. Overwhelmed with anxiety, tears instantly blurred her vision as she tightly held her daughter. Looking at Su's father, who had been so heartless and resolute in his actions, she could only weep alone, holding her in her arms…