CHAPTER 249: CHAPTER 249 MARRIAGE 3

Xie Xun accompanied Fengyu at the back of the bridal procession. The procession arrived at the Marquis Mansion, where Xie Zhang brought Feng Shu out. The matchmaker presented the red silk, and the bride and groom each held one end. Feng Shu stepped over the fire basin and was led into the mansion by Xie Zhang. Relatives of the Marquis Mansion stood at the entrance, scattering fresh flowers and fruits, wishing the newlyweds a long and happy life together, blessed with many descendants. The sound of suona filled the air, adding to the lively and joyful celebration.

The bright yellow imperial palanquin stopped at the southeast side of the Marquis Mansion, drawing significant attention. The crowd of onlookers was filled with admiration—no doubt it was the grand wedding of the eldest son of Marquis Zhenbei, marked by its grandeur. Even Emperor Jianming graced the banquet with his presence, celebrating with his officials. When Princess Huaying married Lin Cheng, Emperor Jianming had only sent Mr. Xu to attend, which was already considered an extraordinary favor.

The Emperor’s personal attendance was an honor unparalleled.

"Rest assured, I’ll take you home," Xie Xun comforted the reluctant Fengyu.

If his sister-in-law knew Fengyu had followed the procession on foot for over half an hour, surely she would be distressed. The day was nearing dusk, the setting sun hanging low in the sky, streaks of colorful sunlight lacing the horizon, though faint, dark clouds began to gather ominously.

Fengyu worried that Xie Xun might lose time traveling back and forth. She had come here on foot—if Xie Xun escorted her back to the Feng Mansion and then returned by horseback, she feared he might miss the banquet.

"Night is falling. Walking on the streets with the three of you won’t be unsafe, and I won’t be delayed for long," Xie Xun laughed lightly. Zhuifeng followed closely behind them. Unable to argue further, Fengyu let Xie Xun lead her back.

"I just saw the Emperor’s imperial palanquin in front of the Marquis Mansion."

"Mm!" Xie Xun nodded, his tone indifferent. "He brought the elder sister out of the palace to deliver his congratulations."

"That can indeed be considered a great imperial favor."

"Indeed!" Xie Xun chuckled faintly. Imperial favor... the glint of swords and clash of blades at Xiyanshan, wishing to wipe out the Marquis Mansion during the hunt. They forced Princess Huazhen into a political marriage, and even Emperor Jianming dared not act recklessly. The royal family and Marquis Zhenbei Mansion seemed to have returned to a period of harmony—when ruler and vassal could converse through the night with ease during moments of peace talks.

The new political reforms had been fraught with conflicts, deepening the rift between the royal family and noble clans. Emperor Jianming realized that only by securing the allegiance of the Marquis Mansion could these reforms be implemented, allowing the royal family to escape its dependence on the aristocracy. Once he understood this, naturally, he would extend his sincerity. Emperor Jianming also knew about Marquis Zhenbei’s plans following Xie Zhang’s wedding—the mighty Marquis would surrender his military authority and reside as a hostage within the capital. The three men of the Marquis Mansion would permanently remain at the frontier, resisting the Beiman invaders—a scenario Emperor Jianming welcomed.

As long as the Marquis relinquished power, Emperor Jianming would happily bestow his favor, bringing joy to all.

Fengyu noticed his disinterest in continuing the conversation. Discussing state affairs on a wedding day seemed inappropriate. She gently pinched Xie Xun’s palm and pointed to the horizon, saying, "The sunset is so beautiful, like blossoms of blood blooming in the heavens."

Tonight’s sunset and afterglow were extraordinarily red!

The pale sky seemed alight with fiery brilliance—a sight of breathtaking beauty.

"Your description is truly haunting."

Fengyu noticed his laughter, and her heart eased. The group moved slowly toward the Feng Mansion. The sunlight had dimmed, dusk descended, and the streets grew sparse of pedestrians. Occasionally, the laughter of children broke the silence; the curfew was about to begin.

Xie Xun was teasing Fengyu when he suddenly knit his brows, pulling her to hide under a tree. Before Fengyu could ask anything, a group of Jinyi Guards galloped through the street. Leading them was Chen Mo. The Forbidden Army, numbering around a hundred, clad in armor, hurriedly headed toward the city gates.

Emperor Jianming had exited the palace to visit the Marquis Mansion, yet the Jinyi Guard commander Chen Mo did not remain to escort him. Instead, he led the guards out of the city—what could be the reason? Xie Xun’s heart skipped a beat, a cold sweat forming on his back. This was highly unusual. Chen Mo, a member of the Emperor’s Guard, would not leave his side unless the sky itself were falling.

"Xie Xun, we’re only two streets away from the Feng Mansion. I’ll take Qiuxiang and Chunlu back; you should return to the Marquis Mansion," Fengyu could sense Xie Xun’s growing anxiety and concern.

Fengyu’s words had barely left her lips when a lone horse galloped frantically toward them, chased by six Forbidden Army soldiers. Qiuxiang screamed, "It’s Nuanyang! It’s Nuanyang..."

Nuanyang was covered in blood, as if dredged from a pool of it. Xie Xun’s expression darkened as he shoved Fengyu toward Chunlu. "Protect her!"

"Master, run..." Nuanyang’s voice was hoarse, tears and blood streaming uncontrollably. "Run quickly!"

"Sword!" Xie Xun shouted sharply.

Nuanyang gritted his teeth and flung his longsword over. The blade dripped with fresh blood. Xie Xun grasped the hilt, slashing with a reverse movement to sever the horse’s legs. The steed screamed, and a Forbidden Army soldier plummeted from the saddle. Before he could utter a word, Xie Xun’s sword pierced through his heart. Blood splattered across Xie Xun’s face as he knelt on one knee, his longsword planted into the corpse while his fierce gaze bore into the remaining soldiers—a murderous aura surging around him.

"Marquis Zhenbei has committed treason by killing the Emperor. Such an unforgivable crime demands justice! We are here under royal orders to capture the remnants of the Marquis Mansion. Young Marquis, surrender yourself and cease your futile resistance!"

"Is that so?" Xie Xun rose to his feet, drawing his sword from the soldier’s corpse, its tip dripping blood. "Then let me send you all to meet King Yan first!"

Xie Xun surged forward, swinging his sword at the Forbidden Army. Blades clashed, killing intent filled the air, and chaos erupted.

Nuanyang, unable to steady his horse, fell from the saddle onto the ground. Qiuxiang ran out to support him, clutching his head. Blood poured from the wounds on his back and chest, staining the earth.

Fengyu and Chunlu hurriedly knelt beside him, their faces pale. "Nuanyang, what happened?"

"The Noble Consort angered the Emperor for reasons unknown and was poisoned to death by him. The Marquis... the Marquis killed the Emperor," Nuanyang’s voice rasped, trembling with both terror and despair.

A thunderous roar exploded overhead. Fengyu’s face went ashen—regicide and rebellion... regicide!

The Marquis had killed the Emperor!

How could this be?

No matter how desperate, the Marquis couldn’t possibly kill the Emperor.

"Miss, it’s true; everyone witnessed it with their own eyes," Nuanyang cried, his voice choking with hopelessness. "The Crown Prince sent the Forbidden Army to surround the Marquis Mansion. The Eldest Young Master ordered all the trusted aides to break out, find the master, and urge him to flee the city. The Second Young Master is waiting for him outside at the Ten Miles Pavilion. Tell him not to return to the mansion under any circumstances."