Back when the two families had settled the marriage arrangement, to make it more honorable, the Xie family had requested an Imperial Decree for this union.
Huo Ningyu’s body stiffened.
She had just been reborn and had been solely focused on catching the adulterers in the act, forgetting that their marriage was sanctioned by an Imperial Decree.
Helplessly, she looked toward her parents seated in the main positions.
Huo Pengcheng and Rong Huazhi were also stunned at the same time.
This matter was no trivial affair.
“Ningyu, are you certain you do not wish to marry into the Xie family?” Huo Pengcheng asked.
His daughter was his own flesh and blood; only he truly cared for her.
After such an unpleasant scene today, even if she married into the Xie family, she would not lead a happy life.
“Father, once a man’s heart changes, not even ten oxen can pull it back. I would rather serve you and Mother at home for the rest of my life than suffer torment in the Xie family.”
“What nonsense are you talking, child? Your mother and I are close friends; how could I ever torment you? I would only treat you better,” Xia Shi immediately declared.
“Very well. Even if it means being reprimanded by the Emperor, dismissed from office, or punished, I will risk everything to beg His Majesty to revoke the Imperial Decree of marriage,” Huo Pengcheng resolved.
He had already reached the position of Hubu Shangshu; his official rank would not rise further. Life was but a few short decades—he had already experienced glory. His children mattered more than his career.
“Brother Huo, you must not! The Emperor is just waiting for an excuse to target my Xie family. You cannot cause our noble title to be stripped!” Xie Xun grew anxious.
“Flies do not swarm an unbroken egg. Your son brought this trouble upon himself; he must bear the consequences.” As he spoke, Huo Pengcheng stood up, ready to leave.
Xie Xun immediately grabbed Huo Pengcheng’s arm, preventing him from going to see the Emperor.
“Well, isn’t this lively? The Xie and Huo families are to be joined in marriage tomorrow—what brings you all to this small courtyard?” A sudden voice came from outside the door.
A tall, upright figure strode into the hall.
He wore a black round-collared narrow-sleeved robe, fastened at the waist with a Nine-Ring Diéxiè Belt, and draped over it was a Crane Cloak. His imposing aura was enough to inspire awe.
“This humble official pays his respects to Uncle Xie and the Hubu Shangshu.” The man merely gave a slight cupped-hand salute to the two.
“We dare not accept such courtesy, we dare not,” Xie Xun immediately returned the salute, already breaking out in a cold sweat.
Why was he here?
The newcomer was none other than the Imperial City Envoy.
A silver Zhong Kui mask covered most of his face, leaving only his mouth and below visible—enough to silence a crying child at night.
No one had ever seen his true face; they only knew his name was Zhao He.
The most favored courtier by the Emperor’s side.
In charge of the entire palace’s security, monitoring all officials, gathering intelligence, and reporting directly to the Emperor.
Though his official rank was only sixth grade, no official dared to act presumptuously in his presence.
Huo Ningyu stared intently at this man.
Others did not know who he was, but she did.
While her soul wandered, she had witnessed many people and events in Jing Cheng that others could not see.
He was merely his courtesy name, bestowed by the Emperor himself. His real name was Zhao Bingyu, the Emperor’s own nephew raised since childhood, and the heir to the Prince of Jing’s estate.
Yet, he was disliked by the Prince of Jing and left to fend for himself. The Emperor, unable to stand by, took him into the palace and raised him personally.
He long played two roles.
When wearing the mask, he was the Imperial City Envoy; without it, he was the heir to the Prince of Jing.
“Today, this humble official was sitting in a teahouse and, in just a short while, saw both your families heading to this small courtyard. What secret matters are you conspiring about?” Zhao He spoke in an official tone.
He had indeed come out of curiosity, but it was also his professional instinct.
“Lord Zhao misunderstands. What secret matters could we possibly be conspiring about? We were merely discussing the children’s wedding tomorrow,” Xie Xun said with a forced laugh.
They absolutely must not let this fellow uncover any problems.
Huo Ningyu watched the Loyal Earl’s cautious demeanor and sneered inwardly.
A cunning fox who shifts with the wind.
Xie Zhengyang had attached himself to the Crown Prince, the Prince of Chen.
And the Crown Prince coveted her father’s position as Hubu Shangshu, wanting to replace him with his own man.
Under Jiang Ning’s pillow talk, Xie Zhengyang had long since abandoned any affection for the Huo Family.
The couple had framed the Huo Family for corruption, even implicating her father’s past as a prefect investigating a private salt case, accusing him of accepting massive bribes. The emperor’s fury led to the execution of the entire Huo Family.
And all of this was orchestrated by Jiang Ning from behind the scenes, seeking revenge for her father’s death.
As head of the family, Xie Xun supported his son’s actions, earning the Xie Family great merit.
Their precarious earl title was not only preserved but elevated to Hou Jue.
Remembering this, Huo Ningyu’s hatred surged like a tidal wave.
But those events hadn’t happened yet—she couldn’t topple the Xie Family with one blow.
Suddenly, an idea struck her.
With a “thud,” she knelt before Zhao Bingyu.
“Lord Zhao, the Xie and Huo Families were united by Imperial Decree Marriage, yet Xie Zhengyang has been carrying on an illicit affair with Jiang Ning, my family’s adopted daughter. Today, my parents caught them in bed together. I refuse to marry such a shameless man. Knowing Lord Zhao tolerates no misconduct, I beg you to uphold justice for me.”
After speaking, Huo Ningyu bowed deeply.
Earlier, her father had said he would sacrifice his official post to plead with the emperor to revoke the marriage decree.
But her father had worked tirelessly for years to reach his current position and enjoyed the emperor’s deep trust.
She couldn’t let him ruin his future because of her.
The entire family depended on her father.
If Zhao Bingyu was willing to help, a single word from him would be worth a hundred from her father.
And coincidentally, Zhao Bingyu was a victim himself—his father had failed to marry the woman he wanted as his principal consort.
“Oh? Is that so?” Zhao Bingyu’s playful tone carried a chill.
He despised such men the most.
“Yes.”
Zhao Bingyu looked at Huo Pengcheng.
“Alas, a family disgrace.” Huo Pengcheng sighed deeply.
He understood his daughter’s intention.
“I beg Lord Zhao for assistance.” Setting aside his status, Huo Pengcheng bowed to Zhao Bingyu.
Zhao Bingyu then looked down at Huo Ningyu, still kneeling on the ground.
Such a woman who knew how to seize an opportunity, daring to seek his help—she had nerve.
Every young lady in Jing Cheng feared him.
“Why should I help you?” Zhao Bingyu had no ties to anyone; he wanted to see what reason she would use to persuade him.
“Lord Zhao, if you help me successfully break off the engagement, I have important news to share.” Huo Ningyu had anticipated he wouldn’t act easily.
Before kneeling, she had already prepared her bargaining chip.
“What news?” Zhao Bingyu was curious.
Huo Ningyu rose from the ground. “Please lend me your ear.”
Zhao Bingyu studied her for a moment, assessing this bold woman and weighing what she could offer that might move him.
But Huo Ningyu met his gaze openly, fearless.
He lowered his head.
Huo Ningyu leaned in and whispered a single sentence into his ear.
It made Zhao Bingyu jolt. “Is this true?”
Huo Ningyu nodded emphatically.
“Guards!” Zhao Bingyu called out sharply.
Two sword-bearing attendants rushed in. “My lord.”
“Take the Loyal Earl’s heir and the young lady beside him to the palace under guard.” Zhao Bingyu cast a glance at Xie Zhengyang, who stood dumbfounded.
“Earl Xie, Lord Huo, after you.” He gestured for them to proceed.
The Loyal Earl dared not refuse.
Not a single member of either family was missing as they all followed into the palace.
Arriving at the imperial study, Emperor Qiande was reviewing memorials. At fifty-two years of age, his hair had long turned gray.
“Your servant pays respects to Your Majesty.” Zhao Bingyu bowed in salute.
The others all knelt to pay their respects.
But Emperor Qiande’s gaze rested solely on Zhao Bingyu.
“Didn’t I grant you leave today? Why have you come to the palace?”
“Your Majesty, this humble servant encountered a peculiar matter today and specially brought it to the palace to amuse you.” Zhao Bingyu spoke casually.
“What matter?”
Zhao Bingyu gestured to Huo Ningyu.
Huo Ningyu immediately crawled forward on her knees and knelt before Emperor Qiande.
“This humble maiden Huo Ningyu begs Your Majesty to grant me justice.”
She then recounted the day’s events in detail, her tears falling like broken strings of pearls, appearing utterly pitiful.
After hearing her story, Emperor Qiande said nothing but instead looked at Zhao Bingyu.
This lad never concerned himself with such trivial matters.
When did he change his nature?
Looking again at Huo Ningyu kneeling on the ground – fair-skinned and beautiful, with particularly lively eyes and an appealing appearance.
Could it be that this perennial bachelor has finally blossomed and taken a fancy to this young maiden?