The Slender Waist-Chapter 794 - 565: The Final Puzzle

When the royal decree arrived at the Pei Residence, Pei Jue had just taken a bowl of medicinal soup and was lying flat on the bed.

He had narrowly escaped the Hall of Yama, but the rash and welts on his skin had not subsided. His complexion was pale, his lips cyanotic, and beads of cold sweat continuously streamed down his face.

Through the layers of clothing, Feng Yun could still perceive his rapid heartbeat and his immense effort to maintain control.

She lowered her gaze to him.

"How is Your Highness feeling?"

Pei Jue responded with a faint hum, without saying a word.

Feng Yun said, "The royal decree from the palace is likely trying to probe if you are truly in good health..."

Pei Jue raised his eyes and furrowed his brow.

Feng Yun noted his expression and said, "The eunuch delivering the decree is outside. You should rest, and I’ll go handle it."

As she was about to turn around, Pei Jue grasped her hand and pulled her back. Holding onto her hand tightly, he fixed his gaze on her and hoarsely ordered Zuo Zhong, who was standing outside the door:

"Tell him I’ve retired for the night and have him present the royal decree here."

Feng Yun was momentarily stunned.

Although those words were spoken calmly, they landed with the weight of iron.

How could a mere subject dare to act so boldly?

Unless he no longer wished to remain a subject of the empire.

Feng Yun pressed her lips together and said nothing, slowly sitting beside him.

Zuo Zhong left the room.

When he returned, he brought with him the eunuch tasked with delivering the decree. The eunuch did not enter the residence but stood in the courtyard, reciting the Emperor’s Edict of Abdication.

The Emperor declared:

"With my limited talent, I have borne the mandate of heaven, inherited the legacy of our ancestors, and sought to bring peace to the nation and well-being to the people. Yet, burdened by illness and diminishing vigor, I deeply feel that I am no longer equal to the task of steering the realm and managing its affairs. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

After careful deliberation, I now pass the throne to the Prince of Yonghuai, Pei Jue, who possesses both virtue and ability, wisdom and valor. He is the destined heir, favored by heaven and all the people.

I have made my decision. From this day forward, I will no longer meddle in the affairs of state. I trust the ministers and the populace will uphold their positions, work toward the greater good, and share this era of peace. Thus ordered!"

Silence blanketed the courtyard.

Long after the royal decree had been read, no one spoke.

Feng Yun lowered her head, looking into Pei Jue’s composed gaze.

"What does Your Highness think?"

Pei Jue stared intently at her with blazing eyes.

"Refuse."

Feng Yun smiled faintly, unsurprised.

"Good."

In the Zhenghe Hall today, Pei Jue had already refused once when the ministers petitioned for him to ascend the throne.

Now that the Emperor had sent the Edict of Abdication directly to his residence, he would have to reject it again.

For in the eyes of the people, since time immemorial, there has been little distinction between abdication and usurpation.

There is no such thing as the transfer of a heavenly mandate—only shifts in power and concessions made under duress.

Were Pei Jue to accept the decree with eagerness at this moment, it would reveal his disloyal intent, giving others cause to speak ill of him and ensuring future generations would condemn his legacy.

Only by rejecting it repeatedly can he prove his innocence.

"This decree, however, has arrived at an opportune moment," Feng Yun said, her lips curling slightly as she spoke with implicit meaning. "Your Highness can use it as a pretext to avoid suspicion and rest at the residence for a few days, refusing all visitors."

Pei Jue chuckled lightly. "Clever."

"Thank you for the praise." Feng Yun blinked at him. Seeing that his complexion remained poor, she stopped speaking further.

"I will go down and send him away."

Pei Jue nodded slightly. "Thank you, Lady Yun."

"It’s no trouble; it’s my duty."

As his wife and the Chief Historian of the Royal Mansion, this was both the obligation and responsibility of Feng Yun.

She gently squeezed Pei Jue’s hand in reassurance, offered a few instructions to Yao Ru, and then pulled aside the curtain and stepped out.

The eunuch had not yet received a response and was still waiting in the courtyard, nervous, flustered, and unsure of what to do.

Feng Yun smiled warmly and invited him into the floral hall.

She served him fine tea and instructed Xiaoman to discreetly hand him a pouch of silver coins. Smiling, she said, "Eunuch, His Majesty’s kind intentions are appreciated, but His Highness is deeply unsettled. I’m afraid he will have no choice but to defy the imperial decree this time..."

The eunuch delivering the letter looked embarrassed as he stared at Feng Yun, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

The woman before him—she was no ordinary Princess of Yonghuai.

If the decree were accepted, she would become the Empress of the realm, the motherly figure adorning both palace and nation.

The eunuch dared not meet Feng Yun’s eyes directly and lowered his head cautiously, expressing his regret.

"Princess, forgive this servant for speaking candidly—this decree is an expression of His Majesty’s heartfelt intentions. It would be best if His Highness does not disappoint him."

"Ah." Feng Yun sighed lightly, her expression troubled by his earnest words. She spoke with a soft sigh and said:

"These past days, His Highness has been nearly drowned by the rumors and slander circulating in the streets. Those accusations—what loyal and noble-hearted minister could endure them? Eunuch, this decree is something His Highness cannot accept, for it would solidify the charge of treason and usurpation."

The eunuch’s face turned even more awkward.

"This... this isn’t a decision I can make... Once the decree is delivered to the Pei Residence and His Highness accepts it, the matter is settled."

"It will not be settled." Feng Yun chuckled softly, gazing at him with warmth. "The title of the supreme ruler is not a trifling matter. Please convey to His Majesty that if he truly wishes to show compassion to his subjects, he must refrain from such proposals, so as not to further trouble His Highness."