CF Chapter 46

Chapter 46

 

“Quiet! You’re in the presence of His Imperial Majesty!”

Zhang Rang shouted, unable to contain himself any longer. At the stern eunuch’s rebuke, all the ministers fell silent. Though their antipathy toward Zhang Rang surged, his words were unfortunately correct. Only after the Great Hall fell quiet did the Emperor finally speak.

“So, the pardon? For what reason do you wish to use it for?”

The Emperor responded casually, as if giving out indulgences was a common occurrence, showing only curiosity on his face about why Dongbaek would so readily offer one up.

Dongbaek glanced quickly at where He Jin stood. His expression was as churlish as ever.

This was fortunate. It was clear that Dan Liang’s message hadn’t reached him yet. He showed no signs of knowing about Lily’s kidnapping, let alone the possibility that Dongbaek might be the suspect.

Since Dan Liang didn’t have the rank to enter the Great Hall, he wasn’t present. This was truly the best possible situation. Suppressing a satisfied smile, Dongbaek spoke.

“There was a precious daughter from a noble house that I had my eye on. Since she was still young, I was planning to wait before submitting a marriage proposal, but her father proved far more hasty than I anticipated. When I saw that he had suddenly set a wedding date with another man, I couldn’t bear to lose her. In my impulsiveness, I kidnapped her.”

Shock swept through the Great Hall. Everyone stared at Dongbaek with gaping mouths.

A wedding with another man? Kidnapping out of impulse?

Everyone wore expressions of disbelief at this unexpected turn of phrases. Even Zhang Rang, who knew the whole story, wore a devastated expression at hearing Dongbaek’s direct confirmation.

Only Emperor Ling looked thoroughly entertained. His round eyes were filled with interest.

“Someone like you, Dongbaek, would make an excellent husband for any family. I’m surprised they were so hasty. If it were me, I’d offer you even a member of the imperial family as a bride! Though things have become a bit complicated, surely compensating the other party would suffice. Why waste the pardon token?”

“That may be true, but I acted without the bride’s family’s consent. Taking another man’s bride is undeniably improper. Therefore, I humbly request Your Majesty’s blessing for my marriage to her in exchange for the pardon token.”

Is that all? Everyone present wore expressions of disbelief. All this just to marry a woman? He’s giving up a royal pardon for this? Impossible. There must be more to it.

The ministers, overwhelmed by suspicion, couldn’t voice their thoughts aloud, their expressions stiff with frustration.

Zhang Rang clicked his tongue at the ministers. He understood their feelings, as he had felt the same when he first heard Dongbaek’s story.

Amidst everyone’s suspicions, Dongbaek continued speaking naturally.

“With Your Majesty’s blessing, all impropriety will be cleansed, and heaven and earth will recognize the union. The former fiancé will have no choice but to accept the situation, and her father’s anger will be pacified.”

“Ah, you won’t accept even a speck of blemish on this matter? What refined taste. Perhaps a little overly particular, but it suits you, Dongbaek. Very well. If the Son of Heaven gives his blessing, who would dare defy it? Isn’t that right?”

At the Emperor’s words, everyone present bowed their heads. He Jin was no exception. He never dreamed this matter concerned him.

It was the Emperor’s word. Submission was natural. Emperor Ling flaunted his authority to Dongbaek.

Dongbaek gave a shy smile filled with respect and reverence to the Emperor. It was exactly the reaction the Emperor wanted. Thoroughly satisfied, Emperor Ling called out in a pleased tone.

“I accept your request, and in exchange for the imperial pardon, I shall bless your marriage. Now then, which family’s daughter is your intended?”

At the Emperor’s question, others also showed curiosity on their faces.

Which family’s daughter could it be? Given all this effort, she must be from a noble family. But none of them knew of any daughters currently preparing for marriage…

He Jin, belatedly getting an ominous feeling, stared at Dongbaek with clouded eyes. His pupils shook with uncertainty.

Dongbaek mocked his foolishness. The smile playing at her lips was a victor’s smile, and her voice dripped with the joy of triumph. Dongbaek’s infinitely satisfied voice rang clearly through the Great Hall.

“The bride is Wei Wei Dan Liang’s daughter, Lily. Under Your Majesty’s warm blessing, I shall cherish Lady Dan dearly.”

“This is preposterous!”

He Jin’s thunderous voice shook the Great Hall. Those around him were startled by his appearance of intense agitation. Before others could think to stop him, He Jin charged at Dongbaek with a terrifying aura.

It happened in an instant. Neither Zhang Rang nor the Emperor seemed to have anticipated such a reaction, as they could only gape.

Dongbaek reflexively deflected the hand reaching for her throat. The force in his arm as he tried to snap Dongbaek’s neck was no joke. Using He Jin’s chest as a springboard, Dongbaek leaped up. Her body flew nimbly through the air.

“You wretched rat!”

He Jin snarled, grinding his teeth at Dongbaek’s instant escape. He deeply regretted not being able to bring weapons due to being in the Emperor’s presence.

Keeping her distance while glaring at He Jin, Dongbaek’s expression showed not a hint of wavering. Her tightly drawn lips were as calm as ever, and her cool gaze watched He Jin without movement. Her pale irises, devoid of even a trace of emotion, were like glass beads.

He Jin also glared at Dongbaek with rage like flames in his eyes, as if he would tear her to pieces.

Everyone around was frightened by He Jin’s appearance. The military officials exchanged glances, ready to restrain him by force if necessary.

“General, what is this outrageous behavior!”

A sharp rebuke cut through the tension. Zhang Rang’s snake-like eyes shot daggers at He Jin.

Under that cold, expressionless face that skillfully hid his emotions, he could manipulate anyone with the slightest movement of his lips, alternating between sweet words and an uncompromising attitude that allowed no rebuttal. Though Dongbaek and Zhang Rang were father and child with no physical resemblance, they were unmistakably alike in this one aspect.

Zhang Rang addressed He Jin sternly.

“You’re before His Imperial Majesty. And this matter is already decided. Do you truly not realize you’re only damaging your own dignity with this unseemly display?”

“Ha, a eunuch daring to interfere here, how presumptuous! Like father, like son, both too busy coveting what belongs to others! If you’re a eunuch, act like one—why meddle in state affairs and muddy the waters! I may be damaging my own dignity, but you’re undermining the imperial family’s dignity!”

He Jin’s rage-fueled outburst reached its peak. Despite how far things had escalated, none of the court officials had realized that the Lily that Dongbaek mentioned was He Jin’s fiancée.

They were simply shocked by He Jin’s violent behavior. Zhang Rang had the Emperor’s favor. There was no way the Emperor would let this slight against Zhang Rang go unpunished, especially right in front of him.

As everyone expected, Emperor Ling raised his hand, unable to listen anymore. The brilliant golden dragon robe draped over his plump arms.

“General He, Zhang Rang only spoke the truth. Why are you getting so heated? And to dare attempt violence in my presence, how preposterous! It’s not Zhang Rang who’s undermining the imperial family’s dignity, but you! Reflect on your actions for a while.”

The Emperor waved his hand at He Jin as if he couldn’t bear to look at him.

“But Your Majesty!”

Despite He Jin’s cry, the Emperor remained firm. His usually gentle eyes shone with stubbornness, and his voice showed no sign of yielding.

“I will say it again. I approve of Commander Dongbaek’s request! As of today, Dongbaek and Lady Lily are husband and wife. I shall personally send wedding gifts to celebrate their union. Anyone who dares to object further will face severe punishment!”

At the Emperor’s words, He Jin collapsed while a deep smile rose to Dongbaek’s lips.

“I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty’s grace.”

Dongbaek’s calm voice, hiding inner joy, echoed through the quiet Great Hall.

-ˋˏ ༻❁✿❀༺ ˎˊ-

Since her marriage to He Jin had been arranged, Lily had been unable to sleep properly.

But that ended after Dongbaek came to find her. Both her insomnia and her obedience to the father who had raised her alone came to an end.

Lily couldn’t contain her fluttering heart at Dongbaek’s proposal that wasn’t quite a proposal. Just looking at him was wonderful. How could she not be happy that such a person would become hers, even if only outwardly? Lily didn’t ask for much.

That’s why she resolved to abandon everything and follow Young Master So. She didn’t mind being called an ungrateful daughter. Even if she faced the same situation a hundred times, she would make the same choice all hundred times.

It was her first good sleep in a long time. She felt incredibly relieved after letting go of her anxiety about trying to please her father. Lily fell into a deep sleep. So deep that she didn’t even notice being moved somewhere.

When Lily opened her eyes, she saw an unfamiliar ceiling. Though her own room had been luxurious beyond her family’s status, this room was even more so. Every carelessly placed piece of porcelain was precious, as was the blanket densely embroidered with phoenix patterns.

“Where is this…?”

Startled, Lily sat up abruptly. The smooth, cold stone floor felt cool against her soft feet.

Before she could fully take in her surroundings, she heard the sound of footsteps near the door. Turning cautiously, she saw a woman she had never met before—a noblewoman with an elegant smile standing gracefully in the doorway.

-ˋˏ ༻❁✿❀༺ ˎˊ-

Thank you for reading! ♡