Chapter 4: Betrothal by the emperor

At the palace, there were no peace. Maids hurriedly running one place to another, merchants coming to offer the goods for the banquet.

The imperial hall looks grand, decorations everywhere—flowers, red lanterns, curtains beautifully organized. And most importantly, Emperor's throne with the design of golden dragon.

The guests came one by one, greeting each other. The hall gradually echoed of laughter, whispers and chuckles.

Somewhere in the crowd, there were both Chen and Zhang families, both exchanged greetings and smiles.

Everyone seemed to be full of joy except Chen Fengying and Zhang Zhengyu. They had already received the news about their marriage so of course they weren't happy with the emperor's decision.

Just after both families greeted each other, an announcement happened.

"His majesty has arrived!"

Everyone bowed after hearing the Emperor's arrival. "Long live his majesty."

Everyone sat on their seat only after the emperor had sat down. Fengying had sat right beside her younger sister, Qiaolin.

While Zhengyu also sat down beside his younger brother Zihan.

Fengying whispered to Qiaolin, "Am I the only one who thinks this banquet useless?"

"I assume so. You are definitely think that because you are gonna get Betrothed to Zhengyu." Qiaolin replied.

Hearing Qiaolin's reply she gave her sister a warning glare. Despite the glare Qiaolin chucked , laughing under her fan.

Then the emperor spoke firm but commanding, "Today, we held this banquet for General Zhengyu, the heir to Zhang family. He didn't let us down and came victorious."

He continued, "So, for his glory the banquet is held. Zhengyu, please come forward. I would like to give you the title of the main commander in the battlefield."

Zhengyu with a faint, forced smile came forward. Just when bowing down, the emperor handed him one of the imperial sword.

Looking at the scene, many gasped.

"Isn't that the imperial sword?"

"Oh my, given by the emperor himself?"

Then an applause echoed in the hall.

"Thank you, your majesty." Zhengyu said as he stood up.

"Zhengyu you have done more than enough, now you have come up to age of marriage." said the Emperor with a soft smile.

Everyone in the hall exchanged happy smiles, knowing what the emperor meant.

"So, I would like to arrange you to a marriage with a lady who is perfect match for you. Chen Fengying." Just after saying that the emperor glanced at Fengying, who was coming forward.

Fengying came forward with a forced smile—bowed with perfect etiquette, "Just as you commanded, your majesty."

"Good, and as for the younger generation— Qiaolin and Zihan. They will also follow the same path of their elders."

Everyone cheered, full of joy. Then the Emperor's voice again cut through, "I hope you both haven't forgotten the tradition of our Zhi dynasty."

Both of them replied, "We haven't, your majesty."

Then they both followed the tradition that is done when two people get Betrothed by the emperor.

A maid brought two cups of tea, handing both of them the cup. Fengying and Zhengyu, Firstly bowed to the emperor and then the guests present there.

And lastly they bowed to each other and drank the tea. Everyone clapped while both of them forced their smile.

After the crowd erupted into applause and the banquet tables were laid with glimmering silverware and delicate porcelain, the air buzzed with laughter and music. Servants carried platters of roasted pheasant, candied fruits, and steaming buns, while nobles whispered compliments and shared smiles across the room.

But in one corner, a shadow lingered, unmoving and cold. The Empress Dowager’s daughter’s cousin, Ye Minxing , known for her flawless appearance and polished manners, observed everything with tight-lipped fury. Her eyes, dark with jealousy, kept flicking to Zhang Zhengyu.

He moved through the hall with his usual calm, exchanging polite nods with generals and bowing to the elders. But each smile he shared, each courteous gesture toward others, felt like a dagger to her. She had fancied him for months — perhaps years — and here he was, focused elsewhere, completely indifferent to her presence.

Her fingers drummed against the edge of her seat, a practiced smile frozen on her face. Inside, though, she was seething. “Why must she always attract all the attention?” she thought, glancing covertly toward Chen Fengying, who laughed lightly with Qiaolin nearby.

The warmth of the banquet and the celebratory music only seemed to intensify her irritation. Every toast, every cheer, every smile from Zhengyu felt like a personal challenge to her pride. She would have to act carefully… but soon, she decided, she would make her presence — and her feelings — known.

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