Chapter 157: Chapter 99: Request for Marriage Bestowal

Over there, Xing Yuan still had not been found. Inside, Shen Ruoxi was extremely anxious, yet there were many affairs to handle at the moment, and all the soldiers were eager to return to the Capital City as soon as possible.

During this period, Xiao Chengyi went to see Ning Zhen’er once.

Now that Ning Zhen was alone, she was indifferent about the separation or being divorced, so she straightforwardly asked Xiao Chengyi for a divorce letter.

Xiao Chengyi was at the height of his anger, how could he tolerate his wife’s indifferent attitude after being humiliated, as if he was the one being insulted.

Thus, in a furious rage, he threw a divorce letter at her and then turned and walked away resolutely without a hint of reluctance.

Ning Zhen asked Jun Moling for leave, stating she would return to the Capital in a month.

After all, she held an official rank, which she would rely on for livelihood after returning to the Capital in the future.

During this time, she planned to rest well first, then practice martial arts with Xing Yuan, determined to investigate her father’s murder thoroughly once she became skilled.

At the military camp, leaving part of the garrison behind, the army finally completed their preparations and set off for the Capital after six days.

The procession was grand and magnificent.

Wherever the army passed, they were warmly welcomed by the people, with crowds sending them off on both sides of the road.

The people cheered excitedly, their faces brimming with respect and gratitude for the soldiers.

After a grueling twenty-day march, the army finally reached the Capital.

When the two scarlet doors of the Capital slowly opened, the Emperor personally led the entire court to welcome them, an occasion so grand it was rarely seen in a century.

Jun Moling dismounted from his warhorse, knelt with one knee, and announced in a loud and firm voice, “Minister, greets His Majesty.”

Time had passed swiftly, nearly six years now.

The years of warfare had not left much trace on his face, only making him appear more mature, sharp, and handsome, with a demeanor more captivating than ever.

The Emperor, inwardly comparing himself, couldn’t help but feel at a loss.

Putting aside his stray thoughts for the moment, the Emperor quickly came forward to lift him up, smiling, “Cousin, you’ve worked hard. I have already set up a banquet in the Imperial Palace to celebrate the victories with you and the soldiers. Please come.”

Having said that, he deliberately turned his gaze to Shen Ruoxi, who was standing aside.

Shen Ruoxi immediately felt somewhat uneasy. The Emperor’s gaze was complex and difficult to understand; being watched like this made her feel her back run cold, a nervous sweat unknowingly forming.

“Your Majesty, allow me to return to my mansion to tidy up first.” Jun Moling saluted, his voice steady and powerful.

“Certainly.” The Emperor nodded slightly, granting his request.

Shen Ruoxi also returned to Shen Mansion first.

Upon entering the mansion gates, the two young madams came up with tears in their eyes.

They looked at Shen Ruoxi, lovingly admonishing, “Ruoxi, just look at you, going out for a while and getting darker and thinner, it’s really worrying.” Such heartfelt concern left Shen Ruoxi amused yet touched.

After changing into appropriate attire, Shen Ruoxi dared not delay and hurried to the Imperial Palace, knowing well that some matters were inevitable and must be faced.

When her carriage arrived at the entrance of the Imperial Palace, she happened to see Jun Moling alighting from his Prince Mansion carriage.

This was the first time Shen Ruoxi had seen him in his prince’s dragon robe, and for a moment, she was completely stunned.

Jun Moling, dressed in a five-clawed dragon robe, appeared even taller, the luxurious attire accentuating his commanding presence unmistakably.

With each step he took, the subtle patterns on the robe rippled slightly, as if carrying a sharp and deadly aura that inspired awe in those who beheld it.

“Minister greets the Prince.” Shen Ruoxi quickly regained her composure and greeted him graciously.

Since that kiss in the wilderness, neither of them had deliberately avoided each other, yet neither had brought up the incident, as if it had never happened.

“Ruoxi, come along.” Jun Moling disregarded her courtesies and unhesitatingly extended his hand to her.

He hadn’t expected to encounter Shen Ruoxi at the palace gates, feeling as if the heavens themselves were lending him a hand.

This was the perfect chance to show the Emperor and the ministers, sparing him the need to explain in the future.

However, this was the Imperial Palace; such actions were nothing less than a direct challenge to the Emperor’s authority. Shen Ruoxi’s delicate eyebrows knitted in worry, her face filled with concern.

Yet Jun Moling did not give her room to hesitate, immediately taking her hand and saying, “Let’s go.”

Wrapped tightly in his broad palm, an inexplicable sense of security welled up within her.

She looked up at Jun Moling and said softly, “Prince, are you sure about this?”

For such an action was an open provocation, and the one being provoked was none other than the exalted Emperor.

“Let’s go! This saves us from negotiations, doesn’t it?” Jun Moling’s expression was firm, his gaze carrying an undeniable resoluteness, as he led Shen Ruoxi towards the palace.

Forget it, for she had complete trust in him, and so it was all good.

Hand in hand, the two walked into the great hall, this sight leaving the assembled ministers utterly shocked, their jaws nearly dropping.

When the Emperor arrived and saw Jun Moling and Shen Ruoxi sitting side by side, his eyes narrowed dangerously, a chilling intent emanating from within.

As the banquet commenced, following the singing and dancing, Jun Moling offered the Commander’s Seal directly, not giving the Emperor a chance to speak.

The Emperor was stunned on the spot, his aides were equally shocked, having never expected the Prince would voluntarily surrender his military power.

“In the presence of the ministers, I return the Commander’s Seal, to express to His Majesty and all the ministers, that I am weary.

After five years and seven months of campaigns, I feel I have lived up to His Majesty and the countless subjects of Dayi Country. Now, I merely wish to rest.” Jun Moling stated sincerely.

The Emperor’s gaze flickered; this cousin, who held great power, had always kept him awake at night.

Though relieved now that he was voluntarily relinquishing it, an inexplicable feeling lingered inside him.

The Emperor said, “Cousin, you may rest as you wish, I grant you leave, and when fully recovered, you may return. It is still best for you to keep the Commander’s Seal.”

Jun Moling remained firm, “Your Majesty, I am mentally and physically exhausted, unable to bear any more responsibilities.

In the remaining time, I wish to arrange my marriage, and after marrying, wish to travel the world with my new wife, hence I only wish to be a leisurely prince, utterly sincere.”

“If that’s the case, I shall accept it, then about the marriage?”

Before these words were fully spoken, Jun Moling had already pulled Shen Ruoxi to kneel on one knee, “Your Majesty, Shen Hou ye and I have fallen for each other at the border city, made a lifelong commitment, hoping for Your Majesty’s pardon, wishing to choose an auspicious day to wed.”

The Emperor’s face turned ashen; his worst fear had indeed come true.

All he heard amidst his thoughts were booming sounds, rendering Jun Moling’s subsequent words almost inaudible.

It wasn’t until a long while later that the Emperor recovered, fixing his gaze on Shen Ruoxi who knelt beside Jun Moling, gritting his teeth, he asked, “Shen Hou ye, is this your decision too?”

At this moment, there was no room for retreat, and Jun Moling’s declaration at this time was to have the Emperor and the ministers witness, leaving no room for reconsideration.

Shen Ruoxi’s attitude was equally resolute, “Your Majesty, it is my wish. I fell in love with Prince Zhan at first sight, and none other than him would I marry, earnestly hoping Your Majesty will bless us.”

Zhai Wen, though not in favor of his prince conceding the Commander’s Seal now, had no intention of dissuading his decision.

He knelt, saying, “Your Majesty, Shen Hou ye saved Prince Zhan’s life, and indeed they are sincerely in love with mutual affection, please allow them this legendary union.”

But who would bless him? Having finally awaited her separation, believing he had a chance, only for his cousin to emerge halfway.

Years spent fighting outside, still unmarried at twenty-five, shamefully, even if he wanted his concubine, he might painfully give her up, let alone as he now sought to marry openly.

The Emperor felt a deep sense of despair.

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