Chapter 39 Imperial Decree

Chapter 39: Sacred Command

The Crown Princess’s eyes brimmed with tears, her body trembling with humiliation and indignation.

The Crown Prince glared at her, his gaze filled with disgust. "Since our marriage, I have treated you with nothing but courtesy. There are no concubines in my household—I only wanted A Wu! Just her! Why couldn’t you tolerate her?"

As the Crown Prince, by convention, he could have taken consorts, ladies, and noblewomen into his residence, yet he had never considered it.

He spoke with deep revulsion: "If you were dissatisfied, you could have told me. I could have arranged for her to stay elsewhere, out of your sight! But what did you do? You hid your jealousy, acted generous, while scheming to push A Wu before my father, ensuring he would despise her and banish her from the palace!"

His voice nearly trembled as he continued, "You told me you would arrange things properly, yet you set a trap for her, luring her away with Nie San! Who knows what other schemes you devised? You vicious woman! How can I ever trust you again?"

The Crown Princess wept bitterly, her entire body shaking.

The pain was unbearable!

Pointing at A Wu’s neck, she cried hoarsely, "Do you think I’m the one who schemed against her? Do you think she would have stayed faithful without Nie San? Don’t you see? A woman like her—flirtatious and loose—if she had even an ounce of love for you, how could she be so quick to stray?"

The Crown Prince sneered. "Even now, you dare slander her!"

The Crown Princess pointed at A Wu. "Even if Nie San was my man, what about the others? Without Nie San, there’d be a Wang San, a Li San, a Zhang San! Look—can’t you see? Look at that!"

The Crown Prince followed her finger and froze. Then he strode forward, staring intently at A Wu’s neck—where faint, suggestive marks lingered.

A Wu had not anticipated this. She raised a hand, lightly touching her neck.

Her lover had been too rough, leaving marks she hadn’t paid much attention to, thinking her robes would conceal them. She never imagined they would be visible to others.

The Crown Prince’s face twisted instantly. His eyes locked on A Wu. "Who gave you that mark?"

No matter what, he was the Crown Prince of Great Hui, the future ruler of this empire. Raised in the ways of imperial strategy, he might be young, might be infatuated, but he was not without temper.

The atmosphere grew frosty. A Wu suddenly felt a chill down her spine.

At this moment, she realized deeply—the Crown Prince was Jingxi Emperor’s blood. The same dominance flowed in his blood.

The Crown Prince stepped forward, pressing closer. "A Wu, tell me. Who left that mark? Just say it, and I’ll believe you."

But she had no answer.

The Crown Prince demanded, "Who? Since leaving Yanxiang Temple, who have you been with?"

His eyes bore into the mark on her neck—clearly a man’s bite.

He could almost picture it—how that man had claimed A Wu.

Fury seethed in his chest, his body rigid with barely contained rage.

His fists clenched, he stared at her. "Speak! A Wu, speak!"

The Crown Princess, still clutching her cheek, laughed mockingly. "What could she possibly say? Confess she jumped into another man’s arms the moment she left? Admit she seduced someone else?"

She said bitterly, "Your Highness, the evidence is staring you in the face. If you won’t believe me, will you at least believe what you see?"

Suddenly, the Crown Prince thought of something. He looked at A Wu urgently, his voice trembling. "Were you forced? Did someone hurt you?"

A Wu was taken aback. She hadn’t anticipated this possibility.

Seeing her reaction, the Crown Prince felt somewhat relieved—this thought eased him a little.

He urgently said, "Don’t be afraid, A Wu. If someone bullied you, I will avenge you, I will kill them! This is not your fault, A Wu. It’s alright. As long as it wasn’t voluntary, I won’t hold it against you. I won’t be angry—"

Beside him, the Crown Princess was utterly stunned.

She stared at the Crown Prince in disbelief. How could he tolerate this woman to such an extent? Even if she had lost her virtue, as long as she claimed it wasn’t her choice, he was willing to forgive?!

A Wu, too, hadn’t expected the Crown Prince to say such words.

She couldn’t deny being moved. After all, how many men in this world could offer such genuine devotion?

For one reckless moment, she even felt an impulse—to throw herself into his arms, to tell him the whole truth, to comfort this fragile yet sincere young man!

But—

She also knew she had no way back.

She had already provoked the Jingxi Emperor, had completely surrendered herself to him, selling her soul and body to him.

She couldn’t betray him. If she did, she would die without a grave!

The Crown Prince had a way out. The Crown Princess had a way out. Even the Empress might have a way out. But she didn’t!

In this twisted game, if someone had to die, it would surely be her!

So she restrained herself, holding back the urge to step into the Crown Prince’s embrace.

The Crown Prince’s devotion to her had gone this far—the Jingxi Emperor would never allow it. Whether out of a man’s jealousy or a father’s protectiveness, he would never permit it!

The Jingxi Emperor was the ruler of Great Hui. The Crown Prince was not yet. He was still too young. Perhaps one day he would grow, ascending the throne to become a sovereign like the Jingxi Emperor, wielding absolute power. But not now.

She had to survive, and that meant clinging to the most powerful man in the world.

Besides—

A Wu gazed at the dazzlingly handsome Crown Prince before her, yet her thoughts drifted to the Jingxi Emperor—who was even more captivating! That commanding aura, the certainty of one who held all power, a man so commanding he could make knees buckle with just a look!

And so, after a moment of hesitation, she finally made her decision.

She looked at the Crown Prince with guilt and said, "Your Highness, that day by the moat, your servant already told you—from then on, we would be strangers. I once attended you, and your kindness in those bygone days will never be forgotten. But here and now, I—"

Her voice caught, thick with tears.

Dread coiled in the Crown Prince’s chest. He stared at A Wu. "A Wu, what do you mean?"

Beside him, the Crown Princess’s eyes gleamed. She knew A Wu’s next words would cut the Crown Prince to the quick.

Her cheeks burned with vicious pleasure, but she thought it was wonderful—perfect!

A Wu could feel it—the Crown Prince, the Crown Princess, even Madam Su—all were staring at her, waiting for her next words.

She lifted her head slightly and finally continued, "Your Highness, A Wu truly never had any improper relations with Nie San. Life in the convent was unbearable, and I couldn’t endure it any longer. I once hoped Your Highness would come to save me, but you never did. What choice did a helpless woman like me have? Then Nie San came. He promised to spirit me away, that someone wanted to harm me, even kill me. I was afraid, so I had no choice but to follow him."

Madam Su interjected, "Lies! You said otherwise before!"

A Wu ignored her and went on, "Nie San was cruel. He meant to trap me, to destroy me utterly. But fortunately, a lord intervened and saved my life. For saving my life, I gave myself to him."

The Crown Prince’s lips trembled. He stared at A Wu in disbelief, his voice hoarse. "A Wu, what are you saying? Did someone force you to say this...? You had no choice, didn’t you?"

A Wu met his gaze—those dark eyes that had always softened when they smiled at her, that had brushed her hair like a brother’s hand.

But now, she gazed into those eyes and spoke calmly yet cruelly: "Your Highness, I am willing. I have given myself to that gentleman, and I am deeply devoted to him. If Your Highness cherishes our past affection, please grant A-Wu her wish."

The Crown Prince: "You—you—"

He refused to accept this, of course not!

He stared at A Wu, nearly out of his mind.

A Wu—his A Wu. He wanted to hold her tight, to make her his alone. But now A Wu said she had feelings for another man—how could this be?

He took a step forward and grabbed A Wu's arm: "Come, A Wu, come with me."

A Wu struggled desperately: "Let go of me, let go—"

But the Crown Prince, like a madman, dragged A Wu toward the exit.

A Wu could only cry out: "Help! Someone, help!"

Seeing this, the Crown Princess rushed over: "Your Highness, have you gone mad? She is no longer a concubine of the residence but a Taoist nun at this temple. You must not act recklessly—"

Suddenly, a dozen guards from the Crown Prince's household surged forward, blocking the Crown Princess's path.

The Crown Princess turned pale with shock: "How dare you defy me!"

Amidst A Wu's struggles, the Imperial Guards naturally heard the commotion. Sensing trouble, Fang Yue also arrived just then, and the group prepared to storm the temple.

At that moment, the female Taoists of Yanxiang Temple, its guards, and the Crown Prince's guards all rushed forward, attempting to block Fang Yue and his men.

Fang Yue, of course, could not be stopped. Sword in hand, he pressed forward—only to run headlong into Temple Official Song and her entourage.

Temple Official Song had just received word that A Wu had been captured and was about to interrogate her when she heard of the intrusion into Yanxiang Temple, prompting her hasty arrival.

Recognizing her as the temple official, Fang Yue dared not slight her. He stepped forward and said, "Your humble servant is Fang Yue, greeting Temple Official Song. I serve as an inner court guard and am here today under orders to escort the Taoist nun back to Yanxiang Temple. I beg—"

But Temple Official Song wouldn't hear him out. Frowning, she glanced at him: "An inner court officer?"

The temple steward sneered beside her: "So you're the one colluding with Miao Zhen? No wonder the wretch dared return—she had your backing!"

They spoke with confidence, for the Crown Prince and Crown Princess were present, and everyone knew Miao Zhen had seduced officers from the Crown Prince's household!

After all, one officer was as good as another—both were men Miao Zhen had ensnared!

Hearing this, Fang Yue's face flushed crimson with fury: "How dare you! I am an inner court officer—here is my badge!"

With that, he thrust forth his badge.

But Temple Official Song was unmoved. She coldly rebuked him: "Impudent fool! Do you know where you stand? This is a sanctuary for nobility, and this woman is a Taoist nun who shamefully fled our temple. Who are you to give orders here? Seize him!"

Fang Yue, as a commander of the Imperial Guard and an imperial guard in the emperor's presence, had always commanded respect. Never had he imagined being treated with such contempt in this temple.

Holding his badge high, he snapped coldly: "I am an inner court officer, here under the orders of the Imperial Guard commander. Who dares defy me?"

Yet the words had barely left his mouth when a mob came charging.

Fang Yue's eyes widened—he could scarcely believe his eyes.

Nanqiongzi was the Imperial sanctuary—how could such outlaws be here?

As the two sides clashed in close combat, the Crown Prince pulled A Wu insistently and started walking away.

He knew full well that this wouldn't end well—he had to take A Wu and leave.

He intended to hide her away in a secluded place where no one in the world could find her.

A Wu caught sight of Fang Yue and immediately saw her savior.

She knew this was her moment to prove her loyalty to the Jingxi Emperor—she had to sever all ties with the Crown Prince, burning all bridges between them.

So she cried out at once, "Help me, Master Fang!"

Lingguan Song was enraged at the sight and pointed at A Wu, cursing, "How dare you shameless lovers flaunt yourselves here!"

As he spoke, the guards rushed in to seize A Wu, Fang Yue, and the others.

Fang Yue grew desperate and shouted at the Crown Prince, "Your Highness, it's me, Fang Yue!"

He dared not invoke the Jingxi Emperor's name and could only yell his own.

The Crown Prince was startled. "You—why are you here?"

Fang Yue was at a loss, as the Jingxi Emperor's plan had been for Lady Ning to remain hidden here first, awaiting the imperial edict before being summoned to the palace.

Just as Fang Yue turned red with panic, the sound of galloping hooves suddenly rang out from outside, accompanied by the rapid stomping of armored boots.

Everyone froze.

Then came the sound of distinctive calls—the Imperial Guard's unique commands—followed by a voice declaring, "The Imperial Dragon Riders are here by the Emperor's orders!"

The Crown Prince's face fell.

The Crown Princess grew tense.

Lingguan Song and the others thought—were they here to arrest the lovers?

But Fang Yue finally breathed easy at last.

The gates of Yanxiang Temple swung open, revealing the solemn Imperial Dragon Riders standing outside, led by a palace eunuch in a blue-patterned robe—Eunuch Fu.

Eunuch Fu was gaunt and slightly hunched, his eyes always twinkling with mirth, yet no one dared step out of turn in his presence.

Because whenever Eunuch Fu appeared outside the Emperor's side, it meant only one thing—he was delivering an imperial decree.

Instantly, everyone fell silent, blades hitting the ground in unison, the metallic clangs echoing endlessly.

The scene became utterly silent—even the arrogant Lingguan Song and the frantic Crown Prince quieted down, while the Crown Princess stood aside, holding her breath.

At this moment, A Wu truly felt what imperial majesty truly meant. No matter how chaotic the crowd had been, the moment the Emperor's authority descended, the clamor vanished, and all bowed their heads.

Eunuch Fu smiled and said, "All of you, this humble servant is here to deliver His Majesty's verbal command."

At these words, everyone knelt. The Crown Prince cast a complicated glance at A Wu, pale-faced as he dropped to his knees.

In the Crown Prince's eyes, A Wu sensed worry, reluctance, and the defiant determination of youth.

Then, Eunuch Fu proclaimed the decree.

The contents were similar to what A Wu had heard from the Jingxi Emperor earlier, with one key difference—she was to remain at Yanxiang Temple, copying scriptures under imperial order, and only after completing her cultivation would she enter the palace to attend His Majesty.

After the imperial edict was announced, Lingguan Song and the others were stunned, but they still mechanically obeyed.

The Crown Prince was the first to rush forward and ask, "Eunuch Fu, what does my father mean by this? What does 'entering the palace as an attendant' imply? Is His Majesty still unwilling to let A Wu go? What exactly does he intend?"

His question was highly improper, but it echoed the doubts in everyone’s minds.

This woman, who had been sent to Yanxiang Taoist Temple under imperial decree to become a nun, was suddenly ordered to enter the palace—to serve? How?

Lingguan Song was even more suspicious. Wasn’t she a shameless runaway? How could she suddenly be summoned to serve in the palace?

If the imperial harem needed any rites like the Land and Water Ceremony, shouldn’t they have gone through her? Why was this unknown novice suddenly being given such importance?

Beside them, Fang Yue’s temple twitched at the Crown Prince’s words.

Had this fool of a prince still not grasped what his imperial father meant?

The writing was on the wall—the edict had been issued—how could he still not understand?

Eunuch Fu was also taken aback, but having served the Emperor for years, he was well-versed in tact. Smiling warmly, he replied, "Your Highness, how would this lowly servant presume the Emperor’s thoughts?"

The Crown Prince knew he shouldn’t have asked, but he was genuinely confused and deeply worried for A Wu.

He reached out, trying to grasp A Wu’s hand. "A Wu, don’t worry. If—"

But A Wu shrank from his grasp, recoiling as if from something vile.

Then, under the Crown Prince’s astonished gaze, she composed herself slightly and stepped forward, greeting Eunuch Fu with a smile.

Eunuch Fu beamed at her. "This humble servant greets the Revered Immortal. Please, Revered Immortal, apply yourself to your spiritual path undisturbed."

The Crown Prince and Crown Princess, seeing Eunuch Fu’s obsequiousness toward A Wu, were utterly bewildered.

The rest—Lingguan Song, the nuns—shared their bewilderment.

A shameless runaway… favored so conspicuously by the Emperor?

Eunuch Fu chuckled as he observed A Wu, his sharp eyes catching the red mark on her neck. Smiling with pointed intent, he instructed Lingguan Song, "Linguan, the Revered Immortal Miao Zhen has sustained an injury on her neck. Please arrange for the abbey’s physician to see to its care."

His genial, smiling demeanor only deepened the suspicions swirling around them.

What did this mean?

Hadn’t the Emperor previously scorned this cast-off concubine of the Crown Prince? Why was he now sending someone to comfort her so attentively?

Amidst the confusion, the Crown Princess suddenly experienced a dawning horror.

The thought was so horrifying that her face paled, and she fought to suppress it immediately.

It was sheer disrespect!

Yet, after her initial instinct to dismiss it, the unfolding events forced her to reconsider the possibility.

Her trembling gaze fell upon the faint but vivid red mark on A Wu’s neck.

The more she stared at it, the more terrified she became, her expression twisting into something ghastly.

When she lifted her eyes to A Wu again, she saw A Wu’s smile—radiant with newfound resolve.

The last time she had seen A Wu, the hapless figure had been kneeling, with eyes brimming with dread and confusion about the future.

But now, she seemed to have found her backbone, and she was no longer afraid of anything.

So, who gave her this confidence?

Who made her reject the Crown Prince without hesitation, and who enabled her to boldly declare in Yanxiang Temple that she had her eye on a certain man?

The truth was staring her in the face, but the Crown Princess couldn’t bear to think about it.

If this were truly the case, then... then...

The Crown Princess turned deathly pale, her eyes glazed over, and she was practically swaying on her feet.