Chapter 1121: For Whatever One Wishes

Xu Yu's expression changed. "Duke, what you're doing is no different from open rebellion!"

Zu An replied calmly, "I merely wish to bring my wife back. She has neither harmed the common people nor shown disrespect to the imperial family. All the charges are merely your words. How can this be called rebellion?"

Xu Yu said, "All the officials present just now have seen the evidence and are clear about the whole situation. It's regrettable that the Duke refuses to examine it, so there's nothing more I can do."

"The Emperor has not reviewed it, nor have the three judicial ministries of the imperial court held a joint trial. Therefore, there is no conviction. Given her status, how can you be permitted to establish a private tribunal and arrest her at will?" Zu An interrupted directly. "Ask the sons of the Yu family if they agree, ask the sons of the Jian family if they agree, and ask the people of Yunzhong Commandery if they agree!"

At his words, his subordinates began to shout, and their collective momentum surged instantly.

All the officials present changed their expressions. Even Sang Hong was contemplating that while the Jian and Yu families had significant power in Yunzhong Commandery, and had recently suffered some losses due to unfortunate incidents involving key family members, their strength was by no means fundamentally broken.

Moreover, the Jian and Yu families have always enjoyed an excellent reputation among the common people, particularly Yu Yanluo, who boasts immense popularity. Should a conflict genuinely erupt, the entire Yunzhong Commandery could face the risk of division.

Just as he was about to step forward to mediate, Xu Yu made a casual gesture, and a roll of bright yellow silk appeared in his hand. "Who says His Majesty doesn't know? This is an imperial decree granted to me by the Emperor, giving me full authority to handle the matter of Yu Yanluo being from the demon race!"

Upon seeing the bright yellow imperial decree, gasps of astonishment immediately rippled through the crowd. Even the subordinates of the Jian and Yu families exchanged bewildered glances, and whispers erupted throughout the assembly.

Zu An's heart sank. He had previously held a similar imperial decree, so he was perfectly capable of discerning its authenticity.

He had always wondered who was truly behind Xu Yu; now it appeared to be the Emperor himself.

It was truly unexpected. On the surface, the Emperor dispatched Sang Hong and him as imperial envoys to resolve the Yu family's issues. Yet, in reality, he had already secretly positioned Xu Yu as a hidden agent, waiting for the opportune moment to deliver a fatal blow.

It must be said, this tactic was exceptionally shrewd, catching him completely by surprise.

Xu Yu raised the imperial decree higher for everyone to see clearly, then looked at Zu An. "Duke, do not jeopardize yourself for the sake of one woman."

Before Zu An could reply, his subordinate generals, fearing he might act impulsively, hurried forward, pulling him aside and whispering:

"Duke, please calm down."

"Indeed, since the Emperor himself has issued the decree, it likely indicates that Lady Yu genuinely has some issues."

"There's no need for us to implicate the Jian family and everyone else in this matter concerning the Yu family."

Zu An surveyed his subordinates. The confidence that had previously defined their faces was gone; their eyes darted nervously, and their expressions were filled with fear.

Even the members of the Yu family looked utterly distraught, their morale clearly shattered.

It seemed the Emperor's immense power was deeply ingrained in everyone's very being; the mere mention of opposing him left them all feeling utterly intimidated.

Just as he was about to declare that he would bear sole responsibility for everything, a sudden wave of coolness washed over them, followed by a faint, fragrant breeze.

The scent was remarkably delicate and refined, unlike any popular perfume on the market. Instead, it resembled a natural, fresh aroma.

Zu An frowned. *Why is she here?*

The scent was very familiar: Yan Xuehen, the Abbot of White Jade Capital.

That woman always seemed intent on separating him from Chu Chuyan. On their previous encounters, they had always been in an adversarial state, so he harbored little fondness for her.

Yet, others did not share his view. They gasped in astonishment, their eyes filled with admiration.

Though her face was obscured by a light veil, concealing her features, one could tell she was a peerless beauty merely by the snow-white skin between her brows and her captivating, clear eyes.

Especially as she walked through the air, her white robes billowing, she exuded an inherent ethereal grace.

Many ordinary soldiers even cried out "Fairy!" Even the seasoned officials present secretly marveled that someone could rival Yu Yanluo in beauty.

Zu An had to admit, while this "ice woman" was somewhat irritating, her appearance was undeniably striking.

In terms of beauty, Yun Jianyue was in no way her inferior. However, as the leader of the Demonic Sect, Yun Jianyue carried an overwhelming aura of malevolence, making her seem unapproachable.

She lacked the ethereal grace and approachability that allowed Yan Xuehen to be revered as a fairy by the common people.

"Abbot Yan!" As a high-ranking official of Yunzhong Commandery, Xu Yu had naturally encountered Yan Xuehen before.

Even Sang Hong bowed to her in deference. Although she held no official position, her cultivation as a Grandmaster was immensely powerful.

Xiao Yao's eyes, previously somewhat muddled from drink, suddenly blazed with sharp intensity, and he looked eager for a challenge. It seemed his sword was itching to be drawn, as he desired to experience the prowess of a contemporary Grandmaster.

Yan Xuehen's expression remained detached. She offered no response to his challenging gaze, seemingly viewing him no differently than any other common person.

She then gave a slight nod to those who had bowed, before parting her crimson lips. "I heard a major incident occurred here, so I specifically came to investigate. I have already learned the general reasons for it on my way here."

"To prevent the common people of Yunzhong Commandery from suffering great calamity, could both parties perhaps grant me this favor and cease hostilities now?"

As she finished speaking, her beautiful eyes, radiating a clear light, rested quietly upon the two men.

Xu Yu's brow subtly furrowed. Though he held an imperial decree, he truly lacked the confidence to antagonize a Grandmaster.

With the cultivation of a Grandmaster, she could easily take his life before he even finished reciting the imperial decree.

Even taking a step back, even if he successfully invoked the imperial decree, the Emperor would undoubtedly fault him afterward.

After all, offending a Grandmaster and the formidable sect backing her would inevitably lead to accusations of mismanagement.

Moreover, the strength of the Jian and Yu families was not to be underestimated; if a true conflict erupted, he would find it difficult to control the repercussions.

Understanding all the implications in an instant, he offered a faint smile. "Abbot Yan's compassion is truly an example for us all. How could an official like myself disregard the safety of the common people and foolishly incite conflict? However, today's events were not initiated by me, and it would be futile if I were the only one to think this way."

Zu An inwardly grumbled, *Clever! This old fox instantly shifted the burden to me, implying that if I persist, I'd be disregarding the lives of the common people.*

At that moment, Yan Xuehen's gaze fell upon him. "Duke, what are your thoughts?"

As matters stood, Zu An realized a forceful approach was impossible. He couldn't contend with Yan Xuehen, let alone an imperial decree.

After a moment's thought, he replied, "I am not an unreasonable man. It's simply that the events of today are far too strange, and everything rests solely on Master Xu's word. I must at least be allowed to see my wife and understand the full circumstances."

In such a situation, it would be unlike him not to make good use of Yan Xuehen's presence.

Xu Yu's brows immediately knitted together. He naturally did not wish for Jian Yanyou and Yu Yanluo to meet, and his initial impulse was to refuse.

To his surprise, Yan Xuehen also spoke. "Precisely. I also have a few matters I wish to verify with Lady Yu. You may enter with me."

Xu Yu's breath hitched, a knot of frustration tightening in his chest.

Previously, Yan Xuehen had at least openly consulted with him. Now, however, she had made a decision for him without even asking.

*Do Grandmasters simply act as they please?*

*I, an official, have an imperial decree!*

Unfortunately, these were merely internal grievances. He certainly didn't wish to offend a Grandmaster at such a critical juncture. "It is, of course, no problem for the two of you to visit Yu Yanluo, but you may not bring any retainers."

He was also concerned that Jian Yanyou might use this opportunity to forcibly abduct the person inside. If he entered without subordinates, he would be easier to control alone.

Although Jian Yanyou possessed high cultivation, he was, after all, injured.

Zu An naturally had no objections, and proceeded to walk inside with Yan Xuehen.

As Yan Xuehen did not wish to be monitored, Xu Yu and the others were left to wait outside.

Seeing that they were alone, Zu An gazed at the white-robed figure ahead, thinking, *How old is this woman? In terms of seniority and prestige, she is far superior to Yu Yanluo. Surely, she's not eight centuries old, is she?*

"What are you looking at?" Yan Xuehen suddenly turned, her gaze fixed coldly on him.

Evidently, a Grandmaster's perception was exceptionally sharp, as though she possessed eyes in the back of her head.

Zu An replied, "I'm mainly curious as to why the Abbot chose to help me just now."

He had already realized that, despite appearing neutral in the recent events, Yan Xuehen had subtly favored him.

Yan Xuehen cast him a curious glance. "Why would you ask such a question? White Jade Capital and the Jian family have cooperated for so many years. If I don't help you, who else would I help?"