Chapter 10 One Step to the Top

k is most likely to have done this" Yun Qianyue asked."It should probably be the Imperial Tutor," Nan Lingrui replied."The Imperial Tutor" Yun Qianyue recalled that each country's governance was diffe...Chapter Ten: Ascend to the Top in One Step

Upon hearing this, Yun Qianyue's thoughts shifted but she did not immediately respond.

"Hm" The old emperor raised an eyebrow at Yun Qianyue. Seeing that she remained silent, he continued, "I remember two months ago you requested a royal marriage decree during the martial arts examination ceremony, stating that you would marry no one other than Rong Feng. At that time, it was just for fun. My seventh princess suffered a shock at her birthday banquet two days ago but turned out to be fortunate, suddenly recovering and now having feelings for the Marquis Rong Feng of Wen Bo's House. My daughter has endured suffering for many years, and I am willing to fulfill her happiness. Little Moon, what do you think about this"

"This matter seems to have been asked from the wrong person by His Majesty Uncle Emperor," Yun Qianyue said coolly.

"Oh Then who should I ask" The old emperor looked at Yun Qianyue. Seeing her calm expression, he raised an eyebrow, his aged eyes deep and profound.

If it is a marriage arrangement for Rong Feng, one would naturally have to ask him if he agrees. There are so many lovesick men and women in the world; could His Majesty Uncle Emperor want the Seventh Princess to follow the same path as Qing Wan Princess" Yun Qianyue raised her eyebrows.

The old emperor's expression darkened.

Yun Qianyue seemed not to see his gloomy face and continued, "Perhaps you have too many daughters; losing one or two doesn't matter. If that is the case, just arrange a marriage with an imperial decree and bind them together. Why do you need others' opinions You are the Son of Heaven! Not only do you control all power within the Heavenly Holy realm, but you also decide people's marriages."

"Rebellious!" The old emperor bellowed angrily, "This is how you talk to me"

"Since you asked, I tell the truth," Yun Qianyue looked at the old emperor, ignoring his anger and smilingly reminded him, "Uncle Emperor, you are still in bed recovering. You mustn't get angry; it's not good for your health to be overly agitated. Moreover, Aunt is pregnant now; you should take care of yourself to see how the crown prince inside her looks."

"You…" The old emperor was furious and glared at Yun Qianyue, pointing at her with his hand, "Get out!"

Yun Qianyue turned and walked away. Could she really stand here facing this gaunt old man

"Come back here!" The old emperor saw Yun Qianyue walk to the door in just a few steps and shouted angrily again.

Yun Qianyue stopped, slowly turned around and looked at the old emperor, using an infuriating tone of voice: "Are you letting me leave or keeping me here Isn't it said that what the emperor says is final How can you go back on your word so easily As a sovereign ruler, don't you even have a firm statement I truly don't know how you've managed to remain emperor for so long without being overthrown!"

The old emperor was even more enraged by this and stared at Yun Qianyue with blazing eyes. "Are you trying to make me die of anger"

Yun Qianyue's eyelids fluttered; if she could kill him, it would be best, but unfortunately he seemed unable to die. Glancing at Ye Tianyi who had been sitting silently at the table since the start, not even glancing in her direction once, Yun Qianyue thought that as long as this old emperor was alive, he could still rein in this wild horse (Ye Tianyi). If he died, this wild horse would run free. Whether it would benefit Heavenly Holy's realm or not when it ran free, she knew it wouldn't be good for her either. Therefore, she suppressed her emotions and stopped speaking.

Seeing that Yun Qianyue was no longer talking, the old emperor's anger subsided somewhat and he told her, "Come back!"

Yun Qianyue returned.

The old emperor gestured to a spot on his bed with his hand. "Sit here."

Yun Qianyue glanced at the side of the bed and shook her head, saying, "Uncle Emperor, this is your dragon bed; it wouldn't be proper for me to sit here"

"I order you to sit! Where's all that nonsense coming from" The old emperor glared.

Yun Qianyue stood her ground. She didn't think a wounded, gaunt old man could threaten her now. If she dared to destroy the sword he had drawn on her before, it already showed she wasn't afraid of imperial might.

"If you sit over here, I'll let your aunt return to Glorious Prosperity Palace. Otherwise, she will continue kneeling outside the hall," said the old emperor.

"Haha, Uncle Emperor has also started threatening people now This is not your style as a sovereign ruler." Yun Qianyue scoffed. The mention of the empress always made her angry; only she knew how much effort it took for her to hold back from slapping this old man senseless.

"My imperial style has never worked on you, this little girl," said the old emperor, no longer angered by Yun Qianyue's scoffing. He spoke solemnly: "When have you ever feared me Before, you were secretly opposing me in front of me while pretending to be compliant. Now you don't pretend anymore. But when acting foolishly, you completely disregard my authority."

Yun Qianyue remained silent.

"Sit here! I won’t eat you," the old emperor patted the bedboard again.

Thinking about it, Yun Qianyue realized she might as well sit there. Why waste words with him She took a step towards the bed and sat down at its side. These years, although her disguise hadn't been seen through by the old emperor was one thing, he had indeed been lenient to her. Perhaps it was related to her mother.

"Brunei, escort the Empress back to the palace. The imperial decree has been issued on establishing the Crown Prince. The child in her womb is a flesh and blood of this emperor, making him the rightful heir to the East Palace. This matter is settled; it should not be brought up again," the old emperor instructed from inside.

"Yes!" Brunei responded outside.

"Moonling, I remember that you have been very close with my seventh princess over the years and frequently visit her," the old emperor turned his gaze to Yun Qian Mo and continued, "You also admire Lord Wen's son Rong Feng. I’ve betrothed him to my seventh princess; shouldn’t this make you happy Why are you talking back like that Could it be that you don't wish for this match"

"Where is the problem If both Rong Feng and the seventh princess agree, then naturally, I would be pleased. Just like how my brother Yun Shao Fei is with Ye Qian. However, if one of them disagrees, they become a tragic couple. Uncle Emperor, forcing a marriage can bring down heavenly retribution," Yun Qian Mo gave the old emperor a serious look. She hadn’t expected that right after she and Rong Jing went to Lord Wen's mansion to see Rong Feng and the seventh princess perform their act, the old emperor would immediately ask her about Rong Feng and the seventh princess.

Night Tian Yi heard Yun Qian Mo’s last sentence and suddenly turned to look at her.

Yun Qian Mo seemed oblivious to Night Tian Yi's gaze. The words she spoke clearly had a deeper meaning. Her marriage with Rong Jing was like two parallel lines; she hoped that one day, these two lines would intersect. The key naturally lay in Night Tian Yi’s actions.

The old emperor glanced at Night Tian Yi and snorted, "Moonling, fate is predetermined by heaven. How do you know that Rong Feng and my seventh princess don’t have a destined marriage Marriage depends on mutual affection or the will of heaven. If heaven intends for them to marry, no one can stop it."

"Then what about Princess Qing Wan and my brother Wasn't she chasing after him for ten years without success" Yun Qian Mo raised her eyebrows.

Night Tian Yi withdrew his gaze and continued to go through the memorial documents as if nothing had happened.

"That can only mean that they weren’t destined. Why didn’t I arrange their marriage over these past years Doesn't this also prove a point" The old emperor said, "I see my seventh princess has fate with Rong Feng. She fell into madness after witnessing the bloody scene at Lord Wen's mansion. Now that Rong Feng has returned, she’s recovered. He is her liberator."

"Uncle Emperor, are you so sure about this" Yun Qian Mo suddenly smiled and bent a finger, casually remarking, "But I also witnessed the bloody scene at Lord Wen's mansion back then; doesn’t that mean I have fate with Rong Feng too"

The old emperor was taken aback, "You also saw... the bloody scene at Lord Wen's mansion"

"Yes!" Yun Qian Mo nodded and gave the old emperor a mysterious smile as she met his astonished gaze. "Not only did I see it, but I witnessed everything from beginning to end without missing any detail."

The shock in the old emperor’s eyes faded away, leaving behind deep, dark pools as he sternly asked, "Moonling, why didn’t you say anything all these years The wrongful accusations against Lord Wen's mansion remained unsolved for ten years. If you witnessed it, why didn't you help the Ministry of Justice investigate"

"Of course, to save my life!" Yun Qian Mo continued with a smile. "If I had spoken up, after hundreds of people died at Lord Wen’s mansion and then me, where would I be now Long buried in the earth and reincarnated."

The old emperor suddenly fell silent.

Yun Qian Mo also remained quiet. The massacre at Lord Wen's mansion ten years ago was still vividly remembered; if not for Rong Feng’s return, it might have been forgotten long ago. Now that Rong Feng had returned, the bloody scene from Lord Wen's mansion was being remembered again. Would the truth eventually come to light

"Brunei, announce Rong Feng's arrival!" The old emperor called out after a moment of silence.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Brunei immediately responded and hurriedly went downstairs.

"Moonling, let’s play a game of chess," the old emperor suddenly said.

"Uncle Emperor can barely move lying down; how could you possibly play chess" Yun Qian Mo raised her eyebrows.

"A master player has the game in their heart and doesn't need a board to play." The old emperor looked at Yun Qian Mo. "Don’t tell me that you don’t know how to play Why did I believe that such an unrefined little girl like you couldn’t do anything else but be spoiled You are her daughter, so why would there be no reason for you to know how to play chess Like mother, like daughter! How could I have been so foolish twenty years ago and again now"

"My mother is long gone. Even if I can play chess, it doesn't concern her," Yun Qian Mo said.

The old emperor snorted, "It’s good that you know how to play! Who goes first"

"Uncle Emperor goes first!" Yun Qian Mo leaned lazily against the bed frame as if she had no bones in her body.

The old emperor glanced at her and made his move. Without thinking, Yun Qian Mo also made a move. A glint flashed across the old emperor's eyes; he moved again, and Yun Qian Mo followed suit. The air between them seemed to form an invisible chessboard over their bed frame. In the Holy Yang Palace, it was quiet except for occasional sounds of Night Tian Yi’s pen and flipping through documents as well as the sound of their chess game.

Halfway through their match, Brunei's voice came from outside: "Your Majesty, Lord Wen’s son Rong Feng has arrived!"

The old emperor stopped and shouted out, "Bring him in!

Borneo replied briefly, and soon Rong Feng lifted the curtain to enter. When he saw Yun Qianyue leaning against the wall lazily with a languid expression, he seemed to be stunned for a moment. But then he quickly composed himself, bowed calmly, and his manner was more casual and relaxed compared to Cloud Li's stiff formality.

"No need to kowtow!" The old emperor waved at Rong Feng dismissively.

Rong Feng stood up, his gaze falling on the space three feet in front of him.

"Rong Feng, do you know why I summoned you today" The old emperor looked at Rong Feng and glanced at Yun Qianyue as he asked.

"This minister is unaware!" Rong Feng shook his head.

"I heard that my seventh princess visited your residence today" Although the old emperor was asking, his tone was firm and certain.

"Yes!" Rong Feng nodded.

"Why did the seventh princess visit your residence" The old emperor asked again.

"The princess made a wrong turn and mistakenly entered my residence." Rong Feng replied without raising or lowering his voice.

Yun Qianyue blinked her eyes, a slight smile tugging at her lips. Such a simple explanation! If she hadn't witnessed the conversation between Princess Seven and Rong Feng in Wenhao's mansion this morning with her own eyes, even now she would believe his words. She had never known that Rong Feng was someone who lied so smoothly without needing to think.

"Oh So you're saying my seventh princess made a wrong turn" The old emperor was taken aback, obviously not expecting such an answer; he raised his eyebrows, "Then where was she originally heading before entering your residence"

"She should have been going to the Prince of Filial Piety's Mansion!" Rong Feng said coolly: "The Prince of Filial Piety's mansion is adjacent to Wenhao's mansion. The seventh princess and the cold prince from the Prince of Filial Piety’s mansion have always had a good relationship since childhood. After waking up, she should be visiting him but accidentally took a wrong turn."

Yun Qianyue's gaze flickered slightly; although this statement was ambiguous, it was also true. Cold Shaozhu from the Prince of Filial Piety’s mansion, despite being spoiled by the Prince of Filial Piety since childhood and treating everyone coldly, had always been kind to Princess Seven. As she was soft-natured herself, she couldn't bear to be unfriendly to anyone who treated her kindly; hence this explanation held true.

"So it's like that" The old emperor squinted his eyes slightly, "I thought the seventh princess came to see you! I remember that since childhood, the seventh princess has always liked you and often visits Wenhao’s mansion."

"The Emperor might misunderstand! The princess didn't come to see me; she visited Wenhao's mansion because of Prince Cold. After all, the Prince of Filial Piety's Mansion is right next door to Wenhao's Mansion. Princess Seven has a soft personality and doesn't like directly seeing Prince Cold, so Wenhao’s mansion became a bridge between them." Rong Feng said unperturbed.

"Is that so" The old emperor nodded; his face showed no signs of what he was thinking.

Yun Qianyue lowered her head, pondering how clever Rong Feng must be. In just a few sentences, he had managed to distance himself from any involvement with Princess Seven. Although both she and the old emperor knew that Princess Seven's visits were actually for him, he managed to twist this fact in such a way as to leave the Emperor speechless. She silently cheered for his cleverness; Wenhao’s talent was renowned, and Rong Feng being his descendant truly lived up to the name with his sharp intellect. He must have known that the old emperor had intentions of arranging their marriage.

"Has Prince Cold awakened" The old emperor inquired again.

"It seems he awoke yesterday! But he still needs to lie in bed for several more days." Rong Feng replied, then continued: "However, if the seventh princess visits Prince Cold at the Prince of Filial Piety's mansion now that she is healthy, his joy might help him recover faster and get out of bed sooner!"

The old emperor stared intently at Rong Feng; apart from calmness in his eyes, there was no discernible emotion. After a brief silence, he said: "Rong Feng, do you have a woman you like"

Rong Feng pursed his lips, it seemed that his gaze flickered towards Yun Qianyue; when she met his look, he nodded, "Yes!"

"Oh" The old emperor raised an eyebrow. "Who"

“Yun Qianyue!” Rong Feng said.

Yun Qianyue blinked her eyes but didn't speak.

"Hmm Miss Moon" The old emperor seemed stunned, glancing at Yun Qianyue with deep eyes before turning his gaze back to Rong Feng. "You say the woman you like is Miss Moon"

“Yes!” Rong Feng nodded again.

"Do you know she's engaged" The old emperor’s voice suddenly turned stern.

“I am aware! I not only know that she has an engagement, but also that she likes someone else. However, my feelings for her are mine alone and have nothing to do with her.” Rong Feng admitted frankly; his tone remained level as it had been from the moment he entered.

Yun Qianyue lowered her eyelashes, wondering how she could say those words that "I like you but it has nothing to do with you" with the right emotion If back then when Emperor Wen promised her a royal marriage during the Imperial Literati Conference, would she not have liked Rong Jing and married Rong Feng instead There are too many ifs in this world, so there's no conclusion.

"Rong Feng, do you know that it is impossible! Putting aside the fact that Yue'er doesn't like you, even if she had a betrothal agreement, she can only marry into the royal family and not anyone else." The old emperor spoke in a heavy tone.

"This minister understands! Therefore, this minister is willing to remain unmarried for life," Rong Feng said each word clearly.

Yun Qianyue was shocked, her seated body suddenly standing up straight.

"Rong Feng, don't say such nonsense! If you don't marry, the Wen Bohu Mansion will have no successors!" The old emperor's face darkened. "You are now the crown prince of Wen Bohu Mansion and bear the responsibility to carry on the family line. In the future, when you inherit Wen Bohu Mansion and its legacy for thousands of years, how can you not marry Not marrying is disloyal and unfilial."

"Since ancient times, loyalty and filial piety cannot be achieved together!" Rong Feng said coolly, "After the Wen Bohu Mansion was exterminated, it disappeared from Heavenly Saint City for several years. Heavenly Saint wasn't affected by not having a Wen Bohu Mansion; whether or not there is a Wen Bohu Mansion, the江山still belongs to Heavenly Saint, and the court remains as it is. There's no change in anything. Now that I've returned, serving my country and home is just adding flowers to brocade. Your Majesty worries too much!"

"Nonsense!" The old emperor suddenly slammed his fist on the bedboard, furious.

"Uncle Emperor, didn't I tell you Getting angry all the time isn't good for your health!" Yun Qianyue steadied herself and reminded him. Then she suddenly smiled and said, "I didn't know that Uncle Emperor doesn't just rule Heavenly Saint but also likes to be a matchmaker. Worrying about someone's marriage today and another person's tomorrow, aren't you tired"

The old emperor suppressed his anger upon hearing her words and shouted outside, "Wen Lai, go fetch Seventh Princess for me…"

"Father Emperor, it is now time for your medicine!" Yitian suddenly spoke up.

The old emperor immediately stopped talking and looked at Yitian. When did his words get interrupted When did his orders become mere wind in the ears When did his imperial edicts lose their authority And when did someone dare to be disrespectful and say things he didn't want to hear in front of him Perhaps due to accumulated anger, he suddenly started coughing violently.

"Wen Lai, pour a cup of hot tea for Father Emperor!" Yitian put down the memorial and ordered outside.

"Yes!" Wen Lai responded immediately and hurriedly brought in a cup of tea.

Yun Qianyue stepped aside from the bed and watched as the old emperor coughed uncomfortably. She turned her face away, feeling sorry for him. The once mighty monarch was now just an old man with no more vigor left. Even lying ill on his sickbed, he still thought about scheming against others and worrying over his江山and天下.

After Wen Lai served the old emperor a cup of hot tea, his cough finally subsided.

"Fetch the medicine!" Yitian saw that the old emperor had stopped coughing and instructed Wen Lai again.

"Yes!" Wen Lai hurriedly left to fetch the medicine.

"You two may leave now," the old emperor lay down, seemingly calming himself a little. He waved at Yun Qianyue and Rong Feng with a tired expression, "Yue'er, come play chess with me tomorrow; there's still half of a game to finish."

“I seem to be busy tomorrow,” Yun Qianyue said.

"You have to come even if you're busy! Do you want me to call your Auntie here instead" the old emperor asked sternly, leaving no room for argument.

Yun Qianyue thought that he had hit on her weak spot. Her aunt was now her weakest point. She said nothing and pulled Rong Feng out of the palace hall.

"Tianyi, is the imperial edict regarding Yun Li ready" The old emperor watched as Rong Feng and Yun Qianyue walked to the door before turning to Yitian. Seeing him respond, he sternly instructed, "Go with Yue'er to deliver the edict at Yun王府and have the rite of adoption for Yun Li."

"Yes!" Yitian put down his memorial and picked up a scroll of the imperial edict as he stood up. He gave the old emperor one glance before leaving the palace hall.

Within moments, only the old emperor was left in the palace hall. Looking at the golden and splendid ceiling, he recalled that he too had been young once, but now truly felt old. No matter how much he wanted to, his body couldn't keep up with his will.

After leaving the palace hall, Yun Qianyue pursed her lips and pulled Rong Feng towards the palace gate. Rong Feng didn't say a word, allowing Yun Qianyue to lead him. Yun Li had been waiting at the entrance of the palace hall; upon seeing Yun Qianyue pulling Rong Feng out with a bad expression on her face, he was stunned but then followed after them.

After walking for a while, they met an elderly woman who respectfully greeted Yun Qianyue and said, "Miss Shanyue, I serve in Empress Mingfei's palace. Empress Mingfei knows that Miss Shanyue has come to the palace and specially sent me here to invite you to her palace."

"I'm busy today," Yun Qianyue bypassed the elderly woman and continued walking forward, leaving this reply.

The elderly woman was taken aback; she hadn't expected Yun Qianyue to be so rude. She quickly caught up with two steps and blocked Yun Qianyue's path, saying, "Miss Shanyue, Empress Mingfei requests you to come for a chat.

"I said I'm busy! Are you deaf" Yun Qianyue's expression turned cold as she glared at the nurse fiercely.

The nurse trembled and quickly stopped talking.

Yun Qianyue pulled Rong Feng forward without stopping, and they soon left the palace gate.

Outside the palace gate, Ling Lian and Yi Xue were waiting by the carriage. Yun Qianyue glanced at them both before turning to Yun Li and saying, "You can ride in my carriage back home."

"Okay!" Yun Li nodded after looking at Rong Feng.

Yun Qianyue pulled Rong Feng towards the Marquis of Wen's carriage. She climbed into it, pulling him up behind her as she did so. The curtains fell and hid their figures from view. She instructed, "Drive!"

The coachman didn't move but instead tentatively asked inside the carriage, "Young Master"

"Head back home," Rong Feng ordered.

The coachman hurriedly cracked his whip and the carriage started moving.

Yun Qianyue pulled her hand away from Rong Feng. She looked at him, noticing his calm expression as he met her gaze without flinching. Yun Qianyue stared at him for a moment before sighing in defeat and saying earnestly, "Rong Feng, how can you possibly remain unmarried your whole life Even if it's not the Seventh Princess, there are plenty of other women who would marry you."

Rong Feng slightly lowered his head and remained silent.

"You know that I've always treated you as family. How do you expect me to feel at ease with your decision" Yun Qianyue's voice was somewhat heavy.

"Don't worry about it. I'm telling the truth." Rong Feng raised his head and smiled slightly at her.

"You can still smile Do you really intend on being alone for life then" Yun Qianyue glared, looking sternly at him.

Rong Feng gave a warm smile. Though it was faint, it was sincere. "I indeed have no intention of marrying and am perfectly fine with living alone my whole life."

"Utter nonsense!" Yun Qianyue snorted in annoyance. "As the Marquis Heir, what woman can't you marry Even without marrying the Seventh Princess, there are countless good women out there to choose from. How could you possibly remain unmarried"

Rong Feng didn't speak; his gaze was quietly fixed on Yun Qianyue.

"Tell me that what you said just now is nonsense and that it's impossible for you not to marry," Yun Qianyue stared into Rong Feng’s eyes.

"Alright, I won't remain unmarried my whole life." Rong Feng sighed helplessly and smiled wryly. "Yue Er, you're really domineering."

Yun Qianyue let out a sigh, softened her tone, and said solemnly, "Rong Feng, it's not that I'm domineering but how can you possibly say you'll remain unmarried There’s just me. My heart belongs to Rong Jing; I hope everyone around me is happy. And you are among my family."

"If I hadn't said so, the Emperor would never let go of my marriage matters," Rong Feng's tone was warm. "I won’t marry the Seventh Princess and currently don't wish to marry anyone else either. Even if I do marry eventually, it will only be after your wedding with Young Master Jing."

Yun Qianyue heaved a sigh of relief, leaned against the carriage wall, and nodded. "As long as you end up marrying someone that's fine. It doesn't matter whether it’s after our wedding or not; if it isn’t the Seventh Princess I’ll still support you, but you can't remain unmarried."

Rong Feng smiled lightly as he looked at Yun Qianyue, his gaze warm. "I didn't expect that this would actually shock you."

"What a waste of words!" Yun Qianyue glanced at Rong Feng. Recalling how he had just spoken seriously to the old emperor, she was truly frightened; her mind wasn’t settled yet. With Night Tianyi already being involved in her troubles, she didn't want to drag Rong Feng into it as well.

Rong Feng remained silent.

"Was the Wen Family bloodshed related to Lady Ming" Yun Qianyue suddenly asked.

The smile on Rong Feng's face faded instantly. He looked at her, pursed his lips, and nodded as she narrowed her eyes. In a soft voice, he said, "Even if it’s unrelated, I won’t marry the Seventh Princess."

Yun Qianyue raised an eyebrow slightly.

Rong Feng said again, "Not marrying a princess from the imperial family!"

Yun Qianyue suddenly smiled and patted Rong Feng on his shoulder. She praised him, "You are so determined!"

Rong Feng smiled as Yun Qianyue retracted her hand. She then leaned lazily against the carriage floor with her eyes closed. She told him, "First send me back to my residence and you can return to your place."

"Sure!" Rong Feng nodded his head and instructed the coachman outside, "Go to Yun王府!"

The driver responded immediately as he whipped the carriage's horses into a turn.

The carriage passed through the streets heading towards Yun Qianyue’s residence. Yun Qianyue’s head was shaken by the movement of the carriage and she soon felt drowsiness. Rong Feng noticed that Yun Qianyue seemed to be very sleepy, so he did not speak anymore. Instead, he took a book from his hand.

The carriage stopped at the entrance of Yun王府. Rong Feng patted Yun Qianyue awake and said, "Yue’er, you’re back home!"

“Alright,” Yun Qianyue sat up lazily, reached out to lift open the curtain and got off the carriage lightly. She waved her hand at Rong Feng and said, “No need to invite you in for tea! You can return home now!”

Rong Feng nodded his head. He drew down the curtains as he instructed the coachman. The carriage then left from the entrance of Yun王府.

Yun Qianyue raised her hand to block the blazing sun above and walked towards her residence. She had only taken two steps when she heard the sound of a carriage coming. Turning back, she saw Ling Lian and Yi Xue driving their carriage forward with a bright yellow one following behind them, carrying Wenhua inside. Recalling the old emperor’s words about allowing Ye Tianyi to personally deliver the imperial decree, Yun Qianyue stopped her steps.

The two carriages stopped at the entrance of Yun王府, and Ye Tianyi and Yun Li successively got off their carriage. After glancing towards Yun Qianyue, Ye Tianyi instructed Wenhua who immediately loudly announced, “The imperial decree is here! All people within Yun王府 receive the imperial decree!”

After announcing it three times in a row, people began to run out from Yun王府. Not long after, there were several people kneeling on the ground in front of her residence, whether mainline or sideline members, amounting to over a thousand people.

Yun Qianyue did not kneel down but stood beside them with a calm expression and observed the crowd gathered before her.

"Yun Li, receive the imperial decree!" Ye Tianyi unrolled the imperial decree and loudly announced.

Yun Li raised his sleeves and kneeled in front of everyone. He spoke respectfully, "Your servant is receiving the imperial decree!"

"By heavenly mandate, the emperor decrees: From now on, Yun Li will be adopted by Yun王府 and bestowed as its crown prince. Furthermore, I shall betroth my sixth princess to him; they are to select a date for their grand wedding. After that, he will succeed his father’s title of Prince. Decree given with the imperial authority!" Ye Tianyi clearly announced the contents of the imperial decree.

Yun Li was shocked and looked at the imperial decree in disbelief. A moment later, he turned to look towards Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue’s expression changed suddenly as she quickly stepped forward and grabbed Ye Tianyi’s wrist angrily, "How can there be a betrothal Furthermore, it is the sixth princess Emperor Uncle did not mention anything about bestowing the sixth princess to Yun Li."

Ye Tianyi looked at Yun Qianyue holding onto his wrist. He continued unfolding the imperial decree with a calm voice, "This was instructed by Father earlier! He said that after he saw Yun Li and if Yun Li could shoulder the responsibilities of being the crown prince of Yun王府, then there would be more glory for him; hence, I shall betroth the sixth princess to him. This is especially emphasized in conjunction with the imperial decree bestowing him as the crown prince."

Yun Qianyue narrowed her eyes and looked at him, "Are you sure it wasn’t something that you added on your own"

"Of course not. Even if I had a hundred dares, I would never dare to tamper with the imperial decree." Ye Tianyi brushed away Yun Qianyue’s hand and passed the imperial decree over to Yun Li who was kneeling on the ground. He said with a light tone, "Congratulations Crown Prince Yun, receive the imperial decree! From today onwards, you will not only be the crown prince of Yun王府 but also be the imperial relative by marriage, which means that I am your sister-in-law’s husband. This is an honor to reach heaven in one step; if you do not appreciate it, you will bring calamity upon yourself as well as on Yun王府, and even worse, cause trouble for the empress who was just crowned as the queen of the newly appointed crown prince."

Cough cough, beauties, I know that in reality you all don’t want the female supporting character to meddle with the male supporting character… ^o^

I am considering whether or not to let the sixth princess become cannon fodder…⊙﹏⊙

You guys should be telling me to go on and make her cannon fodder completely! ^o（n_n）o Haha!

Thank you for all your monthly votes, I love you all!

Thanks for the diamonds, flowers, and other gifts sent by everyone!nce of De nodded and looked at Ye Tianyi.Ye Tianyi said seriously, "Prince Uncle De, there should be a list for all those who were on duty at every hour. Bring me that!"The Prince of De nodded his hea...