Chapter 2248: Chapter 1938: Emperor Zhou Bestows a Marriage

Upon hearing that Prince Zhen Nan had indeed mentioned Ji Yunmeng, Emperor Zhou’s expression darkened immediately.

The conversation had reached this point, and Emperor Zhou essentially understood Prince Zhen Nan’s intentions.

He didn’t respond immediately, but slowly stood up, strolled to the window, turned his back on Prince Zhen Nan, and gazed at the sky outside.

Clearly, Prince Zhen Nan’s intention was for the Royal Family and Zhen Nan Prince Manor to form a marriage alliance by marrying Ji Yunmeng to Lu Chen, so that the entirety of Zhen Nan Prince Manor would stand by his side to help him overthrow the Empress Dowager.

As for the notion that Lu Chen had affections for Ji Yunmeng, it was nothing but nonsense.

Emperor Zhou was momentarily silent.

The wind blew in through the window lattice, carrying the chill of early autumn, fluttering the hem of his robe.

Ever since the death of the great ancestor, the Dazhou Royal Family had always regarded the Zhen Nan Prince Manor as a thorn in their side, wanting to erase it from Dazhou.

But times had changed, and the Zhen Nan Prince Manor was now in decline. Prince Zhen Nan presently had only one descendant; if something happened to Lu Chen, the entire Zhen Nan Prince Manor would almost dissolve.

Most importantly, Prince Zhen Nan wouldn’t live much longer. Emperor Zhou turned around and sized up Prince Zhen Nan, whose complexion indeed wasn’t good, his brows subtly shading in pallor and decay.

If he could seize control over Zhen Nan Prince Manor at this time, making it his own strength, his chances of overthrowing the Empress Dowager, settling scores with the Pei Family, and reclaiming power would significantly increase.

Emperor Zhou was already tempted at this moment. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

In his eyes, sacrificing a princess for such powerful backing was an extremely worthwhile trade.

Moreover, once Ji Yunmeng was married into the Zhen Nan Prince Manor, she might seize control of it. Once Prince Zhen Nan died, wouldn’t Ji Yunmeng then be in charge of the Zhen Nan Prince Manor? As for Lu Chen, that useless person, Emperor Zhou’s mouth curled in a faint smile. Despite rumors that he might also be a Spirit Martial Artist, Emperor Zhou didn’t believe Lu Chen had much potential.

Even if Lu Chen was indeed a Spirit Martial Artist, starting cultivation at such an age and only beginning to draw spiritual evil into his body, his future prospects were bleak, so Ji Yunmeng taking control of Zhen Nan Prince Manor wouldn’t be difficult.

Seeing that Emperor Zhou remained silent, Prince Zhen Nan decided to press on, saying: "If Your Majesty is unwilling, then let’s leave it be." With that, he feigned to turn and leave.

Upon hearing Prince Zhen Nan’s voice, Emperor Zhou snapped back to reality.

Unwilling?

No, no, he was more than willing. He couldn’t let the cooked duck fly away.

Emperor Zhou hurriedly said, "What Prince Zhen Nan says is right, the Prince’s Manor and the Royal Family indeed share glory and disgrace. Since Lu Chen has affections for Yun’an, and Yun’an likes him too, I will fulfill their wish."

"I will issue the decree right away, and I ask Prince Zhen Nan to wait a moment."

The decree granting Ji Yunmeng and Lu Chen a marriage was unlikely to be sent out successfully, as everything sent from Long Life Hall would probably be inspected by the Empress Dowager’s people. Therefore, Emperor Zhou intended for Prince Zhen Nan to take the decree himself, and after he left with it, announce this, presenting a fait accompli. By then, even if the Empress Dowager was unwilling to see their alliance, she’d have no means to intervene.

Emperor Zhou then ordered a eunuch to bring in brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. A young eunuch, head bowed, respectfully brought the writing implements, laid the paper on the Imperial Desk, and prepared the ink.

Emperor Zhou seated himself at the desk in Long Life Hall and began writing the marriage decree with the brush.

The brush softly scraped the paper, and a moment later, the decree was completed. Once the decree was finished, Emperor Zhou personally handed it to Prince Zhen Nan.

Prince Zhen Nan extended a slightly withered hand to receive the decree, glanced over it, then lifted his head to express thanks, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Emperor Zhou then reminded, with his brows slightly furrowed, "You should be aware of the repercussions that spreading word of this marriage will bring to Zhen Nan Prince Manor, and I hope the manor is prepared."

Undoubtedly, the Empress Dowager would not wish to see Zhen Nan Prince Manor allied with his puppet emperor persona and would endeavor to dismantle their alliance, certainly looking to destroy Zhen Nan Prince Manor.

The weaknesses of Zhen Nan Prince Manor were glaringly apparent: Lu Chen. Once Lu Chen was dealt with, and Prince Zhen Nan passed away, the manor would naturally dissipate.

Upon hearing Emperor Zhou’s reminder, Prince Zhen Nan carefully stored the decree into his sleeve, raised his head, and with determined eyes, said, "Rest assured, Your Majesty. I will not allow anyone to disrupt this marriage."

Emperor Zhou nodded and said, "With your word, I am relieved." His face showed a trace of satisfaction.

Prince Zhen Nan then clasped his hands and said, "If there is nothing else, Your Majesty, I’ll take my leave for now." He slightly bowed in salute.

Seeing that Prince Zhen Nan took the marriage decree and intended to leave, Emperor Zhou thought that his internal vitality might not hold much longer, wanting to depart the Imperial Palace before being exposed. Emperor Zhou raised a hand and said, "Very well."

Prince Zhen Nan said no more, holding the decree, he turned and left Long Life Hall.

His footsteps echoed through the vast hall, growing more distant.

The hall doors, opened and closed by the eunuch on guard, emitted a dull thud.

Watching the departing figure of Prince Zhen Nan, a glint of light flashed in Emperor Zhou’s eyes.

He stood there, motionless, until the doors of the hall were completely closed.

After Prince Zhen Nan exited the inner courtyard gates, a graceful figure emerged from the shadows of the pillars in the Long Life Hall.

Mu Yunxi walked slowly to Emperor Zhou’s side and softly said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty. With the assistance of the Zhen Nan Prince Manor, it will be even easier for Your Majesty to reclaim that position."

Upon hearing Mu Yunxi’s words, Emperor Zhou’s face showed no expression.

Even without the help of the Zhen Nan Prince Manor, he could reclaim that position— it was merely a matter of timing.

However, being able to take this opportunity to eliminate the threat of the Zhen Nan Prince Manor was a double blessing for him.

Emperor Zhou then turned his head to glance at Mu Yunxi beside the pillar, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment, and then he asked, "Saintess, I wonder when your people will arrive in the Capital city?"

Mu Yunxi replied, with a slight bow, "Your Majesty need not worry, they are already on their way to the Capital city."

Upon hearing this, a barely noticeable shadow crossed Emperor Zhou’s eyes.

In his heart, he thought: I hope these people will not interfere with my plans.

...

After Prince Zhen Nan left the Long Life Hall, those placed by Pei Shuhua in the Long Life Hall began to take action. They quickly relayed the information they had gathered to Pei Shuhua’s ears.

Although few knew the contents of the conversation between Prince Zhen Nan and Emperor Zhou in the Long Life Hall, the fact that Prince Zhen Nan departed with a Holy Decree in his hand, the bright yellow scroll standing out in the moonlight, indicated that Emperor Zhou was preparing to make a move.

At this moment, in the Empress Dowager’s sleeping quarters.

Within the hall, the calming scent of sandalwood incense curled into the air.

On the soft couch, Pei Shuhua reclined against a pillow, her jade-like hand supporting her forehead.

Listening to the eunuch’s report below, her fair complexion grew cold to the extreme. She could hardly believe that Emperor Zhou dared openly give a Holy Decree to Prince Zhen Nan and allow him to walk out with it so brazenly.

Clearly, Emperor Zhou calculated that she would not dare to offend a man on the verge of death or take action against him, hence the Holy Decree was given to Prince Zhen Nan.

Although the content of the Holy Decree in Prince Zhen Nan’s possession was unknown, Pei Shuhua had a vague sense of foreboding.

She sat up straight, her phoenix eyes slightly narrowed, and immediately ordered the eunuchs and maids in the hall in a clear and authoritative voice, "Investigate immediately, I want to know the content of that Holy Decree!"

"Yes!" The eunuchs and maids hurriedly knelt to receive the order, then quickly exited the hall.

...

Zhen Nan Prince Manor.

After returning to the manor, the first thing Prince Zhen Nan did was summon Lu Chen to the Meeting Hall.

He first sat down in the main seat of the hall, placed the Holy Decree on the table beside him, and sipped on his tea to moisten his throat.

By the time Lu Chen arrived at the Meeting Hall, most of the strong figures of the Zhen Nan Prince Manor were present.

They were lined up on both sides, some standing, some sitting, their eyes all directed towards the doorway.

At this moment, Lu Chen glanced at Prince Zhen Nan seated in the main position, then looked at the people on both sides, and finally his gaze fell on the table.

It seemed Prince Zhen Nan was holding a roll of Holy Decree in his hand, the bright yellow silk glowed gently under the candlelight, and he looked very pleased, with a smile he couldn’t hide on his face.

Lu Chen walked to the center of the hall, stood firm, and directly asked, "Father, what Holy Decree has Emperor Zhou issued again?" His voice was calm, betraying no emotion.

With a smile, Prince Zhen Nan said, as he picked up the roll of Holy Decree and hefted it in his hand, "A good thing."

Upon hearing this, most of the others in the hall already guessed the purpose of the Holy Decree in Prince Zhen Nan’s hand.

Earlier, Prince Zhen Nan had visited the Imperial Palace primarily to propose marriage on behalf of Lu Chen.

And now he returned with a Holy Decree, indicating that the content of the Holy Decree was very likely Emperor Zhou’s grant of marriage to Lu Chen.