Chapter 277: Chapter 220: Act First, Report Later

Jun Moling coldly interrupted, with a warning in his tone: “Yan Zhen.”

Yan Zhen, however, was unperturbed and instead smiled, speaking earnestly: “Prince, it is better to trust oneself than to trust others, a principle unchanging through the ages.

Not to mention anything else, just look at your marriage this time; the Emperor gave you a woman, what is his true intention? He originally intended to separate you and the Princess Consort.

There’s a saying that rings very true: it’s not the thief you fear but the thief’s intentions. Two years ago, when the Princess Consort married Xiao Chengyi, he hadn’t let it go. Now that she’s married to you, do you think the Emperor will rest?

As the Emperor, he has all the time to play this game with you. Once you truly lose power and become a carefree prince, who do you think he’ll target first?

If I manage to enter the Shen Mansion, the Emperor will certainly be wary and will find ways to give me a warning first.

But he must not forget, what kind of family is the Shen Family? The Shen Family’s loyalty and righteousness are not empty words; it is a road of honor paved with the blood of the men of the Shen Family.

As for me, how could I be someone the Emperor can move against at will?

I can say with certainty, the Emperor, at least for the time being, does not dare to act rashly.

Prince, think carefully, once I really hold military power, perhaps I will be thrust into the eye of the storm, surrounded by enemies; do you think this is a good thing?”

Jun Moling was silent for a long time, not speaking.

Yan Zhen knew in his heart that his words had somewhat shaken the Prince, but to make the Prince conspire against the Emperor was not something he could cause, it would only be possible if the Prince himself realized it.

Jun Moling remained silent, and Yan Zhen was not anxious, instead slowly pouring him wine, waiting quietly for him to come to an understanding.

At this moment, the silence was broken by a sudden urgent knocking at the door, both were taken aback.

It was obvious the person outside was a practitioner, only when they were close did they notice someone approaching.

Yan Zhen slightly furrowed his brows, and said in a deep voice: “Enter.”

Unexpectedly, it was his attendant who came in.

Yan Zhen was taken aback, quickly asking, “What happened?”

The attendant immediately knelt and lowered his voice: “I greet the Prince, I greet the General.

General, the Emperor’s decree has arrived at the General Mansion, the old general asked me to find you to go back and receive the decree.”

This sudden change left Jun Moling and Yan Zhen stunned, and for a moment, the atmosphere in the room became heavy and tense.

Yan Zhen reacted quickly, seriously asking, “Who else knows that you came to find me on this matter?”

The attendant was also taken aback, then replied, “Just the old general knows, is there something wrong with it, General?”

“You go take a walk outside, then say you didn’t find me, I’m going to the Imperial Palace now.” Yan Zhen instructed seriously.

Although the attendant was bewildered, he respectfully nodded and then quickly vanished.

“Prince, what do you think this decree is about?” Yan Zhen looked at Jun Moling, his eyes searching.

Jun Moling gazed at him and slowly spoke: “Presumably, General Yan already knows what it is about?”

“An arranged marriage.” Yan Zhen unhesitatingly uttered these two words.

Jun Moling nodded slightly, their conversation in the Imperial Palace was surely witnessed by many.

The Emperor naturally wouldn’t think they were plotting anything, and just a little investigation would reveal it was for the Yang Family.

Therefore, to prevent him from marrying into the Shen Family, the Emperor could only think of granting a marriage.

Jun Moling frowned, asked again: “Has General Yan already prepared a countermeasure?”

“Prince, I’m going to the Imperial Palace, but I lack one thing: this.” Yan Zhen finished speaking and carefully took out a document from his bosom and handed it to Jun Moling.

Jun Moling took a look and found it was his and the Yang Family’s marriage certificate.

“This?” Jun Moling was full of confusion.

“At that time, when the engagement was broken, the Yang Family naturally tore up the marriage certificate, but I couldn’t bear to, and kept it with me all along.

But this marriage certificate is now void, and I need a new one. I know Shu’s handwriting and will sign for her, as long as you seal it, everything can be settled.

Prince, what are you hesitating about? I need to hand the marriage certificate to the Emperor before the decree arrives, to shatter his plan.” Yan Zhen spoke earnestly, his eyes full of determination.

Jun Moling showed a hesitant expression, Yan Zhen couldn’t help but smile bitterly: “Prince, there’s no time, there’s paper, ink, brushes, and inkstones right here. I’ll explain to Shu, and you explain to the Princess Consort. You shouldn’t be afraid!”

These words were like a sharp sword, instantly rousing Jun Moling’s pride.

He was the god of Dayi after all, and the previous hesitations were just for the sake of the Royal Family’s dignity and peace. Now that Yan Zhen had spoken this way, what was there to fear?

“Alright, you write, I’ll seal it, and the marriage certificate will be settled.” Jun Moling made up his mind.

A slight smile appeared on Yan Zhen’s lips, secretly relieved, otherwise, he would almost have become a sacrifice for the Emperor.

Once the marriage certificate was written, Yan Zhen instructed Jun Moling: “Prince, stay here a bit, have something to eat.

When you’re almost finished eating, leave, create the impression that we left after dining, and don’t let anyone know we preempted the decree.”

Jun Moling nodded and agreed, and Yan Zhen turned and quickly left through the courtyard wall.

Yan Zhen hurriedly rushed towards the Imperial Palace, reaching the palace gates, he breathlessly requested the guards to report his arrival.

Taking advantage of the waiting time, he quickly tidied his slightly untidy clothes and hair, and after making sure everything was in order, followed the guide into the palace.

When the Emperor learned of Yan Zhen’s request for an audience, he thought to himself, this guy probably came to announce the withdrawal from the arranged marriage because of the decree, this speed is truly fast.

His lips couldn’t help but curve slightly, everything was as expected, after all, few have ever dared to defy a decree.

When Yan Zhen entered, his face couldn’t hide the joy, he didn’t hesitate to kneel and bow to the Emperor.

This left the Emperor puzzled, why was he so happy? Maybe he wasn’t here to withdraw from the engagement, but to express gratitude?

Upon reflection, it made sense, Princess Yueying was in her prime, with a father like Prince Ren, wasn’t this marriage much better than marrying into the Shen Family? Indeed, his previous worries were unnecessary.

“Minister Yan, please rise, are you here to thank me?” the Emperor asked first.

Yan Zhen feigned a moment of surprise, “Thank? Your Majesty, are you clairvoyant? I am indeed here to thank you for personally choosing a bridegroom for Shu, I now have a marriage agreement with Shu.”

After speaking, he respectfully presented his marriage certificate.

The Emperor saw that marriage certificate and was utterly stunned, his gaze fixated on the marriage certificate in his hand, full of disbelief, “You didn’t receive my decree?”

Yan Zhen also pretended to be surprised, “Your Majesty, after court, I went straight to Prince Zhan’s Mansion.

Prince Zhan believed Shu and I were a match made by heaven, so he immediately signed a marriage certificate for us, and I came to the palace full of joy to express my gratitude!

Yan Zhen thanks Your Majesty for your immense grace, long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor!” After saying this, he again respectfully kowtowed three times to the Emperor.

The Emperor’s hand couldn’t help but tremble slightly, his eyes instantly turned cold, he tossed the marriage certificate aside and said lightly: “So General Yan didn’t receive my decree! It’s not too late now, Yan Zhen listen to the decree.”

Yan Zhen’s face was still filled with joy, he straightened his clothes and knelt properly.

He said joyfully: “Your Majesty, you know I’m a straightforward person, and I feel uncomfortable if I don’t say what’s on my mind. I dare to presume, to speak first, then listen to the decree, if it’s possible?”

The Emperor was already furious inside, having decided to privately hold onto his marriage certificate and then refuse the marriage, citing his rank as too high.

But outwardly, he still said coldly yet generously: “Minister Yan, speak first as I allow you to.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep