Chapter 67: The County Princess of Qingping Receives the Decree

The Jun family members were all preparing to return to the city. Just then, the sound of hoofbeats suddenly came from afar. Everyone looked over to see a horse galloping toward them. In no time, it reached the group; it was a messenger from the manor. With the single sentence, "The Second Young Lady has returned to the manor safely," some were pleasantly surprised, some disappointed, and some resentful—their thoughts were all different.

The plan had failed, and the First Lady hated it to the core, yet she feigned concern on her lips. She kept saying:

"It is good that she is back, it is good that she is back." Whether it was because her face was ruined or not, the First Lady's smile looked fake no matter how one viewed it, and even carried a hint of ferocity.

Jun Yiyi also squeezed out a few tears and said, "It is truly wonderful that Second Sister is alright."

Li shouted, "That second girl has such a hard fate, I fear she will bring misfortune to the family."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yiniang glanced at Jun Zhengming, who was frowning slightly. Her own brows were tightly knitted. If this were in the past, she would not have dared to say anything, but today, she did not know where she found the courage, and even her voice grew louder as she said:

"The Second Young Lady is simply blessed with great fortune. To have encountered such a calamity yet return to the manor safely, perhaps it is Heaven protecting the Jun family."

Seeing that everyone fell silent after Zhou Yiniang's words, Jun Zhidie muttered unhappily in a low voice, "Returning to the manor does not necessarily mean she is safe. Who knows how many people have already used her for this calamity she faced today!"

Jun Shuyan, who was beside Jun Zhidie, heard this and her expression changed. She scolded:

"Second Sister is of pure character and will certainly not be as you say. If Third Sister continues to spout nonsense, I will tear your mouth apart!"

Jun Zhidie snorted coldly, "Whether she is pure or not is not for you to decide. Who knows what she encountered while with those bandits."

"All of you, shut up!" Jun Zhengming could no longer stand this group of women. With a dark face, he scolded, "Return to the manor!"

In the early morning, the sky presented a delicate blue, with a few white clouds drifting leisurely within it. Soft and warm light pierced through the thin mist, gently sprinkling over the earth, adding a touch of tranquility and peace to the city. A faint chill permeated the air. A breeze brushed by, bringing the rustling sound of leaves—the unique melody of early autumn, crisp and pleasant.

It was already the hour of the dragon (7-9 AM) when Jun Zhengming led the group back to the main gate of the Jun manor. Just as they dismounted from their carriages, they heard the sound of hoofbeats and the clanging of gongs from the honor guard on the distant street, breaking the surrounding silence.

Quan Aoyu was seen wearing a magnificent brocade robe, embroidered with complex and exquisite patterns; every stitch and thread revealed the nobility and extraordinary nature of the imperial family. He rode a sturdy steed, his posture upright and elegant, as he headed toward the Jun manor. He wore a jade crown, his hair fluttering gently in the wind. His face appeared even more chiseled under the morning light, and his deep eyes flashed with joy and anticipation that could not be concealed. The corners of his mouth curled into a rare smile; this smile, like the warm sunshine of spring, instantly melted his usually stern exterior and warmed everything around him.

Behind Quan Aoyu followed a long procession, like a winding giant dragon moving toward the Jun manor. A group of eunuchs in gorgeous attire stood with straight backs, holding high a scroll of yellow silk imperial decree. Following these eunuchs was a team of maids and nannies, and further back were fully armed guards, clad in heavy armor and holding sharp long spears, looking majestic and awe-inspiring.

Wherever this grand procession passed, the roadsides were packed with onlookers. People whispered and discussed; the Jun manor seemed to have been in the spotlight lately, and they wondered what had happened to the Jun manor this time.

Before long, the honor guard arrived in front of the Jun manor in a grand manner. At the front of the procession, a yellow imperial decree was held high, shining brilliantly in the sunlight. Behind it followed dozens of carriages covered in red silk, stretching as far as the eye could see.

A lead eunuch announced loudly, "The Jun manor, receive the decree! The County Princess of Qingping, receive the decree!" The voice was sharp and majestic, instantly attracting everyone's attention.

Jun Zhengming hurriedly ordered the gatekeeper to send word into the manor for Jun Ziqin. Because they had been through a rough night, everyone's clothes were somewhat disheveled. They hurriedly straightened their attire, and Jun Zhengming cupped his hands and knelt on the ground, leading the old and young of the manor to respectfully welcome the arrival of the imperial decree.

Quan Aoyu jumped off his horse and handed the reins to a guard, then heard the Jun family say in unison, "Greetings to His Highness the Crown Prince! May the Crown Prince live for ten thousand years!"

Quan Aoyu looked toward the inside of the Jun manor, not even glancing at the crowd, and only gave a faint "Hmm."

The First Lady's heart trembled violently, and she could not help but gasp. She bit her lip tightly, her hands unconsciously gripping the corners of her clothes, and fine beads of sweat gradually seeped onto her forehead. She stared with wide eyes, looking at the bright yellow imperial decree in shock, thinking to herself, "It hasn't even been two months! The manor has already received its fourth imperial decree!" Every time an imperial decree arrived, it was a nightmare for the First Lady; she had never gained any benefit from them. And now, she did not know what this fourth decree would bring.

Seeing that it was the Crown Prince himself who had come to announce the decree, and that there was such a long motorcade covered in red silk behind him, Jun Yiyi automatically ignored the phrase "County Princess of Qingping, receive the decree." She felt that this matter must be related to her. Jun Yiyi was full of shyness, her eyes naturally beginning to dance, and a fiery gaze shot straight toward Quan Aoyu. This gaze was like a burning flame, displaying her admiration and longing for Quan Aoyu without reservation.

Although Jun Zhidie had been betrothed to the Second Imperial Prince, she had originally favored Quan Aoyu. She looked at Quan Aoyu with unconcealed longing, as if she wanted to swallow him whole.

At this moment, everyone saw a young lady in a water-blue dress walking out of the manor unhurriedly. Her dress fluttered in the wind, and she approached gracefully like a fairy from a painting. Her face was elegant and refined, and her brows and eyes held both the softness of a woman and a hint of boldness and heroic spirit, her gaze filled with determination. Such a temperament was truly unique and charming, making one unable to help but want to look a few more times.

Who else could this be but Jun Ziqin, who was supposed to have gone missing? The First Lady almost bit her teeth to pieces, and Jun Yiyi trembled with anger; this slut was perfectly fine now. Seeing Quan Aoyu looking at Jun Ziqin with focus, a smile appearing on his face, the flames of jealousy in Jun Zhidie surged upward.

Seeing that the main person had arrived, the eunuch slowly unfolded the yellow imperial decree and began to read in a crisp and solemn voice:

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Jun Ziqin, daughter of the Jun family, is gentle, virtuous, and possesses both talent and character; she is truly a model for the women of the world. Now, His Highness the Crown Prince is virtuous, talented, and of noble character, worthy of being a model for the heir apparent. To consolidate the foundation of the imperial house, the two are hereby granted marriage. Jun Ziqin is named the Crown Princess of the Eastern Palace. They shall marry on an auspicious day to forge a bond of friendship between the two families. May the two join hands and hearts to bear the heavy responsibility of the ancestral temple and the nation. Respect this!"