The afternoon sun shone brightly over the imperial palace gates as Xu Chen and Yue Ning prepared to leave.
After spending the day in Phoenix Hall with the Empress, Yue Ning had grown more comfortable within the palace. The Empress had treated her warmly, almost like a daughter rather than a guest.
Now it was time to return to the Yue residence.
But this return was different from the earlier visit.
This time, Xu Chen was not simply escorting her home.
He carried with him an imperial edict.
A decree personally written and sealed by the Emperor.
Inside the palace courtyard, the imperial carriage stood ready. The golden Xu dynasty emblem shone on its side, surrounded by elite palace guards.
Xu Chen stepped beside the carriage and turned toward Yue Ning.
"Are you ready?" he asked gently.
Yue Ning nodded.
"Yes."
Although she appeared calm, her heart beat slightly faster.
Because this journey would change everything.
Once the edict was announced…
Her relationship with Xu Chen would officially become known.
Xu Chen noticed the slight tension in her eyes and smiled reassuringly.
"Don't worry."
His voice was soft.
"Your family already accepted our relationship."
"They will only be surprised by how fast things move."
Yue Ning laughed quietly.
"That is exactly what worries me."
Xu Chen chuckled and helped her into the carriage.
Soon the imperial guards moved out, escorting the carriage through the capital streets.
---
Arrival at the Yue Residence
News traveled quickly in the capital.
When the imperial carriage bearing the Crown Prince stopped in front of the Yue family estate, the guards outside were shocked.
They immediately rushed inside to report.
Within moments, the entire Yue household was in motion.
Grandfather Yue Shun, Grandmother Liu Yan, Yue Ning's parents Yue Chen and Zhao Lan, and her uncles gathered in the main hall.
Her ten brothers quickly arrived as well.
Everyone was confused.
"The Crown Prince has come again?"
"What happened?"
"Why so suddenly?"
Then a servant rushed in.
"His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!"
Everyone stood immediately.
Xu Chen entered the hall calmly.
Yue Ning walked beside him.
Behind them stood an imperial eunuch holding a golden scroll.
The moment the Yue family saw the scroll sealed with the Imperial Dragon Seal, their expressions changed.
This was clearly an imperial decree.
Grandfather Yue Shun spoke respectfully.
"Your Highness… what brings you here today?"
Xu Chen looked around the hall.
His gaze was calm but firm.
"I have come to deliver His Majesty's edict."
The hall became completely silent.
The eunuch stepped forward and raised the scroll.
"Imperial Edict!"
Everyone immediately knelt.
Except two people.
Xu Chen.
And Yue Ning.
Because the Emperor had already granted Yue Ning the privilege not to kneel or bow before anyone.
The eunuch began reading loudly.
---
The Imperial Decree
"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims:
The Yue family has long served the Xu Empire with loyalty and integrity. Their devotion to the realm is known throughout the court.
Yue Ning, daughter of Yue Chen, has demonstrated exceptional character, virtue, and grace.
She has already been granted the title Princess Anhe.
After careful consideration, We decree the following:
Yue Ning shall be formally betrothed to the Crown Prince of the Xu Empire, Xu Chen.
From this day forth, she is recognized as the Crown Prince's fiancée.
Her position shall be honored throughout the empire.
None may disrespect her.
When the proper time arrives, the marriage shall be conducted with the highest imperial ceremony.
This decree is witnessed by Heaven and Earth.
Respect this."
---
The eunuch rolled up the scroll.
"End of edict."
Silence filled the hall.
Even though the Yue family had already accepted Xu Chen's intentions…
They had not expected the imperial court to move so quickly.
Grandfather Yue Shun slowly stood up.
His expression was serious but not unhappy.
"This old man thanks His Majesty for his grace."
The rest of the family rose as well.
The brothers immediately turned toward Xu Chen.
Their expressions were complicated.
The Crown Prince had acted decisively.
He had gone directly to the Emperor and secured an imperial decree.
Now the entire empire would know.
Yue Ning looked at the scroll quietly.
Even she had not expected this.
Xu Chen stepped closer to her.
His voice was calm.
"The Emperor agreed."
He lowered his voice slightly.
"He also wished to show the empire that this decision has the full support of the imperial family."
Yue Ning looked at him.
"You didn't tell me it would be today."
Xu Chen smiled faintly.
"I wanted to surprise you."
She shook her head helplessly.
"You surprised everyone."
---
The Yue Family Reaction
The hall soon erupted with conversation.
Second Uncle Yue Qiang laughed loudly.
"Our Yue family suddenly became the Crown Prince's in-laws!"
Third Uncle Yu Wen looked thoughtful.
"The court will be shaking tomorrow."
Fourth Uncle Yue Feng nodded.
"No doubt every noble family in the capital will hear about this tonight."
The brothers were even more dramatic.
Second brother Yue Qiu crossed his arms.
"Well… I suppose we cannot object anymore."
Third brother Yue Heng chuckled.
"Now if we try to stop it, we would be opposing the imperial edict."
Fourth brother muttered,
"Too cunning."
Xu Chen smiled slightly.
Grandmother Liu Yan walked to Yue Ning and held her hands warmly.
"Our Ning'er is truly blessed."
Yue Chen and Zhao Lan looked at their daughter with mixed emotions.
Pride.
Worry.
Happiness.
Their little girl was now officially connected to the imperial family.
Finally Yue Chen stepped forward and bowed slightly to Xu Chen.
"Your Highness."
Xu Chen shook his head gently.
"Father-in-law does not need to be so formal."
The entire hall froze.
Even the brothers stared.
Xu Chen remained calm.
After a moment—
Laughter erupted.
The Yue family courtyard filled with warmth and excitement.
Because from that day onward…
The future Crown Princess of the Xu Empire had officially been chosen.
And her name was Yue Ning.