Chapter 91

Chapter 91: Ming’s Capital Punishment

When Xu Ming arrived at the courtyard, everyone except the officials knelt down to receive the imperial decree.

Wei Xin, standing at the front, chuckled upon seeing Xu Ming. “Zhuangyuan Lang, please receive the decree.”

Looking at Xu Ming, Wei Xin clearly showed respect and flattery.

If before, Wei Xin was merely observing Xu Ming from afar, now he had completely taken his side.

After all, the future son would be his master—if he lived that long.

“Ming receives the decree.” Xu Ming stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

Wei Xin nodded in satisfaction, cleared his throat, and unfurled the golden imperial decree. His voice rang out across the courtyard—

Should Xu Ming become a prince consort, and given that the Emperor has only one daughter, their future royal grandson would undoubtedly be the ruler of the Wu Kingdom.

I have heard that between heaven and earth, yin and yang must harmonize, and men and women should pair accordingly—this is the way of the great path.

Through divination by the Master of Tian Ji City, Xu Ming and Zhao Wen Princess are considered a perfect celestial match.

Rumors about Xu Ming becoming a prince consort had already spread throughout Wudu.

Here it comes!

Xu Shuiya, Xu Zheng, Qin Ruhai, and others were extremely excited.

The imperial decree had finally arrived!

They had long heard that the Emperor intended to betroth the princess to Xu Ming. After all, the princess was no longer young, and without an heir, how could the Emperor not be anxious?

Once Xu Ming became the prince consort, and eventually his child the ruler, their status would be unimaginable—”second to none, above ten thousand.”

Now we have my beloved daughter, Zhao Wen Princess, who has reached marriageable age. She is virtuous, talented, and wise—a true pride of mine.

But when this really happened, it still stirred emotions.

I sent the birth charts of Xu Ming and Zhao Wen Princess to Tian Ji City.

[Imperial Decree]

Everyone looked at Xu Ming with envy in their eyes.

My heart finds great comfort in forming this union, showcasing my benevolence and securing the foundation of our nation.

This Chen Suyan truly raised an extraordinary son.

I also hear that Xu Ming from the Xu Mansion is exceptionally gifted, morally upright, and both scholarly and martially proficient. His poetic talent is renowned throughout the land.

However, Xu Ming becoming the prince consort was expected by most.

Therefore, I hereby issue this decree to bestow marriage upon Xu Ming of the Xu Mansion and my beloved daughter, Wu Yanhan. May they unite in matrimony, live long together, and bear many prosperous descendants for the flourishing of their household.]

As Wei Xin finished speaking,

the status of the Xu and Qin families would reach unimaginable heights!

The two concubines of the Xu family envied Chen Suyan.

After Xu Ming becomes the prince consort, the Xu family might gain even more titles.

But some far-sighted individuals like Wang Feng, Lady Qin, and Zhao Wenshan worried about the future of the Xu and Qin families.

Do these people think the Emperor is a fool or a saint?

The Emperor wouldn’t allow the Xu and Qin families to rise further.

Considering the usual behavior of most disciples from the Xu and Qin families, at best, they embarrass the Wu Royal Family.

At worst, their reckless antics could disrupt the Imperial Court.

And after the decree, before Xu Ming marries the princess, the Xu and Qin families will inevitably face a reckoning!

Now, all they can hope for is that the Emperor shows mercy, reduces their titles, disperses the Xu and Qin families, instead of exterminating them entirely.

On the other side,

as Xu Ming’s mother, Chen Suyan didn’t seem overly delighted that her son was about to become the prince consort and ascend to such high rank.

Chen Suyan looked at Xu Ming calmly, worry evident in her eyes.

Becoming the prince consort, especially for the sole princess of Wu, with their future child destined to be the ruler of Wu, such status was unparalleled.

But everything has two sides.

If Xu Ming becomes the prince consort, he will be part of the royal family, which isn’t easy.

Rather, Chen Suyan wished Xu Ming would marry an ordinary girl and lead a simple life.

But the decree has been issued; there’s no choice left for her son.

Refusing the decree would mean defying the Emperor—an act punishable by death unless under extreme circumstances.

All eyes at the banquet turned to Xu Ming, waiting for him to accept the decree.

But Xu Ming remained bowed, silent.

In Xu Ming’s mind, Wei Xin’s words echoed.

Who is the princess?

What’s her name?

Wu Yanhan?

“Could it be that after passing the imperial exams, you’re not supposed to marry Zhu Cici from Qi?”

“How did this happen?”

“Nothing, but do you know? Rumors say after your participation in the assembly examination, you’ll become the prince consort of Wu.”

“Huh? Is that true?”

“Who knows? But will you accept the Emperor of Wu’s arranged marriage?”

“Is she beautiful?”

“More beautiful than Zhu Cici.”

In Xu Ming’s mind, memories of Wu Yanhan’s words resurfaced.

Xu Ming knew Wu Yanhan wasn’t ordinary and guessed that since she bore the surname “Wu,” she was likely royal.

But he never imagined she was the Wu princess, only assuming she was a noble sent for training.

After all, who would expect the Emperor to send his only bloodline to the military?

And this sole princess of Wu possessed the divine body of a martial deity.

Xu Ming couldn’t help but chuckle internally.

It seemed entering the Blood Floating Pagoda and the Four Eight Four camp, meeting Wu Yanhan, was all orchestrated by the Emperor from the start.

Does Xu Ming hold resentment towards the Emperor? Not really.

Giving his only precious daughter to you signifies immense trust, akin to handing over half the kingdom.

Though it was a necessity for the Emperor due to having only one daughter,

he, as a father, certainly treated you well.

But did Wu Yanhan know? Did she know from the start she was destined for this arranged marriage?

Or was she observing me, her “future husband,” while in the camp?

“Zhuangyuan Lang, please receive the decree.”

Wei Xin smiled at Xu Ming, who had delayed accepting the decree.

Wei Xin understood Xu Ming’s daze.

No matter how talented or mature beyond his years, being crowned the top scholar on one hand and then offered a royal marriage on the other—such dual blessings would make anyone doubt if they were dreaming.

Speaking of which, Xu Ming is truly blessed; the day of his success coincides with his wedding day.

“Son Ming, quickly receive the decree.”

“Son Ming, receive the decree.”

Beside Xu Ming, Xu Shuiya and his father were more anxious than he was.

Had they dared, they would’ve snatched the decree and shoved it into Xu Ming’s arms.

Xu Ming took a deep breath, straightened up, looked at Wei Xin, and bowed deeply again:

“Ming commits a capital offense; I cannot yet accept the decree.”

[One chapter remains. I’ll release it once it’s done.]