“There’s even a so-called Martial Alliance Leader,” the Emperor scoffed. “He’s only one step away from declaring himself Emperor.”
After finishing the imperial edict, he tossed it to the Shadow Master.
“Take this to the Imperial Clan Court. Tell them to handle it properly.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The Shadow Master glanced at the decree before disappearing in a flash.
The Emperor remained seated on the Dragon Throne, slowly calming his anger and forcing himself to regain his composure.
Just then, Eunuch Wan returned.
Seeing the Emperor’s expression, he barely dared to breathe, much less enter the hall. He was terrified of becoming collateral damage.
It had been a long time since His Majesty had been this furious.
He had even drafted the imperial edict himself—and had actually shouted at Lord Shadow Master.
Terrifying…
Unaware of Wan Zhenxiang’s thoughts, the Emperor finally settled down before calling toward the doorway,
“Wan Zhenxiang! Come in and draft an imperial proclamation.”
“This servant obeys.”
Wan Zhenxiang inwardly groaned as he cautiously walked over to the side desk.
Closing his eyes briefly, the Emperor pondered for a moment before dictating:
“Princess Wengnai is accomplished in both civil and martial arts, intelligent, and dignified. Effective immediately, she is promoted to the rank of General of Martial Valor and is specially authorized to establish a martial academy.”
“All persons between the ages of three and thirty may register at the Ministry of Personnel’s residence.”
“What?”
Wan Zhenxiang was dumbfounded.
Without thinking, he blurted out,
“Your Majesty… You’re appointing Princess Wengnai as the General of Martial Valor? This… since ancient times, when has a woman ever held official office? Let alone become a general?”
It was simply unheard of.
The Emperor replied coldly,
“It’s merely a title to justify the arrangement.”
“Yu’er explained everything in his memorial.”
“The one actually teaching will be Wan’er’s father, Murong Hong. He is a general of Feng Kingdom with extraordinary martial skills.”
“But because of his position, he cannot openly serve our court.”
“So I can only entrust the matter to Wan’er.”
“Although she is the Crown Princess of Feng Kingdom, she is also my Commandery Princess and my grandson’s future wife.”
“Only if she stands at the forefront can I truly be at ease.”
Wan Zhenxiang: …
Your Majesty… this is far too reckless.
The civil and military officials are definitely going to object.
Forget the court officials.
If the martial world heard about this…
Wouldn’t it cause an uproar?
Wasn’t this simply putting Tang Wan in danger?
The Emperor seemed to read his thoughts and chuckled.
“Since Yu’er has chosen her, and her status is more than sufficient, she will one day become the Mother of the Nation.”
“I have no desire for Yu’er to marry a delicate vine that can only cling to others.”
“Whether she’s a fine horse or a mere mule, she’ll have to prove herself.”
“Only then will the people of the realm truly accept her.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Wan Zhenxiang silently wiped the sweat from his forehead and hurriedly began drafting the proclamation.
After he finished, the Emperor spoke again.
“I recall there’s an abandoned imperial estate outside the capital.”
“Isn’t there?”
“There is.”
Wan Zhenxiang’s eyelid twitched.
“It’s Yulin Manor. After the late Emperor built a new summer palace, that estate was left vacant.”
The Emperor nodded.
“Good.”
“After posting the proclamation, make another trip to the Ministry of Personnel’s residence.”
“Tell Wan’er that I am granting Yulin Manor to her.”
“Also arrange workers to renovate it.”
“And tell her not to disappoint me.”
“This servant obeys.”
Wan Zhenxiang’s emotions were rather complicated.
Judging from the current situation, the other three princes had little hope left.
The Emperor clearly favored Ling Yu, and by extension, valued Tang Wan immensely.
Fortunately, he had never offended the young couple.
On the contrary, he had always treated them with the utmost respect.
Even after a new emperor ascended the throne someday…
His own future probably wouldn’t be too difficult.
Carrying the imperial decree, Wan Zhenxiang withdrew with a head full of thoughts.
…
After he left, the Emperor rose and headed for the imperial harem.
Su Qing had only just returned herself.
The moment she saw him, she greeted him with a radiant smile, showering him with one compliment after another.
The Emperor was so thoroughly flattered that he felt refreshed in both body and mind.
He immediately decided to stay and dine with her.
It was then that Su Qing brought up the matter of the martial academy.
The smile instantly disappeared from the Emperor’s face.
Su Qing’s heart skipped a beat, but she maintained her composure and smiled naturally.
“I merely heard Wan’er mention it in passing.”
“Your Majesty… why that expression?”
“Have I overstepped my bounds?”
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