Farm Tough Girl
Chapter 269 - 269 270 Defying the Decree_1

Chapter 269: Chapter 270 Defying the Decree_1 Chapter 269: Chapter 270 Defying the Decree_1 The eunuch extended the imperial edict towards Yu Ze, “General Yu, accept the decree.”

Yu Ze stood unmovably with a cold expression; the eunuch, thinking he had not heard clearly, raised his voice and repeated, “General Yu? Are you perhaps overwhelmed with joy? Such a grand reward is enough to demonstrate His Majesty’s high regard and favor for the General. You should accept the decree swiftly and rush back to the Capital City to express your gratitude for the imperial grace. Staying in such a remote and desolate place benefits neither the country nor yourself; it truly is a waste of your talents.”

Yu Ze turned his head to glance at Muniang, whose face had turned cold. She remained silent, yet it was clear she was clenching her teeth tightly, probably restraining her anger.

Mrs. Lin looked at Muniang with concern. Could it be that the woman would indeed become Yu Ze’s side consort? Such a scheming woman, if she were to share a husband with Muniang, wouldn’t Muniang be at a disadvantage?

But Yu Ze said in a deep voice, “Eunuch Li, please convey to His Majesty that I dare not accept such profound benevolence. As for the matter of being given a kingship, as a son, I absolutely cannot surpass my father. Regarding the marriage decree, I have already stated that in this lifetime, I will marry only one person. I already have a wife, so there is no need to discuss the matter of a side consort further.”

Upon hearing Yu Ze’s words, Eunuch Li’s face turned pale, and he stammered, “You, you, what are you saying? Don’t tell me, you intend to defy the edict?”

Muniang looked at Yu Ze in astonishment; although she was not an ancient person, she was aware that defying an imperial edict was a capital offense. The emperor had granted him such a great honor, which he was now rejecting outright. Was this not akin to slapping the emperor’s face?

Yu Ze, however, spoke with a resounding tone, “Indeed! I cannot accept this edict, and I ask Eunuch Li to relay my words exactly to His Majesty. Whenever the Daqian Dynasty needs my service, I will not hesitate to lay down my life, but I cannot accept these honors. Now, I only wish to retire to a rural life and spend the most ordinary days with my wife. I ask His Majesty to grant this wish.”

Eunuch Li said with some urgency, “General Yu, why must you do this? Who turns away from wealth and rank to seek their own death? His Majesty favors you now and has nobly summoned you back to the Capital City, but you refuse and show disrespect by defying the decree. Isn’t this chilling His Majesty’s heart?”

Yu Ze replied indifferently, “If Eunuch Li does not object, you may stay for a meal before leaving. If you are in a hurry, then I must beg your pardon for not seeing you off.”

Eunuch Li glanced at Qiao Muniang and could only stomp his foot in resentment, “Have you really thought this through? Do you understand the consequences of defying an imperial edict? His Majesty is showing you favor now, hence he bestowed upon you such honor; but with such blatant disdain for the edict, do you think His Majesty will continue to indulge you?”

Yu Ze replied, “I do not seek His Majesty’s indulgence; I want nothing.”

Eunuch Li was so angered he was nearly out of breath. Was Yu Ze deliberately provoking His Majesty? Because he was a meritorious official who helped elevate His Majesty to the throne, did he think he could do whatever he wanted? Was His Majesty that easy to handle? Could it be because of that woman?

Eunuch Li looked towards Muniang who seemed a bit resentful. Qiao Muniang innocently met his gaze, thinking she hadn’t said anything to warrant such grudge. It seemed that she should have asked earlier whether it was a man, a woman, or something in between; anyone from the Capital City with even a hint of feminine characteristics seemed to seriously clash with her.

Feeling somewhat awkward under Eunuch Li’s scrutiny, Muniang hesitantly said, “Would Eunuch Li like to have a meal before leaving? Should I have it prepared first?”

Eunuch Li, angered, flicked his sleeve, “I have no time for a meal; I must return to report to His Majesty and will not impose any longer!” Who would want to stay in such a poor and desolate place?

Muniang mentally rolled her eyes and said lightly, “Then travel safely, no need for goodbyes.”

Eunuch Li glared at Qiao Muniang with wide eyes. Did this ignorant village woman not realize his status? Travel safely, no need for goodbyes? He—

Eunuch Li was about to lose his temper, but he saw Yu Ze with a stern face stepping in front of Muniang, “If Eunuch Li doesn’t wish to stay overnight, you’d better hurry on your way. Otherwise, it’ll be hard to travel at night when it gets dark. The surroundings of this village are quite deserted, and it would not be good if something unexpected happened.”

It was then that Eunuch Li realized this woman was not any ordinary village woman, but Yu Ze’s legal wife, the Princess of Marquis Chen Mansion, General’s Wife of the Nation General, and even, the He’an Princess.

Eunuch Li quickly composed himself, bowed, and said, “Then I shall depart now. General, please take good care of yourself.”

“No need for farewells.” Obviously a bit irritated.

Before leaving, Eunuch Li gave Muniang a meaningful look, thinking to himself: She might well be the most powerful woman in the Daqian Dynasty, second only to the Empress. No, perhaps even the Empress, out of respect for Yu Ze, would have to make way for her.

After all, the current emperor’s throne was, frankly, given by Yu Ze. After he had taken care of Consort Yuan and others, he could be said to be the most powerful man in the Daqian Dynasty. Moreover, having been at the border for ten years, he had countless merits and was deeply loved by the people. He could have been the emperor himself without any objections from anybody, but he instead lifted up the once powerless Crown Prince to the throne.

Such a man who held sway over the world, yet was elusive, declared with conviction that he would take only one wife in this lifetime. What an honor that must be? Yet, who would have expected that it turned out to be a simple village woman from a small rural village?

Eunuch Li shook his head. The world is unpredictable. If those ladies in the Capital City who fancied General Yu found out that his wife was just an ordinary village woman, their hearts would probably shatter into pieces.

After sending off Eunuch Li, Muniang’s heart started to flutter with unease. The imperial edict was no trifling matter. Could Yu Ze’s outright rejection lead to some undesirable consequences?

“Muniang, you should have a good talk with Yu Ze. How can anyone defy the will of the emperor?” Mrs. Lin said with concern.

Muniang nodded and then pulled Yu Ze inside to talk.

“Wasn’t that too abrupt of you? What if the emperor calls you out on it? Isn’t defying a royal edict a capital offense?” Muniang quickly said.

Yu Ze’s lips curled into a smile, “Are you worried about me?”

Muniang glared, “Worried about you? I’m afraid of being implicated and executed!”

Yu Ze sighed helplessly with a bitter smile, “How could I ever gamble with your safety? Why can you not just say something pleasant to comfort me?” This little woman, clearly worried about him, insisted on being stubborn as a mule. But even so, his heart was very warmed by her concern.

At this point, Muniang was too anxious to beat around the bush, “Hurry up and tell me, I’m dying of worry here. What if something does happen? Why do you take your life so lightly?”

Seeing Muniang in a state of panic, Yu Ze finally wrapped his arms around her, “Nothing will happen. I won’t let anything happen to you, and for your sake, I certainly won’t let anything happen to myself.”