After the Phoenix Emperor had left, Phoenix Monarch slowly began to discuss these matters with Gu Shengyin.
Gu Shengyin, overwhelmed, quickly said, "Father, please make the decision yourself."
Phoenix Monarch was silent for a moment before suddenly saying, "You and Mingge..."
He had just seen Changge and the Phoenix together and suddenly realized that he had probably underestimated how much the eldest daughter was favored.
If Changge were willing to plead with His Majesty on Mingge’s behalf, His Majesty would certainly not disregard her wishes.
However, Gu Shengyin, not waiting for him to finish, turned cold, "Daughter remembers some matters in the palace; I will take my leave first."
Having said that, she bowed to Phoenix Monarch and was about to leave.
"Stop!" Phoenix Monarch called out to her sternly.
He dismissed everyone around, leaving only father and daughter in the vast hall.
He walked up to Gu Shengyin, took her hand, and said earnestly, "Changge, I know Mingge has done some things wrong, but after all, you are sisters..."
Gu Shengyin scoffed, "A sister who stabs her own elder sister in the back?"
Phoenix Monarch paused, this matter, indeed, Mingge had handled poorly.
He sighed, "She is still young, Changge. Can’t you forgive her just this once? You used to adore her so much."
Gu Shengyin remained unmoved, "Father, fourteen is not young. When I was fourteen, I had already started attending court with the Imperial Mother. Besides, because I adored her so much in the past, the love I had then is equal to the hatred I have now."
She looked Phoenix Monarch in the eye, "Father, I, Changge, believe I have been more than just and compassionate towards her. Do you think the accusation against me of harboring treasonous intentions was really something Shi Qingyi could have managed alone?"
Phoenix Monarch’s face changed drastically, "Are you implying?"
Gu Shengyin nodded, "I concealed this from the Imperial Mother; Father, this is the last thing I will do for her as an elder sister. A sister scheming to have me killed, I cannot bear it!"
Without saying more, she bowed to Phoenix Monarch and walked out.
This time, Phoenix Monarch did not speak to keep her.
"What a curse... This curse!" Phoenix Monarch trembled with anger alone in the great hall.
Fifteen days later, there was a major selection in the palace.
All the nobility sent their eligible sons into the palace; it was clear to the discerning eye that this was Phoenix Monarch selecting a Legal Spouse for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. If anyone could be fortunate enough to catch the eye of Phoenix Monarch or His Royal Highness, it would truly be a meteoric rise.
Even if not favored by His Royal Highness, the other princes of marriageable age were also good matches, being chosen as a Legal Spouse for a princess was a solid option too.
The nobles of the Heavenly Imperial Dynasty were quite enthusiastic this time.
Phoenix Monarch sat high in the great hall, watching those young lords.
This was the ultimate selection, and everyone present was a young lord of outstanding talents and appearance.
Gu Shengyin was behind in the hall, observing these young lords.
She found it strange, having assumed that her lover would surely be among these men, yet she could find no trace of him.
After the selected young lords had showcased their talents, Phoenix Monarch ordered everyone to be taken out.
"Changge, what do you think? Did any particularly catch your eye?" Phoenix Monarch asked.
Gu Shengyin shook her head.
Phoenix Monarch could not help but complain, "My child, your standards are really too high. Here in the Heavenly Imperial Dynasty, all the most outstanding young lords are present, and yet, you fancy none?"
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