Chapter 93: Glory and Turmoil

"By the mandate of heaven, the Emperor decrees: Princess Lady Qingping, Jun Jun Zijin, possessing both virtue and talent, loyal and unparalleled in bravery, is hereby granted the Profound Heaven Qilin Token. This token grants entry to the Grand Camp, authority to assist the three armies, aid the Son of Heaven, and command the realm. May the Princess not fail My expectations, protect the family, and defend the nation. Respect this."

The entire Jun family erupted in uproar!

The Profound Heaven Qilin Token is a supreme token of trust personally bestowed by the Emperor; whoever holds it may mobilize the three armies, issue commands to all military forces under heaven, assist the Son of Heaven, and pacify the world. Such power is enough to make anyone flock to it. Everyone seemed to see the trust and expectation in the Emperor's eyes directed at Jun Jun Zijin.

Jun Jun Zijin was also stunned, countless thoughts surging within her heart. This token represents supreme authority, yet behind it also carries responsibility and danger. From the moment she became betrothed to Quan Quan Aoyu, her fate was no longer ordinary. She had long since stepped into that vortex of power; now, holding the Profound Heaven Qilin Token, she would face countless challenges and dangers. But she feared nothing, for she knew this was her mission, and also her destiny.

A cold wind blew straight at her, scattering Jun Jun Zijin's thoughts and awakening the resolve in her heart.

"Princess, receive the decree." Eunuch Xi signaled the guards to bring the tray before Jun Jun Zijin.

The token was jet-black and gleaming throughout, its edges inlaid with gold thread, and ancient runes carved in the center, as if containing endless power, both sacred and mysterious.

"Your subject receives the decree and thanks Your Majesty for this great grace."

Jun Jun Zijin's voice was cool and firm; she bowed slightly and accepted the imperial edict with both hands, along with that heavy Profound Heaven Qilin Token.

"This was personally bestowed by the Emperor; please, Princess, be sure to keep it safe." Eunuch Xi said with a beaming smile.

"Additionally, the Emperor has a message to convey: the Princess is no ordinary woman; your wisdom and courage are sufficient to meet the challenges this token brings. This token is no trivial matter; the Princess must keep it safe."

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty; your subject will exert every effort and not fail the trust placed in me." Jun Jun Zijin held the token and solemnly kowtowed. Her voice remained cool, yet it carried an added firmness.

With a single imperial edict, the Jun family members were some joyful, some worried, some angered, and some hateful.

Once the edict was read aloud, Eunuch Xi returned to the palace, satisfied.

Inside the Jun manor's main hall, candlelight flickered, casting reflections on everyone's faces, each expression different. The hall was utterly silent, save for the Profound Heaven Qilin Token shimmering with a cold light under the candlelight.

"Jun Zijin, this token is no trivial matter; you must think clearly. Once used, there is no turning back." Xiang Xiang Junzheng's voice was low, carrying a hint of worry.

Although he was a high-ranking official of Imperial importance, he had achieved little in his official record these past years; not because his ability was far inferior to others, but simply because he sought only self-preservation. The Emperor bestowing this object, while a sign of trust in the Jun family, meant that although the token held supreme authority, it also carried incalculable danger. If the second daughter made even the slightest error, the Jun family would fall into a place of no return.

Jun Jun Zijin raised her head, her deep eyes bright and firm like brilliant stars in the night sky. Her gaze was like a calm yet bottomless lake, without the slightest ripple or hesitation, possessing only a calmness and composure that no one could ignore.

She spoke with an attitude of utmost seriousness:

"Father, daughter understands the meaning of this token. Since daughter has accepted it, I will not fail the expectations of Your Majesty. In fact, from the moment daughter became betrothed to the Crown Prince, I have long had no path of return. Since Your Majesty trusts daughter, I will not disappoint him."

Xiang Xiang Junzheng looked at her, a complex expression flashing in his eyes. He knew that since she became betrothed to Quan Quan Aoyu, she had step by step entered the vortex of power; let alone she could not remain uninvolved, even the Jun family could not remain uninvolved. Now she held the Profound Heaven Qilin Token, making her a person of pivotal importance to the nation and the state; though the dangers were greater, was it not also an added layer of protection?

This daughter of his, once disregarded, was no longer the child who would only hide and cry when wronged.

Xiang Xiang Junzheng sighed and said no more. His daughter had made her choice, and all he could do was silently support her from behind, considering it a way to make up for the debt owed to her mother and the two of them.

"The Profound Heaven Qilin Token..." Jun Zhengyuan, the Jun family's second uncle, murmured softly, a hint of unwillingness flashing in his eyes. Although his second branch survived by relying on the first branch, and if the first branch did well, the second branch naturally followed suit, he was unwilling to remain beneath the first branch.

Jun Zhengyuan clenched his fist, pondering silently: "Why does the first branch always monopolize all the glory? Why should a mere child from the mountains bear such a heavy burden?"

At this moment, Jun Jun Zijin raised her eyes to look at everyone; her gaze paused when it reached Jun Zhengyuan, as if sensing the strangeness in his eyes. She made no issue of it, simply quietly placing the token into her bosom.

Jun Zhengyuan took a deep breath, forcing a smile as he bowed to Jun Jun Zijin and said:

"Congratulations to the second daughter on receiving such honor; in the future, the second branch will fully support your actions."

Jun Jun Zijin nodded slightly, coldly scoffing in her heart, and did not answer.

Jun Jun Yiyi and Jun Jun Zhidie were so jealous their eyes turned red, but with Xiang Xiang Junzheng present, they dared not be too bold. They merely ground their teeth with a creaking sound, holding back their words tightly.

Li Shi had always been a person who did not know when to advance or retreat; she would only listen to a few words from her son, Jun Jun Zhihao, but since Jun Jun Zhihao was not present, where was she to remember those warnings?

Li Shi contemptuously "tsk-ed" and shouted loudly:

"A child raised in the countryside for only a dozen years, what right does she have to possess this token? If she dies herself, it matters little, but do not drag our entire Jun manor to perish with you!"

Xiang Xiang Junzheng's heart tightened; this Li Shi truly did not know when to advance or retreat. He secretly glared at Li Shi, yet saw she noticed nothing, instead becoming even more arrogant.

Hearing this, Jun Jun Zijin narrowed her eyes slightly:

"Second Aunt, the Emperor personally bestowed this token; it is an honor for the Jun family. How dare you question the Emperor!" Jun Zijin's gaze was as cold as ice, staring directly at Li Shi.

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin pin the charge of questioning the Emperor upon her, Li Shi was frightened and stepped back involuntarily, yet she still refused to yield on her words:

"Hmph, when did I question the Emperor? I was merely worried you could not bear this heavy responsibility and would ruin the Jun family. If you bring disaster upon the Jun family, we will not sit idly by!" Li Shi argued cunningly.

Jun Jun Zijin looked coldly at Li Shi and said slowly:

"Second Aunt, do not argue cunningly; everyone present heard your words just now. Since you are so worried about the Jun family's safety, then you might as well manage your own second branch's affairs and refrain from causing trouble, lest you bring disaster upon the Jun family."

"You... you yellow-haired girl, how dare you lecture me!" Li Shi's face turned red with anger.

Jun Jun Zijin let out a cold laugh:

"Second Aunt, I am not lecturing you; I am merely stating facts. And why are you being so unreasonable and obstinate?" Jun Jun Zijin's face was as calm as water, her voice cool.

Jun Zhengyuan could not bear to listen any longer; he stepped forward and smiled at Jun Jun Zijin, saying:

"Second daughter, why must it be like this? We are all members of the Jun family; why quarrel so?"

Hearing this, Jun Jun Zijin couldn't help but curse inwardly: Damn, the people of the second branch are truly shameless.

Jun Jun Zijin stared blankly at Jun Zhengyuan for a while and said softly:

"Second Uncle, is it I who am quarreling?"

Jun Zhengyuan felt extremely uncomfortable being stared at like that, but to admit defeat right then and there, where would his face be? He was just about to say something else.

Xiang Xiang Junzheng opened his mouth and scolded: "Enough! Today the Princess received the Emperor's gift; this is a great joyous matter; do not quarrel here."

Xiang Xiang Junzheng intentionally emphasized that Jun Jun Zijin was a Princess personally ennobled by the current Emperor! This identity contained endless reverence, meaning she had entered the ranks of the imperial nobility; whether facing powerful ministers in the court or common people among the folk, Jun Jun Zijin possessed supreme authority and status, respected and treated with courtesy both inside and outside the court.

Li Shi still wanted to speak, but Jun Zhengyuan tugged at her sleeve, signaling her to be silent. Now was not the time for a direct conflict with Jun Jun Zijin, after all, she had just gained the Emperor's favor.

Li Shi could only look at Jun Jun Zijin resentfully, her heart full of grievance.

Seeing that everyone had fallen silent, Jun Jun Zijin looked at the crowd and said slowly:

"I know everyone worries about the risks brought by the Profound Heaven Qilin Token, but since I have accepted it, I will certainly act with caution. However, if anyone tries to cause trouble, do not blame me for showing no mercy."