By the will of Heaven and decree of the Son of Heaven, His Imperial Majesty bestows this marriage between Crown Prince Li Feng and Lady Xu Nuan, daughter of General Xu, as a union of virtue and strength. May this bond fortify the empire and bring prosperity to the realm. Let none defy this decree.”
The hall fell into a heavy silence.
Xu Nuan’s fingers trembled slightly at her sides. She had heard rumors of political marriages before, but never had she imagined she would be caught in one. She dared not lift her gaze, though she could feel the weight of her father’s unspoken thoughts pressing upon her.
General Xu finally rose, his movements deliberate, measured. He stepped forward, bowing before the decree. “This subject humbly accepts His Majesty’s grace.”
