The unusual gravity in the Hall of Mental Cultivation did not affect Wei Han. Seeing Emperor Yong’an whose face was as dark as water, he calmly performed his salutation: “Greetings, Imperial Brother.”

Emperor Yong’an gazed at the extraordinary young man, his eyes obscure, and slowly said: “Prince Dingdong has rebelled.”

Wei Han maintained his bowing posture without making a sound.

“Eleventh Brother, you are the person I trust most. I wish to send you on the eastern campaign to quell the rebellion.”

Wei Han fell silent for a moment before replying calmly: “This subject-brother accepts the decree.”

With Prince Dingdong raising rebellion and the eastern region thrown into chaos, it was inevitable that the court would dispatch troops. He had mentally prepared himself for the purpose of being summoned to the palace.

Emperor Yong’an’s expression softened. Just as Wei Han thought he could withdraw, the Emperor suddenly spoke: “Eleventh Brother is twenty-one this year, is he not?”

Wei Han lowered his eyes and replied: “After this New Year, I’ll be twenty-two.”

Emperor Yong’an nodded, his tone revealing neither pleasure nor displeasure: “When men come of age they should marry, when women come of age they should wed. Eleventh Brother has reached the time to take a wife.”

Wei Han couldn’t help but raise his eyelids, looking at the imposing Emperor seated on the dragon throne.

Emperor Yong’an revealed a trace of a smile: “Does Eleventh Brother have a woman he fancies?”

The instant he heard these words, the image of Luo Sheng flashed through Wei Han’s mind.

A woman he fancied… naturally there was one.

Seeing Wei Han remain silent, Emperor Yong’an smiled and said: “Eleventh Brother needn’t be shy. If you have someone you fancy, you can tell me, and we’ll arrange the marriage before you depart for the campaign.”

At this point, Emperor Yong’an’s gaze grew increasingly profound: “If not, I shall select a suitable match for Eleventh Brother.”

Wei Han suppressed the turmoil in his heart and calmly declined: “The old saying goes that one doesn’t marry in the first month, nor arrange betrothals in the twelfth month. Moreover, this subject-brother is about to go to war where life and death are uncertain—I wouldn’t want to delay someone else.”

He admired Miss Luo, but he didn’t wish for Miss Luo to be with him because of an imperial marriage decree.

Emperor Yong’an stared at Wei Han for a long while, then smiled: “Since Eleventh Brother thinks this way, we’ll discuss it after your triumphant return.”

“Thank you for Imperial Brother’s concern.”

“Eleventh Brother, go back and prepare.”

“This subject-brother takes his leave.”

Watching that crimson-robed figure depart, Emperor Yong’an lifted his eyelids and asked Zhou Shan: “Has Prince Kaiyang still been frequenting that… wine house lately?”

Zhou Shan hastily reminded him: “Youjian Wine House.”

“Mm.” Emperor Yong’an nodded.

“In response to Your Majesty, Prince Kaiyang goes there almost daily.”

Emperor Yong’an’s eyes flickered: “I recall that was opened by Luo Chi’s daughter?”

“Yes.”

Emperor Yong’an thought for a moment, then said: “Summon Luo Chi to the palace.”

Grand Commandant Luo had been responsible for interrogating the theatrical performers these past days. Though there was no progress, he wasn’t worried.

As Commander of the Jinlin Guard, he naturally knew that this assassination which had shocked the court was planned by His Majesty—dragging it out indefinitely was exactly what His Majesty wanted.

When summoned to the palace, Grand Commandant Luo was somewhat puzzled.

“This subject greets Your Majesty.”

Emperor Yong’an stared at Grand Commandant Luo for an instant, then grabbed the brush washer resting on the desk and hurled it at him.

The brush washer flew straight at his head. Grand Commandant Luo didn’t dodge, but took the blow squarely with his shoulder.

Grand Commandant Luo, who had only been bowing with cupped hands, fell to his knees with a thud as an angry voice came from above.

“Luo Chi, are your Jinlin Guards dead men? How could you fail to detect Prince Dingdong’s substitution scheme?”

The Jinlin Guard was spread throughout all critical locations in Great Zhou, and naturally the city where Prince Dingdong’s manor was located would not be lacking their presence.

Grand Commandant Luo looked up in astonishment: “Substitution scheme?”

Emperor Yong’an’s face was taut as he ignored him.

Zhou Shan understood Emperor Yong’an’s thoughts and cleared his throat to explain: “Prince Dingdong’s heir apparent has just admitted that he is actually Prince Dingdong’s second son, not the true heir apparent.”

“Such a thing happened?” Grand Commandant Luo’s expression changed. Pressing his forehead to the floor, he begged forgiveness: “This subject has failed in his duty. I beg Your Majesty’s punishment.”

The coldness of the golden brick transmitted from his forehead straight to his heart.

“What about the other heir apparents? Are there any problems?” Emperor Yong’an looked down at the kneeling Grand Commandant Luo and questioned sternly.

Grand Commandant Luo hastily said: “The other heir apparents absolutely have no issues.”

“You dare guarantee it?”

“This subject stakes his life on it.”

All the princely manors were key targets of the Jinlin Guard’s surveillance. When the various heir apparents departed, the Jinlin Guard had quietly verified their identities. Of course, with heaven high and the Emperor far away, it wasn’t strange that Prince Dingdong’s manor had pulled off this substitution trick.

The other princely manors didn’t have brothers similar enough to impersonate their heir apparents.

“Luo Chi, subordinates who aren’t useful should be replaced when necessary.”

This meaningful reminder made Grand Commandant Luo’s eyes contract as he lowered his head in acknowledgment.

Emperor Yong’an softened his tone and said lightly: “Rise.”

Grand Commandant Luo obediently stood up.

“Luo Chi, your daughter isn’t young anymore, is she?”

Grand Commandant Luo froze, looking up in confusion.

Gazing at Emperor Yong’an’s calm countenance, if not for the brush washer lying by his feet as a reminder, the earlier reprimand seemed as if it had never happened.

The Emperor’s heart was unfathomable—the longer one followed His Majesty, the more profoundly one felt this.

Seeing Grand Commandant Luo remain silent, Emperor Yong’an frowned: “Hmm?”

Grand Commandant Luo nodded in a daze.

“Her marriage hasn’t been arranged yet?”

Grand Commandant Luo felt a pain in his chest, worse than being struck by the brush washer on his shoulder. With a complex expression he said: “This subject has four daughters, all of whom have yet to have their marriages arranged.”

If Your Majesty was dissatisfied with the Jinlin Guard’s dereliction of duty, just punish him—why ask about such heart-wrenching matters?

“None have marriages arranged?” This time it was Emperor Yong’an who was surprised.

Though he was accustomed to controlling his ministers, he wouldn’t go so far as to inquire about the marriages of his ministers’ children.

Grand Commandant Luo fell silent.

He understood now—this was His Majesty’s punishment, striking at one’s very heart!

However, when His Majesty asked a question, he couldn’t avoid answering.

Grand Commandant Luo suppressed his shame and indignation: “This subject’s four daughters are all yet unwed.”

“Oh.” Emperor Yong’an nodded, then suddenly asked: “What do you think of Prince Kaiyang? I’ve heard your third daughter is quite familiar with Prince Kaiyang.”

Grand Commandant Luo was stunned.

His Majesty summoned him to the palace for a thorough scolding, then started matchmaking?

This shift was rather dramatic—he couldn’t react for a moment.

Seeing Grand Commandant Luo spacing out again, Emperor Yong’an grew somewhat impatient.

Why did Luo Chi become slow-witted whenever his daughters were mentioned, as if missing a screw in his brain?

“Well?”

Grand Commandant Luo came to his senses and hastily said: “This subject hasn’t inquired, but knows that Prince Kaiyang frequently visits Youjian Wine House, so it would be normal if my daughter is familiar with him.”

“Would my beloved minister be willing to choose my Imperial Brother as son-in-law?”

Grand Commandant Luo’s eyes flew wide open: “Your Majesty—”

He hadn’t even enjoyed that young man’s formal marriage proposal yet—was there to be an imperial marriage decree already?

An imperial decree was actually acceptable—at least one daughter could finally be married off. He just didn’t know whether Sheng’er would be willing or not.

Grand Commandant Luo was in the midst of his dilemma when he heard Emperor Yong’an say: “Prince Kaiyang currently has no intention of marrying, but I cannot bear to see him still alone at his age. In this matter, I’m afraid Beloved Minister Luo will need to take the initiative…”

Grand Commandant Luo could no longer hear what came after.

What? Prince Kaiyang currently had no plans to take a wife?

And he had to take the initiative?

Emperor Yong’an waited for a response that didn’t come and grew stern: “Luo Chi, do you understand my meaning?”

If this continued, he would have to consider replacing him with a more compliant Commander of the Jinlin Guard.