"By decree of Heaven, the Emperor decrees that Yan Zhao, being intelligent, gifted, and surpassing in beauty, is bestowed the title of Yan Gong."
"Young Master Yan, receive the imperial edict!"
Yan Er rose to accept the decree!
"Congratulations, Young Master Yan," Li Chenxuan said enviously.
"Congratulations?" Yan Yi, standing nearby, raised his eyes, his gaze filled with fury.
Li Chenxuan shivered, taking a few steps back. "I... I have other matters to attend to, I'll take my leave."
With that, he dashed away.
Yan Yi stood up, snatched the imperial edict, and threw it to the ground, roaring, "This is clearly an insult to Young Master! Surpassing in beauty?"
Seeing this, Yan Er subtly signaled to Yan Yi, whispering, "Say less."
Yan Yi said unyieldingly, "Why should I say less? What about the Empress? Why no title? No rewards? No palace attendants? Is this a freebie?"
Yan Er: ...
Yan Zhao: ...
Observing his young master's darkening expression, Yan Er coughed lightly. "Young Master, things will get better in the future."
"Better?" Yan Zhao raised his eyes, his dark pupils as cold as frost.
Yan Er realized belatedly that he had said the wrong thing. Mother, he was so scared.
"Yan Er is right, Young Master, you will surely become the mother of a nation in the future..." Yan Yi paused here, then added, "No, Young Master is a man, does that make him the father of a nation?"
Yan Zhao listened as the words became increasingly nonsensical and said coldly, "Get out."
Yan Yi and Yan Er exchanged glances, knowing their young master was angry and daring not to linger. Their young master's anger was terrifying.
They had to run quickly, or else...
"Yan Yi, you stay," Yan Zhao said coldly.
Yan Yi shivered and stiffly turned around. "Young Master, Yan Yi is very busy."
"It's alright, it will be quick," Yan Zhao said coldly.
Half an hour later, Yan Yi emerged with a bruised and swollen face.
The palace attendants scattered in fright.
Yan Yi touched his face, wincing in pain, and managed a wry smile. "Young Master, you were a bit too heavy-handed!"
Imperial Study
Xue Zining looked at the ten youths before her, rose from her seat, and approached them, looking down with a cold voice. "I believe the Prime Minister has already made clear to you all why you have entered the palace. I ask one last time, does anyone wish to go back on their word? It is not too late."
No one answered.
The young woman parted her red lips, her voice colder than ever. "This time, your lives may be at stake. Even so, will you not regret it?"
"No," one of the youths stepped forward to answer.
"You are..."
"Hua Yunxuan," the youth replied.
"Yun Jin, this is..."
Hua Yun Jin said, "Your Majesty, this is my cousin."
"Are you not afraid?"
The youth before her appeared to be of the same age as her.
The youth shook his head. "If I were afraid, I would not be standing here."
"Good, well said."
The youth saw a glimmer of moisture in the young woman's eyes. "I am a puppet emperor, but I am unwilling to remain a puppet. I want to break through all obstacles, and for that, I need you. It is I, Xue Zining, who needs you, needs your strength, even your blood, your... lives."
The last two words were spoken by the young woman very softly, as if she were still struggling.
"Your Majesty, having come here, we do not fear death, nor do we fear bleeding, or even losing our lives. To assist the sovereign and shed blood for the cause is the duty and mission of a subject."
"Thank you all. From today onwards, we will work together, grow together, and await that day's arrival."
The young woman stood there, her gaze filled with hope at this moment. That day would come, the day she truly held the vast rivers and mountains in her hands.