The golden words, cold sentences tinged with murderous intent, rolled down the golden steps one by one.
“Either accept the imperial decree and marry Fu Shen, or personally eliminate Fu Shen for me.”
As times changed, Emperor Yuan Tai was now wary of Fu Shen, to the point of being unable to rest easy until Fu Shen was removed.
Yan Xiao Han picked up the slightly damaged imperial decree and rolled it up. Kneeling, he bowed deeply and performed a kowtow: “This subject… gratefully accepts Your Majesty’s great kindness.”
Weak morning light filtered into the hall, falling on the “Zhong Zheng Ren He” plaque hanging above.
The autumn rain came fiercely, with water accumulating outside the palace gates and yellow leaves falling. Yan Xiao Han walked straight to the upright back, looking down coldly: “His Majesty will not see you, so don’t waste your effort. Go back.”
Fu Shen did not look up, only raising his eyelids to look directly at Yan Xiao Han’s legs: “Did the emperor send you?”
“This matter is settled. It’s useless to say more. Don’t ask.”
“You agreed to him.”
Yan Xiao Han seemed provoked, with the anger accumulated in the palace erupting: “Yes, what else could I do? Everything I have today, my power and status, was given by the emperor. What right do I have to refuse?!” He grabbed Fu Shen’s collar: “How dare you ask me? Aren’t you noble? Aren’t you devoted to the country and loyal to His Majesty? The emperor’s grace is like thunder and rain.”
Now you’re kneeling at the palace gates asking him to retract the decree? Shouldn’t you be happily accepting the order?
The rain grew heavier. Yan Xiao Han leaned close to Fu Shen, so close that he almost touched Fu Shen’s rain-chilled cheek.
“You are the commander of the Northern Yan, why are you enduring this humiliation? Why don’t you fight back?!”
Fu Shen blinked away the water droplets on his eyelashes and suddenly smiled.
All his frustration, helplessness, despair, and deep-seated pain were contained in this smile.
Yan Xiao Han seemed burned by the smile and suddenly let go.
