Gu Shengyin seemed stunned for a moment but then had no qualms about taking control as she wrapped her arm around Qin Quexi’s waist and forcefully pulled him toward herself.
Bi Xin had been standing guard outside the hall the entire time, and the crisp sound of shattering porcelain from within gave her quite a fright. Yet, without a summons from His Royal Highness, she dared not enter arbitrarily and could only sneak up to the entrance to eavesdrop quietly.
Before long, she retreated with a flushed face. After a moment’s thought, she took a couple of steps further away from the grand hall.
When the intense kiss finally ended, both of their mouths were stained with blood.
Gu Shengyin wiped her own carelessly with her sleeve and laughed, "His Royal Highness Prince Yong is so passionate!"
Qin Quexi stared at her intently, "Changge is not bad either."
They looked at each other for a second before Gu Shengyin spoke first, "So, what does His Royal Highness Prince Yong mean by coming here?"
Qin Quexi was momentarily speechless.
Why had he come? He had merely heard in the palace that the Crown Prince was selecting a Legal Spouse which instantly enraged him, but what was he supposed to say after finding Huang Changge?
To ask her not to marry? Or, as Huang Changge had suggested that night, was he willing to give up everything to come to the Heavenly Phoenix Dynasty and become her Legal Spouse?
Gu Shengyin could tell from his expression that he had not yet thought it through.
She scoffed coldly, "His Royal Highness Prince Yong, since you’re still unclear about what you want, you should leave. This palace does not have all day to entertain your indecision!"
Qin Quexi knew that she was forcing him to make a choice.
But he couldn’t be sure; he didn’t know if his feelings for this woman were worth giving up everything he once had.
"Bi Xin!" Gu Shengyin called out loudly, "Show the guest out!"
Bi Xin entered upon being summoned, sensing the tension in the air as she thought to herself, Hadn’t things been going well earlier? Why had it become awkward again?
Qin Quexi watched as the woman turned her back on him. The warmth from their bodies pressing together had not yet dissipated, but his heart had cooled.
He left without a word.
Only after he had gone did Gu Shengyin, who had been standing until then, collapse into her seat as if deflated.
Bi Xin, seeing her reddened eyes, was startled, "My lady?"
Gu Shengyin gestured dismissively, "It’s nothing. Clean this place up; I need to rest."
Bi Xin obeyed and departed.
Several days passed, and the palace began its second grand selection.
The envoy from Da Qin planned to set out the next day, and His Royal Highness Prince Yong expressed to the Phoenix Emperor his keen interest in how the Heavenly Phoenix chooses its bride, requesting to observe.
Knowing the little affair between him and his eldest daughter, the Phoenix Emperor naturally agreed without hesitation.
Consequently, that day saw the Phoenix Monarch seated in the seat of honor, with Huang Changge making a rare appearance at the event, sitting in the first chair to the left, and Qin Quexi taking his seat across from her.
One by one, the chosen sons stepped forward to pay their respects to the three.
As they laid eyes on Gu Shengyin, most of the candidates for Legal Spouse blushed fiercely: not only were all His Royal Highnesses the Crown Prince of lofty status, they were... incomparably beautiful as well.
Throughout, Gu Shengyin appeared utterly indifferent, whereas Qin Quexi, watching the sons—elegant, enchanting, or reserved—grew chillier by the minute.
Thankfully Gu Shengyin showed no particular interest in anyone, and he barely managed to contain himself.
Until one person made his appearance.