Evening, at Fuyang Palace in the imperial palace.

From the imperial garden to returning to Fuyang Palace, Emperor Qizhen had maintained a tense expression the entire time.

Zhang Quan followed beside him, not daring to make a sound. He ordered someone to bring over an incense burner and place it nearby, hoping it might improve His Majesty’s mood somewhat.

Suddenly—

“Zhang Quan.”

Emperor Qizhen called his name.

Zhang Quan quickly bowed forward. “Your Majesty?”

“In your opinion, regarding Prince Yi’s marriage matter, should I agree or not agree?”

“This servant… dares not say.”

“I’m telling you to speak, so speak.”

Zhang Quan drew in a breath. The words circled in his throat for a long time before emerging. “Why doesn’t Your Majesty follow Consort Xiao’s wishes?”

“Follow her wishes?”

Meaning—let him nod in agreement!

“Your Majesty, this servant will speak frankly. Consort Xiao has repeatedly proposed having Prince Yi marry the Ji family young lady—it’s nothing more than wanting to secure the Ji family’s allegiance. Now Prince Yi’s power in the court is surging. Regardless of whether the assassin assassination matter and the Ministry of Personnel matter are related to Prince Yi, the purpose in all this is nothing more than to consolidate Prince Yi’s position. Your Majesty originally wanted the First Prince to marry the Ji family young lady—wasn’t it also to secure control of the military power held by the two Ji brothers? In any case, Prince Yi will sooner or later become Crown Prince. Why not let him marry the Ji family young lady to settle his mind?”

Settle his mind?

After Zhang Quan finished speaking, he raised his head to observe Emperor Qizhen’s expression.

He saw Emperor Qizhen’s complexion darken in a short moment.

Zhang Quan quickly added, “This is merely this servant’s personal opinion. If Your Majesty feels it’s inappropriate, just consider that this servant never said it.”

Words spoken are like water spilled—how can they be taken as unsaid?

But what he had just said, Emperor Qizhen didn’t entirely disagree with.

Indeed, the most secure approach now was to agree to Consort Xiao’s suggestion—let Prince Yi marry the Ji family young lady, simply let him obtain the Ji family’s power, settle his mind, and then he wouldn’t stir up so much trouble. Prince Yi also wouldn’t, out of worry that the heir apparent position might change, incite court officials to disturb court order, or secretly plot to harm Jingrong, who was far away in Yufu competing with him.

Of his four sons, one had already died due to factional strife.

One was weak and incompetent, sick as could be.

One had been sent away from the capital by him, essentially stripped of power.

If Jing Yi truly became ruthless and killed Jingrong to seize the heir apparent position, even after his own death, he would have no peace.

His heart wavered. His hands on the table clenched into tight fists.

“I have… already decided in my heart.”

Zhang Quan dared not say more and stood by in attendance.

…

Early the next morning, Emperor Qizhen issued an imperial decree.

He issued three separate edicts.

One was sent to Prince Yi’s manor!

One was sent to the General’s Manor!

One was proclaimed throughout the realm!

“The Emperor proclaims: Ji Muqing of the Ji family is virtuous and gentle, of outstanding character and appearance. I have heard of this with great pleasure. Now to fulfill this beauty’s destiny, she is specially granted in marriage to Prince Yi as Princess. All ceremonies shall be jointly managed by the Ministry of Rites and the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs. Select an auspicious day—the wedding shall take place in three days. So decreed.”

After the palace attendant finished reading the imperial edict, he showed a jubilant expression.

On the ground knelt Ji Li, Ji Huan, Ji Muqing, and others.

The palace attendant stepped forward, holding the edict with both hands, a fawning smile at the corners of his mouth, bowing down. “Princess Yi, receive the decree.”

Ji Muqing was dizzy from being called “Princess Yi,” her head lowered bashfully, her red lips parting lightly. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

She received the imperial edict.

Everyone stood up.

“Congratulations, Princess Yi.” The palace attendant offered congratulations. “Truly a universal celebration.”

Ji Muqing held the imperial edict in her hands, her mood both joyful and extremely nervous.

This day—she had finally awaited it.

“Thank you, Eunuch.”

“Princess Yi is too kind.” The palace attendant then turned to look at Ji Li and Ji Huan. “Congratulations also to Minister Ji and General Ji. The Ji family has produced a Princess Yi—in the future, you will certainly rise to great honor.”

Honor your sister!

Ji Li and Ji Huan both had dark expressions. They weren’t happy at all about His Majesty’s granted marriage. Especially Ji Li—his appearance was as if he wanted to devour someone.

Neither said anything.

The atmosphere became somewhat awkward.

The palace attendant was slightly stunned, wondering in his heart why Minister Ji and General Ji had such expressions about such a joyous matter.

Could it be that the decree he had just read was wrong?

Just as his mind was in confusion—

Ji Muqing quickly pulled out silver and stuffed it into his hand.

A full ten taels.

That was several months of his salary.

He was overjoyed and quickly tucked the silver into his waistband.

Ji Muqing said with a smile, “Thank you, Eunuch. A small token of my appreciation. Please accept it.”

“Princess Yi is truly too kind. In the future, if there’s anything this servant can help with, just say the word.”

“Yes.”

“Then this servant will return to the palace to report. In a while, the palace’s betrothal gifts will arrive.”

“Mm.”

“This servant takes his leave.”

The palace attendant left with his people.

Ji Muqing clutched the imperial edict, so excited her eyes reddened. She bashfully bit her lip—she was practically over the moon.

But—

When she saw Ji Li and Ji Huan’s expressions, anger ignited in her heart again.

Raising her chin, her demeanor became haughty. “Now His Majesty has already issued the imperial decree granting this marriage. In three days, I’ll be married and will be the legitimate Princess Yi. No one can stop it.”

This was said specifically for Ji Li and Ji Huan to hear.

She saw Ji Li’s face tense like black charcoal as he looked at her. “This is your own choice. Don’t regret it in the future.”

“Elder Brother, I don’t know why you must obstruct me. I’ve become Princess Yi—in the future, our Ji family will also prosper. You and Second Brother will find it much more convenient to conduct affairs in court. Since I’m thinking of you, can’t you be happy for me? Just now, that eunuch saw you like this—when he returns to the palace, he’ll definitely gossip.”

So that’s what she was worried about!

Ji Li glared at her fiercely.

With a fierce sweep of his wide sleeves, he left the manor.

Who knew where he was going?

Ji Muqing was also flushed red with anger. It was supposed to be a happy occasion, yet it had turned into this.

She looked at Ji Huan. “Second Brother, I know you usually have no opinions of your own and always follow Elder Brother. But this time, you should know what’s good and what isn’t, right? Elder Brother doesn’t want me to be Princess Yi, but you should understand—if I enter the imperial family, it’s not just me alone who will prosper.”

Haha!

Ji Huan has no opinions?

Woman, you’ve offended me.

He also glared at Ji Muqing irritably, thinking to himself—how could he have such a sister? Fortunately, they didn’t share the same mother; otherwise, he’d be as furious as Ji Li, half-dead with anger.

He said, “Muqing, I’m someone with no opinions. Whatever Elder Brother says goes. The complicated relationships involved—you won’t understand them.”

“How could I not understand?”

“There’s nothing to say to you.”

“You…”

Ji Huan smacked his lips a few times and also left.

Thinking to himself: You’re brain-dead, not Princess Yi!

…