Imperial Edict Arrives at the Estate

The carriage had already been traveling for three days and three nights.

The scenery outside the window gradually changed from plains to hills, and the temperature had noticeably dropped as well.

Mu Bai leaned against the cushioned bench inside the carriage, his fingers absentmindedly stroking the hilt of the Qinglin Sword.

Still worried about home?

Langya Xing's voice suddenly rang out, breaking the long silence within the carriage.

He sat cross-legged opposite him, holding a bamboo scroll in his hands, though his eyes were fixed on Mu Bai.

Mu Bai gave a bitter smile. "Yes. The Carefree Prince's Estate is still a thorn in the eye of that man in the Yan Capital. I truly worry that once I leave, life at the estate will become difficult."

Sunlight filtered through the thin gauze over the carriage window, scattering flecks of light across Langya Xing's flawless profile.

He set down the bamboo scroll, the corners of his lips lifting slightly. "If you travel with me to the Langya Family, then you are one of the Langya Family. Such a trifling matter is hardly worth mentioning."

After saying that, he turned to look out the window, his gaze seeming to pierce through layer upon layer of mountains and reach Xiaoyao City in the distance.

Mu Bai noticed a tiny pure lotus slowly revolving at Langya Xing's fingertips, radiating a faint glow.

"They should have arrived long ago by now." Langya Xing murmured, his voice so soft it was nearly inaudible.

Within the Carefree Prince's Estate, Mu Rongyi sat upright in his study. An ancient military text lay open before him, yet he had not turned a single page for half an hour.

The sunlight outside was just right. Several sparrows chirped noisily in the paulownia tree in the courtyard, making the silence in the study seem all the more terrifying.

The Longjing Tea in his cup had long gone cold, but Mu Rongyi was completely unaware, mechanically taking an occasional sip.

His expression was as calm as ever. Only the hand clutching the armrest, veins faintly standing out, betrayed the turbulence in his heart.

Mu Bai had been gone for three days.

For the past three days, Mu Rongyi had appeared entirely normal, handling the estate's affairs and receiving subordinate officials. Yet whenever he was alone, worry surged over him like the tide.

He kept telling himself that it would benefit the estate if his son went farther along the path of martial arts. But deep down, he knew clearly—without Mu Bai holding the fort, the Carefree Prince's Estate was like a tiger with its teeth pulled, its deterrence greatly diminished.

"Prince." The old steward called softly from outside the door.

Mu Rongyi instantly regained his usual imposing demeanor. "What is it?"

"A messenger has arrived from the Yan Capital. He says he has come by imperial command to deliver an edict."

Mu Rongyi frowned, and the teacup in his hand paused slightly.

Why would an Eunuch from the Yan Capital come to the Carefree Prince's Estate at such a time?

Mu Bai had only left three days ago. Was the Yan Emperor already impatient to make his move?

"Have the messenger wait in the front courtyard. This Prince will change clothes and receive the edict." Mu Rongyi's voice was steady, without the slightest hint of panic.

After the steward left, Mu Rongyi slowly rose and walked toward the wardrobe in the inner chamber.

He opened a hidden compartment at the very bottom and took out a set of lightweight soft armor.

The soft armor was woven from Heavenly Silkworm Silk and golden thread. It was as light and thin as gauze, yet impervious to blades and spears. It had been bestowed upon him by the late emperor.

"It seems a storm cannot be avoided after all." Mu Rongyi sighed softly. He put the soft armor on over his inner robe, then donned the formal robes of a prince, fastening a decorative Jade Belt Sword at his waist.

By the time he arrived in the front courtyard, an Eunuch dressed in a dark purplish-red official robe had already been waiting for some time.

To Mu Rongyi's surprise, the Eunuch showed not the slightest trace of arrogance. Instead, his face was all smiles. The moment Mu Rongyi emerged, he immediately bowed in salute.

"This old servant pays his respects to the Carefree Prince."

Mu Rongyi's gaze flickered. He noticed that the Eunuch's temples bulged slightly and his breathing was deep and steady. He was clearly an expert in internal martial arts.

Even stranger, behind the Eunuch followed a squad of guards carrying more than a dozen heavy redwood chests.

"Eunuch, you have traveled a long way. You must have had a difficult journey." Mu Rongyi replied without revealing anything, then prepared to kneel and receive the edict.

But the Eunuch suddenly flashed forward, so fast he nearly left an afterimage, instantly arriving before Mu Rongyi and firmly supporting his arms with both hands.

"Please wait, Prince!" The Eunuch beamed. "His Majesty specifically instructed that the Carefree Prince has rendered great service to the realm. You need not kneel to receive the imperial edict; simply remain standing and listen."

Mu Rongyi's heart jolted. Since when had the Yan Emperor treated him with such respect?

Not having to kneel when receiving an edict was an honor no one had ever received.

The Eunuch had already unfurled the bright yellow imperial edict and began reading aloud. "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Mu Rongyi, Carefree Prince, has loyally and diligently served the state, his merits great for the realm. He is hereby specially appointed Governor-General of Xiaoyao City, with full authority over the military and civil affairs of Xiaoyao City and the three surrounding commanderies. The appointment and dismissal of all officials, the collection of taxes, and the deployment of troops shall all be decided by the Carefree Prince himself, without need for memorial. Additionally, one thousand taels of gold, ten hu of pearls, and one hundred bolts of brocade are bestowed to demonstrate Our favor. Respect this."

Mu Rongyi stood rooted to the spot, momentarily forgetting even to express his gratitude.

The contents of this imperial edict had utterly exceeded his expectations—not only was there no suppression, but all military and civil authority over Xiaoyao City and the three surrounding commanderies had been delegated to him!

This was practically the equivalent of granting him a kingdom and territory. Since the founding of Great Yan, no prince had ever been granted such immense real power.

"Prince? Prince?" the Eunuch softly reminded him. "Please receive the edict."

Only then did Mu Rongyi come back to himself. He accepted the imperial edict with both hands and saw that it indeed bore the Yan Emperor's jade seal, its vermilion imprint vivid as blood.

"This subject accepts the edict and gives thanks for His Majesty's grace." Mu Rongyi bowed deeply, yet crashing waves and towering billows had already risen within his heart.

Why had the Yan Emperor suddenly changed his attitude? What hidden scheme lay behind this?

The Eunuch smilingly instructed the guards to carry the chests of rewards into the courtyard one by one. Then he leaned closer and said in a low voice, "Prince, His Majesty also has an oral decree: Mu Yu has trained in the Capital City for many years and possesses outstanding talent. He is specially appointed Lord of Xiaoyao City, to assist the Carefree Prince in governing the region. He may return home to assume office immediately."

Mu Rongyi's pupils contracted.

Mu Yu was his second son. For years, he had served as an official in the Capital City. On the surface, he was pursuing his ambitions; in truth, he had been kept there as a hostage to guarantee the Carefree Prince's Estate's loyalty.

Now, not only had the Yan Emperor allowed Mu Yu to return, he had also appointed him Lord of Xiaoyao City. What did that mean?

Before Mu Rongyi could think it through, a burst of hurried footsteps suddenly sounded beyond the courtyard gate.

"Father!"

The familiar voice made Mu Rongyi's entire body tremble.

He abruptly turned his head and saw a young man in azure official robes striding swiftly into the courtyard. It was none other than his second son, Mu Yu, whom he had not seen for many years!

Mu Yu had grown far more mature than when he had left home. Though still young, he already wore a short beard upon his chin, but those bright eyes were identical to Mu Rongyi's.

He hurried up to Mu Rongyi, swept up the hem of his robe, and was about to kneel.

Mu Rongyi caught his son in one swift motion, both hands trembling faintly.

He studied Mu Yu's face closely. Only after confirming that there were no signs his son had suffered in the Capital City did he feel somewhat at ease.

"Father, His Majesty has appointed me Lord of Xiaoyao City, with a third-rank official post. I don't have to stay in the Capital City anymore!"

Mu Yu spoke excitedly, joyful tears glimmering in his eyes.

Mu Rongyi could no longer contain himself. He pulled his son into his arms, tears silently sliding down his face.

For the past two years, he had worried every moment about Mu Yu in the Capital City. Now that father and son had reunited, the great stone in his heart had finally fallen to the ground.

"It's good that you're back. It's good that you're back..." Mu Rongyi's voice choked as he gently patted his son's back.

The Eunuch beside them tactfully stepped aside. Only after the father and son had calmed somewhat did he come forward to take his leave. "Prince, the imperial decree and rewards have been delivered. This old servant shall now return to the Capital City and report back."

Mu Rongyi gathered his emotions and took a Jade Pendant from his sleeve, pressing it into the Eunuch's hand. "You have worked hard, Eunuch. Just a small token of my appreciation; please accept it."

The Eunuch repeatedly waved his hands. "Prince, you honor this old servant too greatly. To serve the Prince is this old servant's blessing. How would I dare accept a gift?"

With that, he gave a deep bow and swiftly departed with the guards, his manner so respectful it was almost unbelievable.