This is the true immortal of the Taoist sect.

An imperial edict finally arrived at the Xianping Prince's Mansion.

Princess Ping'an was bestowed the title of Princess Ping'an of the Great Zhao Dynasty.

This was supposed to be an endless source of glory and prestige, but it plunged Jiang Ping'an, who had been eagerly anticipating marrying Wang Yangming, into an abyss.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

After another half month of delay, Wang Yangming finally decided to set off. The court was in turmoil and the northern border was defeated. These were things that he could not participate in or even be qualified to ask about at the moment.

Instead of doing that, it would be better to return to your hometown as soon as possible, see your parents and husband, and ask your husband for guidance.

The day before his departure, Wang Yangming made a special trip to the Xianping Prince's Mansion.

However, the gatekeeper of the Prince's Mansion told him that Jiang Ping'an had been accompanying Consort Chun in the palace for the past few days and was unable to meet with him. He also instructed Wang Yangming to be careful on his journey.

Although it was a bit of a pity, Wang Yangming didn't dwell on it.

The next day, Wang Yangming packed his bags and set off early in the morning.

Upon reaching the gates of Kyoto, he couldn't help but stop and look back, and the thought crossed his mind that he would never return.

But now that he is an official and carries out the emperor's decree, he no longer has a choice.

"Sigh... perhaps you could tell me what to do..."

With a soft sigh, Wang Yangming turned around and strode away.

However, before he had gone far, he suddenly heard a voice calling him from behind.

"Young Master Wang... Vice Minister Wang, Lord Wang..."

Wang Yangming turned around in confusion and saw a young girl riding towards him on horseback.

Moreover, Wang Yangming knew her; she was Jiang Ping'an's personal maid.

When the other person approached, Wang Yangming bowed and asked:

"So it's Miss Qing'er."

The maid Qing'er immediately jumped off her horse and came to Wang Yangming, her expression anxious:

"Lord Wang... save... save my princess..."

Wang Yangming's heart skipped a beat, and his expression changed drastically.

"Princess...what's wrong?"

Qing'er said with a sob in her voice:

"My princess has been bestowed the title of princess by His Majesty and is to be sent to Dali for a political marriage..."

"What?"

Wang Yangming's mind went completely blank for a moment.

A marriage alliance?

Jiang Ping'an?

But the Emperor himself promised to marry Princess Ping'an to him.

The emperor's words are golden and precious; how can they be changed overnight?

The key issue is that he has not received any news to this day, and no one has told him anything.

In an instant, an overwhelming surge of anger welled up inside me.

A powerful surge of energy erupted, nearly knocking Qing'er to the ground.

Qing'er was also a martial artist, so she naturally understood what the fluctuations emanating from Wang Yangming represented.

"Lord Wang, you know the princess's character. Sending her to a political marriage is tantamount to sending her to her death."

"Lord Wang, only you can save the princess..."

Wang Yangming clenched his fists tightly, his mind churning.

Just as Qing'er said, Jiang Ping'an is stubborn and would rather die than submit unless he is willing.

She might agree to a marriage alliance, but if she has no way to resist, she is very likely to take extreme measures.

"Let's go back..."

Wang Yangming turned around and ran towards Kyoto.

It is faster than a galloping horse.

Upon returning to the city, Wang Yangming went straight to the Xianping Prince's Mansion.

However, at this moment, the gate of the Xianping Prince's Mansion was crowded with a wedding procession, with red bridal decorations stretching for miles, creating a grand spectacle.

Wang Yangming looked around and found that Jiang Ping'an was not there.

Just as I was wondering how to get in, Qing'er came over and whispered:

"Lord Wang, from the back, all the guards in the Prince's residence are in the front courtyard today..."

Wang Yangming nodded and followed Qing'er to the back gate of the Wang Mansion.

He leaped into the courtyard with Qing'er, and then, led by Qing'er, finally arrived at Jiang Ping'an's boudoir.

However, there were many palace maids and nannies inside and outside the boudoir at this time, and Wang Yangming would definitely be discovered if he just walked over like that.

Seeing this, Qing'er gave Wang Yangming a wink, signaling him to wait a moment.

He then walked over and entered the room in a very natural and confident manner.

A moment later, Jiang Ping'an's voice came from inside the room.

"All of you, step back. I am going to pay my respects to my father. No one is allowed to approach."

Before long, the palace maids and nannies left the room one after another and stood outside the courtyard waiting quietly.

Wang Yangming took a deep breath and calmed himself before walking over.

As soon as he opened the door, he felt a figure rush towards him, crashing into his arms and tightly hugging his waist and back.

Wang Yangming felt a pang of sadness and gently embraced the beauty in his arms.

The two of them hugged each other in silence.

After a long while, Wang Yangming gently released Jiang Ping'an. Looking at the girl whose face was covered in tears, a belief suddenly welled up in his heart.

Jiang Ping'an cannot leave; she cannot be allowed to go on a marriage alliance.

Because...she's his woman.

The usually mild-mannered Wang Yangming suddenly wanted to be willful today.

He placed his hands on Jiang Ping'an's shoulders and said in a deep voice:

"Wait for me, I'll go beg the Prince of Jin, I'll beg His Majesty, I won't let you leave..."

After saying that, Wang Yangming turned to leave.

Jiang Ping'an grabbed his hand and shook his head sadly.

"No... His Majesty's decree is absolute and no one can change it..."

Wang Yangming smiled gently, reached out and lightly stroked Jiang Ping'an's eyebrows and eyes, and said softly:

"I want to try...wait for me..."

After leaving those words behind, Wang Yangming resolutely turned around, leaped into the air, and rushed out of the Wang Mansion.

As Jiang Ping'an watched his departing figure, a glimmer of light finally returned to his previously extinguished heart.

He reached out and touched the short sword hidden in his sleeve, murmuring to himself:

"Go now, my lord. If you do not return, I... will not live on alone..."

Qing'er, supporting Jiang Ping'an, choked back tears as she said:

"Princess, Lord Wang... he will surely be able to obtain the imperial decree..."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

In the innermost part of the Prince of Jin's residence, Qiu Wanli, who was meditating and cultivating his qi, suddenly opened his eyes and vanished instantly.

After a few leaps and bounds, they arrived outside the Prince of Jin's study.

At the same time, Wang Yangming also descended from the sky and landed in the courtyard.

Qiu Wanli recognized Wang Yangming, but he was puzzled as to why this scholar would be so presumptuous today, and was also somewhat surprised by Wang Yangming's cultivation level.

However, he also knew that Wang Yangming was a disciple of that person in Anyi County, so his cultivation level made sense.

"Wang Sicheng, how dare you trespass into the Wang residence!"

Wang Yangming ignored him and instead called out loudly towards the Prince of Jin's study:

"Your Highness, the Prince of Jin, Wang Yangming requests an audience."

Qiu Wanli was already angry when he saw that Qiu Wanli was ignoring him.

"Wang Yangming, how dare you..."

The study door opened, and Prince Jin came out, waving his hand at Qiu Wanli and saying:

"Master Qiu, let him come over."

Now that the Prince of Jin has spoken, Qiu Wanli naturally won't continue to press the matter.

However, he did not leave, but stood guard to the side, looking wary.

He could clearly sense a murderous intent emanating from Wang Yangming.

Wang Yangming stepped forward and said bluntly:

"Your Highness, why was the princess sent to Dali for a political marriage? Didn't His Majesty already agree to my marriage with the monarch?"