Chapter 8: Chapter 002: This is Just the Beginning

“I don't know what I said; I only know that three years ago, I died under your swords and was saved by my Master, which is why there is a me three years later.” Murong Tong blinked. *You want to gain sympathy? Fine. I'll let you feel triumphant first, then I'll pull you down from the heights.*

Hearing this, Bai Yanxi’s eyes welled with tears, and she said with a face full of grievance, “How can my younger sister threaten me like this? Wasn't it Sister who said she wanted to undergo training for three years and asked me to impersonate you? Is Sister refusing to take responsibility now?”

“Calling me 'younger sister' with every breath. If I had said it, I would admit it. Furthermore, the whole world knows that I, Murong Tong, love the Seventh Lord; why would I want to marry the Prince of Jin? Sister gave herself to the Prince of Jin three years ago. If this news gets out, it will be very embarrassing, so that is why Sister wanted to use my name to marry the Prince of Jin, isn't it?” Murong Tong spoke with a half-smile, a cold light flashing in her phoenix eyes as she walked to Murong Zhentian's side and spoke indifferently.

Upon hearing this, Bai Yanxi’s face turned pale with terror. She hadn't expected that instead of exposing her attempt to kill her, Murong Tong would turn the tables and expose such a massive scandal. Ye Yu’s face darkened as he suppressed his fury.

The crowd was shaken by these words, but they quickly regained their senses and began to whisper among themselves. No matter how one looked at it, she was the eldest young lady of the Prime Minister's Estate; how could she do something so shameless? It turned out her previous demeanor was all a facade.

“General Murong, this Prince respects you as a meritorious official, but that does not mean you can slander this Prince and my beloved consort.” Ye Yu’s face was grim, his hands clenched into fists with veins bulging; clearly, he was very angry.

“Whether it is so or not, a single test will reveal the truth. The world knows that unmarried women possess a Palace Guard Mark. In truth, the mark alone cannot prove anything, as it can be applied later. Therefore, we must request a Matron to come and verify it.” Murong Tong turned her left hand, letting a strand of long hair slide from her chest. The shrewdness in her eyes caused both Ye Yu and Bai Yanxi to turn pale with shock.

“This Prince knows Miss Murong is angry because this Prince promised to marry you but took Yan'er instead. This Prince does not mind marrying you later.” Ye Yu’s mind raced, and he immediately thought back to the past, putting on an air of understanding.

“Hmph! How could this lady be like that? What right does you, the Prince of Jin, have to make this lady want to marry you? Since the Prince of Jin is so evasive, this lady will verify for everyone whether the Princess of Jin is still chaste.” Murong Tong said coldly. A small flying dagger shot from her right hand, directly slicing through Bai Yanxi's sleeve to reveal the location of the Palace Guard Mark, allowing anyone with eyes to see it clearly.

“That mark was applied later.”

“She really isn't a virgin...”

“I really couldn't tell...”

Ye Yu and Bai Yanxi were so angry their faces turned blue. Just as they were about to lash out, they heard the words of A-Gang, one of Murong Tong's subordinates: “General, the Flame Command has been found in the Prince of Jin's bridal chamber, inside the bride's dowry.”

As soon as these words were uttered, the sighs and murmurs grew even louder. The gazes of many people were more than the two could bear; moreover, it had been searched for in the bridal chamber. More people were curious about what the Flame Command looked like, and as they saw A-Gang walking toward them holding a box, they all made way.

Murong Tong raised an eyebrow and narrowed her eyes, then understood. It seemed that even if she hadn't come today, her old man would have found a way to ruin their reputations.

“General Murong, you have quite the nerve to dare to conduct a private search of my Prince of Jin's Estate!” Ye Yu shouted loudly. He absolutely could not let it be brought out and known, otherwise, it would be too late.

“When Emperor Jing was on the throne, there was a residual decree stating that regarding anything involving the Flame Command, searches may be conducted at will, even in the Emperor's own bedchamber. No one can bring charges against the Murong family, otherwise, the Murong family has the right to deal with anyone who acts improperly toward the Flame Command, even imperial relatives and nobles—none shall be spared. The Flame Command was used by Emperor Jing to exercise imperial authority; aside from the Emperor, only my Murong family can use it.” Murong Zhentian snorted coldly. He wasn't foolish enough to reveal everything; the Flame Command was so important, how could he simply state its purpose?

“Since it was found in the Prince of Jin's Estate, I suggest the Prince of Jin and his Consort explain it to the Emperor themselves!” Murong Zhentian flipped the box open and then shut it, looking at the two of them with a cold, ruthless expression. *You dared to treat my Tong'er like this; let's see how you wrap this up now.*

“General Murong, what a scheme. This Princess knows that the General and my father have always been at odds, but using such methods is simply too much!” Bai Yanxi calmed herself and stepped forward, facing Murong Zhentian despite the suspicious gazes of others. Now, she could only treat a dead horse as if it were alive; she hoped her father could arrive in time.

“Methods? Even things that are completely baseless, the Princess can claim are true. Who could be more skilled at this than you? Furthermore, the Flame Command concerns the very fate of the empire and its people; how could this General joke about such a major matter? Since the Princess says so, then please let the Emperor decide.” Murong Zhentian accused him huffily. *To think my Murong family has served the Ye Dynasty loyally for eight generations, yet...*

“What are your intentions, to actually slander General Murong?”

“As expected, one cannot judge a person's character by their beautiful appearance alone.”

“A heart of a snake and scorpion. I suspect they have ulterior motives to...”

...

Listening to the crowd, Bai Yanxi was consumed by a raging fury, yet she could not speak. She had thought Murong Zhentian was merely a brute who understood nothing, but it turned out he had brought a stone down upon his own feet. Ye Yu’s face was grim as he gave Bai Yanxi an unhappy look. Just as he was about to speak, the voice of Xi Fu, the Emperor's personal eunuch, came from outside the door.

“This humble servant did not know the Prince of Jin's Estate would be so lively today. First, congratulations to the Prince of Jin on his marriage. Now that the congratulations are out of the way, this humble servant will get to business. Please, Prince of Jin and Princess of Jin, follow me! The Emperor is waiting for you both in the Imperial Study. Regarding the General and Miss Murong, the Emperor said there is no need to enter the palace; let Miss Murong rest and recover her injuries well. The Emperor will provide Miss Murong with an explanation.” Xi Fu bowed slightly and spoke indifferently, his gaze sweeping over the crowd as he gave a slight nod.

“This subject thanks the Emperor for his grace.” Murong Zhentian cupped his fists.

Ye Yu and Bai Yanxi turned pale. With the Emperor personally intervening, it seemed they had to prepare for the worst.

Seeing the people being led away, the crowd dispersed, and at the same time, the entire matter was spread far and wide...

Murong Tong breathed a sigh of relief. She turned to look at Murong Zhentian, whose eyes were red, and said softly, “Dad, I'm back.”

Murong Zhentian nodded without a word. *It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back.* They say men do not weep easily, yet this mighty General, who commanded respect from all directions, shed tears upon seeing his daughter safe and sound, which showed just how much he loved her.

“Dad, let's go back first and talk in detail later.” Murong Tong reached out to wipe the tears from the corners of Murong Zhentian's eyes, and the two walked out.

Today was only the beginning. There would be more for you to suffer in the future; debts must eventually be paid...

Although it had taken a while, she would slowly peel back the layers. The appearance of Eunuch Xi just now was definitely orchestrated, and that person was right here...

“She has discovered us.”