Ch. 181Imperial Edict, Marquis!
Key Plot Points and Events
- Princess Fuyao presents an Imperial Edict, a 'Gold Medal of Exemption from Death', pardoning Ning Hongye's crime.
- Cao Kun, a commander, suggests crippling Ning Hongye's cultivation and demoting her to the Music and Dance Bureau.
- Princess Fuyao reveals the southern border's instability and the Witch God Cult's impending offensive, leading Emperor Xia to send Ning Hongye to suppress them.
- Emperor Xia enfeoffs Xiao Yang as 'Marquis of Victory', granting him high ceremonial symbols and a position second only to the Son of Heaven.
- National Teacher An Miaoyu arrives and suggests appointing Xiao Yang as the new Imperial Envoy.
Character Developments
- Xiao Yang's strategic thinking is shown as he deliberately suggests sentencing Ning Hongye to death to later pardon her, clearing her name.
- Ning Hongye's loyalty and dedication to her country are highlighted as she accepts the task to suppress the Witch God Cult.
- Emperor Xia's lust for power and desire for An Miaoyu are evident in his hesitation over Xiao Yang's appointment and his reaction to An Miaoyu's arrival.
- Cao Kun's loyalty to the Ninth Grand Duke is demonstrated as he tries to undermine Ning Hongye.
Significant Themes
- The power of the Imperial Edict and the Great Xia's ancestral laws.
- The importance of loyalty and merit in the court, and the consequences of displeasing the emperor.
- The struggle for power and influence among the court officials.
Character Interactions
- Xiao Yang and Princess Fuyao work together to clear Ning Hongye's name and secure her release.
- Cao Kun attempts to undermine Ning Hongye to curry favor with the Ninth Grand Duke.
- Emperor Xia's reaction to An Miaoyu highlights his lust and desire for power and immortality.
- An Miaoyu's suggestion to appoint Xiao Yang as the new Imperial Envoy hints at her influence over Emperor Xia.