Xiao Ao’s presence was intimidating, and Jiang Xingyan’s heart tightened.
The wrath of an emperor could leave millions dead and bloodshed stretching for thousands of miles.
Although she was not afraid of imperial power, she did not want unrelated people to be punished because of her.
If she truly clashed with him, she feared she would have to rely on Brother Yun’s extraordinary abilities to escape.
That was exactly what she wanted to avoid most.
She lowered her head, bent forward, and cupped her hands in a bow, making a concession:
“Your Majesty’s admonishment is correct.
Your subject should not have indulged in wishful thinking, thinking only of myself. I beg Your Majesty to mete out the punishment.”
Xiao Ao’s expression softened in an instant, and his tone was filled with the relief of an elder:
“Acknowledging one’s mistakes and being able to correct them is the greatest good.
Since Minister Huo can recognize his own frivolity, he should settle down and treat his wife properly.
Having someone who understands your warmth and cold, someone who knows your background, to attend to you at home is far better than drifting outside all the time.
If that is not enough, by all means, take a few concubines. Under no circumstances should you bring up divorce again.
Choose an auspicious day and remarry Jiang shi.”
—You admire Huo Ci, don’t you? Let’s see if you’re willing to be a concubine.
Xiao Ao cast a triumphant glance at Shangguan Luoyue, only to find that she was not as angry as he had anticipated. Instead, her eyes were unfocused, lost in a daze, not even noticing that he was looking at her.
Before his confusion could fully register, it was interrupted by two urgent voices:
“No!”
“Absolutely not!”
Xiao Ao frowned and looked up to see one person was Yun Chunfeng, seated not far in front of him.
Holding Xiao Ya, he stood up from his mat, looking utterly dejected, his face full of disbelief.
The other was Xin Zhui, seated at a distance.
He had met Xin Zhui a few times when Huo Ci returned in triumph; he was one of Huo Ci’s deputy generals, apparently surnamed Xin.
What was this man getting involved for?
Seeing Xiao Ao’s eyes narrow, Yun Chunfeng hastily explained, “Remarrying still counts as a marriage and cannot be treated lightly.
I have calculated the birth dates and times of General Huo and his wife, and there hasn’t been a suitable date in the past six months. That’s why it has been delayed for so long.
If Your Majesty does not trust me, you are free to find other capable individuals to calculate an auspicious date for their remarriage.”
After speaking, he bowed deeply to the ground, then rose and prepared to leave the feast.
“National Preceptor, please stay!
Since the National Preceptor says so, how could I possibly doubt it?
It’s only waiting another half a year; next year will surely bring a date for their glorious remarriage.”
Xiao Ao valued Yun Chunfeng’s ability to defy fate and still held out hope for his elixir of immortality, so he was naturally unwilling to let him go so easily.
However, the National Preceptor and Huo Ci seemed to be getting far too close.
He had not been deaf to some of the absurd rumors circulating.
But he always felt that the relationship between the two was definitely not one of male affections.
Yun Chunfeng’s gaze toward “Huo Ci” was not entirely innocent, but neither was it related to Huo Ci’s outward appearance.
It was as if, through the body, he was looking at “his” soul.
“Your Majesty, recently my general has been overwhelmed with military affairs.
He has to coordinate the brothers of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and also study the utilization of war spoils with us.
When would he have the time to remarry and appease Miss Jiang?
Moreover, in this humble official’s view, Miss Jiang seems perfectly content on her own and really doesn’t need anyone else’s concern.”
Xiao Ao was amused into a laugh.
Look at his fine ministers.
In front of the Great Xia envoy, each one was more assertive than the last, arguing with him.
What was this?
Could you all follow Princess Huaiwan back to Great Xia, or what, that you dare speak to me like this?
What, are we not going to live our lives anymore?
Xiao Ao’s expression turned cold, and Su Sheng beside him immediately understood.
He stepped forward, flicked the duster in the crook of his arm, and pointed it at Xin Zhui, speaking harshly: “How dare you!
At a palace banquet like this, where do you, an insignificant deputy general, get the right to interrupt?
Guards! Drag Deputy General Xin out and give him fifty heavy strokes!”
Xin Zhui stiffened his neck. “Even if Your Majesty has me beaten a hundred times, I, a humble official, must still offer frank advice!
The General has no time to think about love and romance; he only wants to destroy Beiluo!
If Your Majesty wants the General to continue rendering you outstanding service, then don’t force him to do things he’s unwilling to do.”
Struck a nerve, Xiao Ao flew into a rage and shouted sternly, “Gag him!
Administer the punishment!”
From outside Weiyang Palace came the sound of the beating.
Each blow landed on flesh, sending chills down everyone’s spine.
Xiao Zhenhuai noticed everyone’s attention was drawn to Xin Zhui, so he secretly glanced at Jiang Xingyan.
She was frowning with concern, an expression even more strikingly beautiful than the legendary delicate Xi Shi.
If only it weren’t for Huo Ci’s irritating body.
Xiao Zhenhuai admired Xin Zhui’s courage and Yun Chunfeng’s fearlessness born of confidence.
He, however, could only sit idly, letting his life waste away, unable to do anything.
Shangguan Luoyue was startled back to her senses by Xiao Ao’s act of punishing one to warn a hundred.
She smiled sweetly. “Your Majesty of Western Zhou, please do not be angry. Harming your dragon health would be Huaiwan’s great fault, would it not?
Huaiwan does admire General Huo, it’s true. But a gentleman does not take what others treasure, and should also help others achieve their wishes.
Since General Huo and his esteemed wife still have unfinished feelings, Huaiwan will not force the issue.”
A smile reappeared on Xiao Ao’s face. “Oh? That’s excellent.
I knew early on that Princess Huaiwan understood righteousness and never forced others into difficult situations. You will surely be a virtuous, kind, and benevolent sovereign in the future.
Western Zhou’s fine men are not limited to Minister Huo alone, Princess Huaiwan. If you see anyone else you fancy, why not choose a few more to take back to Great Xia, and bring joy to King Hanshan as well.”
Shangguan Luoyue displayed a perfectly timed, girlish coyness.
“To be honest with Your Majesty of Western Zhou, just now Huaiwan was indeed captivated by another gentleman.
However, I do not know his age, or whether he is married?”
Xiao Ao was speechless.
You’ve admired two people in the span of a moment, and you still claim you haven’t opened your heart to love and don’t understand matters between men and women.
If you did understand, the number of men in your harem would probably be countless!
But his face still showed a look of delighted surprise.
“Oh? Which young man is so fortunate?”
Shangguan Luoyue’s finger, soft as a tender shoot and white as a scallion root, pointed directly at one person.
“It’s this gentleman right here.”
Wasn’t it Yun Chunfeng?