Chapter 79: The Feeling of Being Protected

Note: Don't Forget to join my Pãtreon/flokixy to get access to +60 Advance Chapters or unlock the full story from the shop support so I can bring more Chapters for you The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm orange glow over the village of Konoha. The gentle breeze carried the scent of freshly blooming flowers, mingling with the distant sounds of laughter and chatter from the bustling streets below. Yet within the confines of the imperial palace, tension hung thick in the air as five figures stood before the emperor, awaiting his judgment. “Your Majesty, may you live ten thousand years!” After bowing deeply, the five waited in silence for what felt like an eternity. The emperor’s voice was slow to come, and when it did, it carried neither warmth nor anger—just a measured neutrality. “Rise.” “Thank you, Your Majesty!” The emperor surveyed the group before him. Truthfully, he was satisfied. These were exceptional young men, the kind who inspired admiration in anyone who crossed their path. But the actions they had taken today? They were infuriating. “I’ve heard that you lot turned the capital into a spectacle today—a joke for the common folk to gawk at?” The five exchanged glances. It was Jun Mo who stepped forward first, his tone confident but respectful. “Father, this is no joke—it’s a tale worth telling! A beautiful story!” The emperor’s eyes narrowed, his voice rising sharply. “A beautiful story? You two had the audacity to arrange marriage proposals without so much as informing me beforehand?!” Jun Mo didn’t flinch. “Father, you once said you wouldn’t interfere in our marital affairs. I hold Miss Su in high regard, so naturally, I went to propose.” The emperor’s chest rose and fell with barely contained fury. That insolent brat! Yes, he’d promised not to meddle too much—but surely that didn’t mean they could act without even consulting him! Jun Hui chimed in next, his tone smooth and deferential. “Father, as the saying goes, ‘A fine lady is a gentleman’s ideal match.’ I too admire Miss Su greatly. My feelings overwhelmed me, and I acted rashly. Please forgive me.” “Hmph! Overwhelmed by emotion? Don’t think I don’t see through your schemes! Changning, speak—do you truly have a betrothal agreement?” All eyes turned to Su Li. Except for Ji Huaiyan, the other three looked at her with unmistakable anticipation. Seeing his sons’ pathetic expressions only fueled the emperor’s irritation further. Su Li met the emperor’s gaze without hesitation. Her voice was calm, steady. “Your Majesty, I do indeed have a betrothal agreement.” This piqued the emperor’s interest. “Oh? And which one of these four is it?” Su Li glanced at the four men before her, her resolve unwavering. “Prince Jing!” She couldn’t choose Wei Guogong Manor or Wuyang Marquis House—even if this was all an act, she didn’t want to drag them into unnecessary suspicion from the emperor. That left two options. Did she really need to deliberate? Jun Hui... She wanted nothing to do with him! Ji Huaiyan’s expression remained unchanged, seemingly indifferent. But Wei Yuanling’s eyes widened in disbelief. Why hadn’t his cousin chosen him? Didn’t she know that his grandfather and uncle wanted nothing to do with the royal family? As for Jun Hui, when Su Li uttered the words “Prince Jing,” a shadow of resentment flickered across his face. It was always Jun Mo! Whenever Jun Mo was involved, he was inevitably overshadowed. “Nonsense! When exactly did you arrange this betrothal? De Concubine hasn’t even left the palace! Where does this supposed betrothal come from?” The emperor slammed his hand on the desk, his voice thunderous. Su Li and Jun Mo exchanged a glance. Jun Mo stepped forward, addressing the emperor directly. “Father, though Mother has not left the palace, I confided in her about my affection for Miss Li. She gave me a jade pendant as a token of engagement, which I presented to the Su family.” “A pack of lies!” The emperor clearly didn’t believe a word of it. He might have promised not to interfere, but how could a prince’s betrothal be handled so carelessly? “Seventh Prince and Miss Su, remain. The rest of you, leave.” At the emperor’s command, the others cast lingering looks at Jun Mo and Su Li before bowing and exiting the hall. As the doors closed behind them, Jun Hui felt a surge of frustration. His younger brother always seemed to take everything—his title, his achievements, and now, possibly Su Li herself. If Jun Mo married her, he would become an even greater rival should anything happen to the crown prince. But for now, there was little he could do. Perhaps fortune still favored him. Even if Su Li had chosen Jun Mo, it didn’t guarantee she’d end up marrying into the Jing王府 (Jing Royal House). Maybe Miss Su was merely using someone to fend off the Southern Border threat. After all, based on his observations, she and his younger brother hadn’t interacted much. Perhaps it was time to visit the Su residence more often. With the others gone, the emperor turned his attention back to the remaining pair. “Speak. Have you heard rumors about the Southern Border?” Jun Mo feigned confusion. “Father, what Southern Border? I’m unaware of any such matter.” The emperor nearly laughed at his son’s blatant pretense. “Enough of your acting! Isn’t this whole charade because you heard the Southern Border Crown Prince is seeking Su Li’s hand in marriage? Do you think I’m blind just because I’m old?” He pointed accusingly at Jun Mo. “Changning, tell me—are you truly betrothed? Think carefully before answering. Otherwise, it’s treason!” Su Li clenched her teeth, ready to speak, but Jun Mo cut her off. “Father, I truly admire Miss Su. Whether or not we’re betrothed, I vow never to marry another woman in this lifetime!” His sincerity caught the emperor off guard. Suspiciously, he asked, “Since when have you developed such deep feelings for Miss Su?” Jun Mo locked eyes with Su Li, his voice unwavering. “Father, you know what kind of person I am. I know what I want, and once I’ve made up my mind, I won’t let go.” Su Li looked up, meeting his intense gaze. “Hmph! So you’re a romantic now?” The emperor sneered. Jun Mo bowed deeply, his tone solemn. “Father, I’ve never asked anything of you in my life. This is my one and only request. Grant us permission to marry. Whatever you desire, I’ll bring it back to you—not through deals or compromises, but by wielding my bow and sword!” Though the emperor was furious at their audacity in fabricating a betrothal to deceive him, he couldn’t deny that having the Su family daughter join the royal household resolved one of his longstanding concerns. Seeing his youngest son speak with such fervor stirred a sense of pride in him as a father. “Foolishness! I am the Emperor of Tianqi—what can’t I obtain?” Recognizing the softening in his father’s tone, Jun Mo pressed on. “Of course, Father. Whatever you desire, you can undoubtedly obtain.” By this point, the emperor’s anger had mostly dissipated, replaced by a tinge of regret over the two cities within reach. Sensing the emperor’s thoughts, Jun Mo added, “Father, the Four Kings of the Southern Border are ambitious. Their recent actions suggest they won’t hesitate to wage war against Tianqi someday. Accepting their cities now would only invite trouble later. Why not allow me to conquer them instead and present them to you as spoils of war?” The emperor pondered this carefully. There was wisdom in his son’s words. In recent years, the Southern Border had been amassing troops and expanding its military forces. Based on his understanding of Liang Shao, the man was both warlike and ambitious. “Fine, fine. If you truly wish to marry Miss Su, go to the Ministry of Rites and follow the proper protocols.” Jun Mo beamed, bowing deeply. “Thank you, Father!” Su Li followed suit, her voice soft but sincere. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your blessing.” Not a single word had she spoken, yet the matter was settled. Was this what it felt like to be protected? The difference between Jun Mo speaking on her behalf and her doing so herself was vast. If the emperor had pursued the issue of the fabricated betrothal, she would have faced charges of deceiving the sovereign. But Jun Mo had shielded her, subtly yet effectively, leaving her deeply grateful. Just then, a eunuch’s voice echoed from outside the hall. “Your Majesty, Consort De requests an audience!” The emperor frowned. Consort De rarely left her quarters, given her reserved nature. Glaring at the culprit, he barked, “Let her in.” The doors opened, and a graceful woman dressed in understated palace attire entered. She moved calmly, casting a brief glance at Jun Mo and Su Li. “I pay my respects to Your Majesty.” Her voice was serene and soothing, instantly calming those who heard it. “Rise. You’re here about Seventh Prince’s matter, aren’t you?” Consort De nodded, smiling gently. “Yes, Your Majesty. I was aware of Mo’er’s intention to propose to the Su family. If you’re angry, please blame me.” The emperor sighed. “There’s no need to cover for him—he already confessed.” Consort De blinked, noting the lack of anger in the emperor’s demeanor. Smiling, she said, “Your Majesty, haven’t you often complained about how troublesome arranging marriages for these princes is? From what I hear, Miss Su and Mo’er make a perfect match. Isn’t this fate’s doing? Though this is my first time meeting Miss Su, I’ve heard much about her and am quite pleased with this prospective daughter-in-law. Please grant their union.” Su Li looked up, meeting Consort De’s warm, smiling eyes. No wonder Consort De remained among the four consorts despite her unassuming nature. With a son as outstanding as Jun Mo, staying out of petty power struggles was undoubtedly the smarter choice. “Enough, enough. I never said I wouldn’t approve this marriage—I’m simply upset that this rascal acted without consulting me.” Jun Mo seized the opportunity. “Father, I acknowledge my mistake. Please issue the imperial decree granting us permission to marry. I’ll head to the Ministry of Rites immediately to formally propose.” Outside the hall, the others waited anxiously, unable to leave without the emperor’s dismissal. “What if the emperor, in his anger, decides to send my cousin straight to the Southern Border?” Wei Yuanling whispered nervously. Ji Huaiyan lowered his voice. “With Prince Jing here, that won’t happen.” Wei Yuanling exhaled in relief. “Still, why are you lot butting in? If anyone should bear the burden, it’s me—she’s my cousin!” Ji Huaiyan’s lips twitched. He hadn’t expected things to spiral out of control like this, with everyone rushing to propose on the same day. It practically screamed that the betrothal claim was a ruse. But with Prince Jing and Consort De backing them, everything should turn out fine. Just then, the palace doors opened. Consort De emerged, followed by Jun Mo and Su Li. Turning to Su Li, Consort De smiled warmly. “So your name is Li’er?” Su Li curtsied gracefully. “Miss Su Li, thank you for your protection, Your Highness.” Consort De nodded, her smile widening. “I trust my son’s judgment. For years, he’s shown interest in no one else. I was beginning to worry he’d spend his life alone.” She removed a jade bracelet from her wrist. “Since this is our first meeting, consider it a gift.” Su Li hesitated. “Your Highness, this is far too valuable. I cannot accept—” Consort De gently took her hand and slipped the bracelet onto her wrist. “There, it suits you beautifully.” The translucent jade gleamed against Su Li’s fair skin. “Thank you, Your Highness.” Consort De turned to Jun Mo. “That’s enough for today. I’ll return to my quarters. Try not to cause any more trouble.” “Escort Mother safely.” “Escort Her Highness safely!” Once Consort De departed, Wei Yuanling rushed forward. “Cousin, how did it go? Did the emperor say anything?” Su Li smiled. “Everything’s fine.” Though her expression was cheerful, unease lingered in her heart. Deep down, she feared this marriage would be difficult to annul in the future. Outside the palace gates, Su Li found her father waiting by the carriage. “Father!” He glanced at her briefly. “Get in. Your mother must be worried.” No sooner had they returned home than the imperial decree arrived. The news spread quickly throughout the city. Four families had vied for Miss Su’s hand—an unprecedented spectacle. When the Su family returned the other proposals and accepted only one, speculation ran rampant. Who had won the coveted prize? The answer came when Prince Jing arrived with the official imperial decree and matchmakers. Thus, the drama reached its conclusion. Though the commotion ended, the announcement of Su Li’s betrothal to Prince Jing sent shockwaves through society. Some marveled at her good fortune, marveling that even after losing her beauty, she secured such a prestigious match. Others whispered about her cunning, claiming she had ensnared several of Tianqi’s finest men. Amidst envy and admiration, one thing was certain: the betrothal was final.