"Have you heard? The Prime Minister's second daughter is cursed. Before she was even born, her father died because of her. Even at such a young age, she brought bad luck to her older brother."
Almost overnight, the capital of Dakan was filled with chatter. The rumors were vivid and detailed.
"They say her mother was unharmed only because she came from the royal family and wasn't close to the second daughter."
"Oh," someone suddenly understood. "No wonder we never heard of a second daughter in the Prime Minister's household. A cursed girl like her shouldn't be seen. The Prime Minister must be worried she'll bring misfortune to others."
"Yes. Have you heard? A while back, some servants just passed by the second daughter's courtyard and vanished without a trace. No one knows if they are dead or alive."
Everyone's expression changed at those words. One person added in horror, "That's obvious. They're probably dead. So pitiful."
"If we're talking about pitiful, then General Caelen is the one to pity. His face is ruined and now he has to marry such a girl. Who knows if he'll even survive it."
"Sigh, the decree has been issued. What can General Caelen do? It's a royal command."
Some even went as far as blaming Caelen's injuries and Marshal Han's death on Xylira. With three people spreading a lie, it quickly became the truth.
In people's minds, Xylira had become even more terrifying than Caelen. Some even claimed that wherever she passed, no grass could grow, let alone other living creatures.
Because of these rumors, business at Xiyan's shop plummeted. Even the lowest prices couldn't sell anything.
When this news reached those who were watching closely, the rumors spread even more wildly. Angry, he returned to his small courtyard and overheard Servant Jin speaking seriously about the gossip outside.
His face changed immediately. "Nonsense." He gave Servant Jin a fierce glare. "Xylira, I don't know who is so malicious to spread such lies. You must not believe them. If they were true, why am I perfectly fine?"
"Hehe, brother, don't get so worked up." Xylira pulled her brother to sit down and signaled for Servant Jin to pour tea. "This isn't necessarily a bad thing for us. The more outrageous the rumors, the less likely anyone, unless they're insane, will want to marry me."
Servant Jin paused slightly while pouring tea. Was the lady implying their master was insane?
Both Servant Jin and Servant Xan were somewhat unwilling to care for a woman. They were usually the young master's men and also served as valiant vice generals in battle.
They had fought and killed many enemies. In their minds, women were foolish, ignorant, and shallow.
But after spending a few days with Xylira, they became increasingly shocked. She constantly shattered their perception of women. They were starting to understand why their master was so concerned.
"You can still laugh? Look at what they're saying about you." Xiyan scolded seriously. "Girl, don't you understand the difference between wanting only one husband and being able to only have one husband? If Caelen believes the rumors and doesn't want you anymore, what will you do?"
"Hehe," Xylira's smile turned a bit wicked. "You want to know, brother? If Caelen really does that, I guarantee there will be no more General Caelen in this world, only a new eunuch in the palace."
"Pfft," seeing Xylira's playful scissor-hand gesture, Xiyan imagined Caelen in eunuch robes and finally laughed.
"Hey, you two. Aren't you being too bold speaking about my master like this in front of me?"
"It's affected you too, hasn't it? Business must be bad," Xylira said confidently. When he nodded, she continued, "In that case, don't sell anything for now. Let it sit. Once you're settled, we'll start fresh with a new approach."
"Alright." Xiyan nodded. He wouldn't sell at a lower price anyway.
Meanwhile, Caelen had just returned home from handling official duties. Since the family separation, Madam Tao, who should now be called that formally, had not shown up until today. She was sitting confidently beside her new husband.
"Mother, do you need something?" Caelen asked.
"Caelen, do you really plan to marry the Prime Minister's second daughter?" Madam Tao asked nervously.
"Mother, the imperial decree is already issued. You want me to defy it? That's punishable by death for the entire family."
"We've already separated households. You have your own family now." Madam Tao quickly pointed out.
Caelen nodded. He realized he had never truly known his mother. Now, this new attitude made him feel deeply uncomfortable. He didn't know how she had kept up that gentle face all those years.
"I understand. Second Father, Mother, if there's nothing else, I won't entertain you further." Caelen dismissed them.
Madam Tao was tugged on the sleeve by her husband, Mr. Tao, and remembered her true purpose. "Caelen, don't blame me for being harsh, but you know what people are saying about Xylira. Anyone linked to her will have terrible luck. Why don't you speak to His Majesty? He's reasonable and won't make things hard for you."
"I won't break off the engagement." Caelen grew irritated at her words.
"Then let me tell you this. When you get married, don't send us an invitation. We won't attend. During holidays, your bride doesn't need to visit us either." Madam Tao said.
"Alright then, Mother. Please write it down and put your fingerprint on it." He had long seen through her heartlessness, so he wasn't hurt. Thinking of what Xylira was planning, he believed this would be helpful to her.
Madam Tao and Mr. Tao exchanged looks, then wrote down the statement and stamped it. Before leaving, she added, "Be careful. If nothing important happens, don't come to our home. If there is something, I'll send someone to inform you."
"Understood." Caelen nodded and asked Xue Yi to keep the note safe.
The next morning at court, the matter of the imperial exam was a top priority. But since rules were already set, it didn't need much discussion.
"Your Majesty, the borders are now secure. There will be no major wars for years to come. Should we allow non-essential soldiers to return home, leaving only those guarding the capital and stationed troops?" the Minister of War asked.
The court erupted in debate. Usually, military and civil officials did not interfere with each other, but now they were at odds.
Letting soldiers return home touched on a sensitive topic, military power. Though generals knew this day would come, they still felt abandoned after years of service.
Both sides argued fiercely. Only Zhaoye watched with a smile. After an hour, he finally spoke. "Let me consider it a few more days."
With that, everyone stopped talking. That response made it clear nothing they said mattered. The Emperor had decided to make the final call himself.
After court was dismissed, Caelen was summoned to the Emperor's study.
"General Caelen, there are many rumors in the city about Xylira. I had someone check her birth date and time. While it's not as exaggerated as the gossip, it's not entirely positive either."
Zhaoye's tone hinted at guilt, as if he wanted to offer compensation. "So, I want to ask. If you have any objections to this marriage, I can issue a decree to cancel it."
"Your Majesty, I believe this marriage is good. Given my condition, being able to marry is already your grace. No matter what others say, I have no intention of breaking the engagement." Caelen wasn't sure what the Emperor meant but answered honestly.
"Hehe," Zhaoye was surprised. In fact, he had secretly fueled the rumors, hoping Caelen would come ask to withdraw. When he didn't, the Emperor had to act first.
"I heard that on the day of the Third Prince's wedding, you stayed at the Prime Minister's estate until nightfall." Zhaoye smiled. "I also heard from the guards at Queqiao Garden that you and the young lady from the Yue family had a pleasant chat in the Plum Blossom Hall. I didn't believe it, but now I ask, do you like her?"
"Your Majesty, Miss Xylira is very kind." Caelen replied formally. But Zhaoye noticed the blush on his face, even his ears were red. The softness in his tone when he mentioned her couldn't be hidden.
"Since you are pleased, I won't interfere. You may leave now."
"Yes, Your Majesty. I take my leave." Caelen was puzzled. He never doubted the Emperor's wisdom, but this time he couldn't understand his motives.
Soon after, on the court, many generals were stripped of their military power. But Caelen's authority remained untouched.
He suddenly understood. This had been a test. To the Emperor, his affection for Xylira was a weakness that could be used to control him.
Realizing this, cold sweat trickled down his back. Still, he quickly calmed down. He had always been loyal and upright. What did he have to fear?
However, this matter concerned Xylira, so he had to inform her.
Lord Edgar returned to the Prime Minister's residence with a terrible expression. He couldn't understand why the Emperor had left Caelen's military power untouched.
In his calculations, the ones who kept their power were expected. Only Caelen didn't fit. He was too young to command 100,000 troops, including 20,000 elite guards of Kang City.
What had caused the Emperor to trust Caelen so much?
"Hehe, Servant Jin, look. Your general really owes me." Xylira kicked a slip of paper toward him and smiled. "Thanks to me, he got to keep his military power."
Having military power meant little, but it represented the Emperor's trust. That made all the difference.
Servant Jin glanced at the note and silently burned it. "Starting tomorrow, I'll have things to do. Make sure to cover for me."
"What is Lady planning?" As servants, they shouldn't ask, but they were also responsible for her safety.
Xylira blinked. "Didn't your master tell you? I have another name, you know. Xyl."
Servant Jin and Servant Xan's eyes widened. Xyl? Could it be the one they had heard of?
Seeing her expression, they had their answer. The two men stood there in shock.