On the same day the news of the apprentice ceremony spread, Emperor Xue Ye summoned Princess Xue Ke.
Princess Xue Ke, who was around the same age as Xue Beng, had no chance of inheriting the throne due to her two older brothers. Thus, she spent most of her days at Yue Xuan (Moon Pavilion) receiving etiquette training. Unlike the spoiled and willful princesses depicted in some vulgar works, she carried herself with grace and poise.
"Father, did you call me here for something?" Xue Ke asked innocently.
Due to health reasons, it had been a long time since Xue Ke last saw Emperor Xue Ye. Meeting him today brought her genuine joy.
Looking at his youngest child, Xue Ye's gaze wavered momentarily but soon hardened.
"Xue Ke, I called you here to discuss an important matter."
Xue Ke, who had been thinking of ways to start a conversation with her father, suddenly stiffened at the gravity of his tone. This heavy atmosphere reminded her of unpleasant things.
Her small, delicate hands twisted nervously as she hesitantly said:
"Father, please speak."
"Xue Ke, I've chosen a suitable husband for you. If you marry him, your future will be filled with happiness."
Upon hearing this, Xue Ke's face turned deathly pale. She was only eleven or twelve years old—a young girl who shouldn't have to think about marriage like commoners' children. Though she had heard from noble classmates about the ruthlessness of nobility, she had always been doted on by Xue Ye, even by the disguised Xue Qinghe (Qian Renxue). This made her feel immune to such crises.
But now, despite wanting to object, Xue Ke remained silent under the weight of her father's uncharacteristically stern gaze.
"This person is named Ye Wen. He is the first disciple of Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo, whose apprentice ceremony will take place soon. You'll meet him there.
Because of Dugu Bo's unique status, I cannot directly arrange this marriage. So, Xue Ke, during the ceremony, try to approach Ye Wen and make him develop feelings for you. I'll find an opportunity to have both of you formalize the engagement."
Seeing Xue Ke's shattered demeanor, Xue Ye couldn't help but sigh softly.
"If it doesn't work out immediately, you can take your time. That young man is your age, and I've investigated his character and personality.
He is gentle, dislikes conflict, and though not a noble, possesses noble qualities.
As for his moral integrity, you needn't worry. He values loyalty and righteousness deeply. Once he truly accepts someone, he will never abandon them."
However, Xue Ke didn't hear a single word Xue Ye said.
Though still a young girl, many of her classmates had already been betrothed and complained bitterly about how their arranged partners turned out to be nothing like what was promised.
More importantly, Xue Ke felt overwhelmed by her powerlessness to resist. Her mind was blank, and she was in a daze.
Seeing Xue Ke's vacant expression, Xue Ye felt a pang of guilt but maintained his authoritative tone.
"Do you understand, Xue Ke?"
At this, Xue Ke snapped out of her trance and nodded numbly.
"I understand, Father. I'll do my best."
She bit her lip, lowered her head, and said, "If there's nothing else, Father, I'll take my leave."
Xue Ye nodded slightly. "Mm, go. Prepare well and don't disgrace our family name."
Xue Ke left in a daze, unsure how she returned to her quarters. Her once warm and pink bedroom now felt cold and lonely. Finally collapsing onto her soft bed, she buried her face in her hands and began to sob uncontrollably.
Such situations were not uncommon in this brutal era. Even nobles sought to align themselves with the strong, and arranged marriages were often the simplest solution their limited minds could devise.
---
The apprentice ceremony proceeded as scheduled.
However, a minor incident occurred during this time.
By a twist of fate, Shrek Academy's group, having completed trials like "Bloody Encounter," finally arrived at the Tian Dou Imperial Academy.
Entering the outskirts of the academy's forested grounds, Flender listened to the teachers' constant praise of the environment and muttered resentfully, "What's so great about having a big place? Have they produced any strong individuals? They're nowhere near as good as Shrek Academy. We may be small, but we've got monsters!"
Flender seemed to forget that even Shrek's top graduates were only Soul Emperors at best. Shrek's true strength still rested with people like himself and others who barely reached Soul Sage level—far inferior to the Tian Dou Imperial Academy.
And Flender's claim that one of their graduates became an Elder of the Spirit Hall? Only ignorant commoners would believe such nonsense.
Meanwhile, Xue Beng (disguised as Snow), frustrated that Xue Qinghe had gained yet another powerful ally, felt the lofty throne slipping further away from him.
Still, since Ye Wen was Dugu Bo's disciple and Xue Beng's influential uncle, Prince Xue Xing, was close to Dugu Bo, Xue Beng had no choice but to attend tonight's banquet. The lack of freedom only deepened his irritation.
At this moment, Xue Beng, surrounded by his useless entourage, spotted the ragged group from Shrek Academy, too poor to even tidy themselves before visiting.
"Stop! Who are you? Don't you know beggars aren't allowed to enter freely?" Xue Beng sneered maliciously.
Flender frowned. Seeing the lavishly dressed students of Tian Dou, his ingrained sense of inferiority kicked in, preventing him from lashing out. Instead, he said quietly:
"We're from Shrek Academy. We're not beggars. We've come at your academy's invitation for an exchange. Could you please guide us to see the Elders?"
Xue Beng's expression darkened. Even his incompetent followers knew that the three Elders were loyal to the Crown Prince, who had always been at odds with Xue Beng.
Narrowing his eyes, Xue Beng couldn't gauge Flender's cultivation level. Yet, the fact that they dared to seek an audience with the Elders suggested they weren't ordinary individuals. Thinking of how his older brother might gain more allies, Xue Beng grew even more irritated and sneered:
"Exchange? Look at your pathetic appearances and filthy clothes—you're practically beggars yourselves. Do you really think you're worthy of exchanging knowledge with our academy?
Leave now, or don't blame us for using force!"
By now, everyone from Shrek—except perhaps fools—could tell that Xue Beng meant trouble.
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