Brocade Robe Unparalleled

Chapter 168 Zhao Wan's Thoughts

Commandery.

Inside the council chamber, when Lin Xuan returned, everyone's gaze towards him underwent a dramatic change.

Before today, His Majesty had bestowed upon him such generous rewards: the First-Class Order of Jing'an, several Qi Gathering Pills, and especially the marriage of the most talented woman in the capital to him. Even the Seven Princes of Jingye couldn't help but feel envious.

But at this moment, even the greatest envy and jealousy have vanished.

Based on his courage and loyalty to the court, no amount of reward would be too much for him.

Two days after their wedding, he volunteered to go to Nanzhao to participate in this mission with a life-or-death stakes. None of them could have done what he did.

Only Wenren Yue's eyes were filled with deep worry and barely concealed anger.

That was anger at his stubbornness and disobedience.

She only has him and Yongchun as friends. If something happens to him, who will she have to cook with and meditate with in the future?
She didn't want to go through what she had experienced before.

Chen Bing returned to the council hall, glanced at everyone, and announced in a deep voice: "This operation is called 'Awakening of Insects,' and will be fully managed by Chen Yu of the Azure Dragon Guard. Zhou Yuan of the White Tiger Guard and Sun Yi of the Black Tortoise Guard will accompany you. All actions must be carried out under Chen Yu's command without fail!"

The two guards who were named immediately stood up and solemnly clasped their hands in a fist salute: "Your subordinate obeys!"

Although they lamented in their hearts, they had no choice but to obey orders.

If I had known I would be forced to take on a task, I would have stepped forward myself.

Chen Bing then turned his gaze to another man who had been silent all along and said, "Xue Yue, you will also be going on this mission to provide support. Consult with Chen Yu as much as possible."

Beside Lu Feng, a man in black nodded slightly: "Yes, sir."

Lin Xuan's eyes flickered slightly. As he expected, such an important operation would definitely be accompanied by a powerful expert of the Seven Sons of Jingye.

Commander Xue's strength is even higher than Lu Feng's; he is a genuine fourth-rank martial artist, comparable to the head of the Nanzhao Secret Service.

Thus, the core team for this trip to Nanzhao was determined: one of the Seven Sons of Jingye and three of the Sixteen Guards, making them the elite of the Jingye Division. However, even with such a lineup, successfully completing this mission would not be easy.

As soon as Chen Bing finished speaking, a figure suddenly stood up. Wenren Yue clasped his hands and said, "Commander, I request permission to go to Nanzhao!"

After Lin Xuan left, one can imagine how boring her life must have been.

Rather than staying in the capital and continuing to be troubled by Prince Yu, it's better to go with him.

Chen Bing looked at her and, without thinking, resolutely refused: "No, we need to leave a member of the Azure Dragon Guard in the capital. You will remain in the Commandery for another important mission."

This was, of course, just his excuse. Wenren Yue's identity was special and sensitive, and there was no danger in the southwest, so he sent her there.

But this mission is extremely dangerous. If anything happens to her, he will not be able to explain it to Grand Secretary Wenren, let alone Prince Yu.

Wenren Yue bit her lower lip lightly. Seeing that the commander's attitude was resolute and there was no room for negotiation, she could only sit down unwillingly. After giving Lin Xuan a deep look, she turned her head away and ignored him.

Wanshou Palace.

Emperor Dayong leaned back on his dragon throne, holding a scroll of imperial edict in his hands. Princess Yongchun stood behind him, gently massaging his shoulders.

A figure slowly walked in from outside the hall.

Chen Bing stood inside the hall, clasped his hands and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, the personnel for this trip to Nanzhao have been arranged."

He glanced at Princess Yongchun standing behind Dayong, but did not speak further.

Princess Yongchun glanced at him and gave a soft "humph".

Emperor Dayong put down the imperial edict and said, "It's alright, please continue."

Chen Bing bowed again and said, "Chen Yu of the Azure Dragon Guard has volunteered to participate in this mission. When he was in the southwest, he had many dealings with the Nanzhao Secret Service. I entrust this mission to him in full charge..."

Behind Emperor Dayong, Princess Yongchun paused slightly, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes.

Although that guy was very rude, he was really brave.

No wonder his father treats him so well. Among so many experts in the Jingye Division, he was the only one who volunteered for such a dangerous mission...

Considering his unwavering loyalty to the court, we will let bygones be bygones for his rudeness.

After listening, the Emperor of Dayong remained silent for a long time before saying in a deep voice, "Only in a strong wind can one know the strength of the grass. I was right about him. The Seven Sons of Jingye and the Sixteen Guards are treated so well, yet in this critical moment, only he dared to venture into this dangerous place for the court and for me..."

He looked at Chen Bing and asked, "Does he have any requests?"

Chen Bingdao said, "He asked for the sixth level of the Zhenyue Gong technique, which I have already made an exception for. He also hopes that during the mission, the Commander's Office will take care of his wife and her family..."

Emperor Dayong nodded slightly and said, "You shall assign someone to keep a close watch on the Chen and Zhao families. If anyone dares to cause trouble, they shall be severely punished."

"As you command." Chen Bing clasped his hands in a fist and continued, "Your Majesty, he has another request. If he doesn't return from this mission, he requests that Your Majesty set his wife free..."

Emperor Dayong did not speak, but Princess Yongchun, standing behind him, once again showed a hint of admiration in her beautiful eyes.

This guy is not only courageous, but also kind-hearted.

The Emperor of Dayong gazed intently for a long time before speaking softly, "Tell Chen Yu to serve the country with peace of mind. His family will be taken care of by the court. Issue my decree to confer upon Zhao, the wife of Chen Yu of the Qinglong Guard, the title of Fifth-Rank Imperial Consort..."

Princess Yongchun lowered her head silently. This bestowal of honor, though seemingly a favor, was in fact a way to cut off Miss Zhao's escape route.

With the status of a fifth-rank imperial consort, even if Lin Xuanzhen died for her country, as a woman who had been granted an imperial title, she was required to remain chaste for her husband and could not remarry for the rest of her life.

They were betrothed by the Emperor, and whether he lives or dies, the Emperor will not change his mind.

Upon hearing this, Chen Bing clasped his hands and said, "Your subject obeys the decree."

Chen Mansion.

Lin Xuan had just returned home when a figure descended from the sky.

Wenren Yue closed the inner courtyard door, her usual calm and indifference gone. She glared angrily at Lin Xuan and demanded, "Are you crazy? The commander has already said you don't need to participate in this mission. Why do you insist on showing off?"

Lin Xuan had his own unspeakable reasons. He shook his head slightly and said, "Someone has to go. Rather than letting them go, I'd rather go myself. I understand our opponents better this time. The court has given me such generous treatment; isn't this the moment they've been waiting for?"

Wenren Yue was momentarily speechless.

As a colleague, she greatly admired Lin Xuan.

Whenever the court needed him, he always rushed to the forefront, risking his life.

But as a friend, she didn't want him to face such danger.

She was filled with inner conflict, but didn't know how to start the conversation. When she noticed there were other people in the courtyard, she stomped her foot angrily and flew away.

Zhao Wan stood at the doorway, watching the scene in astonishment.

She had met Miss Wenren a few times. Weren't there rumors that her husband and Miss Wenren didn't get along? They did seem to have some disagreements just now, but it was definitely not the kind of disagreement that was being spread...

She didn't ask any questions, but turned around and went back to her room, cleverly pretending that nothing had happened.

The seven-day deadline was drawing ever closer, and she had made all the necessary preparations, but she didn't know what her husband was thinking...

Just then, a figure walked into the room from outside.

Zhao Wan felt a little flustered and whispered, "Husband..."

Lin Xuan looked at her, organized his thoughts for a moment, and then said, "The imperial court has just assigned me an important task. I will be away from the capital for some time, which could be several months or longer... During this time, I will be leaving the family in your care."

Zhao Wan then remembered that what Miss Wenren had just talked about with her husband seemed to be some kind of mission.

A bad feeling crept into her heart, and she asked nervously, "Where is my husband going?"

Lin Xuan did not tell her that he was going to Nanzhao, but said, "This is a secret of the imperial court."

Zhao Wan's worries deepened. She had learned about her husband's past from Zhiqin and knew the dangerous missions he had undertaken.

As his wife, she had no idea where he went or what he was doing, so she started to have wild thoughts and felt a great sense of panic.

At this moment, Lin Xuan looked at Zhao Wan and comforted her, "Don't worry, I have already asked His Majesty that if I am unable to return this time, His Majesty will grant you your freedom. I will set off in the next two days. You don't need to worry about the seven-day deadline mentioned by the female official..."

Zhao Wan was slightly taken aback, then her face turned somewhat pale.

Although he didn't reveal more, she could tell that this mission must be extremely dangerous.

Miss Wenren just said that he wasn't supposed to participate in this mission...

He would rather carry out such a dangerous mission than become her husband and wife.

He had even prepared for the possibility that he might not be able to come back, and had even made arrangements for her future.

Does he really... hate her that much?
The faint spark of hope that had just begun to ignite in her heart was extinguished by cruel reality at that moment.

She felt like a ridiculous clown on a stage; all her probing, all her heart fluttering, all her secret hopes seemed so pale and presumptuous in the face of his resolute choice…

He must have loved that girl in the southwest so much that he was willing to put himself in great danger without hesitation in order to give her a clean future...

Thinking of his extraordinary yet deliberately hidden poetic talent, and his willingness to risk his life rather than stay in the capital, Zhao Wan felt a surge of immense sorrow.

She pinched her palms hard, using the pain to maintain her last shred of dignity. Head bowed, she tried to hide the tears welling in her eyes from Lin Xuan, and with great effort, she whispered, "This concubine understands..."

Lin Xuan, of course, had no idea what Zhao Wan was thinking. He nodded and said, "I'll go pack up first."

After saying that, he turned and left.

The moment he turned away, Zhao Wan's tears, which she had been holding back, finally fell silently.

At this moment, the regret in her heart reached its peak.

If it weren't for that song "Partridge Sky," if she had fulfilled her duties as a wife from the beginning, things wouldn't be like this between them now. It's all her fault...

In the study room.

Lin Xuan simply packed some clothes, focusing on bringing the two Qi Gathering Pills that he had saved for Qingluan.

When he came to the capital, he didn't intend to stay long, so he didn't bring much with him. This time, he left lightly as well.

He had already memorized the sixth level of the Zhenyue Gong technique.

Before his cultivation reaches the upper three ranks, he no longer needs to rely on the imperial court.

However, he still had to make some arrangements before leaving.

He's gone for who knows how long it will be before he returns. With such a large mansion, the thousand taels of silver he left for Zhiqin will probably not be enough.

Before leaving, Lin Xuan planned to copy down more poems to prepare, so that when they held another poetry gathering, Zhiqin and Siqi could collect the money.

Just in case, I should remind Wenren Yue before I leave.

If all else fails, you can borrow some money from her and pay him back when he returns.

Lin Xuan hadn't written many poems when he suddenly heard a burst of orderly music coming from outside.

He put down his pen, stepped out of the room, and saw a magnificent procession marching in orderly steps into the inner courtyard. The head eunuch, holding a bright yellow scroll, wore a professional fake smile and announced loudly, "Imperial edict has arrived—Zhao Wan, receive the edict!"

Everyone in the mansion hurriedly knelt down on the ground.

Zhao Wan walked out of the room, still unaware of what had happened, and looked to Lin Xuan for help. Although Lin Xuan was also confused, he understood the situation.

He walked to Zhao Wan's side, took her hand, and together they knelt to receive the imperial edict.

The eunuch unfolded the imperial edict and read it aloud in his distinctively high-pitched voice:
"The imperial edict reads: Zhao, wife of Chen Yu of the Qinglong Guard, is gentle, virtuous, and elegant, a model of virtue. She is hereby specially granted the title of Fifth-Rank Lady, bestowed with official robes and cap, and granted a salary from the court, to honor her virtue and demonstrate the Emperor's grace. This is the imperial decree—"

After regaining her senses, Zhao Wan hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness."

Being a Lady of Imperial Decree was a privilege that many wives of high-ranking officials in the capital did not enjoy, yet she felt no joy whatsoever.

What use is a titled lady if she can never enter her husband's heart?
The eunuch respectfully handed the imperial edict to Zhao Wan, followed by a young eunuch who presented her with the auspicious robes, pearl crown, and related seals that signified her status as a fifth-rank imperial consort.

The imperial robes of the noblewoman's family were made of dark blue with intricate intertwined floral patterns, exuding solemnity and luxury. The jeweled crown was also made of the finest gemstones, gleaming in the sunlight.

"Congratulations, madam, congratulations, madam!"

Steward Chen Fu and a group of servants hurriedly offered their congratulations. The lady had just been betrothed by His Majesty and was now granted an imperial title. This was an immense favor, a testament to the master's deep affection for the emperor, and an honor for the entire Chen family.

After the eunuch read out the imperial edict, he looked at Lin Xuan and whispered, "Lord Chen, may I speak with you in private?"

Lin Xuan hadn't reacted yet.

By bestowing the title of Imperial Noble Consort upon Zhao Wan, isn't His Majesty essentially telling him that even if he dies in the line of duty, Zhao Wan will remain a widow for him for the rest of her life?

Did he misunderstand me and think I was being sarcastic?
Depend on!
In that case, wouldn't he have made a fool of himself?

The imperial eunuch took out a porcelain bottle from his sleeve and handed it to Lin Xuan, saying, "Lord Chen, this is the Nine-Turn Pill bestowed by His Majesty. Please keep it safe. This pill has the miraculous effect of seizing the power of heaven and earth. No matter what kind of injury you suffer, as long as you have a breath left, taking this pill will save your life. This is a special gift from His Majesty. In this operation, no one else besides you possesses it. His Majesty truly favors Lord Chen..."

Lin Xuan solemnly accepted the porcelain bottle, clasped his hands in thanks, and said, "Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty..."

He had no doubt about the eunuch's words. After all, the most powerful alchemist on the continent was His Majesty. If the Jiuli tribe couldn't refine a pill, His Majesty might be able to.

His Majesty rejected his request, yet bestowed upon him such a precious elixir…

Could this be the art of imperial rule?
After the procession carrying the imperial decree departed, the festive atmosphere in the Chen residence did not dissipate. The maids took turns admiring the magnificent imperial robes, but Zhao Wan's face remained expressionless as she silently walked back to her room.

Lin Xuan walked to the door and looked at her distraught appearance, feeling a mix of emotions.

If I had known, I wouldn't have said that one more word. His Majesty's imperial edict directly sealed off all her escape routes.

She has probably given up hope.

He walked up to Zhao Wan and looked at her lowered eyelids and pale face. He couldn't help but feel a little guilty. He had meant to give her freedom, but by some twist of fate, he had put her in even stronger shackles.

Lin Xuan spoke softly, his tone filled with deep apology, "Miss Zhao, I'm sorry, it was my oversight. I didn't expect things to turn out this way..."

Zhao Wan raised her head, forcing a smile onto her pretty face, and said softly, "Husband, please don't say that. His Majesty's favor is my blessing. How many women in the capital would spend their entire lives hoping to obtain an imperial title..."

Lin Xuan could tell she was forcing a smile, so he could only comfort her, "Don't be discouraged. At least don't worry about that female official urging you. I don't know how long it will be before I return from this trip, at least half a year, or even a year. Perhaps I won't be able to return to the capital. His Majesty is busy with countless affairs of state, and by then he will probably have forgotten about this matter..."

He thought for a moment, then continued, "If you want freedom, I can take you away from the capital and spread the word that you died of illness on the journey. Then I'll give you a sum of money so you can live a life of comfort. If you don't want to leave your parents, I can also help you change your appearance and return to the Zhao family with a new identity..."

During this time, Lin Xuan had actually been trying to find a solution.

Since it was a marriage ordained by His Majesty, she had to give up some things in order to gain her freedom.

If you don't want to disguise yourself, you have to leave the capital and your parents.

If they want to stay with their parents, they have no choice but to change their appearance and live under a new identity.

But all of this will have to wait until he returns from Nanzhao.

Zhao Wan lowered her head silently, her heart filled with sorrow.

After she fakes her death, her husband will be able to marry the woman he loves in a proper and respectable way, right?

This should be the ending he hoped for.

She buried all her bitterness deep in her heart, nodded obediently, and said, "I will obey my husband's will..."

She was the one who took someone else's place in the first place, so she should relinquish her position as the mistress of the Chen family...

(End of this chapter)