I'm Really Not Here to Steal the Bride

Prince Yun's excited demeanor left Chen Chang'an utterly bewildered.

What the hell?

Are you actually eager to help?

"I'm not—"

"Yes, yes, of course you're not. This isn’t the place to talk."

"Come with me."

Prince Yun’s enthusiasm made Chen Chang'an feel as though the man was practically hoping someone would crash the wedding.

Even if the imperial family disapproved of this marriage, surely they wouldn’t be this thrilled about it? Were they really so willing to throw the royal family’s dignity out the window?

Before Chen Chang'an could make sense of the situation, Prince Yun had already led him to a side hall.

Good grief—the place was packed with people, all of whom appeared to be members of the imperial family.

"Fifth Brother, why have you brought an outsider here?"

"Patience. Let me introduce you all—this is the renowned Chen Chang'an."

Chen Chang'an?

At Prince Yun’s words, the expressions of everyone in the room shifted, their gazes locking onto Chen Chang'an.

"So this is the legendary Chen Chang'an?"

"Truly extraordinary in bearing, as expected of the greatest prodigy in the Ancient Immortal Domain."

"Forgive our rudeness, Young Master Chen. We were just—"

"Enough with the pleasantries!"

"Young Master Chen is here for Prince Qi’s estate. Do you understand what I’m implying?"

Huh?

Here for Prince Qi’s estate?

Prince Yun’s statement only deepened the confusion in the room. No one had heard of any connection between Prince Qi and Chen Chang'an.

If there had been, given Prince Qi’s personality, wouldn’t he have bragged about it long ago?

"Young Master Chen, please take the seat of honor!"

"Young Master Chen, are you here for Prince Qi’s estate… or for the Princess of Prince Qi’s estate?"

"Could it be that you’ve taken a liking to the Princess?"

"If that’s the case, speak plainly. Whatever you need, we’ll help."

"Today, we’re ready to go all out—how about we help you crash this wedding?"

"Let’s think—the ceremony hasn’t started yet, and no one would expect a disruption."

"So, let’s devise a foolproof plan to ensure the lovers are united. What do you all say?"

"Brilliant idea!"

"I’m in."

"Agreed."

Without Chen Chang'an uttering a single word, these people had already begun plotting the details of the wedding crash, treating him with newfound warmth.

"Everyone!"

"I’m not here to crash the wedding."

"Are you all a little too eager for someone to disrupt this marriage?"

Chen Chang'an couldn’t shake the feeling that these people were practically begging for someone to interfere—so much so that merely mentioning Prince Qi’s estate had them jumping to conclusions.

Not here to crash the wedding?

At Chen Chang'an’s words, their enthusiasm visibly deflated, and the warmth in their demeanor vanished.

"Ugh."

"Got my hopes up for nothing. I really thought someone was here to stop this."

"Same. I’d even planned their escape route."

"What now? Is there really no way to stop this wedding?"

"Don’t panic. It hasn’t started yet. There’s still time."

Listening to them, Chen Chang'an grew increasingly puzzled. If everyone was against it, why not just act?

"If the entire imperial family opposes it, would the Emperor really insist on pushing forward?"

"Haven’t you tried other ways to stop it?" Chen Chang'an asked curiously.

"Of course we have. We’ve exhausted every option."

"But His Majesty won’t listen. What are we supposed to do—kill him?"

"Besides… we don’t even have the strength for that."

"Alas. It seems the heavens have doomed our Yongyang Immortal Dynasty."

Doomed?

What were they implying? There seemed to be something he didn’t know.

Could it be… they’d also discovered the demons?

"A wedding isn’t enough to bring ruin, is it?" Chen Chang'an probed.

"You’re an outsider. You wouldn’t understand."

"Fine. There’s no harm in telling you."

"The current Empress is the daughter of the Master of Heavenly Sword Sect. This time, the Emperor has lost his mind—for the sake of that girl from Prince Qi’s estate, he’s imprisoned the Empress."

"The Heavenly Sword Sect already knows. Given the Master’s temper, he won’t let this slide."

"The fact that the sect has remained silent means they’re preparing to sever ties with the imperial family."

"On the day of the wedding, the capital will run red with blood!"

"Worse, the Master of Heavenly Sword Sect holds immense prestige in the Tianyuan Domain. Countless people owe him favors."

"For the past half-month, many have arrived in the capital under the guise of offering congratulations. In truth, they stand with the Heavenly Sword Sect."

"Despite knowing the consequences, the Emperor refuses to back down. What can we do?"

"Our only hope is to stop this wedding."

"The simplest solution would be to kill that girl from Prince Qi’s estate, but we’ve had no opportunity."

"Even if no one crashes the wedding, we planned to act during the ceremony."

"If that girl dies, the Emperor will have no reason to keep the Empress imprisoned."

Hearing this, Chen Chang'an finally understood—they wanted him to be the scapegoat.

"Relax. This wedding won’t happen," Chen Chang'an said calmly.

Won’t happen?

"And you still claim you’re not here to crash it?"

"Then let’s discuss our next steps."

"We promise not to hold you back."

Crash the wedding, crash the wedding!

Was that the only idea these people had?

"I’m really not crashing it, but I won’t let this wedding proceed smoothly either."

"If you truly want to help, just sit back and watch when the time comes."

Though puzzled, the group nodded earnestly.

"It’s almost time. We should head over."

"If none of us show up, it’ll raise suspicions."

"Young Master Chen, will you accompany us?"

"Fine. Let’s go."

Chen Chang'an followed the imperial princes to the wedding venue, where many guests had already taken their seats.

His gaze swept over the crowd—no doubt, many among them had already pledged allegiance to the demons.

"Who is that man?"

Suddenly, Chen Chang'an’s attention fixed on one individual. Prince Yun glanced over and said, "That’s Prince Qi."

"So that’s Prince Qi?"

The moment Chen Chang'an saw him, he was genuinely surprised. This old man was the same one he’d met in the tavern a few days ago.

Had he deliberately sought Chen Chang'an out?

Prince Qi noticed Chen Chang'an as well and gave him a knowing smile.

"Kid, you’re quite the sly one."

"Inviting me to a meal and then making me pay?" Prince Qi transmitted his voice.

"When did I say I was treating you?"

"I didn’t touch a single bite—you ate everything. Who else should’ve paid?" Chen Chang'an shot back without hesitation.

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