CHAPTER 98: ROYAL DECREE 2

"General, welcome back!"

San Na smiled as she walked close to Mo Ying, his eyes moving from hers to the small boy in her arms.

"What’s his name?" he asked slowly as she smiled, facing the boy.

"Mo Shang, his name is Mo Shang!" she repeated.

"Mo Shang..." Mo Ying repeated under his breath, his gaze fixed on the small boy in her arms.

The child blinked up at him with wide, curious eyes, his tiny hands clutching the silk fabric of San Na’s sleeve. For a long moment, Mo Ying didn’t move; he simply stared, his expression unreadable.

San Na smiled softly, shifting the boy a little closer. "He has your eyes, General," she said, her voice light, almost proud.

Mo Ying’s fingers twitched at his side before he finally reached out, his calloused hand brushing the boy’s hair. "He’s grown well," he murmured.

Mo Shang giggled, reaching toward the badge on his father’s chest. The small sound broke through the heavy air, and for the first time since his return, Mo Ying’s lips curved faintly.

Fuhan, who stood at a corner, just watched quietly, his mind thinking of so many things.

It had been two straight years, and his young master hadn’t even smiled once. At the sight of his child, he broke into such a genuine smile.

’Has he finally forgotten Lin Xu?’

Just then, a servant ran toward them, panting heavily, his expression anxious.

"Old Madam! General! The Imperial Eunuch has arrived with a decree from His Majesty!"

At once, the entire courtyard shifted. Everyone straightened, their chatter dying down instantly. The air grew tense as the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the gate.

A procession of imperial guards entered first, clearing the path as a tall eunuch dressed in golden robes stepped forward, holding a crimson scroll edged in gold thread.

"The Imperial Decree!" he announced, his voice sharp and commanding.

At his words, everyone immediately dropped to their knees.

"Long live His Majesty!" they chorused in unison, their heads bowed low.

The eunuch unfolded the scroll with practiced grace and began to read in a clear, ringing tone:

"By the will of Heaven, His Majesty, Emperor of the Xuen Empire, hereby extends his gratitude and blessings."

"General Mo Shen of the Mo Family, for your unmatched courage and success in quelling the rebel forces at the northern borders, the Empire recognizes your loyalty and bravery. You are hereby bestowed with the honorary title ’Defender of the Realm.’"

Gasps rippled through the crowd, but the eunuch continued.

"Furthermore, by His Majesty’s grace, your first son is granted an honorary name and declared next in line to inherit the title of General, ensuring the strength of your family’s legacy for generations to come."

San Na’s eyes widened, her arms tightening protectively around the little boy.

The eunuch paused briefly, then read the final lines, his voice echoing through the courtyard.

"In celebration of this great victory, His Majesty also decrees the union between General Mo Shen and Lady Chu Ming, daughter of State Minister Chu. Their wedding shall take place in ten days’ time."

"End of decree."

He rolled the scroll shut and stepped back as the courtyard fell into stunned silence.

The servants and family members bowed deeper. "Long live His Majesty! May the Emperor reign for ten thousand years!"

But among them, San Na’s smile had frozen.

Her hands trembled as she looked up at Mo Ying, who was still kneeling, his face shadowed and unreadable beneath the weight of the decree.

With the decree done, they all stood up slowly. Dropping his serious face, the eunuch walked toward Mo Ying with a faint smile.

"Congratulations, General Mo... concerning the wedding between you and Lady Chu Ming... it has been finalized by her family. The Emperor says there will be no objection, but to ease the General’s mind, bringing another concubine of your choice is allowed."

"Thank you, Eunuch Hun," Mo Ying said calmly.

Nodding, the eunuch turned around and left with his men as the other Mo family members bowed slowly until he finally left.

San Na wanted to say something, but Grandma Mo immediately cut her off.

"San Na, your husband has just returned from a very long journey. Refrain from asking too many questions and go get his chamber ready. Receive him like a quiet wife tonight," Grandma Mo instructed as San Na just nodded and left, her child clinging to her arms.

She turned around to look at Mo Ying, but he didn’t even pay her any attention. Her maids escorted her until they finally left.

Not being able to stand it anymore, Madame Mo turned around and left, her daughter following behind her.

With her gone, the other family members also left quietly. Uncle Mo and his wife, together with their three children, left as well.

Leaving only Grandmother and Mo An.

Facing his sister, Mo Ying muttered, "Grandmother has stood for so long. Take her inside to rest... later I’ll properly pay her a visit."

"Hmm... okay, brother."

Before she left, Grandmother Mo said to Mo Ying, "Ying’er, don’t forget to pay your second wife a visit... over the years she has caught a very bad cold, making her often weak. That’s why she wasn’t able to welcome you."

Nodding, Mo Ying smiled and reassured the old woman before she and Mo An finally left, leaving him alone with Fuhan and the other men.

"You can all go now, your families must be awaiting your return as well," Fuhan said to them as they nodded and bowed before leaving.

Walking toward Mo Ying, Fuhan said slowly, "The Emperor is very smart. Even though he has now fully accepted you as his General, he still doesn’t trust you. You marrying State Minister Chu’s daughter is obviously him warning you of your limit."

Mo Ying nodded. "Do your research on her and bring in the information. And also... I want a full report on all the activities that Lin Xu and the kids have been doing for the past two years... every single thing."

Nodding, Fuhan turned around and left, leaving Mo Ying as he stood, reaching to his pocket. He brought out a green earring as he held on to it tightly.

"Soon, Yiling, your father will fulfill his promise to you... he will come back, he will surely come back."