Chapter 4: One who does not wish to marry, and one who does not wish to wed

The falling snow outside the corridor had no effect on her whatsoever

Eunuch Liu felt a chill in his heart, having long heard of Yan Ze's arrogance

In Su Wen's view, given the current influence of the Su family, his presence in the court makes no significant difference; rather, the addition of more young rascals only stirs up trouble, providing Su Changqing with numerous opportunities for self-degradation

After a moment of silence, Su Changqing sighed and said, "The Su family has no way out."

Su Changqing looked at Su Wen with a sense of satisfaction and said, "It is good that you know these things. It seems that although you are neither accomplished in literature nor in martial arts, you still possess some insight. Your usual arrogance in public is merely an act, isn't it?"

The grace is hard to bear

Su Changqing also smiled and said, "This is very good!"

Su Wen smiled and said: "Your Majesty's decree of marriage, my father naturally cannot refuse, and I cannot refuse either. However, if Yan Luoying is unwilling to marry me, then it will no longer concern our family."

At this moment, Su Wen and Yan Luoying were in a situation where one did not wish to marry, and the other did not wish to wed

I do not accept

It is precisely for this reason that, for a long time, Su Changqing has turned a blind eye to Su Wen's extravagant behavior.

Su Changqing was well aware that the Su family was currently enjoying great prosperity, yet in reality, the future remained uncertain

She grabbed Yan Ze, who was about to step forward and take action

Su Wen does not wish to let the Su family's prestige overshadow any further, while Yan Luoying is unwilling to marry a good-for-nothing dandy

Su Changqing re-evaluated his son, who he originally thought was a good-for-nothing wastrel, but at this moment spoke of the greatest hidden danger for the Su family in the future

However, he has no choice and no way to retreat

During the Great Zhou, there was no strict rule requiring one to kneel when receiving an imperial decree. Some individuals chose to kneel as a sign of respect, while others, like Yan Ze and his daughter, simply performed a bow.

Yan Luoying originally held no official position. Last time, he took the place of his father in battle and achieved great merit. The Emperor of Zhou awarded the main honors to Yan Ze, while Yan Luoying was transferred to the capital to legitimize his position and was additionally appointed as the Cavalry Commander and the East City Patrol Officer of the capital

A trace of desolation flashed in Yan Luoying's eyes

Miss, the imperial envoy has arrived. The general has instructed you to go to the front hall to receive the decree

One has certainly caused no small amount of trouble; otherwise, one's official rank would be far beyond what it is today

Yan Ze was tall and imposing, with a robust physique and a face marked by several scars, giving him a fierce appearance at first glance. Upon seeing Yan Luoying enter, he smiled and said: "Master Liu, my Luoying has arrived; you may announce the decree now."

Yan Luoying shook her head slightly and said, "Father, even if you defy the imperial decree now, what can you do? Kill Eunuch Liu and directly rebel? Become a bandit? Or perhaps turn to the enemy? Regardless of what you choose, our fate will not end well."

Yan Luoying arrived in the front hall and saw a eunuch chatting with Yan Ze, with several imperial guards standing behind them

He hurriedly said: "Your Majesty has heard that Miss Luoying excels in military strategy, which is why you specifically wish to transfer her to the capital for further training. As for Su Wen, he is the son of the Prime Minister, from a distinguished family. Such a fine match is truly Your Majesty's thoughtful consideration"

The imperial capital is swept by swirling snow, while the northern frontier is engulfed in heavy snowfall

The Grand Eunuch Liu opened the imperial edict and proclaimed: "Yan Ze led the troops to engage in battle with the Yan State, capturing three cities and acquiring hundreds of miles of territory. This is indeed a remarkable achievement in expanding our borders. Therefore, Yan Ze is hereby granted the title of Second-Class Loyal and Brave Marquis, and additionally appointed as the General of Fierce Might, with a reward of 10,000 taels of gold. Yan Luoying is promoted to the position of Cavalry Officer in the Imperial Guard, assigned to patrol the Eastern City of the capital, and is granted in marriage to Su Wen, the third son of Prime Minister Su Changqing. Soon, they will accompany the envoy back to the capital to assume their duties!"

Yan Ze suddenly raised his head, his gaze incredibly sharp, as if he were a ferocious beast ready to pounce on its prey

These matters were all kept in his heart, but unexpectedly, today they were spoken out by the once inept Su Wen.

Yan Ze and his daughter both bowed and clasped their fists in greeting

Yan Luoying spoke in a calm tone, as if she were not discussing her own affairs

After speaking, she looked at Eunuch Liu and smiled, saying: "Eunuch Liu, Yan Luoying expresses her gratitude on behalf of my father! Please return first, Eunuch Liu!"

He stood up and said: "Lead the way"

The father and son share an unspoken understanding

"As a leader, one must not allow external factors to influence oneself. Father, you are too quick to anger," Yan Luoying said calmly. "I have caused the deaths of four hundred thousand soldiers and civilians of the Yan State. Although I have achieved military merit, I have also attracted countless criticisms. Father, you are usually unruly, and now you are commanding troops outside. His Majesty is already uneasy. If I were to return to the capital, His Majesty might feel more at ease, which would be good for both you and me"

At this moment, Su Changqing naturally understood that all along, his son had been complicit in his own discredit. Looking at Su Wen before him, he sighed and said: "Although your elder brother and second brother possess talent, they cannot be considered top-tier, nor can they be said to have particularly profound means or vision. This title of the top scholar in both civil and military affairs is merely a favor bestowed upon our Su family by His Majesty, though it has not been explicitly stated. Yet you, with such insight, have truly surprised me. However, now that the marriage has been settled, what do you think we should do?"

Yan Ze gritted his teeth and said: "But I also know that Su Wen is a notorious dandy in the capital. His father, Su Changqing, is even more of a treacherous minister, greedy for wealth, extorting the people's resources, and his reputation as a traitorous official of the Great Zhou is known even in the northern frontier! How can you possibly marry such a person?"

This is clearly an intention to expel guests

Eunuch Liu hurriedly handed the imperial edict to Yan Luoying, retreating under the murderous gaze of Yan Ze

After he left, Yan Ze's eyes were filled with killing intent as he gritted his teeth and asked, "Why did you stop me?"

All along, Su Changqing thought that Su Wen was pretending to be obedient at home, but unexpectedly, he was acting tough after going out

Su Wen smiled and said: "I understand. Once one reaches the position my father is in, it is already too late to retreat. Once power is lost, our Su family will become lambs to be slaughtered. Former political enemies, allies, and even my father's former students and officials may take the opportunity to step on us."

Yan Luoying, dressed in a blue robe, sat in the corridor, holding a scroll of military strategy in her hand

Yan Ze angrily said: "But I cannot swallow this anger!"

The warrior is formidable, and in the circulation of true energy, he can withstand the severe cold

She is very beautiful, and years of martial arts practice have left no marks on her skin. Her complexion is exceptionally fair and smooth like jade, complemented by her exquisite features. From any angle, she can be considered a beauty

Yan Ze looked at his daughter, and their eyes met. Yan Luoying softly said: "Father, the thunder and rain are all bestowed by Your Majesty, not to mention that the Su family background is sufficient to match with our daughter. Why must you be so indignant? It is only natural for a man to marry and a woman to be married off; this is the way of the world, and His Majesty means well."

It seems that he will stand at the pinnacle, yet one cannot know how many hope for his downfall

Yan Ze angrily said: "My daughter and I have made great contributions, why does Your Majesty act this way? Are you to transfer my daughter to the capital? And bestow her in marriage to that Su Wen?"

I never expected that one would openly refuse the imperial decree now

Yuan Luoying, disturbed, raised her head, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, casting a reluctant glance at the military book.

Su Wen smiled and said: "My father is exceptionally talented and enjoys the favor of His Majesty. My elder brother and second brother are also considered young talents. With three top scholars in one family, who in the capital does not know? There must be a dandy among us."

Yan Luoying smiled faintly and said, "Whether to marry or not is still uncertain. When we arrive in the capital, if this person truly proves to be unworthy, I will plead with His Majesty, and His Majesty may not necessarily allow me to marry this person. However, if my father were to defy the imperial decree, we would have no way to turn back."

Eunuch Liu, upon seeing Yan Luoying, smiled and praised, "Miss, you possess great beauty! Yan Ze, Yan Luoying, accept the decree!"

At present, Su Changqing seems to be walking on a path with no way back, with cliffs on both sides and only a road ahead leading to an unknown outcome