Chapter 62: The Imperial Decree of Marriage

Proofread By : Mim

The Emperor summoned the Crown Prince back to the palace. Qin Yi calmly ordered his men to prepare the horses.

 

Although Datong was said to be at the border, it was actually not far from the capital. Riding fast, it would only take about a day and a night. If one were in a rush, without stopping to rest at any postal station, leaving before dawn, it would be possible to enter the capital before the gates closed at night.

However, going to see the Emperor wasn’t something urgent enough for Qin Yi to rush. He left under the bright sun and spent the night resting comfortably at a postal station. It wasn’t until the next morning that he appeared outside the Zhengyang Gate. The officials of the Six Ministries had already heard the news and were now waiting along the sides of the avenue. When they saw Qin Yi, many of the old officials were moved to tears, trembling as they knelt down to perform the ceremonial kowtow: “Your Highness, you’ve finally returned!”

 

These words were spoken powerfully, with a tremor of emotion. Regardless of whether they were officials or palace attendants, all lowered their heads upon seeing Qin Yi, as if the entire imperial city had fallen into silent reverence. This was the pinnacle of power in the world. From matters of bridges and rivers to the nation’s great affairs, every decree that could change this enormous empire originated from this place. But now, everyone lowered their heads and remained silent, respectfully waiting for Qin Yi to pass.

 

The larger the crowd, the more apparent the terrifying force of power. The absolute uniformity of behavior was something that could send chills down one’s spine. Qin Yi walked along, and no one moved; no one stood. No one dared to even look at him. All awaited his approach, and at the very moment he passed by, they called out in unison, “Long live the Crown Prince!”

 

Qin Yi entered the Zhengyang Gate, passed through the imperial city, disarmed at Chengtian Gate, and then, accompanied only by his personal attendants, headed toward Qianqing Palace.

 

The chief eunuch at the palace, upon seeing Qin Yi, respectfully bowed and greeted him with a smile, “Your Highness, welcome back.”

 

“Mm.” Qin Yi, now in the imposing grandeur of this red-brick, green-tile palace, where power loomed heavy, instinctively hid any expression, becoming perfect in demeanor, without flaw.

 

This was the place where he had grown up, yet it had never given him any sense of belonging.

 

After a moment, the chief eunuch returned and bowed to open the curtains for Qin Yi: “His Majesty knows you are here and is waiting inside.”

Qin Yi gave a barely perceptible nod and stepped into the hall.

 

The Emperor stood inside, wearing a bright yellow court robe, playing with a caged bird by the window. When he saw Qin Yi, he didn’t react with surprise, merely turning his head back before focusing on the bird again.

 

“You’ve returned,” he said casually, as if addressing an official, not his son.

 

“Yes.”

 

“How have you fared at the border these past years?”

 

Qin Yi let out a light laugh, making no attempt to hide the sarcasm: “Thanks to your grace, I am still alive and able to stand here and listen to you.”

 

All the palace attendants lowered their heads, unwilling to involve themselves in this conversation between the most powerful father and son in the world. Over the years, the Emperor had rarely heard anyone speak to him in this tone, yet it was thanks to his son that he was occasionally reminded of how irritating blunt words could be.

 

Though they stung, the Emperor had grown used to it. Curiously, if Qin Yi were ever mild-mannered, respectful, and filial, the Emperor would probably lose sleep over it. But precisely because Qin Yi was always bristling with thorns, never letting the Emperor feel comfortable, the Emperor paradoxically did not suspect him of any treasonous intent.

 

The Emperor understood well: his eldest son resented him over his mother’s death, and even now refused to speak civilly to him or the Empress. Resentment, yes, but plotting rebellion? No.

 

Such is the strangeness of people.

 

The Emperor, though stung by his son’s barbed words, didn’t lose his temper. He simply continued, “You don’t wish to see me, and I don’t want to see you. So let’s get to the point. Last time you wrote, asking me to issue an imperial decree for your marriage to some girl from a marquis’s family?”

 

“It’s not a decree. I asked you to formally bestow the title.”

 

“Qin Yi, let me tell you, no child has the right to decide their own marriage. Even if you are the Crown Prince, I’m still not dead.”

 

Since time immemorial, whenever an emperor spoke of death, most crown princes would grow sensitive and uneasy, but Qin Yi merely let out a half-sneer and brushed it off: “No need for all that. Just issue the decree.”

 

“You—” The Emperor was about to lose his temper when, right at that moment, the voice of an attendant rang out from outside, “The Empress has arrived!”

 

Qin Yi, without a word, turned to leave. The Emperor was furious: “Come back! That’s your mother. Is this how you behave?”

 

“My mother was Empress Wenxiao. What is she?”

 

Xiao Qi Empress had just stepped inside when she heard this remark. All the attendants immediately lowered their heads, pretending they hadn’t heard. Xiao Qi Empress herself paused for a moment, but then, as if nothing had happened, she continued gracefully into the room.

 

“So the Crown Prince has returned. How lovely. His Majesty has been feeling lonely these days, and now, by good fortune, the Crown Prince is here to keep him company and lift his spirits.”

 

Qin Yi didn’t even glance at Xiao Qi Empress. He coldly retorted, “Keeping him company is your role, not mine.”

 

No matter how well-composed Xiao Qi Empress was, having such words thrown in her face was unbearable. She looked at the Emperor in grievance, and sure enough, the Emperor roared, “You ungrateful wretch! You dare speak like this in front of me—what must you be like behind my back? It seems your time at the border hasn’t taught you any respect or filial piety. Get out of here! Come back when you’ve learned some manners toward your mother.”

 

Hearing this, Qin Yi actually began walking toward the door. The head eunuch quickly intervened, “Your Majesty, Your Highness, isn’t there anything the family can’t discuss calmly? The Crown Prince must have rushed back out of concern for Your Majesty, but he’s young and prideful, unable to humble himself. Your Majesty, why be so serious? And Your Highness, His Majesty has been thinking of you these past days, even if he doesn’t say it. How can you repay him with such hurtful words?”

 

This was when those serving at court had to show their skills. Thanks to this old eunuch, who had served the Emperor for many years, both the Emperor and Qin Yi were able to save face and get back to the main issue of the Crown Prince’s marriage.

 

The Emperor, having calmed down, resumed: “Marriage is a matter of parental consent. Selecting your consort is a significant issue. Let’s discuss it later. If you truly like this woman, you can first…”

 

“You said it yourself—it’s about my consort.” Qin Yi didn’t want to hear the next words, so he interrupted. “I’ve already made up my mind. I’ve decided she will be the Crown Princess. Anyone else is irrelevant. This concerns the rest of my life, and I won’t tolerate any interference. If you still consider me your son, do me the courtesy of not making trouble for me in this matter.”

 

The Emperor, always slightly guilt-ridden over the events surrounding Empress Wenxiao’s death, particularly around his eldest son, found it difficult to reject Qin Yi outright when he heard such a direct request. After a brief pause, he asked, “Are you sure?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Qin Yi, you are the Crown Prince,” the Emperor said solemnly, his tone reflecting the gravity of his position. “Your marriage is not just a personal matter; it’s a matter for the entire court, the entire empire. Your consort isn’t merely your wife; she is the Crown Princess of the imperial family and the future mother of the nation.”

 

Xiao Qi Empress, who had been smiling throughout, noticeably stiffened at the phrase “future mother of the nation.” She couldn’t fathom why, despite Qin Yi’s rebellious nature and frequent disrespect toward both the Emperor and herself, the Emperor remained so determined to keep him as the heir.

 

Qin Yi, composed, replied, “I am well aware. Since I took the initiative to write to the Grand Secretary and the cabinet ministers, I have carefully considered every aspect. She is virtuous, dignified, and suitable to be the Crown Princess; she is sincere and straightforward, making her a perfect wife for me. Your Majesty, I request that you issue the decree, officially bestowing the title of Crown Princess on Lady Chu Jinyao, the fifth daughter of the Marquis of Changxing.”

 

Hearing Qin Yi’s firm response, the Emperor could sense the depth of his son’s conviction. Curiosity piqued, the Emperor asked, “Who is this woman that has made you speak so highly of her? I’ve never heard you praise anyone like this. You’ve spent the last few years stationed at the border—how did you come to meet her? She’s from the Marquis of Changxing’s family, right?”

 

Now even more perplexed, the Emperor continued, “She’s not from the border, so how did you meet her, and why are you so insistent on marrying her?”

 

Feeling slightly awkward, Qin Yi responded, “That’s not something you need to worry about.”

 

“How can I not worry?” The Emperor was so startled that he even referred to himself in a more informal tone. Suddenly, his expression shifted as a suspicion crossed his mind. He eyed Qin Yi suspiciously. “You wouldn’t have…”

 

“No!” Qin Yi, somehow guessing the Emperor’s implication, was indignant. He mentally cursed the Emperor, thinking, do you think everyone’s as immoral as you? Still, recalling his unique way of meeting Chu Jinyao—secretly entering her room and observing her for days—he found himself unable to refute the implication entirely.

 

In reality, Qin Yi’s actions were far from gentlemanly. Without Chu Jinyao knowing, he had entered her private chambers and silently watched her for several days, observing everything she did—from receiving guests to going to bed. It wasn’t until she broke down in tears in front of him that he had finally revealed himself. Had that not happened, Chu Jinyao might never have known he was there, even after he left.

 

Because of this, Qin Yi still harbored a bit of guilt, especially when it came to her father, Chu Jing. Fortunately, Chu Jing remained oblivious, as did the Emperor, allowing Qin Yi to stand there righteously and declare, “Don’t think of me as vile. She has always conducted herself with propriety, never once acting improperly.” Then, as if possessed by some strange impulse, he added, “And neither have I.”

 

The Emperor observed his son for a moment, knowing that although Qin Yi was rebellious and difficult, he had a strong sense of right and wrong and wouldn’t stoop to dishonorable conduct. Given Qin Yi’s assurance, the Emperor gradually softened his stance. Most importantly, this was the first time since Empress Wenxiao’s death that Qin Yi had ever asked him for anything.

 

Had it been anything else, the Emperor would have granted the request without hesitation. But because this was about selecting the Crown Princess, it seemed hasty. The Emperor had neither seen nor heard of this woman. The appointment of a Crown Princess was second in importance only to appointing an Empress or Crown Prince. Could it really be handled so casually?

 

Frowning, the Emperor asked, “Who is she exactly? What is her character like? How old is she? Who is her father? Why haven’t I heard of the Marquis of Changxing before?”

 

Qin Yi silently mocked the Emperor’s ignorance, thinking, what kind of emperor are you, not even knowing which marquises are in the capital? He had no choice but to remind the Emperor: “Her father is Chu Jing, the Marquis of Changxing. Her grandfather was granted the title for his meritorious service in quelling the southern rebellion. The Chu family moved back to their ancestral home in Taiyuan during the first generation of the marquisate.”

 

“So this girl grew up in Taiyuan?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“That makes it even stranger. You grew up in the capital and only left for Datong, which is far from Taiyuan. How did you even hear of her, let alone decide to make her your consort?”

 

Feeling that the conversation was getting tedious, Qin Yi raised an eyebrow and asked bluntly, “So are you going to issue the decree or not?”

 

“Look at the way you’re speaking!” The Emperor glared at Qin Yi. If anyone else had dared pressure him to issue an imperial decree, they would have been dragged out and executed by now. But with Qin Yi, this kind of pushiness seemed completely natural, fitting his domineering personality—especially since it was about a woman he was determined to marry.

 

The Emperor was already 70-80% convinced but wasn’t ready to show it just yet. Waving his hand, he said, “You can leave now. I’ll think about it.”

 

Qin Yi knew that matters of this magnitude couldn’t be resolved in one sitting. The rules of the royal family were endless, and selecting the Crown Princess was of utmost importance. The Emperor might have been more agreeable if this were a less serious issue. But for now, it was necessary to sway both the Emperor and the court.

 

Feigning impatience, Qin Yi voiced some token objections before gracefully exiting. Throughout the entire process, he hadn’t spared Xiao Qi Empress a single glance.

 

Maintaining her composed smile, Xiao Qi Empress pretended not to notice Qin Yi’s dismissive attitude. Once he had left, she leaned closer to the Emperor, stamping her foot playfully and cooing, “Your Majesty…”

 

The Emperor put an arm around her, comforting her, “He’s just like that. Don’t take it to heart. You’re his elder—be more tolerant of him.”

 

And so it was. Xiao Qi Empress felt a surge of resentment. For most things, the Emperor was indulgent with her, but whenever it came to the Crown Prince, he became inexplicably lenient. For years, Xiao Qi Empress had whispered many suggestions into the Emperor’s ear, and any other official would have been executed countless times over by now. But Qin Yi, despite his insolence, still enjoyed the Emperor’s unshakable trust, and his position as heir remained as firm as ever.

 

She simply couldn’t understand it. Why did the Emperor insist on choosing the most rebellious and unpleasant son as his successor, while ignoring the more dutiful and obedient ones? Surely, men were just perverse like that, always favoring those who treated them poorly!

 

Grinding her teeth inwardly, Xiao Qi Empress nonetheless maintained her delicate, virtuous façade. “Your Majesty, you needn’t worry. Although the Crown Prince isn’t my biological son, in my heart, there’s no difference between him and my own child.”

 

The Emperor was pleased to hear this. “Indeed, since you and he share close blood ties, you should naturally be more connected than with any other concubine’s child. When he was young, he liked to be near you. It’s good for you to become closer again.”

 

Xiao Qi Empress kept up her stiff smile.

Closer? The Crown Prince was her sister’s son, making her his aunt.

 

Leaving Qianqing Palace, Qin Yi’s mood was already irritated after seeing Xiao Qi Empress. Returning to Ciqing Palace—the Eastern Palace as it was known—did little to improve it.

 

From the moment Qin Yi could remember, he had lived here. But this place never gave him any sense of home. In fact, ever since entering the imperial palace, his emotions had been steadily sinking, and he couldn’t even muster the energy to show different expressions.

 

Suddenly, he thought of Chu Jinyao. Being around her made it seem as though everything was easier to let go. Even the most trivial things felt calming when watching her do them. Qin Yi knew he wasn’t the only one who felt this way—others probably sensed it too.

 

But from now on, no one else would get the chance to experience it.

 

…

 

The matter of selecting the Crown Princess set off a silent yet intense earthquake within the Inner Court and among the ministers, despite the Emperor’s lack of public stance. The Grand Secretaries were divided in their opinions, each with their own thoughts, but all agreed it seemed hasty. Strangely, Xiao Qi Empress, who usually remained indifferent, had begun actively persuading the Emperor to approve the marriage.

 

The reason was simple: after investigating the mysterious Fifth Young Lady of the Marquis of Changxing, Xiao Qi Empress had almost laughed herself awake from delight. While just a few days ago, her own mother had recommended a candidate from the Prince Huailing’s family, that no longer mattered. She was the Empress—what did she need to answer for? With a better option, there was no reason to maintain anyone else’s face. Rejecting the Prince Huailing’s daughter was no issue at all.

 

Compared to the Prime Minister’s granddaughter or the daughter of a princess, Xiao Qi Empress found Chu Jinyao far more suitable. Among Qin Yi’s list of potential consorts, the Prince Huailing’s daughter didn’t even rank. In the eyes of the imperial family, a county princess from a different surname was of little consequence. The true princesses and princes of the capital hadn’t even voiced their opinions yet.

 

With this in mind, Xiao Qi Empress strongly advocated for the Emperor to approve the match quickly and issue the marriage decree as soon as possible. In this regard, she and Qin Yi were surprisingly aligned.

 

Meanwhile, in Taiyuan, the ladies of noble families remained blissfully unaware of the brewing storm in the capital. They were currently gathered in the governor’s garden, enjoying a flower-viewing party.

 

Chu Jinyao was among the guests. Since the situation with the Prince Huailing’s family had been called off, she had little worry about marriage prospects. Although Chu Jinyao didn’t show it, she was inwardly delighted. As for the Princess Consort’s parting words from her meeting with Chu Jinyao, the meaning behind them remained unclear, and no new marriage proposals were being arranged for Chu Jinyao. This allowed her to be carefree and focus on her own interests without fretting about marriage. After all, who would want to deal with unfamiliar in-laws and husbands?

 

On the other hand, Chu Jinmiao found herself increasingly alienated within the Marquis’s household due to the scandal with the Su family. She insisted that she didn’t know Su Family, and that the matter had nothing to do with her—but who would believe her?

 

Realizing her situation was becoming precarious, Chu Jinmiao began currying favor with the county princess and even sought reconciliation with Lin Xining, hoping to secure herself a backup plan. However, Lin Xining’s attitude was so obvious that even the entire household could see it.

 

Since the situation hadn’t been definitively resolved, the old matriarch refrained from passing final judgment on Chu Jinmiao, allowing her to continue her antics for the time being. In contrast, the matriarch was more concerned with Chu Jinyao.

 

Chu Jinyao had now become what people called “too high for the low, too low for the high.” With the Prince Huailing’s family rejecting the match, it would be difficult to find another equally suitable high-ranking family. Yet settling for a less prominent family felt like a waste. After all, Chu Jinyao was a legitimate daughter, renowned for her beauty and stable temperament, the kind that only wealthy and noble households could afford. To marry her off to a lesser official would be a waste.

 

What bothered the matriarch most, however, was that strange parting remark from Wei Wu. What on earth did he mean by that? Initially, the matriarch had suspected that Wei Wu had designs on Chu Jinyao, but his respectful demeanor toward her felt more like deference toward a superior than affection for a romantic interest. This only deepened her confusion—what was Wei Wu planning?

 

While Chu Jinyao enjoyed her newfound peace of mind, free from marriage worries, she couldn’t shake a faint sense of unease, as if events beyond her control were unraveling elsewhere.

 

She had even inquired about the Su family’s situation. Learning that Su Family were unharmed, but that Su Sheng had been permanently disqualified from taking the imperial exams, she was taken aback. Could the command from that Jin Yi Wei official, Lord Zhong, really carry such weight? For the first time, Chu Jinyao fully grasped the immense power held by Jin Yi Wei, realizing just how formidable this Imperial Guard was.

 

She was deeply grateful for Lord Zhong’s handling of the matter. The Su family had almost destroyed her life—indeed, they already had. Now, Su Sheng would face the consequences, barred from pursuing a government career for the rest of his life. His parents had plotted for their daughter’s future, only to ruin their only son’s. The outcome was both satisfying and deserved.

 

Chu Jinyao silently acknowledged how wonderful it was to have power.Having reflected on that, she returned to her current surroundings, listening to the noble ladies discuss the latest fashion trends and jewelry.

 

Today’s gathering was hosted by the governor’s wife, and many prominent families were in attendance. The ladies of various ranks chatted among themselves, while the younger girls laughed and played in the garden.

 

The wind carried a slight chill, and soon, a light drizzle began to fall. Though the rain was gentle, the young women didn’t retreat indoors. They gathered in a pavilion, continuing their lively conversation while watching the raindrops fall.

 

Chu Jinyao was listening to a conversation when sudden laughter from outside signaled a new arrival. A maid rushed in with a cheerful announcement: “The county princess of the Prince Huailing’s family has arrived.”

 

Chu Jinyao froze for a moment. Given the recent events with the Prince Huailing’s family, their relations had soured completely. Though it hadn’t turned into outright animosity, she would have preferred to avoid any contact.

 

Had she known that the Prince Huailing’s county princess would be attending, Chu Jinyao wouldn’t have come today. But since she was already here, she had no choice but to sit quietly in the far corner, subtly distancing herself from the Lin family’s young ladies.

 

Unfortunately, while Chu Jinyao wanted to avoid the situation, the others had different ideas. Before long, the county princess, surrounded by her attendants, made her way over and, without giving Chu Jinyao a chance to react, launched into a tirade: “I heard that the other day, my Second Aunt came to speak with you, and you had the nerve to give her a hard time? Where do you get the audacity to look down on our Prince Huailing’s family?”

 

Not wanting to dwell on the matter, Chu Jinyao knew that, as a woman, discussing engagements publicly wasn’t appropriate. Whether the fault lay with her or not, society always blamed the woman in cases of failed betrothals. She had been in a good mood and didn’t want to let this subject spoil it, especially not with the Prince Huailing’s family’s demeaning engagement: “County Princess, matters of reputation are not for us young women to discuss. If you have something to say, perhaps we can talk about it privately later.”

 

But the county princess, always accustomed to having her way, had become even more arrogant in recent days, as many people flattered her incessantly. Having just been praised as the future Crown Princess, she couldn’t tolerate the slightest disobedience. When Chu Jinyao didn’t respond as expected and even suggested they speak privately, the county princess became indignant, her voice rising sharply: “You dare refuse me? Do you know who I am? You were my study companion, and I’m asking you a question. How dare you not answer?”

 

“Yes, County Princess, I was your study companion, but that doesn’t make me your servant.” Chu Jinyao stood up, thinking that if she couldn’t avoid the county princess, she could at least excuse herself from the situation. If the county princess wanted to stay in the pavilion, Chu Jinyao would find another place to wait out the rain.

 

Seeing Chu Jinyao’s actions, the county princess grew furious, pointing at her and shouting: “I treated you so well, yet you repay me with such ingratitude! The rumors were true—you’ve always harbored ulterior motives, hoping to use me to climb to a higher status!”

 

“Ingratitude?” Chu Jinyao nearly laughed. This was the same family that had tried to force her into being a concubine, yet they now had the nerve to accuse her of ingratitude? Glancing at Yang Qixia and Chu Jinmiao standing behind the county princess, Chu Jinyao immediately understood who had been feeding her these ideas.

 

“County Princess, before you accuse others of ingratitude, perhaps you should reflect on what your family has done behind closed doors.” Standing up, Chu Jinyao said coldly, “Please move aside. I need to leave.”

 

The county princess, still fuming, lifted her chin arrogantly and declared, “You dare be disrespectful to our Prince Huailing’s family? You think you can just walk away? Disrespecting me is the same as disrespecting the imperial family. Who here dares let you leave?”

 

The county princess’s mention of the “imperial family” was a pointed allusion. While the Prince Huailing’s family did indeed bear the title of a foreign noble, the tone and attitude in which the county princess spoke made it clear she was referring to something more.

 

By the time the county princess had brought her entourage to confront Chu Jinyao, the other young ladies in the pavilion, sensing trouble, had quietly slipped away. Now, hearing the county princess’s words, those still present maintained neutral expressions, though their gazes occasionally flickered toward Chu Jinyao with a mixture of curiosity and wariness.

 

Rumors had already begun circulating, and many had heard whispers about the county princess’s impending “good fortune.” Whether or not the talk of her becoming the Crown Princess was true, her noble title was indisputable, making her status far higher than that of the other young women present. No one was willing to risk offending the county princess at a time like this.

 

The fine drizzle continued to fall, and in the distance, a group of people arrived, their figures gradually coming into view outside the Marquis of Changxing’s residence.

 

“My lord,” a man in short garb ran back to report, “the gatekeeper said that the ladies of the household are attending a banquet at the governor’s residence, and only the old matron is at home.”

 

“At the governor’s house?”

 

The speaker was a young, handsome man. The delicate raindrops fell lightly on his body and face, as if gently wiping porcelain, making the vibrant and intricate features of his face even more striking.

 

“Your Highness, it seems the rain is getting heavier. Would you like to take shelter?”

 

“There’s no need.” Qin Yi tightened the reins on his horse with one hand, turning the animal around. His voice was soft but commanding. “Head straight for the governor’s residence.”