Chapter 27: The Beautiful Princess vs. The Mad Tyrant

He lowered his gaze, and when he opened his eyes again, the desire in them had vanished without a trace. His gaze swept over the crowd with an air of superiority.

No one dared to make a sound.

Only Empress Qi’s sobs echoed in the grand hall.

The Third Prince had been adopted from another concubine—merely a tool for Empress Qi to consolidate her power in the harem. His death meant little. But Princess Changyu was different. Empress Qi had only ever given birth to one child, and she cherished Changyu dearly.

Hatred burned in Empress Qi’s eyes. “You little bastard, if you have the guts, then kill me.”

To appease Empress Qi, she had no choice but to crawl to her side, whispering, “Mother, I’m fine.”

Like a mother hen protecting her chick, Empress Qi clung tightly to Ning Wanguan, her face filled with sorrow and rage. She continued provoking the wrathful ruler. “You little bastard, try laying a hand on Changyu again, and I’ll kill you myself!”

Ning Wanguan nearly choked on her breath.

She wanted nothing more than to slap a piece of tape over Empress Qi’s mouth. For the love of everything holy, could she just stop talking? Provoking Pei Tingche like this would only make things worse for her.

Mother, please… just say less.

Pei Tingche’s lips curved slightly, his eyes carrying a hint of mockery. “Such a touching display of motherly love.”

His voice was slightly hoarse.

Hearing this, Ning Wanguan remained motionless, appearing calm on the surface, but in reality, her scalp tingled, and her heart turned cold.

“Today is my coronation. Naturally, no blood shall be shed.”

His thin lips parted as he slowly enunciated each word. “Isn’t that right, King Qi?”

King Qi, trembling like a cicada in winter, feared for his life and hurriedly dropped to his knees, nodding frantically. All his former dignity as a ruler had vanished, leaving only submission.

“I still remember the twenty-third year of Qi’s reign, the day Princess Changyu was born. A celestial omen appeared in the sky—a dragon and phoenix rising together. The Grand Diviner proclaimed it a sign of great fortune, declaring that she was a divine child, descended to save the people of Qi from suffering. Thus, she was granted the name ‘Yu.’”

Pei Tingche’s lips curled into a faint smirk. “Grand Diviner, those were your words, weren’t they?”

The Grand Diviner, upon being addressed, shuddered violently and kowtowed repeatedly. “Your Majesty, please have mercy! I… I was blind! Your Majesty, you are the true divine child! The Heaven-appointed ruler!”

“If that’s the case, then I shall take the title ‘Yu’ as my reign name. Grand Diviner, announce the decree.”

Ning Wanguan was stunned. Just like that?

The Grand Diviner, trembling, stood up and took the imperial edict handed to him. His voice was steady but filled with nervousness as he read aloud:

“In the fortieth year of Qi’s reign, King Qi has ruled for thirty years. He has been corrupt and incompetent, indulging in debauchery, leading to an empty treasury and widespread suffering among the people. Therefore, he is hereby deposed! From this day forward, Pei Tingche shall ascend the throne as Emperor, and the new era shall be named ‘Yu.’”

“Heaven’s mandate is bestowed; may the empire endure forever!”

As soon as he finished, the Grand Diviner immediately knelt down and prostrated himself. “Long live His Majesty! Long live His Majesty!”

Below the grand hall, all present followed suit, kneeling in unison. “Long live His Majesty! Long live His Majesty!”

All except Empress Qi… and Ning Wanguan.

Ning Wanguan wanted to go along with fate, but Empress Qi was unyielding. She held onto her tightly, refusing to kneel, her face filled with unshakable determination.

Sure enough, they caught Pei Tingche’s attention once again.

“Grand Marshal Wen.”

Hearing his name, Grand Marshal Wen nearly collapsed in fear and immediately kowtowed frantically. “Your Majesty, may you be blessed with eternal prosperity! This humble subject swears absolute loyalty to Your Majesty!”

Pei Tingche’s lips curled slightly. “Such unwavering devotion, Grand Marshal Wen.”

Grand Marshal Wen was terrified. He had played a major role in the Pei family’s massacre back then. Now, his fate was hanging by a thread. He continued to bow desperately. “Your Majesty, please spare me! Please spare me!”

Eunuch Su suddenly raised his voice. “Bring him in!”

Moments later, guards dragged a young man into the hall. As soon as the young man saw Grand Marshal Wen, he burst into tears. “Father! Father! Save me!”

Grand Marshal Wen’s eyes welled up instantly. “Your Majesty, please have mercy! The Pei family’s massacre… my son had nothing to do with it! I beg you, please let him go!”

Pei Tingche sat atop the dragon throne, his slender fingers tapping lightly on the armrest. Under the dim candlelight, the curve of his lips exuded an air of cold arrogance and nobility.

“Did I say I was going to kill you?”

“No… no…”

“I’m in a good mood today. Your son, Wen Qingshan, seems quite impressive. I believe he is a perfect match for my seventh sister.”

The hall fell into stunned silence. No one understood Pei Tingche’s intent.

Then, in a gentle tone, he spoke again. “Eunuch Su?”

Eunuch Su immediately responded, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

As the crowd remained puzzled, Eunuch Su suddenly proclaimed in a loud voice:

“By the Emperor’s decree: Having heard of the noble character and exceptional appearance of Grand Marshal Wen’s son, Wen Qingshan, His Majesty is greatly pleased. Now that Princess Changyu has come of age, it is time for her to marry. As Wen Qingshan is a perfect match, His Majesty bestows upon them this marriage and orders that the wedding be arranged immediately. This decree is to be announced throughout the empire. Thus is the will of the Emperor.”

Ning Wanguan froze. That was… way too hasty.

She looked toward Pei Tingche in astonishment. He wore a faint smile, watching her with an air of leisure.

A chill ran down her spine.

She realized this was far from over.

Eunuch Su carried the imperial edict to Grand Marshal Wen and said coldly, “Grand Marshal Wen, receive the decree.”

Still in shock, Grand Marshal Wen quickly took the decree and, without hesitation, kowtowed. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace.”

Meanwhile, Wen Qingshan, who had been bound tightly just moments ago, was now released.

Empress Qi’s eyes blazed with fury upon hearing the marriage decree. “Pei Tingche, if you want to kill us, just do it! Stop using such vile and disgraceful tricks! Changyu will never marry Wen Qingshan!”

“Whether she marries or not is no longer up to you.”

Leaning lazily against the dragon throne, Pei Tingche’s voice carried both cruelty and amusement. “Grand Marshal Wen?”

Once again named, Grand Marshal Wen clutched the decree tightly and immediately responded, “Your servant is here!”

“Escort my dear sister and Wen Qingshan to their bridal chamber.”

Grand Marshal Wen hesitated, glancing up at the man on the throne.

But Pei Tingche’s dark eyes were like a bottomless abyss, exuding an icy indifference that sent shivers down one’s spine. Grand Marshal Wen quickly averted his gaze and lowered his head.

“I obey.”

Eunuch Su chuckled, pointing toward the side chamber connected to the grand hall. Separated only by a folding screen, it was mere steps away.

“The wedding night shall be held in that side chamber. Princess Changyu, Young Master Wen, please.”

Ning Wanguan’s face turned pale.

This wasn’t a marriage decree—it was public humiliation. Pei Tingche wanted her to be forced into that chamber with Wen Qingshan before everyone, their actions visible through a thin screen.

Wen Qingshan, desperate to survive, immediately kowtowed in gratitude. “Thank you for Your Majesty’s grace! This humble subject obeys!”

Empress Qi clung tightly to Ning Wanguan, hatred burning in her eyes. She had already steeled herself for death, but she hadn’t expected Pei Tingche to pull such a move.

“Pei Tingche! You beast!”