Luo Xiaofeng did not immediately answer Ye Jingyu's question, instead fixing him with a stare, his eyes flashing with sharp glints, as if trying to decipher every thought in Ye Jingyu's mind...

Faced with Luo Xiaofeng’s piercing gaze, there was no trace of fear in Ye Jingyu’s eyes; having already encountered a domineering figure like Dugu Ba-chen, what was there left to dread?

“Reason…” After a significant pause, Luo Xiaofeng finally managed to utter those two words...

“General Xiao is so young; this is the prime time for him to serve the nation. Especially now that the war is not over, how can he be constrained by matters of romance? He should be fighting on the front lines, dedicating himself to the country, and absolutely not be shackled by marriage…” Ye Jingyu explained, his expression unchanging...

“Heh, even if he marries Ling’er, I can still send him to lead the troops into battle…” Luo Xiaofeng offered a faint smile again, though this one held a hint of amusement...

Ye Jingyu blinked, clearly surprised that Luo Xiaofeng dared to break the ancestral law and allow Xiao Geng to continue leading troops into battle...

“That is even more improper…” But he was sharp-witted; how could such a problem stump him?

“Why?”

“The Princess is a golden branch and jade leaf, her status inherently noble. What if—ah, I mean what if—General Xiao were to bravely sacrifice himself on the front lines? Would the Princess then be left a widow?”

“Pfft…” Luo Xiaofeng, who had just taken a sip of tea, nearly spat it out upon hearing Ye Jingyu’s statement. Of all things to say, he brought up Xiao Geng’s potential demise and the Princess becoming a widow! What manner of speech was that?

Eunuch Yun, standing behind Luo Haitian, rolled his eyes heavenward. This fellow was perhaps too audacious; to speak to His Majesty with such casualness, and even use the informal "I"...

However, whether it was Nanfeng Yun or Ye Jingyu, both acted as if they hadn't noticed Luo Xiaofeng’s spitting fit...

“Insolence! General Xiao Geng is so young; how could he possibly fall so easily? Even if some misfortune were to befall him, it would be our Nanyun Imperial Family who wronged the Xiao lineage. What is my son marrying him compared to that? Ye Jingyu, let this matter rest. I…”

“Unacceptable…” Upon hearing Luo Xiaofeng refuse to retract his command, Ye Jingyu interrupted directly...

“Hm?” Hearing Ye Jingyu suddenly shout, both Luo Xiaofeng and Nanfeng Yun were startled. This man dared to raise his voice at them?

Not only them, but even Yan Lun, waiting outside the door, flinched at the sound of Ye Jingyu’s roar. Inside his heart, he secretly gave a thumbs-up. To shout in the Imperial Study—this General Ye was truly bold. If even this went unpunished, it could only signify how immensely important he was in His Majesty’s estimation. He would need to curry favor with him diligently in the future...

Despite Ye Jingyu’s impudence, Luo Xiaofeng felt no anger; instead, he asked with genuine curiosity, “Why unacceptable? Ling’er is my daughter. Must I seek your approval for whom she marries? If you do not give me a reason today, I shall charge you with the crime of gross disrespect…”

Gazing at Luo Xiaofeng’s icy countenance and feeling the weight of his formidable might, Ye Jingyu showed no sign of fear. Instead, he straightened his chest, and declared loudly, “I love her. I will marry her. In this world, no one besides me can grant her true happiness… and no one else dares to marry her. Whoever tries will surely die… even a god must perish!” As he spoke, a domineering aura radiated outward, fully exposing the essence of a peak Grandmaster, combined with the formidable soul power of the Spiritual Manifestation Realm...

A confident smile blossomed on his face—the confidence of a man, an overwhelming assurance...

Sensing Ye Jingyu’s immense aura, both Luo Xiaofeng and Eunuch Yun were visibly shaken. A year and a half ago, he was merely an Innate Martial Master; now, he had reached the peak of the Grandmaster realm, just one step shy of the Martial Saint. Once he grasped that final insight, he would instantly become a Martial Saint. Moreover, his soul power was terrifyingly potent, several times stronger than an average Spiritual Manifestation Realm Soul Master. His potential, truly, seemed limitless...

Most importantly, he possessed the sheer audacity to declare his love for Luo Ling’er in the Emperor’s presence and even dare to threaten him. Such courage was not something an ordinary person could possess...

Luo Xiaofeng was not angered by Ye Jingyu’s threat. On the contrary, sensing Ye Jingyu’s potent self-assurance and strength, the smile in his eyes grew deeper. Only a person like this could stand against the Crown Prince; he had indeed judged correctly... As for Luo Ling’er...

“An Emperor’s word is final. I have already issued the decree; without extraordinary circumstances, how can I retract it? You… handle it as you see fit… However, I warn you, do not cause me too much trouble…” With that, he ignored Ye Jingyu further, rising abruptly and sweeping out of the chamber...

Nanfeng Yun winked at Ye Jingyu and followed Luo Xiaofeng out...

Leaving Ye Jingyu somewhat bewildered...

An Emperor’s word is final? Without extraordinary circumstances? If Xiao Geng suddenly fell gravely ill and died, would that count as an extraordinary circumstance? As for Luo Xiaofeng’s final warning not to cause too much trouble, Ye Jingyu paid it no mind at all...

“Hey, Eunuch Yun, when do I get to take charge of the Cloud Guard?” Suddenly, Ye Jingyu recalled the position Luo Xiaofeng had designated for him. Since he couldn't be a general now, he might as well settle down nicely in Yunjing. The Cloud Guard—that was a massive piece of fat meat indeed...

Calling out as he went, Ye Jingyu rushed toward the exit...

At that very moment, in the Eastern Palace, Crown Prince Luo Haitian was clad in brilliant yellow brocade robes, holding a scripture and reading softly, showing the potential to become a wise ruler. Yet, a dark, somber glint still flickered within his eyes...

“Your Highness the Crown Prince, General Qin requests an audience…” At that instant, a eunuch rushed in from outside and respectfully bowed to the Prince...

“Let him in…” The Crown Prince snorted coldly, tossing the scripture aside, and settling back onto his throne with an air of commanding authority...

Moments later, Qin Yunxiao, dressed in white brocade, hurried inside...

“This humble servant, Qin Yunxiao, pays his respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince…” Seeing Luo Haitian seated grandly in the hall, Qin Yunxiao immediately knelt down and bowed with utmost reverence...

Having followed Luo Haitian for over a year, he was long accustomed to the Prince’s temperament and knew well that he was extremely concerned with appearances, always adopting a superior, condescending attitude toward his subordinates, even those closest to him...

“Heh heh, Brother Qin, there is no need for such formalities between us. Rise quickly…” Luo Haitian, however, put on a warm and affable smile...