Chapter 15: The Northern Di Army Advances, Having Already Captured Three Cities
Inside the Golden Palace, Dongfang Jibai remained completely unaware of the commotion outside.
He knelt before the throne, respectfully saluting the emperor. “Your humble servant pays respects to His Majesty. Long live the emperor.”
“Rise, my loyal minister,” the emperor gestured with his hand, and Eunuch De quickly stepped forward to assist him.
The emperor, a man past forty, narrowed his eyes as he studied the young general before him. His gaze lingered briefly on the sword at Dongfang Jibai’s waist.
“Do you know why I summoned you here?” the emperor asked, lifting his tea cup casually.
Lowering his eyes, Dongfang Jibai replied, “Your servant is ignorant; may Your Majesty enlighten me.”
“You and Yingxue have grown up together since childhood. You cannot be unaware of her feelings,” the emperor set down his cup with a crisp clink against the desk. “I intend to grant you marriage to her. What say you?”
The hall fell so silent that one could hear a pin drop.
Dongfang Jibai felt the burning gaze of Xue Yingxue, standing by the dragon throne, fixated on him—a look that made him deeply uneasy.
“Your Majesty, with all due respect, I regard Her Highness as a sister,” Dongfang Jibai knelt again, his voice steady and dignified. “A union between brother and sister would be improper.”
“Brother Dongfang, you know well my heart. I will marry no one but you!” Xue Yingxue stamped her foot, the jeweled ornament on her shoe clinking sharply against the golden floor.
Dongfang Jibai nearly laughed aloud. The princess’s private quarters were filled with more lovers than the servants of a general’s mansion.
And yet she dared claim she would marry no one but him?
If he accepted this marriage, he’d be wearing a crown of cuckoldry every day at court!
“Your Majesty, my heart is pledged elsewhere. My feelings for the princess are purely fraternal. I dare not delay her happiness,” Dongfang Jibai said, looking directly at the emperor with resolute sincerity.
The emperor’s expression darkened suddenly, and he slammed his tea cup down on the desk. “Dongfang Jibai, you know well I did not summon you here to hear such excuses. My words are imperial decree. Do you intend to defy the edict?”
Tension in the hall soared like drawn swords.
Dongfang Jibai sensed the hidden guards had already gripped their sword hilts.
Calmly, he adjusted his kneeling posture, ready to draw his sword in defense at a moment’s notice.
“If Your Majesty insists on the marriage, then the princess must accompany me to the border,” Dongfang Jibai said evenly, each word sharp as a blade. “But the border is harsh and bitter, with winds that cut like knives. I wonder if a princess of noble blood could endure such hardship?”
Xue Yingxue bit her lip tightly. She could never go to the border—her ambitions and schemes were all rooted in the imperial city.
She would remain to become the Imperial Princess!
For this realm, the throne was not meant for men alone!
A forced smile curled her lips as she said, “Brother DongfangI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.