Chapter 32 You Belong to His Majesty?

Chapter 32: Are You the Emperor’s Man?

The Young Emperor personally arranged the marriage, and the wedding date was swiftly set for just half a month later.

The news that the Marquis of Dingbei was to marry a male spouse—the heir to the Count of Anding’s household, no less—spread throughout the capital in a single day. It became the most fresh and lively topic of conversation, from nobles and officials to common peddlers and laborers.

It was unconventional, shocking; even passing dogs wanted in on the gossip.

The Young Emperor was being downright shady.

That was what most discerning people concluded after thinking it through.

The Marquis of Dingbei had achieved outstanding military feats, and the Duke of Zhenguo’s household was known for its unwavering loyalty. The Young Emperor had not only recalled him to the capital and stripped him of his military command but had also forced him to petition to marry a man. Such despicable and vile methods were truly contemptible.

But thoughts were just thoughts. Aside from muttering a few complaints in private and feeling sorry for Xie Xiao, no one dared to work up the nerve to advise the Young Emperor against it.

Had they not seen the heads rolling and blood flowing in the West Market lately? People were being executed in batches daily, and countless had died. Even the censor who had spoken out during the court assembly that day was later demoted to a provincial assignment.

Who wasn’t afraid of this young sovereign, who already showed tyrannical tendencies at such a tender age?

Yan Weichu knew perfectly well what people were saying outside. After all, the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot agents patrolled the streets everywhere—how could such rumors escape his ears?

But he didn’t care. He was overjoyed, busying himself day after day with personally preparing for the wedding, taking delight in every moment.

Xie Xiao had also been very busy during this time. Since the Emperor had already issued the decree for the marriage, he had to treat this wedding as genuine. Moreover, during the court assembly that day, the Emperor had ordered all officials to attend the banquet at his residence, so he had no choice but to put on a grand, lavish celebration.

Though it was somewhat troublesome, he didn’t find it annoying. In fact, he felt a hint of anticipation.

This marriage, originally intended to dispel the Young Emperor’s concerns, had long since been filled with his own genuine excitement and joy without him even realizing it.

At the residence of the Count of Anding, Bian Shen had also been very busy lately. He was to "marry off his 'son'"—to the Marquis of Dingbei, no less, and by the Young Emperor’s personal decree. How could he not put effort into the preparations?

Originally, the Count of Anding’s household had been low-key and obscure, nearly forgotten by the capital’s elite families. Now, it had suddenly become the object of everyone’s scrutiny, which was absolutely frustrating.

If others knew that this "son" was actually the Young Emperor himself, they would surely envy him for his incredible luck, as if his ancestors’ graves were emitting smoke from good fortune. If Bian Shen heard this, he would likely offer a wry smile and say, "Would any of you actually want such 'fortune'?"

Occasionally, Bian Shen would try to find humor in his misery and whisper to Ji Lanshu, "What is the Young Emperor thinking? Even if he wants to use marriage to secure the Marquis of Dingbei, he doesn’t have to be the one who marries out. He could have been the one to marry him…"

Ji Lanshu laughed for a long time after hearing this and said, "His Majesty is very clever. Marrying the Marquis of Dingbei might not have been done willingly, but marrying out to him will make him completely devoted."

Bian Shen sighed in amazement. The youth these days certainly had some flashy moves—he was truly behind the times.

In the blink of an eye, half a month passed, and the day of the wedding at the Marquis’s residence arrived amidst everyone’s eager anticipation.

Yan Weichu had spent the night at the Count of Anding’s residence. The embroiderers from the Count’s household had finished his wedding robes and delivered them two days prior. He had specifically entrusted these matters to the Count’s household to avoid any leaks of information.

The "dowry" came from his private treasury. He had personally reviewed and finalized the list, which was exceedingly lavish. He had to thank his regent uncle for this—after all the executions and confiscations, he had reclaimed over forty million taels of silver. Now, he was simply wealthy and willful.

That night, Shun Xi entered the room, presenting an item freshly delivered by the Imperial Workshops.

On the tray lay an extraordinarily magnificent phoenix mask. Its base was made of solid gold, engraved with grand and intricate feather-like patterns. The feather veins were outlined with gold wires in varying colors, creating a gradient effect, and the edges were inlaid with several rubies of different sizes. It was sharp, flamboyant, and dazzling, resembling a golden phoenix soaring with wings spread.

Yan Weichu reached out, picked it up, and placed it over his face. The mask fit the contours of his face perfectly, with even the eyeholes covered by extremely fine gold mesh. The upper half of his face was completely concealed, revealing only his rosy lips and clean jawline.

According to folk customs, women wore phoenix crowns and ceremonial robes when marrying, while men wore phoenix masks when being married off.

He was the Son of Heaven, a true dragon, but today he was willingly stepping back from dragon to phoenix.

Of course, aside from the imperial family, the phoenix crowns and masks used by officials and commoners were actually adorned with peacocks or simurgh birds resembling phoenixes. The mask in Yan Weichu’s hands, however, was a true phoenix mask—one he had bestowed upon himself when arranging the marriage.

This golden phoenix mask was indeed quite pleasing.

A phoenix was fine—after all, the phoenix was originally male. Yan Weichu saw no reason to find it unacceptable.

He was very satisfied and issued an oral decree to reward the craftsmen.

Shun Xi, with his sweet tongue, flattered and praised: "Your Majesty looks truly regal, elegant, and peerless in grace wearing this phoenix mask. The Marquis will surely be completely spellbound at the sight."

Yan Weichu glanced at him and smiled. "Go and collect your reward as well."

*

Early the next morning, Yan Weichu rose to wash, change, and dress.

As a man, he didn’t need makeup. He simply applied some lip color to add some color to his complexion and left it at that.

While his hair was being styled, Ji Lanshu came to keep him company. Bian Shen was still busy upfront, awaiting the arrival of the wedding procession.

"Your Majesty looks truly radiant like this," Ji Lanshu teased with a smile. As a descendant of the imperial clan, he was quite relaxed around Yan Weichu.

Yan Weichu rather liked this young father of his and said, "After I marry my cousin, I will restore your status as a member of the imperial clan. However, since the Prince Qing line has already been abolished, it won’t do. I will select another identity for you."

"It’s no trouble," Yan Weichu said dismissively. "Just listen to me. Being Emperor is difficult, and I have few capable people at my disposal. Would you and Father refuse to help me?"

His tone instantly left Ji Lanshu speechless. He could only clasp his hands and express gratitude: "Your Majesty’s great favor—I, like the Count, will repay it even after death, with unwavering loyalty."

Yan Weichu was satisfied. With the six princes raising armies and the regent plotting rebellion, the system of imperial clansmen was another problem that needed solving. He needed someone capable, and Ji Lanshu’s identity was perfect.

"Well said, but let’s not talk about death all the time. Today is my joyous day—such words are inappropriate."

Ji Lanshu smiled again. "Your Majesty is right."

At noon, Yan Weichu ate a light meal and took a short nap.

During this time, a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard came to report that Xie Xiao had returned to the Duke of Zhenguo’s residence that morning to pay respects at the family temple. Since the Duke was not present, the Dowager Duchess should have poured wine and given blessings, but she had slighted him. The Duke’s residence was cold and deserted, devoid of any festive atmosphere. The Dowager Duchess had not shown her face from beginning to end, refusing to meet Xie Xiao.

Yan Weichu’s expression darkened upon hearing this. That old woman was truly being given too much face—choosing to cast a shadow on such a joyous day. He issued an oral decree: "Send someone to the Duke’s residence to reprimand that Dowager Duchess on my behalf. Ask her if she has any dissatisfaction with the marriage decree I issued."

At precisely the hour of Shen (3–5 PM), the wedding procession arrived at the Marquis’s residence.

Xie Xiao received Yan Weichu in the main hall of the Count’s residence. The young lord was dressed in a crimson gold-woven brocade robe, wearing a futou headdress, his posture upright and dignified. A warm, gleaming jade belt circled his waist, adorned with the pair of double-jade pendants Xie Xiao had gifted him.

Most striking was the imperial golden phoenix mask covering his face. Its splendor complemented his flamboyant aura perfectly. Behind the gold mesh, his bright, dark eyes seemed to hold a faint smile, fixed intently on Xie Xiao.

Even if Xie Xiao wasn’t utterly captivated, he truly couldn’t look away for a moment.

The ceremonial official reminded them that the auspicious hour was approaching, and only then did the two bow to their elders to take their leave.

How would Bian Shen and the others dare to accept the Young Emperor’s bow? As soon as Yan Weichu made a move to bow, Bian Shen immediately stopped him, offering only a few words of blessing in his capacity as an elder. Afterwards, he personally saw Yan Weichu out of the residence.

Yan Weichu boarded the wedding carriage, and for a moment, the procession was grand and bustling, with drums and music resounding in unison. The streets were lined with onlookers eager to witness the spectacle.

Xie Xiao, on horseback, turned to look back at the flower carriage behind him, feeling a surge of emotion in that moment.

The wedding procession circled through the streets, arriving at the Marquis of Dingbei’s residence at the second mark of the You hour (5:30 PM).

The residence was adorned with red silks and colorful lanterns, swaying in the wind like flowing crimson clouds.

The house was filled with esteemed guests, and the atmosphere was lively and bustling.

All because of the emperor's single remark during the court assembly, every civil and military official, without exception, arrived bearing congratulatory gifts. Even those literati purists who traditionally scorned mingling with military nobles were present in attendance.

Over at the West Market, executions were still underway, while here in the grand mansions, wine cups clinked amid music and revelry. Anyone with sense knew which side to choose.

This wedding wine wasn't just about social obligations—it was about honoring the emperor's favor.

Once the auspicious hour arrived, it was time for the wedding ceremony.

These court officials did not recognize the Count of Anding's heir, and with Yan Weichu wearing the phoenix mask, they watched from a distance. Apart from remarking on the young lord's striking elegance and noble bearing, and what a perfect match he made with the Marquis of Dingbei, not a single one realized this was their emperor.

After all, who would ever imagine such a thing?

The Duke of Zhenguo was still at the border, so the ritual bow to the parents was omitted. After the couple bowed to each other, the ceremony was considered complete.

Yan Weichu had no interest in staying long in public and went first to the bridal chamber in the rear courtyard.

Not long after he left, another arrival was announced.

The imperial envoy stepped through the mansion gates and announced in a ringing voice, "Imperial decree has arrived! The Marquis of Dingbei, receive the decree!" The crowd was startled, then one by one set down their wine cups, rose, and knelt to listen.

Xie Xiao knelt at the front, assuming the emperor was granting additional honors.

"By the mandate of Heaven, the emperor decrees: Herein appoints the Marquis of Dingbei, Xie Xiao, to the post of Capital Garrison Commander. Together with the Commander of the Central Military Command, you shall jointly manage the capital garrison's military affairs, oversee the three main battalions, maintain combat readiness, train soldiers, and handle all defensive matters as you and the commander see fit. You shall uphold Our intentions, discharge your duties diligently, cooperate harmoniously, and not betray the deep trust We have placed in you. So it is decreed!"

The entire hall buzzed with murmurs.

Xie Xiao himself was stunned.

The imperial envoy smiled and reminded him, "Marquis, receive the decree."

Under the watchful eyes of all, Xie Xiao collected himself, kowtowed, and accepted the decree.

Whispers rustled through the surroundings, with the phrase "Has His Majesty gone mad?" on countless lips. Others were asking who the new Commander of the Central Military Command was. Previously, this position and that of Capital Garrison Commander had been held by the same person—the last one being the Duke of Ningguo, Zhang Ren. Was this now assigning two people to check and balance each other?

Zhang Ren was not present today, but his son, the Heir to the Duke of Ningguo, Zhang Zai, was there, and his expression was very unpleasant.

The emperor had stripped their Duke of Ningguo household of military power—they had accepted that. But handing it over to the Marquis of Dingbei? Wasn't that utterly ridiculous?

Was His Majesty afraid the Duke of Zhenguo household's influence wasn't already overwhelming, not enough to foster ambition, so they had to add fuel to the fire?

Soon, news came that someone had also gone to the Count of Anding residence to deliver a decree. The new Commander of the Central Military Command was the Count of Anding, Bian Shen—Xie Xiao's father-in-law.

Everyone fell into stunned silence.

Whether the emperor was clever or foolish, they could no longer decipher.

As night fell, the festivities died down, and Xie Xiao went to the bridal chamber in the rear courtyard.

Yan Weichu had just eaten his fill and was leaning on the couch reading a book, quietly waiting for his husband to arrive.

He had loosened his hair bun, but still wore the phoenix mask, his expression lazy and relaxed.

Xie Xiao entered, and the ceremonial official smilingly reminded him to remove Yan Weichu's phoenix mask and perform the ceremonial wine-sharing ritual.

Xie Xiao stopped before Yan Weichu, who sat at the edge of the couch, and gazed down at him with complicated emotions.

Yan Weichu tilted his head up slightly, sensing something amiss in Xie Xiao's mood. "Cousin..."

Xie Xiao raised his hand, touched the phoenix mask, but did not remove it. His fingers slid down and grasped Yan Weichu's chin.

After a moment of silence, Xie Xiao's voice deepened as he asked, "Are you working for the emperor?"

Author's Note:

Marquis of Dingbei: Hoodwinked by his wife into boarding this rogue vessel.