"You're not… How could you… What on earth are you saying?"The Emperor's astonishment eclipsed his anger. It was not unprecedented for someone to defy a marriage bestowed by him. When Li Jing wed, he had insisted on marrying a songstress, ignoring his station, and was harshly reprimanded—flogged with ten strokes. Nor was it unheard of for someone to refute his decrees. Known as a ruler who welcomed counsel, the Emperor had tolerated officials in court throwing aside their tablets to argue vehemently with him.
But never—never—had he imagined Li Ce would reject a marriage he himself had arranged. This was Ye Jiao! Where else could he find such a fine girl? Where else could his son marry such an exemplary wife?
"Have you lost your mind?" the Emperor roared. "Then tell me—why won't you marry her?"If he was unwilling, why then had he reported the incident to the authorities in the middle of the night? Why had he strolled hand in hand with her under the Milky Way, risked his life to rescue her from Mount Li, dashed about the Guogong Estate, even spent Mid-Autumn Festival at her home? What was it all for—just a free meal?
Furious at his son's cowardice, the Emperor glared at Li Ce, who knelt like a stone statue frozen in grief before a grave."There is only a misunderstanding between Miss Ye and myself," Li Ce replied coldly. "Throughout these days, I have strictly abided by propriety, never once overstepping decorum. If His Majesty does not believe me, he may question Miss Ye herself."
Li Ce had his back to Ye Jiao. He lacked the courage to turn and face her. He feared that one glance at her expression would unravel his resolve, make his heart ache, force him to compromise—tempt him to take back those words of refusal.
The palace fell into a deathly silence, as though awaiting a verdict upon which life or death hung.A faint sandalwood scent wafted through the air. Courtiers held their breath. The Emperor turned to Ye Jiao, who stepped forward and knelt with grace.
Her once-sparkling eyes were now calm as a still lake. Her voice rang clear, crisp as jade striking stone:"In answer to His Majesty, there has indeed been no impropriety between myself and His Highness the Prince of Chu."
That single sentence seemed to answer everything—yet said nothing at all. There was no flaw to be found in her words, but also no substance.
The Emperor grew even more anxious.Was he concerned about whether they had transgressed? No—he feared they never had.
He wished to ask further, but then he caught the shimmer of tears in Ye Jiao's eyes. This child… she had been wronged.What girl could endure being rejected before so many people? All because of his foolish son.
The Emperor's heart softened, abandoning Li Ce entirely, and turned his full attention to Ye Jiao."Ye Jiao," he said, "your valor at Mount Li in aiding Liu Yan and the constables, and in thwarting Prince Su's attack, is a great merit. I must reward you. I shall see you matched with a worthy husband. The Prince of Chu is frail and knows he is unworthy of you—that is why he declined. But I have many sons—ten who are older than he. Whomever you choose, speak his name and I shall grant it!"
This was an unprecedented honor—no noblewoman had ever been offered her pick of the Emperor's sons.
Fortunately, the Empress remained more composed than her impulsive husband. She swiftly noted a flaw."Your Majesty," she whispered gently, "surely Miss Ye would not wish to become a concubine. Many of the princes are already wed, and so cannot be considered."
The Emperor paused, then nodded. "You are right. Then let it be thus—once I name the Crown Prince, Ye Jiao shall become his second consort, ranked just below the Crown Princess."
The title of Liangdi—second consort—was just one step below the Crown Princess. Once the Crown Prince ascended the throne, she would become a high-ranking imperial concubine, managing the inner palace.
Did the Emperor's words mean he was now seriously contemplating whom to name as heir, simply to compensate Ye Jiao? The court officials and Madam Ye were stunned.
The hall grew restless with murmurs. Madam Ye quickly fell to her knees."May Your Majesty retract your decree," she pleaded. "The An Guo Estate is immeasurably grateful for your boundless grace. Yet my daughter's fate is too fragile to bear the upheaval of disrupting the court's customs. Moreover, as a citizen of the great Tang, aiding the authorities in maintaining justice is but her duty. To be so praised and rewarded by His Majesty—we are unworthy."
It was Madam Ye's first audience with the Emperor, yet her bearing was composed, neither servile nor arrogant, her words graceful and measured. The officials nodded in agreement, and even the Empress appeared reassured.
"Your Majesty," the Empress added, "marriage must be a matter of mutual consent. If a reward is to be given, why not ask Miss Ye what it is that she truly desires?"
Indeed, a reward too hastily granted may not suit her heart. Better to ask.The Emperor approached Ye Jiao kindly, like a benevolent elder."What is it that you desire?" he asked.He usually loathed being asked for things, preferring to offer favors unbidden. But this time, he was willing to make an exception. This child was so thoughtful and sensible—surely she wouldn't demand to become Empress, would she?
Ye Jiao's tears had vanished. She was staring at Li Ce's back, not far away—shocked, bewildered, indignant. Her fists clenched, chest rising and falling, lips bitten hard. A delicate flush tinged her pale cheeks with tension.
The Emperor feared she might leap up and thrash Li Ce on the spot. Causing a ruckus in court was punishable, and in front of so many ministers—she must stay calm. If she wanted to fight later, let her—but not now.Right now, she needed to answer the question.
What do you wish for? My son is hopeless. I must make amends in his stead.
"May I truly ask for anything?" Ye Jiao raised her gaze.The Emperor nodded solemnly. So close to her now, he marveled—how blind must his son be to reject her?
"I wish…" she began, catching sight of Li Ce's stiff, kneeling form. Rage flared in her chest again, but she reined it in. She couldn't be reckless. She was not merely a jilted lover—she was the daughter of the An Guo Duke. The honor of the entire household rested on her and her brother's shoulders.
Ye Jiao had never longed for prestige through marriage.What did she truly desire?
From childhood, she had wished to be born a man—to study, to serve in office, to win glory on the battlefield.The thought struck like a flame in the darkness.
"Your Majesty," she said, eyes bright and eager, "may I serve in government?"
The Emperor straightened in surprise. Across the court, ministers nearly leapt from their seats.
"Out of the question!""A woman holding office defies the laws of propriety!"
Amid the commotion, the Emperor waved them off with a chuckle."Don't let them scare you. Why shouldn't our dynasty have female officials? There are many in the palace—teaching the courtly virtues, overseeing ceremonies, and assisting the Empress in managing the inner palace. Would you like to remain here, within the palace walls?"
"No," Ye Jiao replied firmly. "I wish to serve outside the palace."
The murmurs exploded again.
"Absurd!""You seek favor by flaunting your deeds!""A mere girl—how little she knows of propriety!"
Ye Jiao ignored their outcry, her gaze fixed solely on the Emperor.You were the one who asked. You said I could have anything. You won't go back on your word now, will you?
The Emperor frowned, pacing a few steps before turning to Chancellor Fu Qian.
Fu Qian, who had remained silent all this time, had nearly become Ye Jiao's father-in-law.The Emperor's glance held a trace of rebuke—it was the Fu family's fault this mess had started. Had Fu Mingzhu not disgraced himself, none of this might have happened.
A chill ran down Fu Qian's spine. Reading the situation, he finally spoke:"Since the founding of the realm, there have been women in service. The former Emperor once entrusted the Elder Princess—renowned for her intelligence and administrative acumen—to assist in drafting edicts in the Secretariat. Beyond that, there were women among the common folk who served as constables and coroners, earning commendation from the late Emperor.
However, to employ talent wisely, one must understand Miss Ye's strengths before making a decision."
The Emperor's expression showed approval. The Empress seized the moment to add:"Miss Ye, single-handedly, protected the officials of Jingzhao Prefecture against rebels at Mount Li. I doubt anyone here would contest her valor."
"Indeed," the Emperor nodded emphatically. "Then let Ye Jiao be assigned to the Jingzhao Prefecture, to assist Liu Yan in investigations. As for her official rank…"
He turned once more to the Chancellor. Fu Qian hesitated, then cautiously suggested,"Recently, Liu Yan submitted a memorial stating many of the wuhou—the armed constables—were unruly and difficult to command. Perhaps Miss Ye could be appointed as their commander. Though it is a minor position, and may seem beneath her dignity, it requires daily patrols and investigations—it is a taxing role."
Fu Qian hoped the hardship would deter her. This way, the Emperor wouldn't be seen as refusing her a title—she would decline it herself.
Commander of the Wuhou…