The Emperor’s Decision

“Why? I don’t understand why Father and Mother are so determined to stop me,” Qin Gou said, his voice calm but firm.

Xu Chengfeng shot him a stern look. “You should know that the Sword-Wielding Princess is destined to become your elder brother’s wife. Do you want to bring shame upon the Marshal’s household? Two brothers fighting over a woman—what do you think people will say about the Xu family?”

Qin Gou replied evenly, “But why have I heard that the Emperor initially intended to marry the Sword-Wielding Princess to me?”

Xu Chengfeng’s eyes flashed with anger. “Who told you that?”

Qin Gou smiled faintly. “This is common knowledge in the capital. Does it need to be told to me?”

“Foolish child,” Xu Chengfeng sighed, shaking his head. “If you’ve heard about it, then surely you know the details. Initially, even the Emperor didn’t know Mu Man’er’s true identity. But now? The Emperor cannot marry someone with such a terrifying background to a man who was born with a congenital defect. That’s why he changed the groom to your elder brother.”

“Father, let me ask you—am I still a cripple?” Qin Gou asked, his voice steady.

“You!” Xu Chengfeng’s expression darkened as he flicked his sleeve in frustration. “Your recovery is indeed a great blessing, but who could have predicted it? The Emperor has already gone back on his word once. He cannot keep changing his decisions.”

“But the Emperor has publicly declared that the martial arts marriage contest will be fair and open. Only a few people know the truth. All I’m asking for is the chance to participate. Is that such a small request that even my own father won’t grant it?” Qin Gou argued.

Xu Chengfeng laughed bitterly. “Participate? Fine. But what’s the point? The Sword-Wielding Princess’s husband will only ever be your elder brother. This is a game set up by the Emperor himself. Even if you enter, you’ll be eliminated before you even see your brother. And the shame won’t just be yours—it’ll be ours as well.”

“If the Sword-Wielding Princess is the one at the center of this contest, then let me meet her. If she agrees, I’ll have a fair chance to compete against my brother. If I lose, I’ll accept it without complaint,” Qin Gou insisted.

Xu Chengfeng frowned deeply, his face dark as he said, “Enough, Jin’er. Be honest with me. What are you really after? Is this about winning the Princess’s affection? That’s impossible. You’ve never even met her. Why would you suddenly care about becoming her husband?”

Before Qin Gou could respond, a clear and commanding voice came from outside the room.

“That’s because Third Brother wants to prove himself to Xu Wenrui. From childhood to now, how has our elder brother treated him? Father and Mother have seen it all! When Third Brother was bedridden, Xu Wenrui rarely visited, which could be excused. But now that he’s recovered, a miracle by any standard, where is Xu Wenrui? Even a mere acquaintance would show more warmth than this!”

Xu Shuangshuang entered the hall gracefully, her gaze soft as she looked at Qin Gou.

Qin Gou felt a chill run down his spine. He had anticipated Xu Shuangshuang stepping in to support him, but her tender, almost bashful gaze was completely unexpected. What’s with that look?

Hearing her words, Liu Fuyun’s eyes filled with sorrow. She sighed deeply. “I knew this day would come. Husband, let Jin’er do as he wishes this time.”

“Fuyun, you…” Xu Chengfeng began, but then he turned to Qin Gou, his expression heavy. “Are you certain about this? Jin’er, you must know how vast the gap is between you and your elder brother. Even though your recent progress has been extraordinary, it’s been far too short a time.”

“Father, I only want to try my best. Even if I lose, I’ll have no regrets. I’m not doing this to marry the Sword-Wielding Princess or to prove a point. I just want my elder brother, the man I’ve admired and respected all my life, to see me as his equal,” Qin Gou said, standing tall, his posture as straight as a spear.

In Xu Shuangshuang’s eyes, the slender figure of her younger brother seemed to radiate an endless light in that moment.

Xu Chengfeng, his towering frame like a black tower, suddenly stood up and strode out of the room. “Let’s go. To the palace!”

—

All imperial palaces seem the same—not in appearance, but in the feeling they evoke. Though lavish and grand, they carry a cold, oppressive weight, as if burdened by countless untold secrets.

For the first time, Qin Gou stood before the Emperor of the Tian Kun Dynasty.

The Emperor’s appearance was scholarly, his features delicate and refined. His narrow eyes occasionally gleamed with intelligence, and a faint smile graced his lips. Despite his golden dragon robes and the imposing throne he sat upon, he exuded an approachable warmth rather than an overbearing presence.

Yet, even before such a seemingly benevolent ruler, Xu Chengfeng, the indomitable Marshal, appeared unusually restrained, almost fearful.

In all his days at the Marshal’s estate, Qin Gou had never seen Xu Chengfeng act with such reverence toward anyone.

“I understand,” the Emperor said, his tone gentle. “Marshal Xu, you wish for your third son, Xu Jin, to meet the Sword-Wielding Princess and seek her approval to participate in the martial arts marriage contest against his elder brother?”

The Emperor chuckled softly. “What a pointless request. It offers no benefit to my plans. Is this how you lighten my burdens, Marshal Xu?”

Xu Chengfeng lowered his head, his expression grim. “Your Majesty, I accept any punishment for my offense. But I still humbly beg you to grant this request.”

“Very well. Go outside and receive three hundred lashes. Then return to me,” the Emperor said lightly, neither agreeing nor refusing the request.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Xu Chengfeng replied, turning to leave. Qin Gou followed, his eyes wide with shock. Xu Chengfeng was the Marshal of the entire nation, commanding countless troops. Yet the Emperor could order such a punishment without hesitation, and Xu Chengfeng dared not protest?

This is highly unusual. Something doesn’t add up.

“Emperor of Tian Kun, don’t you think you’re being a bit harsh on your subordinates? What harm is there in letting Xu Jin meet the Sword-Wielding Princess? After all, he’s quite the lucky young man. Even the Demon Sovereign holds him in high regard. You’d best not push things too far, or I might just teach you a lesson on behalf of that great figure.”

Xu Chengfeng turned, startled, to see a beautiful young woman in a pleated floral skirt. Her every movement was like a painting come to life. She was none other than the Lone Shadow Saintess of the Mystic Maiden Palace, speaking to the Emperor with boldness and disdain.