Chapter 67: Iron-fisted Approach

A deep and pleasing voice resonated in Shen Ning’s ears, pulling her wandering thoughts back. “What are you thinking about?”

Shen Ning turned her head slightly, looking at him strangely. “Why are you suddenly telling me these things?”

His attitude was peculiar, openly admitting to his newlywed wife that he held feelings for another woman, discussing that person’s character, abilities, and the reasons for his affection without any reservation. However, this did not affect his feelings for Shen Ning. His excessive openness and trust deepened her suspicions, giving rise to a disbelief that she dared not fully acknowledge.

“I want you to trust me wholeheartedly.” Ji Yucang’s voice was steady, exuding a convincing sincerity. “There are things you understand in your heart, and I also know them. I can refrain from asking you, and you need not deny anything, but I hope you won’t be guarded against me.”

You understand in your heart, and I know as well.

Shen Ning understood the meaning of this statement, so she had no valid reason to question how he managed it.

They were now jointly safeguarding a secret unknown to others.

Shen Ning let out a gentle sigh, nodding slowly. “Hmm.”

“I have agreed to the marriage proposal from Nan Dynasty and requested them to bring two legitimate princesses and ten prominent court officials.” Ji Yucang’s voice was calm. “I believe they will obediently comply without negotiating on this matter.”

Ten court officials?

Shen Ning fell silent, sitting with Ji Yucang in the pavilion. “When will they arrive?”

“The situation is urgent, they should arrive in Yong Kingdom next month.” Ji Yucang replied calmly, “Or possibly even sooner.”

Shen Ning gazed at the serene scenery in the garden, some strange thoughts crossing her mind as she softly asked, “Ji Yucang, don’t you want to be an Emperor?”

Ji Yucang’s expression faltered slightly, a hint of peculiarity flashing in his eyes. “I cannot become an Emperor.”

Shen Ning was puzzled, “Why is that?”

Ji Yucang fell silent for a moment, looking at her expressionlessly. “Because I have no heir in this lifetime.”

Shen Ning was shocked, “No heir?”

Ji Yucang nodded, “Some things are destined, beyond one’s control.”

A storm surged uncontrollably in Shen Ning’s heart. Somehow, she subconsciously linked her rebirth with Ji Yucang.

It seemed absurd.

Logic told her it was utterly impossible.

Yet, the world was full of impossibilities, why not add one more?

If she hadn’t experienced it herself, she wouldn’t have believed in the possibility of reincarnation after death. However, the fantastical and bizarre could indeed occur.

But no heir… She was already Ji Yucang’s wife. If he was destined to have no heir, did that mean she wouldn’t have children either?

Shen Ning turned to look into the depths of the garden, remaining silent for a long time. Between them, something subtle seemed to slowly ferment in the silence, altering their relationship forever.

Being unburdened by worldly ties wasn’t too bad, after all.

Hidden within this conversation was a truth known to both, yet they tacitly avoided exposing it.

In the following days, Ji Yucang grew increasingly busy.

During early court sessions, his imposing presence supported the promotion of the Left and Right Prime Ministers he had raised to power. He also appointed the newly recommended court officials from the Left and Right Prime Ministers to important positions within the court.

Although the civil and military officials in the court were dissatisfied, they dared not resist.

The young Emperor, who had not yet taken full control, sat on the dragon throne, helplessly watching the Regent cultivate new forces within the court.

On the seventh day of October, General Lu Yan, in charge of investigations, was immediately dismissed from his position for failing in his duties. The civil and military officials of the court knelt before the Regent, urging him to reconsider, stating that investigating cases was not within the duties of the Imperial Army. However, under Ji Yucang’s ruthless leadership, Lu Yan was ordered to receive thirty cane strikes, stripped of his leadership role, and temporarily replaced by Princess Pingyao as the head of the Imperial Army.

Once this decision was made, the civil and military officials of the court were in an uproar.

“Please, Regent, reconsider!” The Minister of War was the first to kneel, “There has never been a precedent in Yong Kingdom’s history where a woman has held power. Princess Pingyao’s frequent visits to the Ministry of War already violate the law. Today’s appointment of her as the head of the Imperial Army is even more irregular. Please revoke this decision!”

“I agree.” The Duke of the State stepped forward, bowing, “Princess Pingyao is a woman, and there has never been a precedent in Yong Kingdom’s history of a woman involved in politics. I urge the Regent to revoke this decision!”

The Imperial Uncle Qin also agreed, “I implore the Regent to revoke this decision!”

“Xie Tinglan.” Ji Yucang sat on the throne, nonchalantly speaking, “Have you made any progress in the investigation into the attack outside the city that I assigned to you?”

“Your Highness, I have obtained confessions from several bandits. They admitted to being instructed by the legitimate son of the Qin family, Qin Yanshu, who deliberately tarnished the reputation of the Regent’s consort with the aim of demoting her to a concubine and successfully marrying Princess Pingyao.”

What?!

Upon hearing this revelation, the Uncle Qin froze on the spot. Overwhelmed by shock and anger, he turned to stare at Tinglan, his eyes filled with chilling fury. “Impossible! The Right Prime Minister is spouting nonsense and slandering! Yanshu has always been upright and sincere, deeply devoted to the legitimate daughter of the Shen family. He could never stoop to such dirty and despicable actions!”

“Minister Lin.” Ji Yucang’s gaze shifted slightly as he looked towards Lin Qingfeng, the Minister of Justice, “In your recent days assisting with the interrogations, have your findings aligned with those of the Right Prime Minister?”

Minister Lin respectfully replied, “Your Highness, during the interrogations with Mr. Xie, the bandits indeed confessed that they were instructed by the legitimate son of the Qin family to carry out these actions.”

“Nonsense! It’s all nonsense!” Uncle Qin’s face turned ashen, his emotions on the verge of losing control. “All of you are spouting nonsense!”

He turned to the Emperor and knelt with a thud, “I implore the Emperor to see the truth! Yanshu conducts himself with integrity and dignity, he could never commit such absurd deeds! Someone is deliberately trying to frame and malign—”

“Guards.” Ji Yucang raised his hand, his voice cold and merciless. “Go to the Qin residence immediately and bring Qin Yanshu here.”

“Yes!” Several guards promptly left to carry out the order.

A deathly silence enveloped the grand hall.

Ji Jin sat upright on the dragon throne, his complexion as pale as paper. His right hand involuntarily clenched the armrest of the throne, his gaze absentmindedly fixed on the uneasy expression of Uncle Qin, a heart as if plunged into an icy abyss.

He clearly understood the Regent’s intentions today.

Diplomacy before force.

Anticipating the fierce opposition from the civil and military officials to appointing Princess Pingyao as the head of the Imperial Army, the Regent had postponed that matter. Instead, he had brought up the incident of the Shen’s legitimate eldest daughter encountering bandits outside the city to catch everyone off guard.

As expected, Qin Yanshu was likely the mastermind behind this unexpected turn of events, and the Regent must have already obtained evidence to prove his involvement.

Next, he would unleash his iron-fisted approach, directly targeting the Qin family. While Yanshu’s actions might not warrant implicating the entire clan, the heinous nature of his deeds demanded severe justice.

Ji Jin felt a chill in his heart.

Qin Yanshu was the legitimate son of Uncle Qin, no matter his actions. He was still the Empress Dowager’s nephew. If the Regent were to take immediate action against Yanshu, the Qin family’s standing in the court would undoubtedly plummet.

With such a stern lesson, would anyone dare oppose the appointment of Princess Pingyao as the head of the Imperial Army?