The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 150: Your Honor Bestowed by Me

Chapter 150: Your Honor Bestowed by Me

Nanli couldn’t help but sigh with relief, grateful that she had a harmonious relationship with her brothers and was free from such chaotic thoughts.

However, from now on, she would have to limit her visits to the palace.

Ye Siheng, clearly experienced in the ways of war, calmly reassured her, "You need not to worry. Our imperial brother’s recent defeat will deter him from making any further moves."

Nanli nodded in agreement, thinking to herself that adversity truly tests one’s mettle.

The matter with the nun was still unresolved, and now she had openly clashed with Emperor Muwu.

She and the Marquis’s residence would have to exercise even greater caution in the future.

When Ye Siheng escorted her back to the residence, he presented gifts to everyone in the Marquis’s household.

The happiest recipient was undoubtedly Chuhuan, who received a rare book set he had long desired.

With the imperial examinations approaching, Ye Siheng’s timing was impeccable.

All the members of the household gathered in the main hall, where the elders, including the Dowager, were distributing red packets.

Naturally, Ye Siheng received his share when he arrived.

Skillfully weaving auspicious words, he delighted the Dowager.

Seizing the opportunity, he also mentioned setting a wedding date to marry Nanli.

The Dowager and the others, aware of the events of the previous night, readily agreed. Although Nanli had not suffered any losses this time, it was best to marry Ye Siheng as soon as possible to avoid any further complications.

They were satisfied with Ye Siheng as their son-in-law and would stand firmly by his side throughout.

The wedding date was set for the twentieth day of the fourth month, after the imperial examinations.

They had several months to prepare, ensuring everything would be in order.

Ye Siheng’s peach wood prayer beads had broken in the palace, so he needed to retrieve them.

He took the opportunity to inform Emperor Muwu of this.

Emperor Muwu appeared somewhat absent-minded, feeling a tinge of guilt and regret as he looked at his ninth brother, who remained cold and distant.

He asked, "Shall I command the Palace Attendants Bureau to tailor your wedding attire?"

"Thank you, Imperial Brother," Ye Siheng replied, his demeanor still icy.

"I have already found an embroiderer and the preparations have begun. There is no need to trouble the Palace Attendants Bureau."

Emperor Muwu furrowed his brow slightly, surprised by Ye Siheng’s lack of gratitude.

His guilt dissipated, replaced by anger.

"The Yang family has been demanding justice from me. I have suppressed them on your behalf, Ninth Brother. But remember, my protection this time does not guarantee it in the future."

Ye Siheng’s lips twitched slightly.

"If I can rely on Imperial Brother’s protection, it is not solely based on brotherly affection, but also on my own capabilities. Without such strength, then the injuries I sustained on the battlefield years ago would have been in vain."

The two locked eyes, neither yielding to the other.

Emperor Muwu’s anger surged, and he slammed his hand on the table, creating a loud noise. "Are you threatening me?!"

"I am not threatening Imperial Brother, merely stating facts. As a native of Mu, I also wish to safeguard our nation’s territory and prevent the Qi Kingdom from reclaiming it. Can Imperial Brother’s throne remain secure without me stationed in the northern border?"

"You... Are you defying me?!" Emperor Muwu’s voice trembled with anger as he swept the objects on the table to the ground, creating another loud noise.

He truly regretted it now, regretted allowing Ye Siheng to have free rein when he was at the height of his power.

He should have controlled and suppressed him!

Should he kill Ye Siheng?

No, his ninth brother was needed to guard the northern border, to ensure the stability of Mu and its territory.

But Ye Siheng had gone too far!

No, he had always been like this.

As long as one touched his sore spot, their brotherly relationship would be restored.

The Chief Eunuch watched Emperor Muwu, bewildered by his fluctuating emotions. How could the Emperor display such a range of emotions in such a short span of time?

As the Lunar New Year arrived, the sound of firecrackers diminished, and the presence of malevolent spirits waned.

Nanli, having little ghost-catching work to do, decided to lend a hand at the clinic. Eldest brother, Chu Ye, was occupied with accompanying his wife, as they would soon depart for the capital’s military camp after the festivities.

Second brother, Chu Shuo, was busiest of all, for his business thrived during this season.

Third brother, Chu Huan, immersed himself in his studies, rarely venturing outside with his cherished books.

Fourth brother, Chu Yang, remained diligent in his martial arts practice, undeterred by the cold weather.

With his age advancing, he too would journey to the capital’s military camp for further training.

Fifth brother, Chu Yan, shared his passion for both learning and martial arts, albeit in a less extreme manner than his younger siblings.

On this auspicious occasion, he also lent a hand at the clinic, keeping company with his younger sister.

Despite the festive atmosphere, many impoverished people suffered from frostbite.

The siblings, along with their servants, distributed ginger soup to warm their bodies. To Nanli’s surprise, the spiritual pearl she carried occasionally emitted a faint warmth.

Upon inspection, she discovered the fragmented pearl had started to mend itself!

Over the course of several days, she continued to validate this phenomenon.

When she examined it again, the repaired cracks had diminished, a tangible sign of restoration.

Overjoyed, she realized this was a fortuitous event!

Once the pearl was fully restored, her powers would return, enabling her to confront Prince Qi’s dark tide with confidence.

This realization fueled Nanli’s determination.

Unfortunately, after the Lunar New Year had passed, the repaired cracks had only grown by the size of half a pinky nail.

Nanli understood that haste would not lead to success, so she carefully stored the pearl and resolved to continue her virtuous deeds and accumulate good karma.

After the Lantern Festival, it was time for the court officials to attend the imperial court.

Ye Siheng, who rarely appeared at court, stood at the forefront dressed in a resplendent dragon robe. His nine-jeweled golden crown shimmered, enhancing his already handsome and noble appearance, causing the other ministers to avert their gaze.

Emperor Muwu, having rested for over ten days, appeared in good spirits.

However, upon seeing Ye Siheng, his expression slightly stiffened.

Soon after, Ye Siheng proposed the release of Crown Prince Ye Chengyan from his confinement, allowing him to resume his duties for the nation and make amends for his past mistakes.

Emperor Muwu’s face darkened; he knew Ye Siheng would not attend court without a purpose!

And it didn’t stop there.

Half of the ministers immediately voiced their agreement with Ye Siheng’s proposal, all aligning themselves with him!

Emperor Muwu’s voice turned cold as he asked, "Are you all trying to force me?"

Ye Siheng replied, "We are not forcing you, Your Majesty. It is simply that the Crown Prince is currently your only heir, and it would be inappropriate to keep him confined indefinitely.

He has reflected upon his actions during his seclusion, and it is only fair to give him a chance to make amends."

Emperor Muwu nearly erupted in anger.

It was Ye Siheng who initially refused to intervene, and now he forcefully inserted himself into the situation!

However, in the court, Emperor Muwu had to suppress his temper and said, "He has committed a grave crime that cannot be easily forgiven. I shall consider it further."