Chapter 717: Divorce

The door opened, and the Chief Imperial Doctor walked out.

Princess Consort Zhen rushed up to him. “How is Qiong’er?”

The Chief Imperial Doctor answered truthfully, “I have stopped the bleeding for the Saint, but he has lost too much blood and is still in a coma. All we can do now is wait. If he wakes up within twelve hours, his life should be out of danger.”

The implication was clear: they had done all they could, and now it was up to fate.

Princess Consort Zhen asked in a trembling voice, “And what if he doesn’t wake up within twelve hours?”

The Chief Imperial Doctor sighed, his tone heavy. “Then he will never wake up.”

The color drained from Princess Consort Zhen’s face in an instant, and she swayed, on the verge of collapsing.

She wanted to enter the room to see her son, but she stopped abruptly after just two steps. She turned to Hua Manman and pleaded.

“I know Qiong’er has wronged you, and I don’t dare hope for your forgiveness. I only beg you, for the sake of our sisterly bond, to give him a chance.”

Hua Manman asked, “What chance?”

Princess Consort Zhen said, “If Qiong’er manages to wake up, I hope you will be merciful and spare his life. In return, I am willing to pay for his debt with my own life.”

Hua Manman pursed her lips.

‘She didn’t know how to respond.’

After a brief silence, she said earnestly,

“Whether you believe me or not, in my heart, you have always been my sister. I care for you deeply.”

Princess Consort Zhen gave a desolate smile. “I understand.”

Hua Manman stood where she was, watching Princess Consort Zhen walk away.

Just then, Li Ji walked over.

He stopped beside Manman, placed a hand on her waist, and looked at the Chief Imperial Doctor.

“Is Li Qiong’s injury that serious?”

The Chief Imperial Doctor answered frankly, “A porcelain shard pierced a blood vessel in his neck. He nearly died. Not that his current state is much different. It all depends on whether Heaven is willing to spare him.”

Li Ji said nothing more and left the Imperial Palace with Manman.

On the way back, Hua Manman told Li Ji about her conversation with Princess Consort Zhen.

She asked for his opinion.

“Do you think we should let Li Qiong go?”

Li Ji held her hand. Because of a persistent chill in her body, her fingers were always ice-cold. He took every opportunity to hold her hand, warming it with his own heat.

His palm was warm and broad, completely enveloping her hand.

He asked in return, “Are you feeling soft-hearted?”

Hua Manman tilted her head and thought for a moment. “After everything that’s happened, he has squandered any goodwill I had for him. By all rights, he shouldn’t be allowed to live. But… I can’t bear to see my sister so heartbroken.”

‘Li Qiong is Princess Consort Zhen’s only child, and their bond is deep. If Li Qiong dies, how will Princess Consort Zhen go on?’

‘And what would become of the sisterly bond between her and Princess Consort Zhen?’

Hua Manman couldn’t bring herself to be that cruel.

Li Ji pulled her into his embrace and said gently,

“Don’t trouble yourself over such a small matter. I’ll take care of everything.”

The carriage stopped at the entrance of the Regent Prince Mansion.

Li Ji helped Manman out of the carriage, only to see a familiar figure standing at the main gate.

It was none other than Duke Zhen, Li Liao.

Li Liao was still dressed in his silver-gray armor. He hadn’t groomed himself in days; his hair was messy, and a faint stubble shadowed his chin.

His brow was tightly furrowed and his eyes were clouded, a clear sign he was in a foul mood.

Hua Manman called out, “Lord Duke.”

“Why are you standing out here?”

Li Liao cupped his hands in a salute. “I’ve come to ask for a favor from the Princess Consort.”

Hua Manman was quite curious. “How could I possibly help you, Lord Duke?”

Li Liao said with a worried frown, “The Commandery Princess wants to divorce me.”

Both Hua Manman and Li Ji were stunned.

“But why so suddenly? What’s brought on this talk of divorce?”

Li Liao lowered his head. “I’ve wronged her.”

He was unwilling to elaborate on the specifics of how he had wronged her.

‘It was a private family matter,’ so Hua Manman didn’t press, asking instead,

“Are you hoping I’ll act as a mediator and convince the Commandery Princess to change her mind?”

But Li Liao shook his head. “No. I’ve already agreed to the divorce. I’ve even given her the divorce paper. I’m just worried about her. I’m afraid she might do something rash, so I was hoping the Princess Consort could go and keep her company.”

Hua Manman was even more surprised. ‘He’s already written the divorce paper? It seems this couple is dead set on splitting up!’

Li Liao gave her a deep bow and pleaded.

“I’m begging you, Princess Consort.”

Hua Manman looked at the man beside her and whispered, “I’ll go check on the Commandery Princess. You stay home and get along with Gou Dan. No fighting.”

Her tone was like she was coaxing a child.

Li Ji looked at her, amused. “Let me take you there.”

Hua Manman shook her head. “No need. You should stay and keep the Lord Duke company.”

Li Ji wasn’t keen on the idea.

He and Li Liao had recently fought side-by-side, their coordination seamless, and they seemed to be getting along reasonably well.

But in truth, the unresolved tension between them had never disappeared.

They simply never brought it up.

Hua Manman tugged on Li Ji’s hand.

“Avoiding the problem won’t solve it.”

Li Ji replied sullenly, “I’m afraid I won’t be able to stop myself from punching him.”

Hua Manman smiled. “Then go ahead and punch him.”

‘Rather than have him bottle it all up, she’d prefer he get into a good, honest fight.’

Li Ji fell silent.

Hua Manman understood. ‘That’s his way of agreeing.’

“I’ll be going then. I might not be back for dinner, so don’t wait up for me.”

With that, she let go of Li Ji’s hand and walked toward the carriage.

Li Ji immediately followed her. “I’ll come get you.”

Hua Manman replied, “We’ll see. If it gets too late, I’ll just stay the night at the State Duke Mansion. It’ll save you the trip.”

But Li Ji was insistent. “I’ll come get you.”

He deliberately emphasized those four words, his eyes fixed on Hua Manman, his posture unyielding.

Hua Manman said helplessly, “Fine, have it your way.”

The corners of Li Ji’s lips immediately curled up.

He bent down, swept Manman up into his arms, and placed her in the carriage. He then adjusted her cloak and instructed,

“Take good care of yourself. Don’t catch a chill. I’ll come get you tonight.”

Hua Manman beckoned to him with a crooked finger. “I have something to tell you.”

Li Ji had been standing beside the carriage. At her words, he lifted one leg onto the carriage shaft, steadied himself with a hand on the door, and leaned his upper body inside. He brought his face close to Manman’s and asked,

“What is it?”

He had just asked the question when he felt a softness on his lips.

He froze involuntarily, his eyes widening slightly.

By the time he came to his senses, Manman had already pulled away.

She was smiling like a cat that had gotten the cream, her eyes curved into crescents.

“Nothing anymore. You can go now.”

Li Ji licked his lips, the taste leaving him wanting more.

He reached out to grab her arm, his tone dangerous. “Think you can get away with just one kiss?”

Hua Manman shook off his hand, chiding him in a self-righteous tone.

“In broad daylight! What do you think you’re doing? Regent Prince, please mind your public image!”