The Ordinary Man's Guide to Fast Travel

In the Jin Dynasty palace, the emperor was very pleased and decided to announce to the world the marriage between Crown Prince Hang Fufeng and General Chao's daughter Chao Yao.

The next morning, the emperor summoned all civil and military officials to the court, looking solemn and happy.

The eunuch in charge of ceremonies sang loudly: "Your Majesty has a decree, all the ministers, listen carefully."

All the ministers immediately stood up and listened respectfully.

The emperor cleared his throat and said in a loud voice: "My crown prince Hang Fufeng is intelligent and courageous, with a heart of justice, and he is the future pillar of the country. General Chao's daughter Chao Yao is extremely intelligent, gentle and virtuous. I think the two of them are a match made in heaven, so I specially grant the crown prince and Chao Yao a marriage to make them a happy couple. I hope that all the subjects in the world will congratulate and share this joy."

As soon as these words came out, there was an uproar in the court. Some officials immediately knelt down and shouted: "Your Majesty is wise, the Crown Prince and Miss Chao are a match made in heaven, and the Kingdom of Jin is lucky. We congratulate you."

However, some officials looked hesitant.

At this time, an imperial censor stood up, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I have a concern. Chaoyao was once the former crown princess, and now she is marrying the new crown prince, which may be inappropriate. This move may lead to criticism from the world and damage the dignity of the royal family. The past events are still vivid in our minds. If we hastily arrange the marriage again, it may give people a reason to criticize us and tarnish the reputation of the royal family."

Another Zhongshu Sheren also stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, what the Imperial Censor said is absolutely right. Moreover, General Chao commands a large number of troops. If his daughter becomes the Crown Princess again, the Chao family may become too powerful, which will be detrimental to the country. The Chao family is at its peak of power. If this honor is added, it may cause complications and endanger the stability of the country."

But immediately, a Shangshu Pushe refuted, "Your Majesty, I don't think so. Chaoyao was born with a phoenix destiny. She was once the Crown Princess and has experience in assisting the Crown Prince. Now that Your Majesty has granted the marriage, it is in accordance with the will of heaven. Chaoyao is smart and virtuous, like a bright pearl, and will definitely help the Crown Prince achieve great things. Moreover, General Chao is loyal and has made great contributions to the country. Your Majesty's move can demonstrate your Majesty's favor to the meritorious officials and encourage the officials to make contributions to the country. This is a matter of killing two birds with one stone, why not do it?"

Another official said, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is intelligent and courageous, and Chaoyao is extremely intelligent. The combination of the two will surely bring prosperity to the Kingdom of Jin. As for the power of the Chao family, Your Majesty can check and balance it, and there is no need to worry too much. The Crown Prince and Chaoyao are like a dragon and a phoenix, and they will surely open a new glorious chapter for the Kingdom of Jin."

In the court, officials expressed their opinions and argued endlessly.

The emperor frowned slightly, his eyes like torches, and he scanned the ministers, then slowly said: "I have made up my mind, and the matter of granting marriage cannot be questioned. General Chao is loyal to the country, and Chao Yao is intelligent and virtuous. The marriage between the prince and Chao Yao is a match made in heaven. There is no need to discuss this matter further."

Seeing the emperor's firm attitude, the ministers knelt down and shouted: "Your Majesty is wise."

General Chao stood among them and did not say a word except to express his gratitude.

Afterwards, the emperor ordered the Ministry of Rites to prepare for a grand wedding that would demonstrate the royal majesty and joy.

The officials of the Ministry of Rites received the order and took action immediately.

The imperial edict quickly spread throughout the Jin Kingdom.

In various cities, people heard the news and began to talk about it.

Some people admired the prince and Chao Yao as a perfect match, while others were happy about the festive atmosphere brought by this marriage.

The streets and alleys were decorated with lights and colors, as if celebrating this grand wedding in advance.

*

Hang Jinnian wandered alone in the deserted courtyard, feeling lonely and unwilling.

The glory of the past was gone like a passing cloud, and now he can only be trapped here, with resentment and helplessness in his heart beyond words.

One day, the guard in charge mentioned an important event in the palace during a casual chat.

Hang Jinnian had no intention of eavesdropping, but the familiar name entered his ears like a sharp arrow.

"I heard that His Majesty has arranged a marriage for the new prince. The girl is Chao Yao, the daughter of General Chao." A guard whispered.

"That's right. Chao Yao was the former Crown Princess, and now she's promised to the new Crown Prince. This is quite an exciting event." Another guard echoed.

When Hang Jinnian heard these words, he was stunned on the spot as if struck by lightning.

His face turned pale instantly, his eyes filled with shock and pain.

He never expected that Chao Yao would be promised to someone else, and to be the new prince.

Hang Jinnian clenched his fists, and the anger and jealousy in his heart burned.

He recalled every little detail of his time with Chao Yao, and those beautiful memories now pierced his heart like a sharp blade.

Hang Jinnian paced back and forth in the confined room, with a lot of thoughts in his mind.

He regretted his ridiculous behavior and felt extremely lost at Chao Yao's departure.

He wanted to rush out and question, wanted to make amends for everything, but he knew that he was powerless now.

I can only endure this pain and helplessness alone in this quiet confined place.

When it was late at night and everyone was asleep, when Hang Jinnian thought about Chao Yao and Hang Fufeng, the anger and jealousy in his heart were like a raging fire that was difficult to extinguish.

Chao Yao's figure and his past experiences with her kept appearing in his mind, and all of this was now ruined by his own ridiculous behavior.

Driven by anger, Hang Jinnian decided to go to the dungeon to find Xiao Ruqiu to vent his resentment.

The dungeon was dark and damp, filled with a foul smell.

The torches on the wall flickered with a faint light, barely illuminating this gloomy place.

The ground was wet, and occasionally you could see mice running quickly by.

The air was filled with an atmosphere of depression and despair.

Xiao Ruqiu was imprisoned in a small cell.

She was dressed in rags, had messy hair and looked haggard.

The former beauty and charm have long disappeared, replaced by endless fear and exhaustion.

She curled up in the corner, her body trembling slightly.

Hang Jinnian came to Xiao Ruqiu's cell, his eyes full of anger.

When Xiao Ruqiu heard the noise, he looked up in horror, and when he saw Hang Jinnian’s angry face, his heart was suddenly filled with fear.

"It's all your fault! Chaoyao left me because of you!"

Hang Jinnian roared, holding the bars of the cell tightly with both hands.

Xiao Ruqiu trembled and said, "Your Highness, it's not me...it's not my fault."

"It's not your fault? If you hadn't seduced me, how could I have come to this point with Chao Yao?"

Hang Jinnian was furious. "Now Chaoyao has been promised to the new prince, but I am confined here. All this is caused by you!"

Xiao Ruqiu cried and said, "Your Highness, I really love you too. I didn't expect it to turn out like this..."

"Love? Your love will only bring me disaster!"

Hang Jinnian said fiercely.

He glared at Xiao Ruqiu, his anger growing stronger.

After a moment, he yelled to the guards guarding the dungeon: "Open the door!"

The guard hesitated for a moment, but seeing Hang Jinnian's angry look, he dared not disobey and quickly opened the cell door.

Hang Jinnian rushed into the cell, grabbed Xiao Ruqiu’s hair, and dragged her out from the corner.

Xiao Ruqiu screamed in pain, but Hang Jinnian showed no mercy.

He began to punch and kick Xiao Ruqiu, and every punch and kick was filled with anger.

Xiao Ruqiu's body was rolling on the ground, her clothes were even more torn and her body was covered with scars.

However, after being tortured severely, a hint of madness suddenly flashed in Xiao Ruqiu's eyes.

She stopped crying and a mocking smile appeared on the corner of her mouth.

"Hang Jinnian, do you think you are still the high and mighty prince? You are just a grounded loser now!"

Although Xiao Ruqiu's voice was weak, it was full of sarcasm.

Hang Jinnian was angered by her words and raised his fist again.

"How dare you laugh at me?"

Xiao Ruqiu was not afraid at all and continued, "You once abandoned Chaoyao for me, but now you blame me? You are the most selfish person! Do you think you can always control everything? Now you have lost Chaoyao and your status. This is the retribution you deserve!"

Hang Jinnian's fist stopped in mid-air, his eyes full of pain and confusion.

He knew that what Xiao Ruqiu said was true, but he couldn't accept it.

He dropped his fist weakly, turned and left the cell.

Xiao Ruqiu was left there, covered in wounds but with a look of victory in his eyes.

She knew that her words had stung Hang Jinnian and made him more painful.

And she herself also found a sense of pleasure in revenge in this pain.