Chapter 18 Yipin Shangyi

The two men hastily straightened their clothes and walked out of the hall quickly, only to see a huge procession of proclamations winding along the palace road, with vermilion umbrellas and bright yellow dragon flags shining brightly in the sunlight.

"Ms. Yang, the eldest daughter of Yang Qianxing, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, received the imperial decree—"

Yang Manyan was filled with doubt and uncertainty. Before he could think, he heard the messenger unfold the bright yellow imperial edict and read it out in a voice as loud as a bell:

"The Emperor, by the Will of Heaven, proclaims:

I have heard that the rules of the inner court must emphasize virtue; the ranks of the harem should emphasize good manners. You, the eldest daughter of Yang Qianxing, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, have been married to a woman, and have become a model of virtue at an early age, which is in line with the auspicious omen of Kunde; you have been taught the precepts of a woman, and are chaste and self-disciplined, which is in line with the way of concealing virtue. Now, according to the old system of this dynasty, I specially appoint you as the first-rank Shangyi, grant you the seal of the empress, and take charge of all matters in the six palaces. I hope you will abide by the teachings of the emperor, carefully cultivate the rules of the inner court, assist me in my hard work day and night, manage the affairs of the harem, and set an example for the harem. Receive the blessings of heaven and inherit the glory of the past. I decree this!"

After reading the imperial edict, Yang Manyan subconsciously reached out to take it. His fingertips touched the fine cloud patterns embroidered on the edict, but he felt his whole body stiffen and his ears buzz.

A first-rank lady of etiquette, in charge of the Empress's imperial seal and the affairs of the six palaces - what is the purpose of the Emperor's order?

**

It was late at night, but the lights in the South Study of the Palace of Heavenly Purity were still bright, just like daytime.

He issued an imperial decree to confer the title of First-Rank Shangyi on Yang Manyan, and issued a strict order that no one in the palace should call her "Crown Princess". The emperor's eyes and brows rarely showed a hint of joy.

He sat upright behind his nanmu desk, slowly unfolding a newly presented secret report, his eyes scanning between the lines like lightning.

The next moment, a look of disbelief flashed across his eyes.

Although the prince had personally admitted that he had consummated his marriage with Yang, he still secretly sent people to investigate the palace maids in the Eastern Palace, but he did not expect that the secret report would actually confirm the matter.

Just a few lines of words, but they drew a harsh picture in the emperor's mind. His throat tightened, and his knuckles clenched the table so hard that it made a slight sound.

The chief eunuch Chang Ying came forward to change the tea and happened to catch a glimpse of his master's tense jawline, which made him feel sad.

He had been serving Xiao Ke personally since he was a prince, for more than twenty years.

He also witnessed how this young boy, who was ignored by his biological mother and alienated by his adoptive mother, gradually transformed into the calm and powerful ruler of the world he is today.

Although Chang Ying had been castrated, she entered the palace in order to preserve her chastity and make a living after losing her wife at a young age. Naturally, she knew what men needed.

He never understood what kind of strong willpower could allow an emperor who ruled the world to abstain from sex like an ascetic monk for more than 30 years?

Whenever His Majesty was full of vigor and vitality, he would rely on practicing martial arts to vent his energy and had never transgressed the rules in the slightest.

Half a year ago, the emperor finally favored a young palace maid, but why couldn't he find her afterwards? Chang Ying was puzzled.

Seeing the emperor's strange expression, he suddenly had an idea and bravely asked, "Your Majesty, I specially selected a few beautiful palace maids a few days ago. How about calling them to serve you?"

The palace maids he carefully selected all looked like the little palace maid described by the emperor - skin as white as cream, plump figure, and a hint of innocence and cuteness between her eyebrows.

The South Study Room suddenly became dead silent, and the air seemed to have turned into ice.

The emperor's angular face was instantly covered with a sinister look, and a chill filled his entire body.

"Chang Ying, I think you are tired of living." Every word he said was as cold as ice, sending chills down people's spines.

Chang Ying felt as if struck by lightning. He realized that he had touched the emperor's reverse scale. His pupils suddenly shrank, his knees softened, and he fell heavily to the ground.

He slapped himself hard, his forehead banging against the bricks, "Your Majesty, please forgive me! I am guilty of speaking without restraint, and I deserve death!"

"It was I who acted on my own initiative. I beg Your Majesty to show mercy!"

The emperor frowned impatiently: "Go out and accept your punishment."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for sparing my life!" Chang Ying was still frightened, and he rolled and crawled to move out. In his panic, he stumbled and fell.

"Wait." The emperor suddenly called him, his livid face becoming increasingly uglier.