Unruly Phoenix Xiaoyao

Chapter 99: His Majesty said, I had dream

After Xie Anyi and née Wang were taken away by the Dragon Guards, Ning Xiaoyao told Third Young Master Xie, "Take your second brother and get out of my sight. Immediately, this instant, as soon as possible."

"Your Majesty," Elder Li said before the third young master could reply.

"Old gramps, you still have business?" Ning Xiaoyao asked.

Elder Li said, "This subject wishes to ask Your Majesty, what are your plans for née Qin?" The whole fuss had been about that woman in the first place. Ning Xiaoyao couldn't just chase the Xie Clan out of the palace and then resolve Qin Xin's problems, right?

Ning Xiaoyao smacked her forehead. "Oh, that's right. Those two bastards from the Xie Clan angered my brains silly."

Everyone could only silently chuckle at the statement. Your Majesty, you've forced Xie Anyi and his wife onto a path of no return, and you still call your brains silly?

"Zhen will be the judge," Ning Xiaoyao was about to determine the happiness of Miss A'Xin for the rest of her life, so she reverted to using 'Zhen' again. "Née Qin divorces Xie Anyi and marries..." Ning Xiaoyao paused. Could she just say 'marry?' Just then, Elder Li had blabbed something about the six rites of marriage. The heck was that? Although she didn't understand it, it sounded pretty awesome.

When Supreme Commander Lou saw that Ning Xiaoyao had stuttered again, he stepped out and said quietly, "Née Qin will be given in marriage to Qin Xuan on account of his meritorious service. May the two of them ever hold the tray level with the brow[1. hold the tray level with the brow (举案齐眉) - juan qimei, a saying that means husband and wife will treat each other with courtesy and mutual respect.] and be together for a hundred years."

Ning Xiaoyao felt stifled, though she didn't blame Supreme Commander Lou for teaching her what to say. All she knew was 'marry,' but look at His Excellency Supreme Commander. There were on completely different levels when it came to the style and quality of prose!

"Say it, ah," Lou Zigui urged.

"Cough, cough," Ning Xiaoyao cleared her throat and recited, "Zhen gives née Qin in marriage to Qin Xuan on account of his meritorious service. May the two of them ever hold the tray level with the brow and be together for a hundred years." What the heck is 'hold the tray level with the brow?' Is the husband supposed to hold his tray up to his eyebrows everyday so the wife can see? Married couples sure have weird interests in this world. (Author: Why do you keep making wild guesses?)

Lou Zigui looked towards the gardens beyond the veranda, where Qin Xuan was currently standing, and spoke up. "Regional Commander Qin, why haven't you accepted the decree and thanked His Majesty yet?"

Qin Xuan's throat was choked with sobs. He knelt on the ground and shouted three times to Ning Xiaoyao, "Your subject Qin Xuan accepts the decree and expresses gratitude for the favor!"

Everyone was startled by Regional Commander Qin's sudden outburst. When did he show up? Then they all exchanged glances with each other. Wait, doesn't something feel off somewhere?

Elder Li prepared to speak up again, but Ning Xiaoyao had been keeping her eye on him. As soon as he opened his mouth, she cried, "Please, just let it go!"

"........." said Elder Li.

"Qin Xuan is the foster son of the Qin Clan." Even if Elder Li didn't speak, others would still talk. While Ning Xiaoyao was shutting up Elder Li, an official of the Ministry of Rites had already spoken.

Immediately, everyone realized what was the matter. No wonder the whole thing felt odd. Née Qin and Qin Xuan were technically siblings, so how could they marry each other?