Volume One, Chapter 19: Playing Dirty

The Fu family courtyard was abuzz with activity. As Xiao Yichen arrived, accompanied by three stunning beauties, the entire assembly was struck by their brilliance, and even Chu Aoshuang felt overshadowed by their presence.

This left Chu Aoshuang feeling deeply unsettled. When she had first broken off their engagement, the three women had declared their intention to marry Xiao Yichen. At the time, she had assumed they were simply saying it to save face for him. Though they had sworn by the sun, the moon, and the heavens, she had dismissed it as mere theatrics. As a refined egoist, she judged others by her own standards; in her view, anyone with a shred of sense would avoid the Xiao family’s predicament. These three women were well-known in the capital and had no shortage of excellent suitors; how could they knowingly jump into a pit of fire? She had even heard that the Su family was already seeking a new match for Su Lingxue. She had scoffed at the irony—for all their high-minded talk, they were no different from her.

She had originally intended to find a moment to mock them and call their vows empty air. Yet, seeing them standing beside Xiao Yichen now, so intimate and devoted, she was stunned. Su Jinfeng and Han Gengyao remained silent, clearly tacitly approving of the relationship. It was real! They had actually married Xiao Yichen.

Chu Aoshuang felt a burning sensation on her face, as if she had been slapped hard. They hadn't been joking; they had truly kept their word. She could not comprehend why. If the women who married him were inferior to her, she could have smugly laughed it off, convinced that Xiao Yichen was only fit for such company. But these three were far more exceptional than she was in every regard. The realization sat in her chest like a heavy stone, making it hard to breathe. Why? Why should Xiao Yichen win the favor of such extraordinary women? Hadn't the Xiao family fallen into ruin? Could there be something she didn't know that made these women insist on marrying him?

She glanced at Fu Chenxing beside her and regained a sliver of confidence. Regardless, Fu Chenxing’s current status and capabilities were far beyond what a wastrel like Xiao Yichen could achieve. With this thought, she felt a modicum of balance return.

Observing the reaction of the guests, Xiao Yichen realized the women had stunned the crowd. A smile touched his lips; they had truly brought him great honor.

He had not come for the wedding banquet. He spoke up, "Chu Aoshuang, where is the remainder of the betrothal gift?"

Chu Aoshuang took a deep breath and nudged Fu Chenxing. Fu Chenxing pulled a stack of papers from his robes. "Here are ten shopfronts in the West Market. Each is valued at ten thousand, totaling one hundred thousand. Take them."

Xiao Yichen frowned. "Shops in the West Market?"

"Indeed. You didn't specify that the hundred thousand had to be in cash. Accept these property deeds, and the accounts between you and the Chu family will be settled."

Luo Wanying took the deeds and glanced at them, her expression darkening. "These ten shops are in the most desolate part of the West Market. They wouldn't be worth a thousand silver each, let alone ten thousand. You are clearly swindling us!" As a renowned physician who provided free care to the poor in the West Market, she knew the area well and immediately recognized the addresses as the least valuable properties in the district.

"Heh, Miss Luo, you are mistaken. I have already had them appraised by the property brokers, and they are indeed valued at ten thousand each. If you don't believe me, feel free to ask the brokers yourself," Fu Chenxing replied with a smirk.

Beside him, Chu Aoshuang wore a smile. "With so many guests as witnesses, the Chu family has now fulfilled the return of your betrothal gift. Xiao Yichen, do not come to harass me again." She had suggested this scheme to Fu Chenxing; this way, the Xiao family would receive no cash, and their lives would be far from easy. Luo Wanying was right—the shops were barely worth a thousand each. They hadn't even spent ten thousand to acquire them. As for the brokers, that was easily handled; with two generals pressuring them, would the shopkeeper dare to refuse? Even if they demanded an appraisal of a hundred thousand, the broker would not dare to object. It was a perfect solution: they had returned the "gift" while retaining a vast sum of money.

Cold light flickered in Xiao Yichen’s eyes. He had not expected them to be so despicable as to use such tactics. For the moment, he had no way to counter it; even if he went to the brokers, it would be useless. It was clear the broker had either been threatened or bought off. Even if he tried to sell the shops, no one would dare to buy them.

Seeing Xiao Yichen’s silence, Chu Aoshuang felt a surge of satisfaction. *You pathetic has-been, what can you do to fight against two generals?*

Just then, a cry rang out at the entrance: "The Imperial Edict has arrived!"

The Fu family was startled, then overjoyed. The imperial conferment had finally arrived. Since Fu Chenxing had already requested to marry Chu Aoshuang based on his military achievements, there would be no further rewards, only the conferment. They hadn't known when it would be issued, but to have the Emperor choose the day of Fu Chenxing’s wedding was a clear sign of deep favor—a unique way to offer his congratulations.

The guests stood up as Li Zhong stepped inside. "Fu Chenxing, receive the edict."

Fu Chenxing knelt, trembling with excitement.

"By the grace of the Emperor, the mandate reads: General Fu Chenxing has shown great courage in the northern border campaign, commanding with brilliance and defeating tens of thousands of enemies, greatly bolstering the nation’s military might and prestige. Recognizing his distinguished service, he is hereby promoted to a Fourth-Rank Zhenwei General. It is hoped he will continue to strive for excellence, protecting our land and the foundation of our empire. Thus it is decreed."

"Your subject, Fu Chenxing, receives the edict."

Fu Chenxing rose and took the scroll, his heart pounding. He had previously been a Fifth-Rank General, just like Chu Aoshuang; now, he had skipped the Upper Fifth Rank and ascended directly to the Upper Fourth Rank. It was effectively a triple promotion.

"General Fu, congratulations, congratulations!" The guests swarmed forward with well-wishes. To be a Fourth-Rank General at such a young age meant his future was limitless. They had made the right choice in attending this wedding.

Chu Aoshuang held her head high, like a proud peacock. Her judgment was impeccable; thank heavens she had broken off the engagement with Xiao Yichen, or she would have missed out on a husband as excellent as Fu Chenxing. She cast a look of utter contempt toward Xiao Yichen.

The Chu and Fu families were beaming. Chu Weiming exclaimed three times that the engagement had been broken for the best—Fu Chenxing was simply far superior to Xiao Yichen.

Fu Chenxing smiled. "Eunuch Li, today is my wedding day with Aoshuang. Why not sit and have a cup of wine?"

Li Zhong smiled. "I have one more edict to read. I shall take that cup of wine after I finish."

The crowd was stunned. Another edict? They looked toward Chu Aoshuang in unison. Could there be a conferment for her as well? Hadn't she already been rewarded?

Li Zhong produced a second scroll and said with a smile, "Xiao Yichen, receive the edict."

The entire courtyard fell into a bewildered silence. An edict for this wastrel? Xiao Yichen himself was dazed; he had only come to the Fu estate to collect his betrothal gift—why was there an imperial edict for him?