413: A painful choice

Li Xuan clenched his fist so tightly that his knuckles turned white, his nails digging deep into his palm until blood seeped out, yet he remained completely oblivious.

His voice was hoarse, carrying a sliver of desperate hope as he asked:

"But he is, after all, the Consort of Tianqi, and Princess Danying is carrying his child in her womb. Would he dare... dare to disrespect the Empress? Does he not care for Danying, not care for that unborn child?"

"Your Majesty!"

Mysterious Clarity Master suddenly raised his voice, his tone carrying a barely perceptible urgency, as if fearing he might change his mind:

"Those who achieve great things do not get bogged down in minor details! The national fortune is withering, the Dynasty teeters on the brink of collapse. How can mere personal affections compare to the fate of the state? Moreover, Your Majesty's harem holds three thousand beauties; many are comparable to Her Majesty the Empress in appearance and talent. To lose a single Jiang Yan in exchange for the long-term stability of the Tianqi state—this is a very worthwhile trade."

These words were like a poisoned dagger, viciously plunging into Li Xuan's heart, the pain so intense his vision darkened.

He staggered, grabbing the arm of the chair to barely steady himself, his eyes filled with despair.

He was silent for a long moment, his voice so low and hoarse it was like a mosquito's hum, carrying a final thread of entreaty:

"Grand Preceptor, can... can Danying persuade Situ Jun, make him... make him promise not to... commit that disrespectful act against the Empress?"

Mysterious Clarity Master immediately cut him off, his tone resolute and leaving no room for argument:

"Your Majesty, Situ Jun, as a high-level Cultivator, has long transcended the constraints of worldly etiquette and laws; he acts according to his own whims. Although Princess Danying carries his child, Her Majesty the Empress bears the Phoenix Destiny, which is equally crucial for the advancement of his Cultivation and the growth of his Luck. He will not listen to Princess Danying's persuasion; he might even vent his anger on the Princess because of it."

"I... I need time to consider."

Li Xuan's voice was so hoarse it was barely recognizable. He slowly rose, his gaze empty as he stared out the window.

Dusk was gathering, the dying sun like blood, staining the northern sky crimson.

Beneath that sky lay the Northern Frontier.

He could almost see Situ Jun's arrogant, unyielding face, wearing a mocking smile, looking down upon him, looking down upon this crumbling Tianqi Dynasty.

Mysterious Clarity Master watched his despondent state, a flicker of complex amusement flashing in his eyes before vanishing again.

He sighed softly and said:

"Your Majesty, think it over carefully. This matter is of utmost importance; there is no time for delay. This humble Daoist will await Your Majesty's good news here."

Li Xuan did not turn back, nor did he speak again. He slowly walked towards the courtyard exit, like a body that had lost its Soul.

Mysterious Clarity Master's words were like a cold knife, already viciously stabbed into his heart, churning his flesh into a bloody mess.

And yet, he could find no reason to refute them.

The state versus the beauty—this has always been the most difficult choice.

And he, as the Emperor, this age-old dilemma had ultimately fallen upon his shoulders.

Not long after.

Li Xuan, utterly despondent, walked out of the Forbidden Ground of the rear mountains. The bluestone path beneath his feet seemed to transform into red-hot branding irons, every inch of the stone surface scorching the soles of his feet, each step as heavy as if dragging chains weighing a thousand pounds.

The Chief Eunuch Li Fu, guarding the entrance, saw Li Xuan's pale face and unsteady steps and hurried forward to support him, asking with quiet concern:

"Your Majesty, what is the matter? Did the Grand Preceptor say something troubling?"

Li Xuan violently shook off his hand, the force so great it sent Li Fu staggering back two steps.

His eyes were as empty as dust-covered glass, staring at the layered palace buildings ahead. It took him a long while to squeeze out a few hoarse words:

"It's nothing... escort me back to the palace."

He didn't even dare to look back at that Forbidden Ground shrouded in the mist of the Formation, afraid of being pierced in the chest once more by Mysterious Clarity Master's words.

Returning to his Bedchamber, the hall doors creaked open. The candlelight inside flickered, the leaping flames illuminating the 'Ten Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains' scroll hanging on the wall.

The scroll was the work of a renowned master of the Imperial Dynasty. The winding rivers coiled like mighty dragons, the continuous mountain ranges crouched like tigers and leopards. There was a time when Li Xuan, gazing upon it, would feel a surge of ambition, the passion of ruling the world.

But now, those masterful ink strokes seemed to twist into countless mocking faces, as if ridiculing him, this incompetent Emperor.

He stumbled and collapsed into the Dragon Throne. The cool Sandalwood pressed against his back, offering no comfort whatsoever.

On the desk lay thick piles of memorials concerning canal transport, taxes, refugees in the Southern Frontier—each and every one vital to Tianqi's lifeline.

Yet, looking at them now, he found them utterly irritating.

With a sweep of his hand, he violently brushed the mountain of memorials off the desk. Xuan paper scattered across the floor with a rustling sound, but it couldn't dispel the stifling frustration and humiliation in his heart.

Empress Jiang Yan, hearing the commotion, hurried out from the inner hall.

She wore a moon-white Palace Gown, its hem embroidered with delicate Interlocking Lotus Vines. Her long hair was loosely tied in a 'flowing cloud' chignon, adorned only with a Simple Silver Hairpin. Her brow carried a gentle concern, her steps as light as a cloud drifting into the hall.

Seeing the mess in the hall and Li Xuan's livid face, the veins on his temples faintly throbbing, she quickly stepped forward and asked softly:

"Your Majesty, what has angered you so? Has the Great Zhou Dynasty invaded Tianqi again?"

Li Xuan looked up at her.

Jiang Yan was extremely beautiful, her eyebrows like distant mountains tinged with indigo, her eyes like autumn waters shimmering. Even without makeup, she couldn't hide that dignified, elegant aura.

More importantly, she was not only his First Wife but also the companion who had weathered over a decade of storms by his side.

Ever since he was the Crown Prince, Jiang Yan had been by his side—gentle, virtuous, wise, and perceptive, never overstepping her bounds, never causing him a moment's trouble.

But now, Mysterious Clarity Master's words echoed in his ears like a curse, each word and phrase like a poisoned needle piercing his flesh—'She bears the Phoenix Destiny, which complements his Dragon Qi; for the sake of the Tianqi state, one must be decisive when necessary.'

Li Xuan's throat tightened. Looking into Jiang Yan's concerned eyes, he felt almost unable to meet her gaze, hurriedly averting his eyes as he said in a low voice:

"It's nothing. You may withdraw for now."

How perceptive Jiang Yan was; she naturally saw that a great matter was weighing on his mind.

She didn't press further. Instead, she bent down, picking up the scattered memorials one by one from the floor, gently brushing off the dust, and placing them back on the desk.

Then she turned and walked to the small stove nearby, poured a cup of hot tea for him, and handed it to him, saying softly:

"Your Majesty carries the weight of a vast empire on your shoulders. Do not overexert yourself in all matters. If there is something troubling you, perhaps you could speak of it to Your humble servant. Even if I cannot be of much help, I might be able to share your burden a little."

The warmth of the teacup touched his fingertips, spreading warmth along them, yet it couldn't warm Li Xuan's heart, now encased in ice.

Looking at Jiang Yan's gentle features, a powerful wave of guilt suddenly surged in his heart.

He remembered the promise he made to her when he first ascended the throne: to protect her safety for a lifetime, to make her the most honored woman in the world.

But now, he had to consider sending his First Wife to another man's side.

Li Xuan closed his eyes and drained the cup of hot tea in one gulp.

The scalding tea slid down his throat, bringing only a brief, burning heat, followed by an even deeper chill.

He waved his hand, his voice carrying a trace of barely noticeable exhaustion, as if all his strength had been drained:

"I am tired. You should go back and rest."

Jiang Yan looked at the weariness and struggle etched between his brows and ultimately said no more.

She knew that if he was unwilling to speak of something, even if she asked until her voice was hoarse, it would be useless.

She merely nodded gently, said, "Your Majesty, please take care of your health," then turned and silently withdrew.