After I traveled through the book, I fought back in the Hou Mansion

Chapter 494

Immediately afterwards, the guards stepped aside, clearing a path for Eunuch Su to walk out. Seeing Luo Shuiyao and her group, he smiled, then said in a slightly shrill voice, "Miss Luo, we are here on the orders of His Majesty to announce the decree."

Although he appeared to be the same as usual, there was a subtle hint of flattery in his expression. Luo Shuiyao noticed this and felt a sudden pang in her heart. "Hasn't Your Majesty already given up on this idea? Why is he changing his mind so quickly?"

She was about to ask when she suddenly heard the neighing of a war horse from behind the crowd, and the person on the horse was Ye Yunzhou.

He did not dismount, but stood up and jumped over the wall. After a few turns, he stood in front of Luo Shuiyao. Looking at the stunned expression of Eunuch Su across from him, he nodded slightly and asked, "I didn't know that General Manager Su was here. I hope you won't blame me?"

His tone was calm and his attitude was humble, showing no other emotions. Only Luo Shuiyao, who was standing behind him, saw his hands behind his back, the veins bulging from the exertion.

Eunuch Su was so clever, how could he not hear the hidden meaning behind his words? "Master Supervisor, please be patient. Once I finish reading the order, you will understand."

Ye Yunzhou observed carefully and saw a look of comfort in Eunuch Su's eyes. His tense body slowly relaxed. He had some friendship with Eunuch Su, and seeing his calm expression, he assumed the imperial decree would not harm him.

After that day, he arranged for people to keep an eye on the movements in the Hall of Supreme Harmony at all times. So when he received the news that Eunuch Su was leading people to Guihua Lane, he dropped his official duties and rushed over. Although he was sure that the emperor would not be so confused, since it involved Luo Shuiyao, he could not help but be concerned and confused.

Seeing that he understood, Eunuch Su was quite satisfied, and then he said loudly: "Your Majesty has a decree. Here is the imperial decree. Everyone, kneel and listen to it!"

Suddenly, everyone in the alley fell to their knees.

He simply read: "Fifteen years ago, my four daughters were abducted by rebels and disappeared. I have been deeply concerned about them, day and night, and have never been able to let go. Recently, I have found an orphan girl, Luo Shuiyao. Upon verification, I have confirmed that she is indeed my fourth missing princess. I am deeply relieved to be reunited with my family. I now specially appoint Luo Shuiyao as the Princess of the State, and I have also granted her the original Xianwang Mansion as the Princess of the State Mansion, to provide her with a safe place to live and to honor my grace."

"Announce it to the whole world, and let all know it."

Luo, Niu Jiaojiao, and the others didn't understand the announcement at all, but most of the people present did. Luo Shuiyao felt that this was too dramatic—how could she have been completely unaware? When had she become the fourth princess in the rumors?

Seeing that everyone was shocked, Eunuch Su nodded with satisfaction - this reaction was exactly the same as the shock he felt when he received the imperial edict today.

Everyone was still stunned, only Ye Yunzhou noticed something was wrong: Eunuch Su didn't let anyone stand up to receive the decree, could there be another imperial decree?

As expected, Eunuch Su immediately pulled out another scroll of bright yellow imperial edict from his sleeve and read aloud:

"Ye Yunzhou, the Inspector General of the Hidden Dragon Guard, has been helping me solve problems daily and has made outstanding contributions. However, he is still unmarried as he ages, and I am very concerned about this. Today, I am issuing a decree to summon him to be the Fourth Princess's consort, and the marriage will take place at the beginning of next month."

"Director Ye, please accept my order."

Ye Yunzhou was completely stunned by these words, and he was unable to recover for a moment until Eunuch Su spoke again: "Princess Four and Governor Ye, please accept the order."

Luo Shuiyao was confused and raised her hand to take the imperial edict.

Eunuch Su did not stay long and left with several Jinyiwei. The others followed his instructions and helped Luo Shuiyao and the others move to the former Prince Xian's Mansion, which is now the Princess Huguo Mansion.

In a blink of an eye, it was already late at night. According to Luo Shuiyao's instructions, only some valuable items were moved away, and the rest were left where they were.

The Princess Protector's mansion was fully furnished, with servants already in place. After moving in overnight, everyone, under the guidance of the former housekeeper, went to their assigned courtyards and returned to rest, feeling dazed and lost.

Ye Yunzhou noticed that she was uneasy, so he gently took her into his arms and whispered to comfort her: "Your Majesty is a wise ruler. He will have considered everything carefully and his decision will surely be wise. You don't have to worry."

Luo Shuiyao shook her head slightly, her eyes confused. "I'm the Fourth Princess now, but where is the real Fourth Princess?"

She had heard of it by chance, only knowing that His Majesty had a fourth daughter, but soon after the fourth princess was born, the news stopped. Few people in the palace knew about her, let alone outside the palace.

But now, she had taken over this position for no apparent reason. Regardless of His Majesty's thoughts, she knew she was occupying someone else's position. So where was the real Fourth Princess? If she returned, how would she cope?

Ye Yunzhou didn't expect that she would be troubled by this matter.

Seeing the confusion and uneasiness evident in her eyes, his heart suddenly softened with pity, and he even softened his tone. "It's been over a decade since this happened, and it's become a taboo in the palace. No one dares to mention it, but I do know some information..."

There was a slight pause in his voice. Ye Yunzhou saw Luo Shuiyao looking up at him intently, with his figure imprinted in her eyes. He just suppressed the urge to get closer to her and it came back to him.

But he just reached out and slowly stroked her hair, his eyes drifting away.

"The Fourth Princess was born to Concubine Jing. Her title reflects her personality: a quiet one, gentle at best, and timid at worst. She was originally brought into the palace from the common people because of her beauty. Initially, she was a lowly concubine, but after enduring several turmoil and a chance encounter, she was promoted to a concubine. She was then given the title of Concubine Jing for her contribution in giving birth to the Fourth Princess."

"The imperial family of the Great Zhou has always had a poor and often fragile lineage, and your majesty's generation is no exception. The Fourth Princess was the first daughter to survive, and your majesty was naturally overjoyed at first. However, this good fortune didn't last long. Not long after, her wet nurse reported that the Fourth Princess was a freak, looking like either a boy or a girl."

"When His Majesty heard this, he naturally didn't believe it and was furious, wanting to kill the wet nurse. However, the wet nurse swore to her death, swearing on her life and property. His Majesty became suspicious and sent for an investigation. This thorough investigation confirmed the wet nurse's statement - the Fourth Princess was born with a defect, and he was immediately enraged."

"Concubine Jing has always been timid, but she loves her children deeply. She rarely showed any strength. She concealed the Fourth Princess's congenital illness, claiming only that she was a daughter, hoping the child could live a peaceful life in a corner of the palace. However, palace disputes are always cruel, and the wet nurse was bribed and eventually revealed the matter. If this matter were to spread, it would be a huge scandal."

"To cover up the incident, the Fourth Princess was sent to a temple for shelter. Unfortunately, she was already handicapped and died shortly thereafter. Concubine Jing was devastated by this and fell ill, dying soon after."

Thinking back, he looked down at Luo Shuiyao who seemed lost in thought, and added slowly, "So, you don't have to feel any psychological burden."

Seeing the look of reluctance in her eyes, Ye Yunzhou comforted her softly, "You still have to go to the palace to thank the emperor tomorrow. Rest early. I'll take care of everything."

Luo Shuiyao nodded and followed his lead back to the house to rest.

The next morning, the palace sent someone to deliver the princess's clothes. After washing and dressing, Luo Shuiyao walked out of the mansion wearing a crown that was heavier than her head and gorgeous clothes.

Ye Yunzhou had already been waiting outside, and the two of them went to the palace together.

Emperor Yuanzhen was currently attending to official business in the palace. Upon hearing the report, he signaled for the palace attendants to bring them in. After the two had paid their respects, Emperor Yuanzhen stood up and raised his hand for them to stand. He then said, "I have changed your surname to Zhou and entered it into the genealogy of the Great Zhou imperial family. From now on, you will be the legitimate Fourth Princess. Remember, be a good Protector of the Nation and do not let this title down."

The words were clearly meant to warn her, but Luo Shuiyao pretended not to understand and bowed and replied "Yes".

Emperor Yuanzheng seemed very satisfied, and a faint smile appeared on his face. But just as this smile appeared, he suddenly started coughing violently, as if his heart and lungs were being torn apart.

"Cough cough... cough cough..."

Seeing this, Eunuch Su hurried forward and gently stroked Emperor Yuanzhen's back.

Luo Shuiyao also quickly handed over a cup of warm tea. Eunuch Su took it and carefully brought it to Emperor Yuanzhen's lips.

Emperor Yuanzhen took two sips, and the discomfort in his throat eased slightly. When he looked up, he saw Luo Shuiyao putting the teapot back where it belonged. Then, turning to Eunuch Su, he said with a hint of reproach, "You servant, the princess is here, why don't you bring some hot tea?"

Eunuch Su was slightly startled when he heard this, and he quickly bowed and agreed, then quickly retreated. However, when he passed by Ye Yunzhou, he paused very lightly, and glanced at Ye Yunzhou seemingly casually, and then hurried out of the hall.