Chapter 1251: Chapter 680: Second Bow to the Elders (Double-Length)
With those words spoken, the room fell silent.
Only the faint crackling of the red candle flames occasionally echoed.
Min Ning stood firm in her tough clothes, holding her sword, as if to match the occasion. Her red attire was as vivid as blood, standing out starkly from the festive surroundings.
Although she hadn’t drawn her sword, her Sword Intent was already unsheathed in her heart. She held the wedding cups, as if determined that she would rather die than let Qin Qingluo and Chen Yi complete this wedding.
Chen Yi’s mind was a tumult of emotions, maybe because he had anticipated things wouldn’t go smoothly. When Min Ning actually appeared, he wasn’t particularly surprised. Instead, he found himself idly pondering what a blessing it would be to marry both women today.
He raised his eyes slightly, meeting Min Ning’s sharp gaze. Chen Yi quickly withdrew his gaze, recalling how men could never control untimely desires.
He genuinely wished to marry Qin Qingluo, to dispel the ominous prophecy, and regarding Min Ning, he hoped she would leave without a trace. But when she finally did leave, he couldn’t find peace with himself...
Min Ning still held her sword at the front, appearing impatient, coldly saying:
"You, City God Shadow Official, have been traveling south to preside over fair trials and host justice. So, today, when a civilian comes to bring an accusation against an official, are you truly helpless?"
Her words were thick with disorder, masked by a forced calmness.
Upon hearing this, Chen Yi racked his brain to find words to respond, to gently mediate and calm Min Ning. At worst, the three of them could marry together, he didn’t mind.
However, before he could speak, Qin Qingluo stepped forward, her tall frame perfectly blocking the space between him and Min Ning.
She slowly lifted her bridal veil and glanced at Min Ning. There was no need to question why Min Ning returned, nor speculate on her mood changes. The two shared certain similarities in character, yet fundamentally differed, both understanding the desires between them.
"Min Yuechi, there’s no need to trouble him," Qin Qingluo said, her snake-like eyes gleaming coldly. "This is an issue between you and me."
Clad in her dark ceremonial robe adorned with golden pythons, the candlelight danced, casting shadows that seemed to bring the serpentine figures to life, exuding a formidable aura.
Gazing at her attire, Min Ning clenched the sword hilt tighter, her knuckles whitening. Though she kept her composure, the hostility in her brows was unwavering.
"An issue between you and me?" Min Ning sneered, part mock, part scorn, "Qin Qingluo, tell me, what issue exists between us? At Hanhai Building, I willingly let him go to you, content to leave behind everything. The matters between you and me were settled long ago, even if someday I receive a letter saying you’ve borne a child together, I’ll accept it, but today I’m here seeking justice."
Upon hearing this, Qin Qingluo’s brows knitted once more. She thought Min Ning was merely resisting fate, thus hastily returning, yet accepting fate did not mean she would come back like this.
Today, what justice is she seeking?
Min Ning took a step forward, though her sword remained sheathed, her Sword Intent grew increasingly sharp and oppressive,
"I didn’t come today to vie for affection or demand explanations from you, I’m here to accuse an official!
Chen Yi, you are the City God Shadow Official! Today, will you accept my charge or not? If so, summon the court and hear the case now!"
Min Ning did not say, "if not, what then," but there was no need for words; if he truly wouldn’t accept, she had her own ways to resolve it.
Qin Qingluo furrowed her brows, clearly incensed by Min Ning’s unreasonable disturbance.
Her aura grew colder, and it seemed the golden pythons on her attire were about to rise and devour. Just as she was about to react, Chen Yi reached out, gently pressing on Qin Qingluo’s tensed arm.
Qin Qingluo hesitated, turning her head to gaze at him, her serpent eyes filled with question and lingering anger.
Chen Yi gently shook his head, signaling her to be patient.
Then, he slowly stepped forward from behind Qin Qingluo, facing Min Ning once more.
Chen Yi’s expression had calmed, no longer shocked, his features gleaming slightly with authority, resembling somewhat of a City God Shadow Official.
"Min Ning," he began, voice steady, "since you accuse Prince of Annan, Qin Qingluo, of stealing your love, of abducting your unwed wife, then..."
"Let us convene the court."
......
A perfectly good wedding turned into a trial.
A perfectly good bridal chamber became a public arena.
No one knew how matters escalated to such an extent. Min Ning suddenly barged into the prince’s mansion, inexplicably requested to convene a court, and interrupted the wedding just before the consummation. Yet, Chen Yi went along with it, feeling guilty deep within, he humored her this once.
Though the actions were unusual, it suited his purposes perfectly.
Let’s just act as a corrupt official and a female knight for now.
Chen Yi sat upright, looking from the furrowed brow Qin Qingluo to the murderous-looking Min Ning.
They were in a bridal chamber, yet a City God’s solemn and imposing presence still surrounded them. His gaze fell on Min Ning, speaking in a deep voice, "Min Ning, state your case and reasons for grievance clearly."
Min Ning took a deep breath, suppressing her turbulent emotions, her gaze like a blade aimed at Qin Qingluo,
"I, citizen Min Ning, accuse Prince of Annan, Qin Qingluo, of tyrannizing the weak, shamelessly committing acts of stealing one’s beloved and seizing a nest by force.
She long knew of my deep connection with... Chen Yi," she pointed to Chen Yi, "knew we have been through hardships together, our bond extraordinary, yet she exploited her status and wealth. Moreover, when I... when I was down and out, she used despicable means to lure him... to breed and leave progeny!
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