Female supremacy: blasphemy of imperial power [Yuri/GL]

Chapter 25: The Gift ✨

If the first day of the Peach Blossom Festival was its climax, the second day was crucial. Today, young ladies would have the chance to interact with their admired or favored gentlemen. If both parties were interested, they could petition the Emperor for a marriage decree, creating a celebrated union.

An imperial marriage decree not only allowed the couple to disregard parental orders and social status differences but also meant that, barring exceptional circumstances, the couple could not divorce. The husband's family would have to treat the wife with respect, honoring the decree.

At the evening banquet, if your name was on the Emperor's decree, it meant success. In some special cases, the Emperor might reserve the decree.

Every Flower Mistress was a coveted match, not just because she was the most outstanding among the women, but also because of the prestige the title brought. As it changed every four years, the benefits were clear—marrying such a woman meant gaining both beauty and wealth.

Moreover, each Flower Mistress could choose her own husband, enjoying absolute autonomy, giving everyone a chance. The Southern Emperor couldn't take the Flower Mistress into his harem unless he was willing to make her Empress, as she could only be a legitimate wife.

The Peach Blossom Festival was more than a symbol of "free marriage"; it held significant political importance.

However, Chao Yang was indifferent to all this. She only wanted to repay Chen Yongle's favor and prepare for a crucial task.

Chao Yang didn't join the day's festivities and initially didn't want to attend the banquet. However, the Southern Emperor's invitation left her with no choice but to "graciously" accept.

The sun shone brightly, and a gentle breeze carried the fresh scent of flowers. Chao Yang and Chen Yongle sat in a pavilion, engaged in a game of strategy.

Chen Yongle's moves were neither as gentle as those of typical Southern women nor as grand as men's, but rather caught her opponent off guard with unexpected tactics.

Chao Yang pondered her next move, holding a finely carved jade piece between her fingers, contrasting beautifully with her slender hand—black and white, strikingly elegant.

"I can never understand your thought process," Chao Yang remarked, tossing her piece back into the box.

Chen Yongle's mouth twitched. "I call it a strategic path, yet you make it sound like I'm illogical."

"Such chaotic and erratic moves..." Chao Yang glanced disdainfully at the board.

"Your game etiquette is lacking..." Seeing the half-played board and Chao Yang's disinterest in continuing, Chen Yongle smiled and set her piece down.

Chao Yang's fingers curled slightly on her lap, a hint of unease in her eyes.

Today, her mind was in turmoil...

Was she actually throwing a tantrum at Chen Yongle?

Suddenly standing, Chao Yang's expression shifted from calm.

Chen Yongle rose, puzzled. "What's wrong?"

Chao Yang frowned slightly. "I think something's wrong with my body."