Qin Zheng's words were too blunt—anyone could tell he wanted Ye Jingchuan to marry into his family.
But Ye Chutang was not only exceptionally talented and beautiful, her calligraphy alone could fetch ten gold pieces. Which family wouldn’t want such a daughter-in-law?
Thus, officials with sons of marriageable age rushed to propose.
"Old Ye, if you’re thinking of marrying off your daughter, you must consider my son first."
"My son is a better match—not only is he the same age as Miss Ye, but he’s already entered official service."
"Entering service means nothing. My son had a delightful conversation with Miss Ye today."
To Qi Yanzhou’s ears, such talk was nothing but slander against Ye Chutang’s reputation.
He shot a cold glare in their direction.
"Lord Xu, if I’m not mistaken, wasn’t it your son who was too dull-witted and had to seek Miss Ye’s guidance?"
This was the truth. Lord Xu flushed with embarrassment and coughed lightly to ease the awkwardness.
"My apologies, I misspoke and was too hasty in my words about Miss Ye."
Qin Zheng admired Ye Chutang deeply and didn’t want her treated like some contested prize.
"Enough arguing. Let’s hear what Minister Ye has to say first."
Of course, Ye Jingchuan wanted Ye Chutang to marry Qi Yanzhou.
But neither of them was under his control.
Nor did he wish to offend any officials over Ye Chutang.
"While it’s customary for parents to arrange their children’s marriages, Chutang has suffered greatly in life. I won’t interfere in her choice of husband—she may decide for herself."
This answer stunned everyone.
To put it bluntly, wasn’t this tantamount to an illicit courtship?
Yet no one dared criticize Ye Chutang.
After all, she had fame, talent, and wealth.
Whichever family she married into would be blessed indeed!
"In that case, the lucky man to win Miss Ye’s hand must be one of those scholars who frequent the poetry pavilions."
"Nonsense! As long as Miss Ye attends banquets, our sons still have a chance."
Someone asked Ye Jingchuan directly,
"Minister Ye, will Miss Ye be attending Princess An’s birthday banquet?"
Ye Jingchuan nodded. "Naturally."
With that, he turned toward the Golden Luan Hall.
"Morning court is about to begin. Let’s not keep His Majesty waiting."
The officials promptly straightened their court robes and followed.
Qin Zheng quickened his pace to walk beside Qi Yanzhou, lowering his voice.
"Your Highness seems quite concerned about Miss Ye."
Nearby officials immediately perked up their ears.
Qi Yanzhou knew Qin Zheng was probing him.
With a stern expression, he replied, "Chancellor, if you’d read Miss Ye’s poetry or heard her play the zither, you wouldn’t say such things."
"A woman who surpasses men in every regard deserves my respect!"
Seeing Qi Yanzhou’s displeasure, Qin Zheng hastily apologized.
"Your Highness, forgive my narrow-mindedness."
Then, with a sheepish grin, he added, "Since Your Highness is close to Yun’er, you must know of his feelings for Miss Ye. Given your frequent interactions with her, perhaps you could… help facilitate things?"
Qi Yanzhou glanced at him. "Is this Huaixuan’s idea?"
"No, that foolish boy thinks himself unworthy of Miss Ye and mopes at home!"
If not for his son’s genuine affection for Ye Chutang, he wouldn’t have approached Ye Jingchuan at all.
Truly, a fine shoot growing from a bed of weeds!
"Tell Huaixuan this: if he likes her, he should pursue her himself."
With that, Qi Yanzhou strode into the Golden Luan Hall.
The officials knew today’s court session would be stormy, and the hall fell into tense silence.
When the time for court arrived, neither the Emperor nor Eunuch De appeared.
No edict arrived to cancel the session either.
After waiting nearly half an hour, the Emperor and Eunuch De finally arrived—late and visibly haggard.
Ever since learning that the elixirs he consumed were made from corpse-grown herbs, the Emperor had been vomiting incessantly.
Whenever he managed to sleep, nightmares jolted him awake.
A single night had left him gaunt, with sunken eyes.
Settling onto the throne, he rasped, "What are your thoughts on the ‘Petition of Ten Thousand Blood Signatures’?"
The officials understood: the Emperor wanted them to pin all blame on Heavenly Master Zhang.
But even if the Emperor had been deceived, his negligence still bore responsibility.
Hundreds of lives had been lost—the people wouldn’t let this be swept aside.
Yet speaking truthfully would only incur imperial wrath.
Thus, aside from Qi Yanzhou, every official kept their heads bowed like quails.
Already in poor spirits, the Emperor’s anger flared at their silence.
His gaze swept past Qi Yanzhou and landed on Ye Jingchuan, ever the sycophant.
"Minister Ye, share your opinion."
Ye Jingchuan’s scalp prickled. He deflected instantly.
"Your Majesty, the three censors are better suited to address this matter."
The censors: "..."
Ye Jingchuan, you son of a—
"Minister Ye, His Majesty asked you. Why drag us into it?"
"Refusing to answer borders on defying the imperial decree!"
Cornered, Ye Jingchuan had no choice but to speak.
"Your Majesty, the people act out of ignorance. If we reveal the truth, they’ll understand—it’s only through Your Majesty’s devotion to the Dao that Beichen Kingdom enjoys prosperity."
The words tasted like ash in his mouth, but pleasing the Emperor took precedence.
Let the censors play the moralists; he’d stick to survival.
The Emperor knew it was flattery, but his mood lightened slightly.
"Censors, your turn."
As overseers of officials and advisors to the throne, the censors exchanged glances and chose honesty.
After all, Prince Chen had privately assured their safety.
"Your Majesty, Heavenly Master Zhang’s crimes are unforgivable—death alone cannot atone."
"Though unaware, Your Majesty’s pursuit of the Dao enabled his atrocities."
"We implore Your Majesty to halt cultivation and reflect on this oversight."
The Emperor’s face darkened with rage.
"Outrageous!"
Qi Yanzhou stepped forward. "Your Majesty, while Heavenly Master Zhang bears chief guilt, hundreds of children died under your reign. An Edict of Self-Repentance is necessary to appease the people."
The moment "Edict of Self-Repentance" left his lips, the hall erupted in shock.
Had Prince Chen gone mad?
The Emperor’s expression turned thunderous. He nearly ordered Qi Yanzhou’s execution on the spot.
"Prince Chen, do you comprehend your words?"
An Edict of Self-Repentance was reserved for grave imperial failures!
His pursuit of longevity through the Dao was for the people’s sake—where was the fault?
Qi Yanzhou met the Emperor’s fury head-on. "The people’s hearts are the foundation of the throne. I urge Your Majesty to issue the edict."
"Bold words! Do you presume your merits make you untouchable?"
"Your Majesty, water bears the boat but can also capsize it."
Deaf to reason, the Emperor bellowed, "Guards! Prince Chen has disrespected the throne—thirty heavy strikes!"
If he couldn’t execute Qi Yanzhou, he’d make him suffer.
Imperial guards rushed in.
Just as Qin Zheng, sweating profusely, moved to intercede, urgent news arrived from the hall’s entrance.
"Report! An urgent missive from Suzhou—eight-hundred-li dispatch!"
At this, Qi Yanzhou’s lowered eyes gleamed with triumph.
