The guards and servants retreated, leaving only Lu Fengjin, Qin Wu, Chu Xiaohe, and Zisu.
Chu Xiaohe still wanted to intervene, but Qin Wu blocked his path.
"General Chu, it is Ali's own choice. Once this is over, everyone will be able to get along." Lu Fengjin only wanted this farce to end as quickly as possible. If Ali taking a strike from Feiyuan could resolve all their problems, then she would take this strike first; he would surely make it up to her in the future.
Chu Xiaohe growled in distress, "Prince! You have known Ali for many years—how can you not know that she is a woman without the strength to truss a chicken? That Tuoba Feiyuan grew up in the desert; her methods are vicious..."
"Yuan'er has promised never to take Ali's life, so stop slandering her!"
"Prince..."
Suddenly, a thunderous "bang" erupted from inside, followed by the heavy sound of something crashing into a chair, shattering it to pieces.
"Ali!" Terrified, Chu Xiaohe shoved Zisu aside and dashed inside.
Lu Fengjin followed quickly, partly out of fear that Tuoba Feiyuan and Chu Xiaohe would clash, and partly out of concern for Chu Yueli’s injuries. But he was determined: after today, he would certainly treat Chu Yueli well. At the very least, he would ensure she lived a life of luxury and ease in the Prince's Mansion for the rest of her days. In short, he would make amends for the grievances Ali suffered today. As long as Yuan'er’s anger was vented and the two could coexist peacefully, everything would be fine.
However, they never expected that upon entering, they would see Tuoba Feiyuan lying on the ground, already unconscious.
As for Chu Yueli, she stood quietly not far away, her loose white robes fluttering in the evening breeze that had rushed in with them, her presence ethereal and breathtakingly beautiful.
"Ali!" Chu Xiaohe hurried to her side, asking anxiously, "Are you hurt?"
Chu Yueli shook her head.
Only then did Lu Fengjin react. He immediately went over to lift Tuoba Feiyuan up. "Yuan'er, wake up! Yuan'er!"
Tuoba Feiyuan showed no reaction.
Lu Fengjin shouted, "Call for a doctor!"
"She only took one palm strike; her true qi reversed, causing her to faint. There is no major harm done."
The look Chu Yueli cast at them was indifferent and detached; the affection she once held for Lu Fengjin was nowhere to be found in her eyes. She placed the imperial decree back into its wooden box, then looked up to meet Chu Xiaohe’s concerned gaze. "I am a bit weary. Big Brother, please see the Prince out."
She stepped out of the side hall. Just as she was about to leave, she heard Lu Fengjin’s voice behind her: "What kind of expert is hiding in your Duke's Estate?"
He had been right outside the side hall, yet he hadn't sensed anyone lurking nearby. The depth of that person’s power was inconceivable! Even Chu Xiaohe couldn't help but glance around the surroundings.
Chu Yueli turned back to meet Lu Fengjin’s angry glare and smiled. "The Prince is welcome to search."
"Men! Search the place!" There must be an expert hidden nearby; otherwise, the fact that Yuan'er was knocked unconscious with a single blow could not be explained.
Chu Yueli did not care at all and turned to leave.
Lu Fengjin pursued her. "Ali!"
"Is there anything else, Prince?" She turned and looked back at him.
Lu Fengjin stared at her as well. Under the moonlight, that simple white figure remained so beautiful that he could not tear his eyes away. His heart felt a bit dazed. "Ali, let’s stop this nonsense. The wedding next month cannot be canceled. I..."
"The imperial decree has been issued, so the wedding date no longer exists. Prince, please face the facts."
"Our marriage is known to the entire nation. If you don't marry me, who else could you possibly marry? No other man in all of Dongling would dare to take a woman I have cast aside!"
Lu Fengjin grew red with rage. "Ali! If you continue to be willful, I will truly cast you off! Don't you regret this!"