This was a world steeped in patriarchy, a domain where men held absolute dominion. Though the customs of the Southern Cloud Empire were considered relatively enlightened, a woman’s virtue remained a matter of paramount importance. What consequences might await a princess if, upon the eve of her marriage, it was discovered she was no longer a virgin?

This touched upon the very dignity of the Royal House; the furious Luo Xiaofeng might very well execute her on the spot…

She couldn't possibly have been unaware of all this, yet she still surrendered everything she was to him without a second thought… Just how profound was her love for him…

Moved, a faint smile touched the corner of Ye Jingyu’s lips…

With him present, would such a thing ever be allowed to happen?

“Silly Ling’er, you are already mine. Even if you must marry, it can only be to me. Why should you be so distressed?” Ye Jingyu gently stroked Luo Ling’er’s silken black hair, speaking with warmth.

“But…” Luo Ling’er lifted her head, her large, watery eyes brimming with worry.

“No ‘buts.’ You belong to me, and no one can take you away,” Ye Jingyu asserted with complete confidence.

Seeing his assured demeanor, the long-held anxieties in Luo Ling’er’s heart gradually subsided. Though Ye Jingyu had said little else, she chose to trust him, and that trust was absolute.

“You are so overbearing…”

“Hahaha, if I weren’t a little overbearing, how could I have won you away?”

“You scoundrel…”

“Then I shall be even naughtier… Hehe…”

“Ah… No… it hurts there…”

“…”

Within the imperial bedchamber, another bout of turbulence ensued…

“Sigh…” Truly, men forget humanity when facing temptation… Xiao Tao Tao, standing by the door of the chamber, yawned and actually uttered a human phrase.

It was fortunate there were no other serving maids nearby, or they would have been shocked speechless.

Ye Jingyu certainly would not spend the night in the Imperial Palace, though he did not press his conquest of Luo Ling’er further. He spent the night whispering sweet nothings with her, only leaving the palace reluctantly just as the morning court session was about to commence.

As for how Luo Ling’er was to dispose of that crimson-stained bedsheet, that was not his concern. His focus now was how to strike a blow against Xiao Geng.

With less than a month remaining, he had to make Luo Xiaofeng understand that only he could bring happiness to Luo Ling’er. He also needed to show the Emperor that he was more suitable for her than Xiao Geng, more powerful than him—even in terms of sheer utility, he was far more valuable than Xiao Geng.

With a band of brothers in Yunjing, unless absolutely forced, he would not elope with Luo Ling’er, even though the notion sounded terribly romantic.

Having spent the night in the palace, Ye Jingyu did not immediately return to the Dan Yun Mountain Estate, nor did he head to Prince Yong’an’s fief. Instead, he proceeded directly to the Meridian Gate (Wu Men).

It was the hour of the morning court. Civil and military officials arrived in their official palanquins, stopping at the Meridian Gate. Upon seeing a man dressed in white martial attire, carrying a lacquered black greatsword on his back, standing in the central square, many displayed expressions of confusion.

The Shu Yun Kingdom had transformed into the Southern Cloud Empire, and Luo Xiaofeng had gone from a King to an Emperor. His power had magnified significantly, and the number of officials had more than tripled. Most of the current assembly would not recognize Ye Jingyu.

Furthermore, even those officials who might have met Ye Jingyu once were unlikely to recall him now.

Soon, the vermilion palace gates opened, and two eunuchs stood on either side, ushering the high-ranking officials inside.

Leading the procession was the current Grand Scholar, Shu Wu, clad in the brocade robes of the First Rank. He glanced at Ye Jingyu, who stood off to the side, and entered the palace with a look of profound puzzlement.

Behind him followed the Ministers of the Six Boards, and then the Vice Ministers—a vast throng of officials, few of whom Ye Jingyu recognized. Even Wang Zhong, the Minister of War with whom he had shared a few exchanges, was nowhere in sight; likely, he had been dismissed from office.

Only after all the officials had entered did Ye Jingyu swagger toward the palace entrance, dragging his worn blade. He was immediately halted by the guards.

This was a crucial imperial area; it was not a place for idle wanderers.

“Eunuch Yan, have you forgotten me?” Ye Jingyu asked with a genial smile, looking at the eunuch before him—a man with soft skin but clearly decades of age.

This eunuch was none other than the Chief Eunuch of the Inner Palace, Yan Lun. In the past, Ye Jingyu had lavished countless favors upon him. Yan Lun had been on the verge of ordering the guards to rough up Ye Jingyu when he heard his name called out.

He turned to look, and his expression shifted rapidly as he scrutinized the man.

“You… You are General Ye… General Ye?” After a long moment, Yan Lun finally recognized Ye Jingyu.

“Hahaha, it is indeed I. I didn't think that after more than a year, Eunuch Yan could still recognize this humble fellow…” Ye Jingyu laughed heartily, utterly unconcerned about their location at the main gate of the Imperial Palace.

“Oh my, oh my! It is General Ye! You guards, stand aside quickly! This is the Sword-Bearing Great General bestowed upon him by His Majesty, General Ye! You vanished for over a year, General! You had this old servant worried sick!” As Yan Lun spoke, he took Ye Jingyu by the arm and pulled him toward the palace interior, leaving the guards standing dumbfounded.

Yan Lun was the Chief Eunuch of the Inner Palace. With Eunuch Yun no longer managing affairs, Yan Lun wielded immense authority. Even the Grand Scholar Shu Wu, though he might inwardly despise him, was compelled to address him respectfully as Eunuch Yan. When had anyone ever seen him display such warmth?

As for Ye Jingyu, he felt goosebumps prickle his skin. While he had some acquaintance with Yan Lun, their relationship hadn’t reached this level. Had he truly become so handsome as to incite jealousy in a eunuch?

The thought of being constantly remembered by a eunuch sent shivers coursing down his spine.

He couldn't possibly know that Ye Jingyu had been captured by members of the Bai family—and who were the Bai family? They were the second-greatest clan in the realm, one even Luo Xiaofeng dared not offend. If Ye Jingyu had died, so be it, but his safe return implied something profound. It could only mean his backing was even more terrifying than the Bai family’s.

The reason Luo Xiaofeng had tolerated Ye Jingyu repeatedly in the past was his apprehension regarding the hidden power behind him. His safe return now proved his strength. Could a man like that truly be someone Yan Lun could afford to antagonize? Even if His Majesty disliked him, it was for His Majesty to deal with. Furthermore, Ye Jingyu carried His Majesty’s token, granting him free passage into the palace—why take such a risk?

Under Yan Lun’s guidance, Ye Jingyu arrived near the Golden Throne Hall, just as the officials were concluding their bows.

However, Ye Jingyu showed no immediate intention of entering the hall. Instead, Yan Lun led him to a side chamber to await the conclusion of the morning court.