Chapter 607

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

When Su Muchun spoke these words, the Emperor was staring intently into his eyes, as if wanting to see through those pupils into his innermost true thoughts.

After all, a person's eyes are often the hardest place to conceal emotions. And at this moment, Su Muchun's gaze was clear as water, without the slightest ripple, not a trace of emotion to be seen, like a pool of still water, calm and undisturbed.

Seeing this, the Emperor couldn't help but nod inwardly in approval of Su Muchun's words. Immediately after, the Emperor changed the subject and suddenly asked: "Oh? Then how did you come to know Qianqian?"

This question came so abruptly that Su Muchun was caught off guard. In an instant, his eyes grew somewhat flustered, his originally fair ear roots instantly flushed crimson, clearly flustered by the Emperor's sudden question.

However, he quickly regained his composure and tried to feign nonchalance, replying with a stammer: "Th-this commoner... this commoner met the Commandery Princess in the military camp. At that time the Commandery Princess was dressed in men's attire, heroic and dashing, coming to enlist, and thus we became acquainted."

Su Muchun spoke very briefly, too embarrassed to speak of the details. Looking at this young man before him with a nervous expression and a face full of sincerity, the Emperor thought to himself: "Judging by Su Muchun's appearance, he truly loves Qianqian from the bottom of his heart!"

Recalling that Old Seventh had previously told him that Qianqian not only brought Su Muchun to An Wang Fu for a meal, but even the ever-picky An Wangfei expressed agreement, the Emperor thought Qianqian most likely also had feelings for him.

Thus, the Emperor no longer pursued the questioning, but earnestly admonished: "Qianqian is An Wang's heart and soul, and also our Dachang Kingdom's precious treasure! We know well your martial arts are superb, but if one day We discover you dare harm her in the slightest, hmph... don't blame Us for being impolite to you! Of course, if you can treat her wholeheartedly and well, then your future career path will certainly be smooth sailing!"

Su Muchun engraved every word of the Emperor's into his heart. He understood just how deep his feelings for Qianqian were — if Qianqian lost even a single strand of hair, he would be heartbroken to death, so how could he bear to touch a single finger of hers?

Therefore, upon hearing the Emperor's warning, Su Muchun replied without the slightest hesitation: "Please rest assured, Your Majesty! If this commoner dares lay a hand on her, may I be struck by heavenly thunder and shattered to pieces, never to be reincarnated for all eternity!"

Hearing Su Muchun swear so solemnly, the stone hanging in the Emperor's heart finally dropped. He nodded in satisfaction: "Mhm, since that's the case, you shall temporarily remain in the Imperial Forest Army to serve. But remember, from now on you are merely Su Muchun!"

Su Muchun replied respectfully: "I obey, Your Majesty!" The Emperor's gaze turned to Eunuch Sun beside him and instructed: "Take him to the Imperial Forest Army to report for duty."

Eunuch Sun hurriedly bowed to receive the order: "I obey the decree!" Then he walked quickly toward Su Muchun, smiling as he said: "Young Master Su, please follow this servant."

Su Muchun replied politely: "Many thanks, Gonggong, thank you for the trouble. Please go ahead first." Eunuch Sun nodded solemnly in acknowledgment, then turned and strode forward. Su Muchun followed carefully close behind.

After the two left the room, Su Muchun very considerately reached out and gently closed the Yudi's main door behind them.

At this time, only the Emperor and An Wang remained inside. The Emperor looked at the tightly shut door and said thoughtfully to An Wang: "In Our view, this Su Muchun is truly a talent."

An Wang actually agreed with the Emperor's assessment in his heart, but his mouth still grumbled unyieldingly: "Uh... passable."

Seeing this, the Emperor couldn't help but be amused into hearty laughter, teasing: "You, as a father, can be said to have worn your heart to pieces! You have to worry over your daughter's marriage, and also scheme for your future son-in-law."

Hearing this, An Wang's face showed an expression more bitter than having eaten coptis, and he said displeasedly: "Hmph, if he hadn't voluntarily proposed to enter our Wangfu as a son-in-law, this King would absolutely never have agreed to this marriage!"

The Emperor, hearing his words, couldn't help but feel doubt, and asked softly: "Oh? He actually willingly chose to become a son-in-law living with the wife's family?"

At this time, An Wang finally broke his silence and slowly explained: "That's right, Imperial Brother. This younger brother and the Wangfei truly cannot bear to marry Qianqian off.

Moreover, this Su Muchun drifts without a fixed abode. If Qianqian were to follow such a person, how could this younger brother be at ease? Only by having him enter our household as a son-in-law can this younger brother set his mind slightly at rest."

The Emperor heard this and nodded slightly, nodding in agreement: "Put that way, it does make sense. It's just that We truly never expected he would agree to this matter without the slightest hesitation."

An Wang continued: "Mhm, this younger brother also felt surprised. Originally thought he would need time to consider, yet he agreed so readily.

Alright, Imperial Brother, the person has been brought. This younger brother will take his leave first. In the future if there is any matter, hope Imperial Brother will show more care."

The Emperor looked at this younger brother before him, shook his head helplessly, and said with a smile: "You, you, always saying one thing but meaning another. On the surface you say you disagree with their affair, but in secret you scheme and plan for them in every way."

Hearing this, An Wang did not argue, but bowed respectfully to the Emperor, then turned and left.

After An Wang stepped out of the palace gate, Yue Yi, who had been waiting for a long time, immediately drove the carriage to receive him and escorted him back to An Wang Fu Di.

Time flies like a shuttle; a short month passed in the blink of an eye. During this period, Su Muchun successfully joined the ranks of the Imperial Forest Army and began his unique work schedule: day duty one day, night watch the next night, then rest one day. Whenever Su Muchun had a rest day, Qianqian would take the opportunity to go find him and meet up.

Today is payday, and today Su Muchun drew the day shift.

After a busy whole day, he finally finished a day's work. At this moment, he gazed at those mere few taels of broken silver in his hand, and a pang of bitterness couldn't help but rise in his heart.

Recalling his lifetime of toil, only to end up holding such meager compensation, truly filled one with endless emotion.

However, he quickly adjusted his mindset, thinking secretly: "Forget it! After all, everything now is a brand new starting point."

Thus, he soon let go, and walked toward the streets and alleys with light, quick steps.

This past month, due to serving as a guard, Su Muchun had hardly ever had leisure to stroll the streets.

First, the cold was unbearable; second, his pockets were empty, and he truly couldn't muster the interest to go out wandering. But today the situation was entirely different; he strolled leisurely and contentedly through the bustling market.

At this time the sky had not yet fully darkened; numerous small stall vendors still held their posts and had not packed up to leave.

You must know, the capital's nights are also a scene of flourishing prosperity and extraordinary liveliness; therefore these stall owners usually operate until the middle of the night before closing.