Chapter 105 "Your Majesty, please grant my request and allow me to..."
Why did he refuse?
But, Ji Chengnin wondered, why should he accept it?
Aside from concealing his identity, Cui Yao had never committed any wrongdoing. However, being in the military, concealing his identity was Cui Yao's biggest mistake.
Having spent so much time together, he couldn't fully understand Cui Yao's character, but he knew his depths. Even if Cui Yao had something to hide and had to conceal his identity, he was neither ashamed before the world nor did he harm the people.
The entanglement between them caused Ji Chengning's brow to tremble as if pricked by a needle. It was nothing but romance, unrelated to national affairs. If he were to kill Cui Yao for this... the young marquis sneered. He was going to keep him around to settle scores later. How could he kill him so easily?
Zhou Yu paused when he heard his soft voice.
Their eyes met.
Zhou Yu looked at him.
She stared at him without blinking.
"Xiao Ning?"
"No need," Ji Chengnin heard himself reply calmly. "I have my own plans."
The smile in Zhou Yu's eyes faded slightly.
"Hesitation only leads to more trouble." He had crawled up behind Ji Chengnin without anyone noticing. A hand reached out from behind Ji Chengnin's neck, causing the latter to stiffen instinctively. The cold hand gently and stickily touched his heart. "Xiao Ning, you are someone I value. I don't want you to suffer any harm."
Ji Chengnin tilted his head.
Being so close, Zhou Yu was caught off guard and bumped into his eyes, suddenly feeling a strong urge to run away.
A tingling, numbing sensation spread from the back of my neck throughout my body.
“In that case, Your Highness should be even more cautious,” he saw Ji Chengning’s lips curving up, his lips so dry that they were cracked, with faint traces of blood visible, making one want to take lip rouge and fill the cracks little by little. His voice was so beautiful that it gave him the creeps. “Don’t do anything that would put me in a difficult position.”
Zhou Yu froze for a moment, then burst into laughter.
Ji Chengning casually moved his hand away and picked up the book that was resting on his lap again.
He lowered his head and read silently.
The puppy, trapped under the pages of the book, nestled in his arms and whimpered contentedly.
May you have a peaceful journey.
...
Thirteen days later.
When the army was approaching the capital, the second prince personally came to greet them when they were still ten miles away.
Ji Chengning and Zhou Zhuo had a grudge against each other. It was thanks to Ji Chengning that Zhou Zhuo went from being a county prince to the second prince. Zhou Zhuo didn't want to come. After all, the crown prince and the third prince were there. Even if he was the special envoy to welcome them, he would still be overshadowed by the two of them. The two exchanged pleasantries with forced smiles. After drinking the welcoming wine, Ji Chengning led his troops into the city.
Before entering the city, all the armored soldiers had to remove their weapons and leave them in the main camp outside the city.
The reason for entering the city was twofold: first, to let the people see the army's triumphant return; and second, to deliver an imperial edict of rewards.
Zhou Zhuo said, "His Majesty instructed me to convey a message to the general: after the army passes through the Heavenly Street, the general should enter the palace, as His Majesty wishes to see the general."
Ji Chengnin also acted politely and respectfully, "I understand, thank you, Second Prince."
Zhou Zhuo: "General, you're too kind."
The city gates were wide open.
The once grand official road, which could normally accommodate dozens of carriages and horses passing side by side, is now almost completely congested by the people.
If it weren't for the Imperial Guards maintaining order and clearing a path, it's likely that none of them would have been able to enter the city.
For both safety and to enter the city more quickly, the princes traveled separately by carriage, not with the main army.
The sun shone brightly, and the sky was cloudless.
The sunlight shone brilliantly on the young general's armor, its radiance shimmering so brightly that it was blinding.
The armor was imposing and cold, with the Qiongqi soaring through the clouds and treading on the sun on its chest, fierce yet awe-inspiring, its patterns so lifelike they could almost stop a child from crying. Yet, the person who wore this armor was so handsome.
With long eyebrows reaching his temples and eyes like cold stars, his features were like gold and jade. His face was only black and white, a stark contrast that complemented each other perfectly, creating a striking and richly beautiful appearance.
The crowd surged forward, with those at the front constantly shouting not to push, while those at the back stood on tiptoe and held their children high to see, all staring intently at the perfectly orderly line of soldiers.
"Smack."
A large, beautiful poppy fell on Ji Chengning's shoulder.
A look of surprise flashed across the latter's face.
In an instant, the solemnity on the young general's face vanished, his tightly pursed lips relaxed, and the intimidating, god-like general transformed into a mortal, a rare and dashing young man.
The person who threw the flowers was so red in the face that it looked like they were about to bleed.
Following this example, many people stood on the second floor at both ends of the street to watch the excitement. Some of the bolder women took off their sachets, threw them with their fair wrists, and smashed them onto the soldiers' armor.
Even though they had all been through life and death, they were more at a loss when faced with the sachet that landed on them than when faced with cannon fire or rockets. Most of the soldiers present were only in their twenties and were extremely embarrassed. The tips of their ears under their helmets turned red, and they did not want their comrades to see their awkwardness, so they suppressed the urge to lower their heads.
The people who saw this all laughed.
It turns out that these majestic soldiers who fought bloody battles were also ordinary people.
As we got closer to the palace gate, the crowd thinned out.
Li Bi rode forward and whispered in Ji Chengning's ear, "General, Lord Cui is no longer in the ranks."
Ji Chengnin's expression remained unchanged as he said in a low voice, "No need to look for him, let him go."
"yes."
The troops split into two groups, with Ji Chengnin entering the palace alone.
Before long, Mingde Gate came into view.
Two rows of guards rushed forward, "General Ji."
The younger children looked at Ji Chengning with bright eyes. The soldiers that Ji Chengning had led out this time had no merit before, but now they had returned with great achievements. They were ambitious and all wanted to make achievements and bring glory to their families.
They couldn't help but think to themselves, "If only they were the ones who went out with General Ji this time."
Ji Chengning dismounted.
No sooner had he responded than an incredibly excited voice came from not far away, "Your Highness!"
The voice was high-pitched and thin, and sounded extremely shrill due to excessive excitement.
"Eunuch Qin."
Ji Chengning stopped.
Qin Min quickly stepped forward, his face beaming with joy, his eyes practically bulging with happiness, as if he had never had a disagreement with Ji Chengning. "Your Highness, oh dear, look at my memory, I deserve a beating, I deserve a beating. Now I should be calling you Marquis. His Majesty has been asking us since yesterday why you haven't arrived yet."
As he spoke, he looked Ji Chengnin up and down several times in a very open and honest manner, just like an old servant looking at his long-lost young master.
Ji Chengnin's demeanor had become much more composed. Qin Min had almost forgotten the young marquis's fearless and reckless appearance. His sharpness was still there, but he was more reserved.
It is also more dangerous.
For some reason, Qin Min thought of these words, and the smile on his face froze for half a second.
"I am honored and deeply grateful for Your Majesty's concern," Ji Chengnin said with a polite smile. "I also want to thank Eunuch Qin for coming to welcome me."
Qin Min hurriedly said, "I dare not accept this. It is I who should thank you. Thanks to the general's victory, we in the capital are able to live in peace." He bowed and said respectfully, "Please, general."
They led Ji Chengning to the Xuanzheng Hall.
As soon as he stood at the entrance of Xuanzheng Hall, Qin Min immediately sent someone to announce his arrival. Before long, both hall doors were opened.
The smoke curled upwards, and Ji Chengning seemed to have not smelled such a luxurious fragrance in a long time, holding his breath for a few seconds with tension.
At the head of the table, the smiling man could only be the emperor.
The emperor laughed and said, "Look, our great general has returned."
Ji Chengning entered the palace.
The deeper you go, the richer the aroma becomes.
His expression remained unchanged, even his eyes were filled with excitement and admiration, only his chest rose and fell very slowly, revealing the fact that he was tense.
He lifted his robe and knelt down on the ground.
His head was bowed low, and no one could see his expression. They could only hear the young man say in a firm voice, "Your subject Ji Chengning has returned to court without failing Your Majesty's expectations." He took out the military tally from his sleeve and held it high, "Please, Your Majesty, take back the military tally."
The emperor glanced at Qin Min. “Minister Ji, you’re being too polite,” he said with a sigh and a smile. “Get up.”
The Minister of Rites smiled and said, "General Ji's politeness is a sign that he has not forgotten His Majesty's kindness."
The emperor nodded with a smile.
Qin Min stepped forward and took the military tally.
Ji Chengnin's palm twitched slightly when the cold, heavy object was pulled from his hand, but he knew very well that the military tally was meaningless to him at this moment.
He was able to mobilize the Central Plains army because of the emperor.
But one day...
His long, thick eyelashes pressed down, obscuring the dark glint in his eyes.
He can command the three armies without the aid of any external means.
Ji Chengnin stood up and glanced around out of the corner of his eye.
The Xuanzheng Hall was not only occupied by the emperor, but also by several civil officials, who all jokingly addressed him as "General Ji".
Among them was Yu Qiushen, the newly appointed top scholar, who had only recently become a compiler in the Hanlin Academy. For some reason, he dared not look at Ji Chengnin, and with his head down, he also called out "General Ji".
Ji Chengning returned the greetings one by one, but his gaze lingered on Yu Qiushen for a few seconds.
I vaguely recall that this new top scholar once gave him a golden peony.
"You may all leave. I have something to say to Minister Ji," the Emperor said.
Everyone agreed and filed out.
The doors to the main hall opened and closed again.
The sun outside the palace was too bright, and the blinding sunlight swept across the emperor's face, instantly turning his face as pale as a skeleton. Ji Chengnin's pupils contracted, and the next second, the sunlight on his face disappeared, leaving a layer of gloom.
"Ji Qing, come forward and let me see you."
The emperor's high and mighty voice came through.
Ji Chengnin composed himself and stepped forward steadily.
One after another.
It was the sound of footsteps.
It was his heartbeat.
Until, standing below the jade steps.
"Raise your head."
He heard the emperor give the order.
Ji Chengnin looked up as instructed.
They made eye contact with the man at the head of the table.
Those eyes held admiration, a smile, and even a deep sense of longing. Ji Chengnin's stomach clenched violently.
It was as if he were looking at someone through him.
Ji Chengning suppressed the urge to vomit, his expression remaining submissive and admiring.
If the emperor really did kill his mother as Xiao Dingguan said, and then used his mother's identity to imprison his uncle in the palace, how could he dare, how could he have the right to show such an expression in front of him now?
The emperor looked at Ji Chengnin.
It's like looking at a straight, rigid spear, polished to a gleaming cold light.
From the young man's slightly lowered eyebrows to his taut jaw.
His temples were as black as raven feathers, which made his face appear even whiter.
The emperor was momentarily dazed.
Standing before him, was it Ji Chengnin, or— His thoughts abruptly stopped, and a layer of cold sweat appeared on the back of the emperor's neck, sticky and making him uneasy.
He pulled Ji Chengnin up, his smile deepening as he carefully admired the young man, as if he were admiring a piece of jade he had personally polished. "Truly worthy of being a son of the Ji family," he exclaimed. Then, a hint of sadness crept into his voice as he patted Ji Chengnin's shoulder forcefully. "Good boy, you have not let your father down."
Bang bang bang bang——
My heart was beating faster and faster.
My father?
Father?
Who is telling the truth and who is lying?
My heart was beating so fast that even my eardrums were trembling.
As if his soul had left his body, Ji Chengnin looked at himself standing below the jade steps, the emperor no more than an arm's length away from him, yet his expression was still one of emotion and gratitude.
"If your father could know this in the afterlife, he would be at peace," the emperor said, his tone filled with even more regret. Suddenly, as if remembering something, he smiled and said, "When the news of your victory reached the capital, the Imperial Concubine was overjoyed. It's a pity that the Imperial Concubine has always been in poor health; otherwise, you would have been able to see your aunt today."
"Yes." Ji Chengnin felt his throat was dry and sore, his head was dizzy and he almost vomited, but he answered respectfully, "I will visit my aunt another day. I also miss my aunt."
The emperor smiled and said, "Your devotion to the Imperial Concubine is evident; it's no wonder you've been treated so well."
He praised with satisfaction, "You have a pure and kind heart, that's very good."
Ji Chengnin bowed his head respectfully, "Your Majesty, I am unworthy of such praise. Everything is thanks to Your Majesty's guidance."
"Very good, very good!" the emperor laughed.
He turned and went up the steps, but suddenly remembered something and turned back. “Ji Qing, a few days ago, I mentioned your marriage to your uncle. Your uncle said that you were still young and had not yet achieved anything, so he declined. Now, I think it is very suitable for me to bestow a marriage upon you.”
His smile deepened.
What?
Ji Chengning was taken aback, then realized what he meant: "A marriage decree bestowed upon me?"
He had experienced so much today that his senses were somewhat numb. Upon hearing the news, it sounded as if he himself had not been the one being betrothed.
The emperor was not one to be enthusiastic about his subjects' marriages. Why, why did he insist on arranging a marriage for him? Was it simply because he said he was old enough and had made great achievements, and was ready to settle down?
"The young lady you've met is the third daughter of Prince Shou, Princess Zhaole. She's a bit younger than you, and her temperament is the most calm and respectful," the emperor said, looking at Ji Chengning with a chillingly loving expression. "Your marriage and the ceremony of bestowing your title can be held together, which can be considered a double celebration."
After he finished speaking, he remembered to ask Ji Chengnin, the person involved, for his opinion. "What do you think, Mr. Ji?"
What does Ji Chengning think?
The emperor had spoken so frankly and considered everything so thoroughly for him; he should kowtow, express his deepest gratitude, and be moved to tears.
But—he absolutely cannot agree to this marriage.
He doesn't like women, so marrying the princess would be a waste of her prime years, leaving her to live a life of widowhood. Besides, there's also…
Ji Chengnin bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Princess Zhaole is one in a million. It is my blessing to marry her. However, I am rash and lack virtue, and I am not worthy of her."
The emperor's enthusiastic smile vanished instantly.
"oh?"
Ji Chengnin kowtowed deeply, "Your Majesty, I am inadequate in self-cultivation. I beg Your Majesty to rescind your decree."
The emperor stared at Ji Chengnin.
After a long pause, he suddenly smiled. "You don't like Zhao Le?" He didn't wait for Ji Chengnin's answer, his probing gaze sharp as a blade, slicing across Ji Chengnin's face. "Princess, not," the emperor's voice rang out casually above him, "How about the princess?"
But it exploded like a thunderclap.
To be granted a marriage by the emperor, and to be a princess at that, is such an honor and such a great favor!
The atmosphere inside the hall grew increasingly tense.
Unfortunately, Ji Chengnin was ungrateful, and Qin Min almost suspected that the young marquis had been hit by artillery fire on the battlefield and damaged his brain.
Ji Chengning remained silent for several breaths.
The emperor's words made it sound as if he wasn't talking about marrying a woman, but rather about marrying her title.
Weigh the pros and cons carefully.
Ji Chengnin lowered his head even further.
His posture was extremely submissive, yet he spoke, "Your Majesty, please rescind your order."
"Whoosh—"
Upon hearing this, the emperor turned around abruptly.
The dragon robe bowed, drawing a sharp arc in the air.
The entire Xuanzheng Hall instantly became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Qin Min looked at Ji Chengnin in shock.
Has the young marquis gone mad this season?!
quiet.
A suffocating silence.
Ji Chengnin kowtowed.
He could feel the emperor's gloomy gaze sweep across his neck and linger there for a long time.
It seemed as if he was considering whether his head could withstand being chopped off.
After an unknown amount of time, Ji Chengning felt that his arms had become numb and he could no longer feel them.
The emperor suddenly smiled.
The laughter was cold and menacing, so much so that the palace servants present didn't dare to even breathe.
"Very well, very well," the emperor stared intently at Ji Chengnin, his voice heavy, "According to you, none of the royal ladies are worthy of you, Ji Qing."
Ji Chengnin replied, "Your subject dares not."
Then, there was only deathly silence again.
Ji Chengnin suddenly realized that he should say something to salvage the situation. At the very least, the reason that he was morally deficient was too weak and sounded like an excuse that didn't even require any thought.
Ji Chengnin blinked.
He pressed his hands tightly to the ground, the chill of the ground rushing through his skin and into his entire body.
The chill was bone-chilling.
But it made him feel that he was still alive.
Ji Chengnin looked up.
The emperor's gaze was cold and menacing, exuding an overwhelming sense of oppression.
So Ji Chengnin gave an extremely sincere reason: "Your Majesty, I know my fault. It is not that I do not know Your Majesty's good intentions when I refuse, but I already have someone I love. Since Your Majesty wants to bestow a marriage upon me, please grant my request and allow me to marry the person I love."
After speaking, he kowtowed deeply.
The entire hall fell completely silent.
Even the emperor's expression became somewhat blank.
What?
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