Emperor Yuan Tai continued: “We do not wish to let the Fu family grow too powerful, but we also do not intend to destroy the Great Wall. The Northern Yan cavalry is the northern defense line of the Great Zhou, and the Tartar threat has not been quelled. Rashly changing commanders might shake military morale and requires gradual progress.
The lord who had just been secretly mocking “What is Yang Sijing” suddenly found himself in the same situation – there was no help for it. Before the youngest general of the Great Zhou, peers with lower official ranks were nothing.
He knelt again to beg for mercy: “This subject has no talent or virtue and does not dare to accept Your Majesty’s favor. Please reconsider.”
Emperor Yuan Tai: “You are unwilling?”
Yan Xiaohan: “Your Majesty, please forgive me.”
“Meng Gui,” Emperor Yuan Tai’s face turned cold, “I remember you told me you do not love women. I once promised to find you a satisfactory marriage. Since Fu Shen is like-minded, with an excellent family background and talents, why do you refuse?”
A layer of cold sweat formed on Yan Xiaohan’s back. Just as he was about to close his eyes and fabricate an excuse, Emperor Yuan Tai raised his hand and threw a bright yellow imperial edict in front of him.
The jade scroll hit the blue brick floor with a “dong” sound, breaking half of the relief, and tiny jade fragments scattered into Yan Xiaohan’s sleeve.
“Look,” said Emperor Yuan Tai.
Yan Xiaohan slowly unfolded the imperial edict.
“By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Marquis Fu Shen of the Defending Nation, heir of Lord Fu Jian of the Ying Guo Mansion, has served for six years, accumulated merits, terrified enemies, and been loyal to the country. We view him highly. Left Divine Wu Upper General and Flying Dragon Investigating Commissioner Yan Xiaohan, from a capital noble family, loyal and upright, virtuous and gracious, elegant and talented, we greatly appreciate. The two are a match made in heaven.
We hereby order their marriage, with the relevant officials to choose an auspicious day. May you be united in heart and deed, serve the country, and not disappoint our intentions. So decreed.”
