The Imperial Palace

    Within the grand court where the emperor conducted state affairs, officials of various ranks stood in ordered succession according to their status.

    Before everyone stood the dignified imperial figure, his face radiant with the authority and grace of someone who was bestowed with the highest authority in the land. Dressed in a yellow robe embroidered with golden dragons, his presence on the dragon throne emanated an imposing aura.

    “Enough. Does anyone else have matters to address?” His voice was filled with power and authority, as sharp eyes scanned the assembly before him.

    A third-rank senior official, trembling with anticipation to speak, stepped forward, only to close his mouth and lower his hand, shaking uncontrollably under the intense pressure directed at him. The source of this daunting aura was none other than the emperor’s favored General, whose gaze bore into him for reasons unknown.

     Zhao Minglong, with a killer look and an oppressive aura, made the old official's legs buckle, wishing he could collapse right there if not for the dignity of standing before the emperor. His stern face then turned into a smirk with satisfaction. Seeing no one dared to come up front, his cunning smile widened further.

    The emperor, observing all, slightly shook his head in mild irritation at his General’s antics who was a close companion.

    “Dismissed. Attend to your duties. General Zhao, follow me to the study room immediately,”

    The majestic figure commanded, then briskly left, leaving the officials scrambling to show their respect.

    Zhao Minglong followed. His expression was a mix of annoyance and impatience, muttering under his breath about his eagerness to return to his precious daughter.

    “YuLang, what urgent matter requires my presence?”

    The General voiced his displeasure before flopping down in front of the emperor, clearly upset.

    Emperor Yulang glanced at him and bared his teeth in a half-threat, half-joke.

    “And what have you done just now, you reckless General?”

    In the Da Chen region, no one would dare to directly address the emperor this way, but not Zhao Minglong. The two had been close since childhood, with Minglong consistently supporting the emperor from his days as a disregarded prince.

    Such history elevated Minglong beyond a mere servant in Yulang’s eyes, regarding him more as a brother.

    “Do you wish to see me die of worry, Minglong?”

    The emperor's tone was light, yet there was a hint of genuine concern. Since the day his daughter was born eight years ago, Zhao Minglong never stopped being an overprotective father. Emperor Yulang frequently had to warn his friend’s enthusiasm, though Minglong rarely heeded his advice.

    Reflecting on the past eight years, when Minglong rushed to announce his daughter's birth, he came to ask for a maternity leave, as if he had given birth.

    Out of consideration for his close friendship and his sister, Furen Zhao. Yulang consented to let the young general take a leave to give birth—oops! to raise his child for two years as he wished.

    Upon Minglong’s return in the third year, his obsession with his daughter didn’t fade, he always slacked off the court duties with endless excuses for absence, driving Yu Lang to the brink of madness for various fabricated reasons, ranging from dogs blocking his path to small worms halting his carriage. The last straw was when Yu Lang, unable to bear it, visited the General’s wife to discuss her husband's behavior, utterly exhausted by his antics.

    ‘The General submitted a one-month leave request because ants got onto his carriage, fearing it was a bad omen.’

    A whole month off because of ants on his carriage! Oh, heaven!

    Of course, once Zhao Furen found out, the next day, the great General returned to his duties, sporting a face full of bruises.

    That incident left the General in such a foul mood. He spent days arguing with a pillar in the court to vent his frustrations. Emperor Yu Lang and the other officials watched the General ranting at the pillar, then collectively shook their heads, speechless.

    A crazy man arguing with a pillar…

    “Since you have no urgent matters, I’ll be taking my leave then.”

    Without waiting for permission, the tall figure of the General briskly exited the study room, leaving the emperor watching his close friend leave with exhaustion and annoyance at his self-centered behavior.

    After walking a bit, the General slowed down and whistled cheerfully, finally able to return to his manor.

    “General Zhao, General, please wait for me,” called an elderly voice of a high-ranking official, who then hastened his pace to catch up with the General.

    “What business do you have with me, Left Minister?”

    General Zhao asked softly, but deliberately quickening his pace, forcing the chubby minister to run until his belly bounced.

    Left Minister Chi Lingfei finally caught up, his plump face dripping with sweat. “I heard Miss Zhao, your daughter, is now eight years old. My son, Yuejin, turns ten this year. What do you think about letting the children get acquainted early on, to unite our families in the future?”

    The Left Minister said confidently, sure that the General would not refuse. After all, the Chi family was influential, and his eldest daughter was the emperor’s favored Gui Fei. A connection with the Zhao family, known for its military power, would certainly consolidate their influence.

    General Zhao glanced at the other’s hopeful face, grinding his teeth in silent fury, maintaining a calm demeanor.

    ‘Chi Lingfei, you pig-turtle hybrid, you dare to consider my heart, Zhao Minglong’s, as a step for your family’s climb to power?’

    “My daughter is only eight years old, far too young for such considerations. Moreover, the Zhao family stands tall on its own; we do not need to sacrifice our children’s happiness for mere power. Therefore, I will not offer my daughter to your son just to secure such trivial gains.”

    Suddenly, he stopped and grabbed the minister by his collar, lifting him off the ground, his voice thundering with the intensity of his glare, filled with lethal intent akin to his battlefield demeanor.

    “Never see my family as a mere stepping stone for your hunger for power, or the Chi family may end up with nothing left but a name.”

    With that, the General released his grip, letting the minister collapse to the ground, then turned and walked away without a second glance.

    ‘Terrifying! Truly terrifying! The General of Da Chen region’s fearsome reputation as a Grim reaper is no mere rumor.’

    Chi Lingfei thought to himself, face slick with cold sweat, eyes filled with lingering fear. The intense pressure he encountered left him nearly breathless, yet the General’s power remained undeniably tempting.

    ‘And so, what? It must be this way to be fitting. Zhao Minglong, no matter what, I must have your daughter for the Chi family and for the power we seek.’

    "If it comes as an imperial edict, you won't be able to refuse, Zhao Minglong. Just you wait, I won't back down just like this."

    The chubby official muttered bitterly under his breath, vowing revenge for the humiliation suffered today. He was determined to make the other party pay dearly.