[Hall of Nurtured Heart] — Emperor Cheng Kang’s desk was covered with many documents. All of which were evidence of the Fourth Prince’s crimes, and the list of those involved laid in a thick pile. He was only in his early twenties this year, but he had started to scheme for what happened today as early as fourteen years old, and had roped in countless people, both in the open and secretly. If he hadn’t secretly kept watch on him for several months and uncovered all of the explicit and implicit enlistment, he would remain as a huge hidden danger even if he was disposed of.
Emperor Cheng Kang tossed the document away and let out a long sigh. This son is a pity. If he used his talents the right way, he would have been a wise minister of his generation; if he did not betray the interests of the country for his own personal desires, his life might be still intact.
After sighing, he looked towards the composed Crown Prince and his trusted general, who stood in with his back erect. Emperor Cheng Kang’s depressed mood improved a little and he smiled, “Yi Feng, you should have taken some time to rest since you have just returned from the Western Frontier. However, as the court is in turmoil and everyone is on pins and needles, you are the only person I* and the Crown Prince can rely on. When the dust is settled, I* will reward you handsomely.”
Yu Pin Yan half-kneeled and cupped his hands, “Replying to Your Majesty, can this subject exchange my battle merits and rewards for an imperial decree from you?”
“What decree?” Emperor Cheng Kang raised his eyebrows. This was the first time Yu Pin Yan had ever besought him.
“The imperial decree to grant my marriage.”
“Oh? Which girl have you taken a fancy to?” Emperor Cheng Kang leaned forward slightly. His murky eyes radiating with interest. Even the experienced and knowledgeable Crown Prince could not help but be surprised. Yu Pin Yan was not fond of women, let alone men. It was very widely rumoured by everyone in the capital that he was a cold-blooded and heartless monster.
But no one expected that a monster could also fall in love, and he even sought for an imperial decree in a prudent and solemn manner.
A glimpse of gentleness could be seen in Yu Pin Yan’s eyes as he said firmly, “I beg Your Majesty to grant marriage between Xiang’er and me.”
The document in the Crown Prince’s hand fell to the ground with a clatter.
Emperor Cheng Kang was dumbfounded, and it took him a long time to come back to his senses. Instead of feeling that it was ridiculous, he laughed heartily. “No wonder that girl was willing to brave the Western Frontier to look for you. It turns out that you two have already fallen deeply in love.”
“Yes, I have already fallen deeply in love with her, and it is difficult to free myself from her.” Yu Pin Yan admitted bluntly.
Emperor Cheng Kang was a man who was about to die. After going through these ups and downs, he was even disillusioned with life and death, so he would not be so bothered by such mundane matters. It was rare to find an infatuated person in this world. If this pair of children were in love with each other, why shouldn’t they be together? The whole capital now knew that Yu Xiang was not a member of the Yu family. So as long as they were willing, who would be in their way? He asked for a decree so that Yu Xiang could stand up upright and not be criticised in the future. This heartfelt effort to protect her was very touching.
Emperor Cheng Kang smiled and waved his hand, “You can help me and the Crown Prince to purge the court. Later on, you will be rewarded for what you should and given a marriage. You will be well treated.”
Yu Pin Yan was overjoyed. He took his leave and left the palace to go home.
When the Old Madam just severed ties with Lin Shi and her daughter, she saw many Dragon Scale Guards in chestnut coloured official uniforms rushing in the Yu family ancestral hall, without uttering a word, they arrested Lin Shi, her daughter and the third branch of the Yu family. The man heading the group caught a glimpse of the written pledge on the table and said with furrowed brows, “This document will be brought to the Ministry of Household for you to declare. I’m glad you know what you are doing. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be able to get away with just arresting these few people today.” After he finished his sentence, he personally helped the Old Madam up and the animosity exuding from his body was moderately curbed. “Old Madam this place is chaotic. This lowly subject will take you back.”
The Old Madam looked at his chestnut coloured uniform and was slightly mystified. The embroidery was indeed Yazi, but how come the colors didn’t match? Were these people really her grandson’s subordinates?
The man did not explain, but repeatedly pleaded in a manner of deep respect. Only then did the Old Madam lower her guard and she left under the escort of the group of guards.
Once they had all left, the Yu clan members made an effort to get back on their feet and exclaimed, “Oh my, that was close! If we were a step late, our whole clan would have been taken to the Heavenly Prison. Luckily, the Old Madam has great foresight to discern things properly.”
The clan elders nodded in agreement, and rather felt a lingering fear. In the meantime those who helped to vindicate the third branch of the Yu family went back and fell ill due to extreme fear.
Right after leaving the ancestral hall, Yu Xiang was taken back to the Shen family by someone sent by Shen Yuan Qi. In the evening, she received an invitation from the Old Madam to a banquet at the Yu manor.
Yu Xiang took a bath with flower petals, put on a charming peach blossom makeup, wore a bright pink butterfly dress and dabbed a few drops of rose oil behind her ears, neck and wrists. Her entire body was so tender, delicate and fragrant that one could not help but fix their gaze upon her.
At first, Shen Yuan Qi was very impressed. However, he felt very acrimonious when he recalled that his younger sister was all dressed up in such a way to meet Yu Pin Yan. He resisted the urge to lock the little girl in the house. He pointed to the wheelchair and asked, “Why are you still in a wheelchair? Didn’t you say your legs have healed a long time ago?”
“Master Ku Hui said that my bones have not yet recovered and that the cold winter makes it easy to get arthritis when I walk too much, so I still need a wheelchair from time to time.” Yu Xiang said fervently.
When Shen Yuan Qi heard this, he was so distressed that he hastily ordered someone to bring a thick blanket to cover her up. He felt it was not enough and placed two hand warmers on her legs.
Liu Lu behind them pursed her lips. She said inwardly ‘Young Miss, if you want the Marquis to carry you openly, just say so. It is so unkind to pretend to be ill and scare the Young Master.’
When the group of people arrived at Marquis Yongle manor, they saw Yu Pin Yan dressed in a dark chestnut coloured coat. He was already standing at the gate and waiting for them. Once he saw the little girl sitting in the wheelchair, his cold and stoic face suddenly blossomed into a gentle smile. He walked past Shen Yuan Qi, who was cupping his hands towards him, and took the little girl straight into his arms. He carried her by her hips and weighed her. He said, “You’ve lost weight. Haven’t you eaten properly?”
“I miss you so much that I have no appetite, so of course I would lose weight.” Yu Xiang whispered in his ear, making him laugh loudly.
Shen Yuan Qi saw this scene and gnashed his teeth. But since Yu Pin Yan had just returned home safely, he couldn’t afford to disgrace him, so he said with a fake smile, “Won’t Lord Shen invite us in?”
“Please come in, Lord Shen.” The Old Madam hastily extended her hand to invite him in. As she turned around and saw her grandchildren hugging each other, she no longer felt disgusted but only thankful.