After I transmigrated, the cold king clung to me every day.

Chapter 6 Contractual Marriage

Lin Xiaoqian pondered day and night about her thorny marriage to the Ninth Prince, Murong Yi, while staying in the Prime Minister's residence.

Suddenly, as if a flash of inspiration struck her, a memory of the original owner surfaced in her mind. It turned out that the Ninth Prince, Murong Yi, had long been in love with someone else. He deeply loved Su Wan'er, which was why he was extremely resistant to this forced marriage and issued a warning to the original owner, Lin Qianqian.

Having learned the whole story, Lin Xiaoqian made a bold decision. She didn't want to be a pathetic puppet in this feudal marriage, nor did she want to be involved in a heartless conflict. Therefore, she decided to take the initiative, go to Murong Yi, and try to establish a contractual marriage with him.

Led by Xiao Die, Lin Xiaoqian arrived at the Ninth Prince's residence. The guards, though somewhat surprised to see the eldest daughter of the Prime Minister's family, dared not delay and hurriedly went to report her arrival. Murong Yi, upon hearing of Lin Qianqian's arrival, was also filled with doubt, wondering what her purpose was.

Lin Xiaoqian was led into the main hall of the Prince's mansion, where she saw Murong Yi sitting high on the throne, his face cold and stern, his eyes revealing a hint of aloofness and wariness. Lin Xiaoqian took a deep breath, curtsied slightly, then straightened up, her gaze fixed firmly on Murong Yi.

"Your Highness, I have come here today to discuss something with you," Lin Xiaoqian said first, her voice clear and without the slightest fear.

Murong Yi raised an eyebrow slightly: "Hmph~ What do you want to discuss with me?"

Lin Xiaoqian slowly said, "Your Highness, we both know that this marriage was bestowed by the Emperor. You have someone else in your heart, and I do not wish to force you. I think we can agree on a contract marriage, and only be husband and wife in public. When the time is right, Your Highness can elope with your beloved, and I can regain my freedom."

Upon hearing this, Murong Yi's heart stirred. He carefully examined Lin Qianqian before him and saw that she had a tall and straight posture and a firm gaze, completely different from the timid and cowardly woman he had seen before. Although he had some doubts, he also felt that this might be a way to resolve their current predicament.

"Why do you have this idea? How do I know you don't have ulterior motives?" Murong Yi asked calmly.

Lin Xiaoqian smiled gently: "Your Highness, I, Lin Qianqian, only want to live for myself now. I know Your Highness's deep affection for Miss Su, and I also understand my place in Your Highness's heart. I don't want to struggle in this loveless marriage, and I don't want to become an obstacle between Your Highness and Miss Su. This contract marriage is a relief for both of us."

Murong Yi remained silent for a moment, pondering Lin Xiaoqian's words. He had to admit that her suggestion was indeed somewhat appealing. However, he was also worried that there might be a trap involved, after all, Lin Qianqian had the Prime Minister's mansion behind her. If this was the Prime Minister's scheme, then it would be troublesome.

"Lin Qianqian, this contract is no small matter, and I need to consider it carefully. You should return to your residence first, and I will give you an answer after careful consideration," Murong Yi finally said.

Lin Xiaoqian nodded: "Your Highness's consideration is certainly warranted. However, I hope Your Highness will make a decision as soon as possible. With the marriage approaching, we both need to make preparations early."

After speaking, Lin Xiaoqian bowed again and left the Ninth Prince's residence with Xiaodie. Murong Yi watched her departing figure, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He hadn't expected Lin Qianqian to be so different. This proposal of a contract marriage was both like a ray of dawn, bringing him hope for solving his problem, and like a mystery, leaving him unable to figure out Lin Qianqian's true purpose.

After returning to the Prime Minister's residence, Lin Xiaoqian silently prayed that Murong Yi would agree to her proposal. She knew that this was an important attempt to change her fate. If she succeeded, she could have more freedom and control in this ancient world to pursue the life she wanted, instead of being bound by the shackles of marriage and spending the rest of her life in a secluded mansion.