Chapter 3 Heaven's Thunder and Earth's Fire

Rong Jing said."The old emperor is already in his twilight years. By then he might be long dead anyway. Besides, I don’t believe anyone could force me," Yun Qianyue was too lazy to argue more with him...Chapter 3: Heaven's Thunder and Earth's Fire

The imperial decree was read out, followed by an eerie silence.

The crown prince in the Empress' womb becomes the new emperor; the seventh Prince Ye Tianyi is appointed as Regent King; the Jing Shizhi is made Chancellor; Lady Qianyue of the Cloud王府 and the seventh prince are to be wed. This imperial decree encompasses several decrees, causing a commotion among everyone present.

Yun Qianyue pursed her lips tightly. She had anticipated that the old emperor's will wouldn't let her off easily, but she hadn't expected such an imperial decree. To really give her to Ye Tianyi as his concubine! Enraged, she tried to pull back from Rong Jing's grasp and couldn’t resist using her strength to destroy this imperial decree.

Rong Jing noticed her intention; just as she was about to withdraw her hand, he held it firmly.

Yun Qianyue pulled twice but her hand remained clamped by Rong Jing. She turned to look at him and saw his calm expression. He shook his head at her when their eyes met.

The light in Yun Qianyue's eyes flickered as she set a resolute expression.

As Yun Qianyue stared, Rong Jing suddenly covered her eyes with his hand and whispered tenderly in her ear, "It's just an imperial decree."

This gentle voice stopped Yun Qianyue's rage abruptly.

"Just another imperial decree," Rong Jing repeated, the soft tone carrying a hint of chill.

Closing her eyes briefly, Yun Qianyue sneered inwardly. Yes, just an imperial decree. When had she ever revered these Yet if this imperial decree wasn't destroyed, her anger wouldn’t subside. So, she reached out to open Rong Jing's hand covering her eye and focused all of her power into the other hand he was holding. The air pressure in her palm instantly released and swelled, sending a shockwave through Rong Jing’s grip; he frowned slightly but still held her hand firm.

"Let go!" Yun Qianyue glared at him. This time she didn’t use the secret voice transmission technique, nor did she suppress her tone—it was clear and cold.

Everyone was startled by this sharp voice and turned their attention to her.

Ignoring them all, Yun Qianyue had only one goal in mind—burning that imperial decree.

Seeing the determined look on Yun Qianyue's face, Rong Jing’s eyes softened as he touched her head with his free hand, "Be good and don't stir up trouble!"

"I said let go! Did you hear me" Yun Qianyue opened Rong Jing’s hand again and her clear eyes darkened.

"No," Rong Jing shook his head.

"Rong Jing!" Yun Qianyue stared at him, pronouncing each word heavily through clenched teeth. The air seemed to crackle with the force of her words. He might have known about this decree and endured the humiliation, but she couldn't bear it. She had suffered in silence for a decade—long enough. With the old emperor's death, he still threw such an obstacle at her; if she were to endure any longer, she would be utterly pathetic.

Rong Jing sighed as he saw the steely determination on Yun Qianyue’s face and released his grip.

Yun Qianyue no longer looked at Rong Jing. She turned around abruptly; a ball of red flame burst forth from her palm, instantly heading towards the imperial decree in De Prince's hand. The old emperor’s casket was bright red; the Empress’ attire was resplendent red too; Yun Qianyue’s flames were equally vibrant.

The heavy snowflakes fell from the sky, but as Yun Qianyue's fire shot out, it seemed to clear a path before her. Within ten meters around her, all falling snow instantly melted under her flames' heat.

Seeing that ball of flame rushing towards him, De Prince was startled and held the imperial decree in shock.

"Girl!" Night Qiyin exclaimed in alarm.

"Moon兒!" Ye Tianyi shouted sternly.

The two of them spoke at the same time and made their moves simultaneously, causing the two powerful energy flows to merge instantly in an attempt to block Yun Qianyue's fiery light.

Rong Jing watched as the three energy flows were about to collide; he moved his fingers but then curled them back up again. He quietly observed without making a move.

Yun Feng originally thought that Rong Jing would help Yun Qianyue, but seeing him not take action, his expression changed instantly. His power condensed in the palm of his hand as he was about to assist Yun Qianyue.

However, the moment his energy flow shot out from his palm, it was halted by an invisible force coming from the left side. He was startled and turned around sharply; he saw that Prince Cloud glanced at him before shaking his head. His eyes revealed astonishment, which soon disappeared as he turned back to look anxiously at Yun Qianyue.

Within just this moment of time, the three powers collided with a deafening explosion. The thick snow on the ground was sent flying, instantly turning this area into a blizzard that made everyone's vision blurry and white out.

Yun Qianyue took three steps back, her back being lightly supported by a hand.

Ye Tianyi and Ye Qingran also retreated for three steps; they steadied themselves without anyone supporting them. Both handsome faces could hardly believe what was happening, but this area was shrouded in blizzard, making it impossible to see Yun Qianyue or anyone else clearly.

Yun Qianyue stood steady and made her move again.

A hand gently stopped her once more. It whispered softly, "You might injure someone."

The moment Yun Qianyue's hand froze in place, she bit down on her lips tightly; her fingers curled back uncontrollably digging into Rong Jing's hands.

Rong Jing did not say another word. His jade-like hand remained still as if it felt no pain at all, his eyebrows never even twitched.

A moment later, the snowstorm cleared, and human figures gradually became visible.

Ye Tianyi and Ye Qingran saw Yun Qianyue on the other side. She also saw them, both with a trace of blood on their lips. Their gazes met; it was unclear whether the snow was whiter than people or if people's faces were whiter than the snow.

Everyone seemed to be stunned by this scene and stood as silent statues, not daring to even breathe loudly.

"Moon兒, do you wish to destroy the imperial decree" Ye Tianyi finally spoke after a long while, his voice dark with black clouds over his brows.

"Yes!" Yun Qianyue coldly spat out one word.

Ye Tianyi looked at her and suddenly smiled; the blood trace on his lips was especially noticeable. "I know you practice the True Phoenix Sutra, aware that your martial arts have reached its final stage. But it's just a beginning; would you really use the overwhelming heavenly lightning and earthly fire of the last stage to destroy the imperial decree Do you know what could happen if these forces were not fully formed"

"It's just one life!" Yun Qianyue said coldly.

Ye Tianyi looked at her, his smile turning icy-cold, colder than the snowflakes swirling in the sky. "You don't want to marry me and are willing to go as far as destroying the imperial decree for that Moon兒, when did you become so ruthless towards me"

"Ye Tianyi! Do you dare say that you didn’t know about the content of this will beforehand Ignoring my feelings and issuing such an edict should make you clear of its consequences. I may comply with others or yield in other matters, but when it comes to marriage, forget it!" Yun Qianyue glared at him coldly. "I have known and helped you for ten years; we’ve been good friends for a decade, but never did I mention wanting to marry you. What right do you have to decide my fate with just an imperial decree You call me ruthless when in fact it’s your actions that are truly cruel!"

Ye Tianyi's face paled; he could not help but take a step back, but his originally dark eyes suddenly flared up with rage. He roared angrily: "Yun Qianyue, this decree was left by the Emperor Father. I did not know beforehand!"

"You didn’t know Ye Tianyi, don’t act too fake when playing a part!" Yun Qianyue said coldly to him.

"Acting" Night Tianyi raised an eyebrow and suddenly sneered, but his expression was filled with endless fury. "I've wanted to marry you for more than a day or two, not just one year or two years. When I got to know you, you were only 2.5 years old—two and a half years earlier than Rong Jing did. Yun Qianyue, my desire to marry you is so intense that I wish it could happen tomorrow. Do you understand If I knew about this imperial decree, what kind of regent would I be My goal has always been to become the emperor, the one and only ruler. There’s no filial piety in me as described in his decree; I don’t intend to observe a year-long mourning period for him. Even ten days’ worth of mourning is too long if it stands between us. If I had known about this imperial decree, I would have destroyed it before you did and issued one myself, ordering our marriage for tomorrow!"

Yun Qianyue’s heart jolted, the coldness and anger in her heart instantly frozen by Night Tianyi’s words.

The crowd was shocked at what Seventh Prince—now Regent—said. No, not just that; they were shocked by his open declaration of it. The impact such statements would have if spread far and wide could be anticipated. He had made clear his desire to not be regent but emperor instead. Furthermore, he declared that should he become the new emperor, he would marry Yun Qianyue tomorrow. Such unprecedented events in history.

Rong Jing’s eyes narrowed slightly, an instant of dark shadow falling across them.

Not only were Duke De and Duke Xiao shocked by Night Tianyi’s declaration but so was Nian Qingran. Empress Dowager was also stunned.

"Yun Qianyue, do you still dare to say that I knew about the imperial decree beforehand" Night Tianyi seemed to be suppressing his fury as he glared coldly at Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue pursed her lips and remained silent.

"Duke De, read out the imperial decree again! She didn’t hear it clearly just now; make sure she listens carefully to every word this time! See if this is an imperial decree my father wrote himself and handed over to you all in secret!" Night Tianyi turned his head and angrily ordered Duke De.

Duke De trembled, intimidated by the rage and hostility. He hurriedly bowed respectfully and said, "Yes."

"Read it word for word clearly so that there is no mistake whatsoever!" Night Tianyi said again.

"Yes," Duke De answered respectfully, his hand shaking slightly as he took up the imperial decree. His voice quivered a little too, "By divine mandate, an edict of the emperor: I have been blessed by heaven and have ruled the Heavenly Saint Empire for thirty years. My whole life I have worked diligently without daring to act in any way that would bring shame upon my ancestors…"

"Stop reading!" Yun Qianyue interrupted Duke De.

Duke De stopped abruptly.

Yun Qianyue suddenly pulled away from Rong Jing’s hand and turned to leave.

"Wait!" Night Tianyi thundered.

Ignoring him, Yun Qianyue continued walking out of the hall.

"This regent said ‘stop’!" Night Tianyi repeated sternly.

Yun Qianyue pretended not to hear and kept going forward.

"Bring her back here!" Night Tianyi stared intently at Yun Qianyue’s figure and shouted sharply.

The moment he spoke, hundreds of dark-clad men flooded out from all directions, instantly blocking Yun Qianyue’s path. These hundreds of men were imperial bodyguards in hiding who followed the order of their leader, Lord Invisibility; they exuded an air of killing intent as soon as they appeared. The snowflakes flying through the sky seemed to become even colder and more solemn.

Not looking back, Yun Qianyue stared coldly at the figure before her and said frostily, "Night Tianyi, are you sure that you want me to cleanse the palace in blood today"

"Yun Qianyue, if you take one more step, I’ll make it happen! Forget about cleansing the palace with blood; even if you wanted to cleanse the imperial city of blood, I’d let you," Night Tianyi’s voice had a chilling coldness.

"Very well. Then I will cleanse this filthy imperial city in blood today along with the palace!" Yun Qianyue threw out a frosty sentence and launched a palm strike toward the Lord Invisibility opposite her.

The Hidden Lord immediately waved his hand to take over.

"Stop!" Rong Jing's voice, neither too loud nor too soft, echoed. As soon as he spoke, the crescent white water sleeves gently swept, and the Hidden Lord was instantly knocked out several zhang away.

The Hidden Lord retreated a few steps before barely managing to steady his stance. His dark eyes, hidden beneath black clothes and a black mask, looked at Rong Jing with a hint of grayness.

Rong Jing didn't even glance at him once; instead, he said to Yun Qianyue, "I just allowed you to take action, causing you serious injuries. How can I let you do it again now"

Yun Qianyue suddenly turned her head and glared fiercely at Rong Jing in anger: "You don't want me to act, preventing me from destroying the imperial decree and wiping out the palace and royal city with bloodshed. Do you mean for me to marry him then"

Rong Jing frowned as he looked at Yun Qianyue, soothingly saying, "Calm down!"

"Calm down How can I calm down" Anger burned in her heart like fire. She looked at Rong Jing, her teeth nearly grinding to pieces: "An imperial decree is supposed to bind my entire life Rong Jing, do you also want to emulate your ancestor the Prince of Honor by giving me away"

Rong Jing's expression changed slightly, his breath sinking a little as he pressed his lips together and said, "Don't be absurd!"

Yun Qianyue looked at him, unable to suppress the anger in her heart: "You don’t want me to be absurd If you think everything I say is wrong, then go destroy that imperial decree! Don’t tell me you dare not do it. You’re Rong Jing; what would you not dare to do in this world Unless you choose not to."

Rong Jing frowned and stared silently at Yun Qianyue.

"Will you go or not" Yun Qianyue asked him.

Rong Jing pursed his lips tightly, his eyes darkening.

"If you won't go, then get out of my way! Don’t stop me!" Yun Qianyue pushed him hard with one hand and started walking away.

Rong Jing grabbed her wrist, calling out in a low voice, "Yun Qianyue!"

Her steps paused; she had never heard Rong Jing call her like that before. She couldn’t describe what this single call contained—his usual voice was always warm and gentle. However, such an exclamation seemed to blend in with a deep, intense emotion she could not identify. Whether others would feel the same, she could sense suppressed restraint, profound calmness and coldness, as well as thick meaning and faint helplessness.

Helpless...

No matter what else was said, there was helplessness in between.

The anger she had just suppressed flared up again. Why be helpless, Rong Jing Why still endure Are you really going to emulate your ancestor the Prince of Honor She waved her hand to try and break free from him, shouting angrily: "Let go!"

Rong Jing looked at her, his lips pale but still tightly holding onto her wrist. He said softly, "Yun Qianyue, I don’t want to seal your meridians, so please be a little obedient, okay Everything will have me!"

Hearing this voice, the raging anger in Yun Qianyue instantly felt like it had a crack. This person had accompanied her through her coming-of-age ceremony yesterday without any regard for consequences; he allowed her to mourn and weep for Nite Tianyi; he accompanied her to Lingtai Temple for the memorial service for Nite Tianqing; despite the heavy snow, he carried her on his slender shoulders from Damo Hall to the fragrant spring water at the back mountain; this morning he told her that no matter what happened, he would be there and nobody could take her away. Even if it were an imperial decree...

Yun Qianyue suddenly closed her eyes and said to him, "I don’t want to stay here even a moment longer. If you wish to stay, let me leave. Whoever stops me will face my saber and life, injured as I am, I’ll carve out a bloody path. You can't stop me either."

"Alright!" Rong Jing agreed readily this time and released her hand.

Yun Qianyue opened her eyes and stepped forward.

The royal secret guards stood motionless before Yun Qianyue like a sealed wall.

"Ye Tianyi, I'll ask you one more time. Are you sure you don't want me to leave" Yun Qianyue looked at the secret guard coldly and asked.

"Listen to the imperial decree first!" Ye Tianyi said in a deep voice.

"Impossible!" Yun Qianyue refused him coldly without any hesitation.

"Then if you don't respect His Majesty and the imperial decree, leave this palace by stepping over blood!" Ye Tianyi's voice was icy-cold.

The anger that had been restrained by Rong Jing surged up again. She raised her hand, but before she could act, a white moon-shaped sleeve flashed in front of her eyes, and an immense force struck the royal secret guards in front of her. At the same time, several shouts rang out. All of the hundreds of secret guards in front of her were sent flying; some fell to the snow on the ground several yards away from them, others hit against the palace wall and slid down into a pile of snow.

"Young Master Rong, what are you doing" Ye Tianyi glared at Rong Jing with an extremely cold voice.

Rong Jing withdrew his hand slowly, turned around, and brushed off the snow that had fallen on the band of his clothes. He looked at Ye Tianyi expressionlessly and said, "Seventh Prince, are you really going to make her spill blood over the palace walls"

"She's my fiancée, how could she be your concern!" Ye Tianyi replied coldly.

Rong Jing smiled faintly upon hearing this. He said calmly without showing any emotions, "Regent Wang and Yun Qianyue have been acquainted since childhood and have known each other for ten years. Have you never understood her at all She has always belonged to herself, not anyone else. A marriage contract can't hold her down either. When the emperor was still alive, she could even be cold-faced and destroy imperial swords in front of the emperor if she were unhappy. So what does it matter that she now doesn’t follow his last decree Moreover, this is only an imperial decree for a betrothal. She hasn’t given consent yet, nor has the Yun王府 accepted it. Without the traditional marriage procedures, she isn't your fiancée yet either. The royal family and the emperor can't force their subjects to do things against their will just because they like or dislike something; that would be unfair. It’s unreasonable for Regent Wang to try to control her, both morally and legally. In addition, it's also inappropriate."

"Young Master Rong, you have a silver tongue too! My ten-year relationship with her can’t justify my strictness towards her. You said that we aren't fiancés because of the lack of marriage procedures. Do you mean to say that an imperial decree for a betrothal isn't worth several matchmakers and dowry gifts The Heavenly Saint Night clan rules over the land, while the Yun王府 serves as the subject. My father was the emperor, while the Yun王爺 was his minister. A ruler's word is law, while ministers must obey their rulers. This was an oath made by the four royal clans when the Founding Emperor established the dynasty. The ancestor of the Yun clan also took this oath." Ye Tianyi gave a cold laugh and looked at Rong Jing.

"Young Master Rong, you are also one of the members of the four royal clans and knowledgeable about ancient and modern times. Can you have forgotten this oath Don’t worry if you did forget it; I’ll remind you. As a member of Yun王府, she should respect the imperial decree as well. A minister must obey his ruler. Now that the emperor has passed away, she is my fiancée whether or not she agrees with it. Moreover, there are also the heirlooms left by the late Princess Consort, so how can she do whatever she wants Furthermore, she dared to destroy an imperial decree in front of her father’s coffin; such a decree isn’t just a royal edict but is also a national decree. Since I am Regent Wang and she my fiancée, it has gone beyond the scope of personal matters and has become a matter of state affairs. As Prime Minister, are you going to allow her, a woman, to act recklessly in matters concerning the country This would be a crime worthy of death for the whole Yun clan!"

When Ye Tianyi finished speaking, it seemed that even the air had stopped flowing. Not only was there no sound, but even the thousand people present were silent.

"Regent Wang, you also have a silver tongue. The Founding Emperor established this dynasty and blessed the people when he did so. At that time, the four royal clans respected him and took an oath to obey their ruler. But more than 100 years has passed since then. The Founding Emperor is already buried in history; his oath of allegiance from a hundred years ago has long been lost in the passage of time. It’s true that ministers must obey their rulers, but rulers should also show kindness and care for their ministers. The four royal clans are not there to protect only one emperor's dynasty but to defend the country on behalf of millions of people. If an emperor isn’t benevolent, his ministers won't be loyal either. But if he is both just and righteous, his subjects will serve him wholeheartedly. Seventh Prince, you've already started acting like a regent when you became one The late emperor was human as well and didn't always do things correctly; if he were a god, why would he need us assistants This imperial decree isn’t wrong in itself, but the betrothal part of it is indeed inappropriate." Rong Jing looked at Ye Tianyi calmly. His voice was low but steady, with great penetrating power that could be heard by everyone inside the palace wall.

"Regent Wang, to add state affairs onto a woman isn't something a gentleman would do; nor is it what an emperor or a wise person would do, let alone someone who has virtue. Are you sure you want her to leave this palace covered in blood today"

Ye Tianyi looked at Rong Jing with eyes that were as cold and icy as ice.

"Regent Wang, Miss Yun Qianyue has been busy with the coming-of-age ceremony these past days. She just had some good news; it's understandable that she can’t accept such a sudden event right now. It’s also reasonable for her to be upset at the moment. When I saw her arrive earlier, I could see how exhausted and ill-looking she was. Why don’t we let her rest in her house The emperor liked her very much while he was still alive, so even if she doesn't keep vigil for him now, it's not something that would be blamed upon her," the Prince Regent of Ren quickly intervened to mediate before Ye Tianyi spoke again and caused a conflict with Rong Jing.

"That’s right! Miss Yun Qianyue just had her coming-of-age ceremony. She is still young and hasn’t grown up yet. These days, she has been busy handling matters for the Southern Liang Crown Prince, the Princess of Southern Nanguo, the groom, and the Eastern Sea Kingdom's Jade Crown Prince who were all at her residence. She must be exhausted from dealing with important guests and preparing for her ceremony. Let’s let her return home to rest," said the Prince Regent of Xiu.

Ye Tianyi remained silent as he glared at Rong Jing coldly.

Rong Jing looked calmly back at him, while snowflakes in the sky between them turned into ice droplets. Everyone present on this spot outside the Holy Yang Palace—whether standing, kneeling or lying down—felt a chill that went to their bones. Although winter had arrived late this year and yesterday's heavy snowfall was only the first one of the season, it felt as if they were in the midst of a bitter cold.

"Brother Yun!" Seeing Ye Tianyi hadn’t reacted at all, both the Prince Regent of Ren and Xiu turned to look at Yun王爺.

Yun王爺 seemed terrified. He looked at both the princes and then at Ye Tianyi shakily and said, "Regent Wang, my daughter has always been troublesome. Given this situation where His Majesty's body hasn’t yet been buried, it’s inappropriate to let blood be shed now. These days, the Southern Liang Crown Prince, the Princess of Southern Nanguo, her groom, the West Yan Yue Crown Prince, and Eastern Sea Kingdom's Jade Crown Prince have all been troubling Miss Yun Qianyue at her residence. She has also been busy with her coming-of-age ceremony and must be exhausted from dealing with important guests. Her displeasure over this imperial decree is understandable. What do you think"

The Prince Regent of Ren and Xiu both felt their hearts chill when they heard this. They thought that even though what Rong Jing said about Ye Tianyi’s words being correct, the Prince Regent was also right in pointing out that Yun Qianyue would be considered an engaged princess under this imperial decree regardless of whether she agreed to it or not. The late emperor had made her his betrothed by imperial edict; how could a few matchmakers and dowries compare to that As the royal family of Night, the Eastern Sea Kingdom’s Jade Crown Prince was from a powerful kingdom, and Yun Qianyue's father, Yun王爺, was a vassal king. The emperor said something and the vassals must comply; this had been an oath made by all four kingdoms when they were founded. Moreover, Yun王爺's ancestor Yun王爺 had also taken that same vow at the time of the founding. The Prince Regent of Ren glared coldly at Rong Jing as he continued to speak: "Prince Regent, you have a silver tongue. When the Founding Emperor established this dynasty and blessed his people, all four vassal kings admired him and willingly took their oath. But more than 100 years has passed since then, and the emperor is dead; that oath of allegiance made by the four kingdoms is long gone in time. It’s true that ministers must obey their rulers, but rulers should also show kindness to their subjects. The four vassal kings aren’t there just to protect one dynasty but to defend the country on behalf of millions of people. If an emperor isn’t benevolent, his ministers won't be loyal either; and if he is both just and righteous, his subjects will serve him wholeheartedly. You’ve only been regent for a short time, but you’re already acting like one. The late emperor was also human and didn’t always do things correctly; if he were a god, why would he need our assistance This imperial decree isn't wrong in itself, but the betrothal part of it is indeed inappropriate." Rong Jing looked at Ye Tianyi calmly as he said this with a low steady voice that everyone inside the palace wall could hear. "To add state affairs onto a woman isn’t something a gentleman would do; nor is it what an emperor or a wise person would do, let alone someone who has virtue. Are you sure you want her to leave this palace covered in blood today"

Ye Tianyi looked at Rong Jing with eyes as cold and icy as ice.

"Regent Wang, Miss Yun Qianyue has been busy with the coming-of-age ceremony these past days. She just had some good news; it's understandable that she can’t accept such a sudden event right now. It’s also reasonable for her to be upset at the moment. When I saw her arrive earlier, I could see how exhausted and ill-looking she was. Why don’t we let her rest in her house The emperor liked her very much while he was still alive, so even if she doesn't keep vigil for him now, it's not something that would be blamed upon her," the Prince Regent of Ren quickly intervened to mediate before Ye Tianyi spoke again and caused a conflict with Rong Jing.

"That’s right! Miss Yun Qianyue just had her coming-of-age ceremony. She is still young and hasn’t grown up yet. These days, she has been busy handling matters for the Southern Liang Crown Prince, the Princess of Southern Nanguo, the groom, and the Eastern Sea Kingdom's Jade Crown Prince who were all at her residence. She must be exhausted from dealing with important guests and preparing for her ceremony. Let’s let her return home to rest," said the Prince Regent of Xiu.

Ye Tianyi remained silent as he glared at Rong Jing coldly.

Rong Jing looked calmly back at him, while snowflakes in the sky between them turned into ice droplets. Everyone present on this spot outside the Holy Yang Palace—whether standing, kneeling or lying down—felt a chill that went to their bones. Although winter had arrived late this year and yesterday's heavy snowfall was only the first one of the season, it felt as if they were in the midst of a bitter cold.

"Brother Yun!" Seeing Ye Tianyi hadn’t reacted at all, both the Prince Regent of Ren and Xiu turned to look at Yun王爺.

Yun王爺 seemed terrified. He looked at both the princes and then at Ye Tianyi shakily and said, "Regent Wang, my daughter has always been troublesome. Given this situation where His Majesty's body hasn’t yet been buried, it’s inappropriate to let blood be shed. These days, the Southern Liang Crown Prince, the Southern Frontier Princess, the groom of the Southern Frontier, the Western Yan Yue Crown Prince and the Jade Crown Prince of Eastern Sea have all been visiting her in Shallow Moon Pavilion, causing her a lot of trouble. She has been busy with the coming-of-age ceremony and dealing with important guests; she must be exhausted. It’s understandable that she doesn’t like being engaged to you by imperial decree. Your Excellency, what do you think"

The Prince Regents of Ren and Xiu felt a chill at these words. They both thought about how Rong Jing had already stopped Yun Qianyue from destroying the edict and that if Ye Tianyi didn’t let her leave now, things could escalate to bloodshed in the palace. Furthermore, behind Yun Qianyue stood Southern Liang, Southern Frontier, Western Yan Yue, and Eastern Sea—though they were no longer in the capital, the Jade Crown Prince of Eastern Sea was still staying at Glory Manor and would likely come to her aid given their relationship. While Yun王爺 was asking for clemency for his daughter, he was also warning Ye Tianyi against making a grave mistake.

"Regent Wang, since Miss Shallow Moon is tired, let her rest in the palace," the Prince Regents of Ren and Xiu said together.

Ying Qingran had been shocked by Yun Qianyue’s fighting prowess; he’d tried to stop her from burning the edict but found that unless he used all his strength, it was impossible. He now felt a burn inside him, knowing that Ye Tianyi likely did too. As he came back to himself, he saw that the remaining imperial guards were still blocking Yun Qianyue without Ye Tianyi’s order. She stood with her back turned, her posture straight as she waited quietly; it seemed only one word from Ye Tianyi would set off a bloodbath.

He looked away, glancing at Rong Jing. Rong Jing's jade-like face was calm and serene, like a layer of frost had settled on him amidst the snow. Though this frost wasn't obvious, it made his entire figure stand out in the snow, with his moon-white brocade robe blending into the flurry of snowflakes. Even though he stood in the midst of ice and snow, his slim figure still exuded an air of elegance and grace as if he were basking under the sun high up in the clouds. This was precisely what had made Rong王府 men detest him for a hundred years—no matter where or when, no matter the circumstances, he always remained calm and collected, like watching the moon from his courtyard.

"Regent King, since the little lass is tired, let her return to the manor to rest," Ye Qingran said after a moment, withdrawing his gaze from Rong Jing and speaking to Ye Tianyi in a somewhat hoarse voice.

"Right! Regent King, the Emperor's edict mainly concerns the succession of the new emperor and your appointment as regent. Moon is merely a woman; she has nothing to do with state affairs." At this point, Rong Feng also spoke up, saying in a gentle tone, "You've been acquainted with her for several years; you should be well aware of her nature. If she says today that she will leave the palace, let her go!"

"The Emperor's remains are still unburied; indeed, it is not appropriate to see bloodshed," Leng Shaozhu also spoke.

"Regent King!" Seeing so many people speak up and yet Ye Tianyi remained unmoved, the Duke of De swept aside his robe, clutched the imperial edict, knelt on the ground, and said in an aged voice: "In this snowy cold weather, it is urgent to open two more wills. Regent King, please think carefully!"

"Regent King, you must consider carefully!" The Duke of Xiao and others all knelt down together in the snow, their voices shaking the heavens.

"Regent King, this is Moon's nature; if she doesn't like something, nobody can force her to do it. She won’t even agree after being soft-spoken to, let alone after being pressured forcefully. When you first met, I believe you were only a few years old. Now that several decades have passed and both of you are adults with your own thoughts, this is actually good. Who doesn't grow up But there are some things which aren't necessarily good when forced." The Empress finally spoke in an imposing tone: "The previous Emperor cherished you and knew you liked her, so he arranged their marriage for you. However, not considering her feelings might lead to consequences such as destroying the imperial edict. She's notorious for being rebellious; she did a lot of such things when the former Emperor was alive. If even the former Emperor could tolerate her, I believe the regent King who is familiar with her since childhood can do so too. From my perspective, Moon must be tired. Let's leave it at that today."

Ye Tianyi remained silent and unmoved.

"Regent King, are you asking me to kneel before you while I carry the future emperor in my womb" The Empress’s voice grew stern.

The people kneeling on the ground were all startled.

Ye Tianyi slowly withdrew his gaze from Rong Jing and glanced around at everyone, then looked back at the Empress. She stared at him with a grave expression and said no more. He moved his gaze away and looked at Yun Qianmo’s back and the guard in front of her. After a moment, the ice in his eyes melted, and he waved his hand, giving an order to the imperial guards: "Let her leave the palace."

The guard immediately backed off.

Yun Qianmo didn't want to stay another second. Once the guards moved out of the way, she found walking too slow and used a light step to rise gracefully into the air. Her pale purple Ruan Yan Luo robe fluttered like a purple cloud toward the palace gate.

Rong Jing saw that Yun Qianmo had left despite her grievous injuries using her martial arts skills; his gaze tightened, and he softly called out, "Qing Ying!"

"Young Master!" Qing Ying landed instantly.

"Follow her, make sure nothing happens to her!" Rong Jing ordered.

"Yes." Qing Ying responded in a voice that seemed like mist as he followed Yun Qianmo and disappeared.

All the people present were astonished by Yun Qianmo's departure and even more so by Qing Ying’s martial arts skills. Many knew there had always been an excellent guard beside Rong Jing, but this was their first time seeing him in public. Such skill could move without a sound, leaving without a trace. There weren't many people like that in the world.

Rong Jing ignored everyone's astonishment and slowly turned around to give Ye Tianyi a faint smile as calm and serene as the wind and moonlight: "Regent King, there are still two imperial edicts left to open, aren’t there Open them now and see if they match the Duke of De’s. If not, this one doesn't count."

I know the beauties want to be moved (heart fluttering), but please try to restrain yourselves a little! (*^__^*)

My heart is also beating fast; if you have voting tickets, throw them at me, and I'll become even more excited. You understand, right o（n_n）o~

Since starting the novel, apart from participating in activities related to writing, I haven't gone out to play once. Two friends who couldn’t bear my workaholic nature dragged me out for a round of fun; yeah, we went to Qing Shan Ridge yesterday and saw two six-century-old trees, leaving me utterly exhausted. Returning home like a pig, I was too tired to write, so I had to wake up at 4 am to type this chapter today. Luckily, the update isn't very late, keeping you waiting for too long; thank you all, my beauties...ive."This is made of Tiansi silk and a single garment costs thousands of coins. Are you sure you want to tear it" Rong Jing said.Yun Qianmo’s grip immediately softened.Rong Jing remained silent, watch...