Chapter 112: The Final Decision

Compassionate Navigator nodded and said, “I have never met the Marquis of Wuan personally, but his fourth son, Wang Yuanfeng, is quite a skilled individual.”

The Emperor nodded in response and said, “That must be him. This young man is known for his wild talk; rumors say he has the wisdom of a past life. Unexpectedly, he is also a practitioner.”

Turning his gaze back to Compassionate Navigator, he asked, “Does the National Preceptor have any way to deal with this youth?”

Compassionate Navigator recalled the time he was ambushed, a surge of silent resentment welling up inside. Although he felt somewhat guilty for having attempted to kill him, he weighed the situation and replied, “This young man not only understands the Way of the Sword Immortal but is also proficient in Outer Alchemy techniques. If encountered unprepared, given his cunning methods, it would be difficult for me to capture him. However, if I were to prepare and set up a ritual altar, he would surely be no match for me.”

“Oh? I never expected to have underestimated him all these years,” the Emperor said with surprise. Then, his expression darkened as he recalled, “When he threw my Ninth Princess into the water, according to the laws of Daliang, he should have been publicly flogged and imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison. But first, the Marquis of Wuan shielded him, and second, it was assumed this youth was mentally slow and young, so he was merely placed under house arrest and left unmonitored.”

“Alas, poor little Ninth. She still fears water and stays inside the palace all day,” the Emperor sighed.

“Your Ninth Princess?” Compassionate Navigator’s ears perked up at the mention of the Ninth Princess. He had heard rumors about her—two years ago, while offering incense at the Taixu Temple, she was thrown into the water by a mentally disturbed individual, which led to her developing autism. To his surprise, the so-called mentally disturbed person was none other than Wang Yuanfeng.

Although Wang Yuanfeng had nearly killed him in a surprise attack, now was no time for personal grudges. He said to the Emperor, “I have a plan that can kill two birds with one stone and resolve the current predicament.”

“Speak quickly,” the Emperor urged. The realm was now in turmoil; governing had become impossible, and his authority was hollowed out. Fortunately, Daliang still stood. No matter what, he would not be the last emperor. Though a regime change was inevitable, he could at least pass the throne to the Crown Prince before the kingdom fell.

No matter how he contemplated it, the Emperor was the most anxious. The noble families would not be destroyed; the influential officials would survive. The ones who suffered most were the common people and the Chen family of the current royal house.

The common folk could not be wiped out, but the Chen clan was certain to perish. No ruling power would spare remnants of the former dynasty; at best, they would be monitored and treated like livestock.

Thus, he looked at Compassionate Navigator with urgency, hoping for a way out.

Compassionate Navigator sighed, thinking the Emperor had truly been cornered to show such a demeanor. After pondering, he said, “To untie the knot, one must start with the knot-maker. Since the Ninth Princess’s plight began with Wang Yuanfeng at Taixu Temple, then let it end with Wang Yuanfeng as well.”

The Emperor immediately understood what he meant, and a wave of sorrow washed over him. As a sovereign, he was now forced to use his daughter as a bargaining chip for survival. He closed his eyes and replied stiffly, “Continue.”

Compassionate Navigator also sighed. It seemed Daliang was beyond salvation, yet the Emperor had saved his life. Failure was only a matter of time. Though he was a supernatural being, he was not ungrateful.

The idea struck him suddenly. He said to the Emperor, “Your Majesty could arrange a marriage, giving the Ninth Princess to Wang Yuanfeng. Even if he is unwilling, he cannot disregard the princess’s fate. With Wang Yuanfeng’s personality as a Sword Immortal practitioner, he is not cruel or ruthless. Having him as a cultivator nearby means he would never stand idly by.”

After speaking, Compassionate Navigator closed his eyes to rest, awaiting the Emperor’s decision.

The Emperor struggled inwardly. As a ruler who founded the nation by martial prowess, even in decline, he took pride in his dignity. Trading his daughter for peace was something he would disdain.

But having exhausted all other options—internal failure, seeking external aid, losing control of the court—establishing a new power for balance was the only way. After much thought, Wang Yuanfeng, as a practitioner, was the most suitable.

After a long struggle, he seemed to lose spirit and said, “There’s no need to marry her to Wang Yuanfeng. Betrothing her will suffice. At least this way, the Ninth Princess will live.”

Compassionate Navigator regarded the Emperor differently, surprised by his willingness to sacrifice personal interests for his family. He nodded.

The Emperor then called out, “Someone!”

An elderly palace attendant pushed open the door and entered, bowing to the Emperor. “Your humble servant is here.”

The Emperor, regarding this trusted few in the palace, said, “Chief Steward Zhang, keep this order secret. Wang Yuanfeng is young and promising with a bright future. I hereby grant the Ninth Princess to him as his wife.”

“Your Majesty, please reconsider. The Ninth Princess is royal blood, not yet sixteen, only recently granted her title. If she is to marry, it should be to a consort, not given as a wife to another. Please withdraw this order...” Chief Steward Zhang said hurriedly, about to plead for revocation, but seeing the Emperor’s dark, stormy expression, he stopped immediately.

Chief Steward Zhang had survived in the palace by reading the room well. Although the Emperor seemed focused on alchemy, he still cared deeply for Daliang and knew he had angered the Emperor. He quickly knelt, weeping, and said, “Your Majesty, please calm your anger. I have watched the Ninth Princess grow up, and this is difficult for me to accept. I only worry for her well-being. Please, Your Majesty, calm your anger.”

Compassionate Navigator observed the Emperor’s somber face and the desperate pleading of Chief Steward Zhang. Though he understood the reasoning, the emotional depth was less clear to him.

The Emperor looked at Zhang, who was earnestly begging on the floor. His expression softened but remained pale. He sighed and said, “Rise.”

Then, as if speaking to himself, he added, “You and I grew up together. How could I blame you? You have cared for the Ninth Princess as much as I have. It’s only natural to be anxious. But you know the current situation. I am only leaving her a path forward.”

Chief Steward Zhang, though merely a palace servant, had deep affection for the palace and the princess. Wiping tears and suppressing his pain, he said, “With Your Majesty’s permission, allow me to escort the Ninth Princess to Wang Yuanfeng.”

The Emperor glanced at him and felt that granting the princess to Wang Yuanfeng to come to the palace for the wedding would undermine the court’s dignity. If the news spread, there would be strong opposition. It was better to send her directly. He said, “I approve of this.”

Chief Steward Zhang turned away in sorrow and said, “Thank you, Your Majesty. I will arrange it immediately.”

Without further farewell, he turned and left. The Emperor seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and then fixed his gaze with renewed determination.

Compassionate Navigator realized the Emperor had sent even his most trusted confidant away—he was preparing for a do-or-die battle. He quietly resolved himself, neither joyful nor sorrowful, prepared to follow through to the end.