NOVPUBTheir calculations were precise. If Jiao Niang truly were a stunning beauty, anyone present could claim her, and Jia Shen wouldn’t stand a chance. But if she were ordinary, the Emperor could move forward with the princess’s marriage, forcing Jia Shen into submission.
Shen Roujia remained motionless, but the Emperor had already issued his command for someone to step forward and seize her. “Guards, remove her veil!”
Xiao Fu, standing next to Xu Zening, trembled with fear, but Xu Zening firmly pressed down on her shoulder. “Stay calm!”
Xiao Fu, terrified, whispered, “But...”
Xu Zening shook his head slightly, sighing. He trusted that Shen Roujia would have a plan for such a situation.
Shen Roujia looked coldly at the Emperor from afar. Hmph.
With a sudden yank, the pure white veil was torn from her head.
Everyone held their breath, craning their necks to witness this spectacle. Even Gu Zhi, sitting toward the back, stood up abruptly.
Shen Roujia’s hair was slightly disheveled, and as she lifted her head, the crowd gasped.
Her pale skin was marred by a large red birthmark that covered most of her face. On the other side, freckles dotted her cheek.
In an instant, Shen Roujia dropped to her knees, hurriedly grabbing the veil and frantically covering her face. “Your Majesty, please forgive me! I beg your pardon, Your Majesty!”
Feigning panic, she attempted to flee. The crowd, still in shock, remained frozen, while Xu Zening and Gu Zhi finally exhaled in relief.
Seeing the commotion, Xiao Fu took the opportunity to speak softly, “Your Highness, I... I’m feeling unwell. May I leave?”
Xu Zening, though unable to leave early himself, understood what Xiao Fu meant. Since nothing catastrophic had occurred, he allowed her to depart.
Meanwhile, Xu Liangeng’s gaze lingered on Jiao Niang, his earlier expectations shattered, leaving him somewhat disheartened.
Shen Roujia, unaware of what was transpiring in the hall, hummed a little tune to herself as she made her way to the side hall to hide.
