Chapter Seven, Marriage

The streets are bustling with crowds, all praising the Emperor's grace towards the family of the Dragon Guard, joy fills the air, red flowers bloom for miles, and the prosperity is like a dream

"General Li, may I have a word with you?" I stood up and slowly walked down the few steps. Xuanmu seemed to want to stop me, but I gently waved my hand. Junting Wei let out a cold snort and followed me out.

My heart is pounding, truly afraid that he might take a reckless gamble, engaging us in a life-and-death struggle, the consequences of which would be truly unimaginable

Even if today you are fortunate enough to completely eliminate us, would not the Dragon Guard, lacking more than half of its military strength, be left vulnerable to others' slaughter? The death of a rabbit brings sorrow to the fox; when the lips are gone, the teeth are cold. Li Xuan is compassionate; even if he becomes the head of the Dragon Guard, he can still accommodate General Jun and Li Ao. After all, blood is thicker than water, and we are all in the same boat, none of us wishes for it to sink. But if the opponent is the current Emperor, what do you think will happen? Li Ye's words end here; I urge you, General Jun, to think carefully.

"A good bird chooses a tree to perch on, and a gentleman dies for his confidant. I, Mo Feng, am only loyal to the Dragon Guard and recognize only the Dragon Token." Mo Feng looked calmly at Jun Tingwei, his facial contours resolute and firm

Once you enter the palace gates, it is as deep as the sea; one fears they may never be able to walk out again

It is indeed rare that all eighteen commanders have returned. If there were to be any mishap at the borders, how could our Dragon Guard justify ourselves to the Emperor, or to this splendid land?" Jun Tingwei's expression was grim as he shook his sleeves and left in displeasure

"You blood-spraying witch, I shall kill you today"

She had an unknown background and had only been at the Dragon Guard for one month when she died from poisoning. Who else could it be? Now that the Dragon Talisman is in her possession, does this general need to elaborate on the reasons?

"Miss, what brings you here?" The arrogant maid under Jun Tingting felt a sense of fear upon seeing me. I waved my hand and strode in confidently

"Oh, how come you are here, Noble Consort? You are getting married tomorrow, and your mother has not yet recovered. Let us have a few heartfelt words together." Jun Tingting, in stark contrast to her previous arrogance and sharpness, warmly held my hand; this woman really changes her demeanor quickly.

I, Xuanmu, can also testify to this matter. It was the Dragon Guard Division that sent me to bring the young lady back. At that time, the Dragon Guard Division was already aware that they had been poisoned, yet everyone chose not to believe me and instead trusted Doctor Zeng. At this moment, Xuanmu approached, and he turned out to be one of the three major generals

The Protector Long is our sovereign. I, Your Excellency, have spent half my life on the battlefield, facing life and death. I have always considered myself loyal to the Protector Long. Now that he has been poisoned to death by this witch, I shall take revenge for the Protector Long today. Why do Generals Mo and Gu seek to obstruct me?" As Lord Jun Tingwei finished speaking, many echoed his sentiments. I felt a chill in my heart; it seems he has cultivated quite a number of followers.

"Hulong Division, take a seat." My voice was not loud, but it was calm and powerful. I took Li Xuan by the hand and stepped forward. At my gesture, Li Xuan sat down steadily, and I also sat beside him, looking at the people in the hall with composure and calmness. Today, I would not allow myself to be afraid

"Do not be afraid, sister will be by your side." I held Li Xuan's hand and walked slowly forward. At this point, retreating even a single step was not an option; otherwise, I would face utter destruction. The distance from the entrance to that ebony chair was not far, yet it felt as if it spanned thousands of mountains and rivers, making each step extraordinarily difficult. With every step I took, those hostile gazes felt like sharpened daggers, piercing towards my spine.

It was only when I turned to leave that I realized my palms were completely sweaty

The bedroom is brightly lit, the wedding robe is as red as blood, I have a strong impulse to tear it apart, but I did not do so, for I no longer have the right to be willful

"Are you, General Mo Fei, intending to wipe out my Li clan completely and then take over the position of Protector of the Dragon? Or perhaps I am underestimating you, and you only wish to secure a position for your sister's son, disregarding the legacy of the Protector of the Dragon for your own personal gain? Is this what you call loyalty to the Protector of the Dragon?" I stood up and said with a stern voice.

"Catching a thief with stolen goods, catching a couple in bed, you say I murdered my father, but did you see it with your own eyes? General, you are a high-ranking official in the court, holding a prestigious position, and you should know that one cannot speak recklessly." I said coldly

The Hall of Gathering of Worthies is solemn and dignified, with two rows of tables. One row consists of eighteen district commanders, while the other row includes General Jun, three major generals, and several middle-aged men dressed in court attire, among whom are Li Ao and Li Qian, who is seated in a wheelchair. In the center, there is an empty black table chair, intricately carved with a qilin, symbolizing authority.

General Jun, you surely do not know that the Hulong Division anticipated such a day and has already summoned the ancient court back in advance. The troops are now outside the gate. At present, the disciples of the Hulong Division, along with the eighteen captains and the three major generals, have gathered in the Hall of Worthies. We now invite the Hulong Division, the young lady, and General Jun to proceed together.

"Sister, where are you going?" Li Xuan tried hard to calm himself down, but it was evident that he was terrified, his body trembling slightly. Perhaps this was the first time he had witnessed such a bloody scene of murder. If it weren't for Mo Feng and Gu Ting arriving in time, it would have been us lying in the pool of blood. In fact, this was also the first time I had seen such brutal and bloody fighting.

You have the ability to harm Li Xuan, but I absolutely have the capability to kill Li Ao. As long as my mother and Li Xuan are safe, you and Li Ao will remain unharmed. Li Ye has said all that needs to be said, and I hope you will consider it carefully. Furthermore, my mother is in poor health, and Li Xuan is still young; I will need you to take extra care of them in the future. " After saying this, I did not look at her and left with large strides.

"Mo Feng, you are a talented individual. Over the years, the Dragon Guard has overlooked you. If you were by my side, your future would be immeasurable. Young Master Li Ao is truly a dragon among men, a rare talent seen once in a century. A good bird chooses the right tree to perch on, and a wise minister chooses the right master to serve. General Mo, I urge you to think carefully." Jun Tingwei said meaningfully.

In the blink of an eye, ten days have passed, and tomorrow is the day of my marriage. Looking at the magnificent phoenix crown and the colorful robes, I feel a sense of desolation. I never dreamed that I, Xiao Ye, would one day enter the palace to become a consort, marrying a sixty-year-old man. Could it be that in my youth, I acted with arrogance, following my mistress to do wrong and am now facing retribution?

The body of the Guardian Dragon Division has always been in good health. Ever since you, this mysterious enchantress, entered the residence, the Guardian Dragon Division has met with an inexplicable death. If it is not you, then who could it be

Where is the evidence

On that day, many people came, including the current emperor and my future husband. I remained kneeling on the ground, my head bowed low, and all that entered my sight was that bright yellow robe. No one knew how utterly despairing my heart was at that moment

On the second day, my father was buried. My mother, overwhelmed by grief, remained in a state of unconsciousness for most of the time and was unable to see my father off for the last journey. Perhaps this was for the best; if she had to witness my father being laid to rest in the ground, it would have been a heart-wrenching experience.

"General Jun, please speak your mind." Just as Jun Tingwei was about to charge forward, Gu Ting had already positioned himself in front of him, blocking his path. Gu Ting was tall and imposing, with dark skin, yet his eyes were particularly bright, resembling the stars in the night sky, instilling a sense of reassurance.

After my father was laid to rest, I had no time for sorrow, nor for lamentation. I began to take over the Dragon Guard, meeting with various major generals and captains, assessing the power dynamics from all sides, and establishing my own authority

For thousands of years, our Li family has sacrificed countless descendants to consolidate the Northern family's rule. How much effort have we expended for the prosperity of the North? I believe no one understands this better than General Jun, yet the current emperor is suspicious of us at every turn, seeking every means to weaken the Dragon Guard, even attempting to uproot it entirely. Others may be unaware of this, but I do not believe General Jun is ignorant of it either

That day, I heard the cries of the common people outside, echoing like thunder. I heard that all the shops, without exception, closed their doors and hung white lanterns. Yet I did not cry; it was not that I was not saddened, but rather I knew that I had chosen a path to the underworld, and I would soon reunite with my father. However, at this moment, to abandon my bedridden mother and my young brother, to watch helplessly as they were devoured piece by piece by wolves, I could not bring myself to do it

Li Ye thanked Er Niang, and today I indeed have a few words to say to you, Er Niang. I, Li Ye, am not a treacherous or cruel person. If you do not offend me, I will certainly treat you well. However, I am by no means a naive and innocent person. If you dare to harm my brother or my mother, I will make you suffer a terrible fate.

"Miss, Mo Feng has arrived late to protect you and is willing to accept punishment." As he spoke, Mo Feng, who had only briefly met today, led his troops in. He was originally striking in appearance, and now he exuded a formidable righteousness that made it difficult for others to look directly at him. Upon seeing him, Jun Tingwei's expression darkened.

This turmoil has subsided, but I know this is only temporary; greater storms await us in the future. I feel that I have embarked on a path with no return.

What if your most loyal Dragon Guard was killed by the woman before you? Would you still act as an accomplice to the tiger?" Jun Tingwei pointed at me, his gaze sharp as a blade.

On the day I got married, Li Xuan said that my sister was truly beautiful

The poisoning of the Dragon Guard Bureau occurred several months ago, at which time the young lady had not yet returned to the residence. I have a handwritten letter from the Dragon Guard Bureau here; if General Jun does not believe it, he may take a look.

The palace gate slowly closed, emitting a muffled sound, akin to a frequent sigh

"It is my father's dying wish for me to take charge of the Dragon Talisman, and I will not go against his wishes. If you truly desire it, then today we can only engage in a fierce battle. However, even if you win, even if you or Li Ao ascend to the position of Protector of the Dragon, what will the world say about you? If you and I fight, the outcome will surely be mutual destruction. The mantis stalks the cicada, while the oriole waits behind. Who the oriole is, the general will surely know."

On the day of my wedding, my mother had not yet awakened, did not comb my hair, nor did she witness my marriage with her own eyes. In truth, I knew that she had already awakened; she simply did not wish to open her eyes and see me embark on such a path.

"I come from an unknown background? Whose daughter am I? I believe you can tell just by looking at my face. My father has suddenly passed away, and I am more sorrowful than anyone else. Now that my father's body is still warm, General Jun has suddenly taken action, killing the guards and forcefully breaking into my mother's courtyard. What do you intend to do with us, a mother and her orphaned child? Do you still have any regard for my father in your eyes?"

"Li Xuan, come here with your sister and sit on that chair," I said to Li Xuan, who looked timidly and hesitated to move forward

"Jun Tingwei, have you forgotten your own identity? Today, the Emperor has personally conferred upon me the title of Xianfei, and I, Li Ye, rank first among the four consorts. Yet you repeatedly insult me as a demoness and slander the Guifei. What punishment do you deserve for this? I am now the master of the Dragon Talisman, capable of commanding all troops, including those under your command. By defying authority today, I shall hold you accountable for your crimes; you would not be enough to die ten times. " I slammed my palm on the table, and with a loud bang, the table shattered. After all, I, Xiao Ye, am the adopted daughter of the esteemed Lord Leng, and I possess some skills. Naturally, this includes the troops under your command. By defying authority today, I shall hold you accountable for your crimes; you would not be enough to die ten times. " I slammed my palm on the table, and with a loud bang, the table shattered. After all, I, Xiao Ye, am the adopted daughter of the esteemed Lord Leng, and I possess some skills.

"Wait—" Jun Tingwei's authoritative voice carried a thunderous power, causing Li Xuan's steps to come to an abrupt halt

After Xuan Mu entered, the atmosphere became even more tense. Jun Tingwei's eyes flickered uncertainly, and I knew he was contemplating whether to continue his power grab or to pursue a larger strategy. Now that the three major generals are all on my side, his calm demeanor indicates that he has already amassed significant power, with deep roots like an old tree.

We will ascertain the cause of Hu Longsi's death, but it is absolutely unrelated to the young lady. This is a handwritten letter from Hu Longsi to us, clearly stating the succession to his legitimate son, Li Xuan. At the time Hu Longsi wrote this letter, he was already aware of his failing health, and the young lady had not yet returned.

"Mo Feng, do not refuse the toast and instead drink the penalty wine. If you continue to be obstinate, do not blame me for being impolite." Jun Tingwei's gaze turned sinister, as if he was prepared to confront Mo Feng. Jun Tingwei is the national protector general of the Northern Kingdom, a fierce warrior under the command of the Dragon Guard, and holds significant military power alongside the trusted general of the Northern Emperor, Mu Zhak. Today, he came prepared, and the troops in Mo Feng's hands may not necessarily be his match, causing my heart to race.

Perhaps no one expected me to be this way, and for a moment, I was at a loss for words, causing the hall to fall silent all at once