Chapter 53: Imperial Edict Part 3

The Emperor’s gaze habitually fell on the hall entrance. He watched as Xun Changqing entered and quickly lowered her eyes, her demeanor restrained. With a glance at the attendants on either side, he signaled them to withdraw.

Turning back, he caught Xun Changqing’s uneasy, sneaking glance. He laughed heartily, “Changqing, you truly take after your father from the mansion. Clearly clever, yet you pretend to be muddled.”

Xun Changqing hurriedly kowtowed, her heart tightening. Keeping her head low, she said, “Your Majesty, Changqing doesn’t understand your meaning.”

The Emperor didn’t bid her rise, letting her kneel as he set down his imperial brush. A faint sickly air lingered between his brows, but he remained spirited. “Yuan Qingming’s that blockhead—good for guarding doors, but investigating the tribute horse case isn’t his forte.”

As expected, he knew. Yuan Qingming hid nothing from the Emperor, and Xun Changqing had anticipated this. Her expression unchanged, she explained calmly, “Changqing only wanted to help Your Majesty uncover the truth. Besides, with nothing to do all day, finding something to occupy myself is good—and it repays Your Majesty’s grace.”

The Emperor smiled. Seeing she wasn’t telling the full truth, he played along. “Still hung up on your two prized horses?”

Xun Changqing’s temperament was more boyish; she loved such things. After years on Lingyun Mountain, she seemed more free-spirited and heroic than the boudoir daughters of the Imperial Capital. Upon closer look, she resembled her grandmother, the Great Long Princess Qi Huan.

Similar features, similar disposition. But Xun Changqing was adept at restraint, unflappable before superiors—a trait like Wei Lingci’s: influenced by close associates, cool yet gentle, surpassing even the Great Long Princess.

Knowing this, he wasn’t enraged. An underage girl had hoodwinked everyone, gathered evidence, and struck decisively—seeming casual, yet thoroughly prepared. Far better than Xun Yiran, who crumbled under pressure. Among the younger generation, she was the smartest, knowing to sheath her edge.

Unfortunately, a girl, he sighed inwardly. His face showed nothing as he smiled and asked, “Naturally, I’ll return the horses you cherish. What else do you want? Say it all at once.”

He meant well, she realized. He couldn’t publicize that a little girl had solved the corruption case—lest she feel slighted—so he planned rewards to console her.

The Emperor gained prestige and played the benevolent ruler before her—a win-win.

She wouldn’t refuse such benefits. Fingertips rubbing her sleeve hem, her eyes curved into a genuine girlish smile. “Your Majesty, Changqing is nearing coming-of-age. I don’t want elders deciding my marriage. Could you decree me freedom in marriage?”

The Emperor was stunned. His golden words were seen by this girl as a way to defy parental orders? His piercing gaze fell on her clear eyes, probing for other motives.

But his discerning eyes, experienced in reading people, saw none—perhaps she truly thought simply. The hall fell silent. After a long pause, the Emperor said, “Have you thought it through? My rewards come but once, no seconds. Just this marriage matter?”

Xun Changqing slowly shook her head. “Nothing else.”

The Emperor’s brows furrowed. This clever elf muddled at the crucial moment. He tested, “The Ministry of Revenue has many vacancies now. Our dynasty has precedents for female officials. You’re a Xun family scion—don’t you want to serve in court?”

This was a huge opportunity laid before her. The Emperor rarely appointed women; this hint showed his regard.

But Xun Changqing remained unmoved. “Your Majesty, Changqing hasn’t come of age yet—it wouldn’t be appropriate. Besides, my ambitions aren’t in court. Reward me with something else.”

He couldn’t feign surprise. He’d thought her elaborate scheme aimed at court entry, hence the question. But she truly acted to ease his burdens, knowing when to advance or retreat. The Emperor was pleased and didn’t press, granting her request.

Before her eyes, the Emperor personally drafted the Imperial Edict, stamped it with the Jade Seal, and bestowed it upon her.

Moments ago composed and serene, now clutching the edict, Xun Changqing’s peach-blossom eyes narrowed into slits of joy. The Emperor laughed at her expression, teasing, “Which young lord have you set your sights on? Afraid your father the Prince won’t agree, so you come to me for an edict to shut him up.”

Xun Changqing gripped the Imperial Edict, denying insincerely, “Your Majesty jests. Changqing only seeks some peace.”

The Emperor had much state business and ceased teasing, ordering attendants to escort her out.

Leaving Containment Origin Hall and descending the long steps, she spotted a familiar graceful figure beyond the palace walls—no surprise, it was Wei Lingci. Upon seeing her, Wei Lingci lowered her long lashes, avoiding her probing gaze.

Xun Changqing handed the tightly clutched Imperial Edict to Zi Jin and slowly approached Wei Lingci. She no longer hid the obvious anger in her bright black eyes—tiny flames seeming to devour Wei Lingci, blazing fiercely. She said darkly, “Miss Wei, I asked His Majesty for an Imperial Edict. My marriage is mine to decide—even Father can’t interfere.”

The words “Miss Wei” paired with Xun Changqing’s angry, taut little face amused Wei Lingci, who hadn’t smiled in days. She pressed her lips slightly, watching Xun Changqing flushed even to her earlobes—a pitiable sight. She said nothing more, nor shattered her hopes.

She simply stated her purpose: “The Empress issued a decree summoning us to the palace. I’m waiting here to go to Changle Palace together.”