The court debate had ended, but the atmosphere inside the imperial hall remained tense.
After the Crown Prince's firm declaration, no official dared speak further. The Emperor gave a calm nod, signaling the dismissal of the morning session.
"Court is adjourned."
The ministers bowed and slowly withdrew.
But one man did not leave peacefully.
General Lin Zhiyuan walked out of the hall with a stiff expression. His steps were steady, yet his mind was in turmoil.
The imperial decision had sealed everything.
Yue Ning was now officially the Crown Prince's fiancée.
And that meant her status would soon rise even higher.
As Lin Zhiyuan exited the palace gates, several officials quietly greeted him.
"General Lin…"
"You seemed concerned today."
Lin Zhiyuan forced a composed smile.
"I only worry for the empire."
His tone was calm.
But inside, he was calculating.
If Yue Ning entered the palace as Crown Princess, her position would become unshakable. With the Emperor's support and the Empress Dowager's protection, she would gain influence over time.
And if she ever began investigating past financial records…
The stolen fortune of the Yue family could resurface.
Lin Zhiyuan clenched his fists subtly beneath his sleeves.
He could not allow that.
---
Meanwhile – Yue Residence
News of the court's reaction reached the Yue family the same afternoon.
Servants rushed into the main hall.
"Master! The court has begun discussing the edict!"
"The ministers are debating it!"
The Yue brothers immediately reacted.
"Opposing again?"
"Who dares question the Crown Prince's decree?"
Yue Chen looked serious.
"This was expected."
Grandfather Yue Shun nodded slowly.
"When such matters are announced, resistance is natural."
Yue Ning remained calm.
She had already predicted that some officials would object.
But she did not seem worried.
Instead, she spoke softly,
"The Crown Prince will handle it."
Her tone carried quiet trust.
Her brothers exchanged glances.
They still worried — but they could see something important.
Yue Ning was not afraid of the palace.
And that alone reassured them slightly.
---
Back to General Lin
That evening, Lin Zhiyuan returned to his residence.
His household greeted him respectfully.
"General!"
But he waved them away.
In his private study, he sat alone.
His expression finally dropped.
He opened a hidden cabinet and retrieved old documents — financial ledgers from years ago.
The records were carefully altered.
Transactions redirected.
Funds secretly moved.
All traces were buried deep.
But now…
Yue Ning's connection to the imperial family increased the risk of exposure.
If she ever gained access to imperial archives…
She might discover inconsistencies.
Lin Zhiyuan's breathing grew heavier.
He muttered to himself,
"I cannot let the Yue family regain influence."
For years, he had believed the Yue family was finished — reduced to a respectable but quiet noble house.
But now…
Their granddaughter stood beside the Crown Prince.
And the Emperor himself supported the match.
That changed everything.
---
Palace – Emperor's Private Chamber
Later that night, the Emperor met with Xu Chen.
The atmosphere was calm.
"Today in court was expected," the Emperor said.
Xu Chen nodded.
"Yes."
"General Lin was the most vocal opponent."
The Emperor narrowed his eyes slightly.
"I noticed."
He paused.
"Be careful of him."
Xu Chen replied evenly,
"I am already watching."
The Emperor looked at his son thoughtfully.
"Do you think the opposition will continue?"
"Yes," Xu Chen answered.
"But it will weaken."
He spoke confidently.
"Because the imperial edict stands."
The Emperor smiled faintly.
"Good."
Then he added,
"If anyone crosses the line…"
"You have my authority."
Xu Chen bowed slightly.
"Thank you, Father."
---
Yue Ning's Perspective
That evening, Yue Ning sat in her courtyard under the lantern light.
She quietly practiced calligraphy.
Her movements were steady and elegant.
Her maid approached respectfully.
"Princess Anhe… there is news that some officials are still debating your position."
Yue Ning did not look up.
"I know."
Her voice was calm.
The maid hesitated.
"Are you worried?"
Yue Ning finally stopped writing.
She smiled gently.
"No."
She placed the brush down.
"If someone objects… it only means Xu Chen must prove himself."
Her eyes softened slightly.
"And he will."
There was complete confidence in her tone.
---
Hidden Movement
Unknown to most of the capital…
General Lin Zhiyuan was already sending secret instructions.
He ordered his trusted subordinates to quietly monitor Yue family activities.
Not openly.
But subtly.
He could not risk confrontation yet.
For now, he would observe.
Because if Yue Ning gained more influence…
The stolen wealth and past corruption could be exposed.
And that would mean the collapse of everything he built.
---
End of Chapter Scene
Inside the imperial palace, Xu Chen stood on a balcony overlooking the capital city.
The night wind moved his robes slightly.
He looked toward the direction of the Yue residence.
Soon, Yue Ning would officially enter the palace as his fiancée.
And though court opposition had begun…
He was not concerned.
Because he had already decided long ago—
He would protect her.
No matter who opposed.
In the shadows of the capital, however…
General Lin Zhiyuan's silent schemes had just begun to move.
The storm was not over.
It was only beginning.