Chapter 429: Back to Normal
Substitute Bride Phoenix, The Tyrant's Pampered Demon Empress
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Zuiying squinted. âEver since our parents passed away, we relied on begging for a few years. Later, I was fortunately taken to the imperial barracks where I trained tirelessly every day. However, I still have an older brother to take care of in the family, so even when I became a shadow guard, I could only be the lowest ranking shadow guard. It wasnât until that day when I met your Majesty, did I fortunately leap up to the second rank. Iâve endured so many years of hard work just to take care of my severely ill older brother. He is the person who I need to protect in life, so I understand what is true love.â
Han Moze glanced at Zuiying with a slight smile, but didnât say another word.
When the morning came, Han Moze dressed up from head to toe and headed to the morning proceedings in high spirits.
Zuiying stood hidden in a shady area to guard Han Moze.
In court, Han Moze arrived in perfectly normal conditions, shocking all the high officials.
Didnât they say that His Majesty was severely ill? That he had only a month to live? How had he suddenly made a recovery?
Han Moze ignored the astonished looks on the officialsâ faces and finished proceedings in his usual commanding manner.
After proceedings ended, Zuiying followed Han Moze back to the Dark Moon Palace.
To their surprise, they bumped into Xu Ziling, who immediately reached her arm out to stop Han Moze. âYour Majesty, big brother, I... I want to ask you to please bestow Zuiying to me, I beg you, please agree!â She cried with a pleading look on her face.
Zuiying immediately walked up to Han Moze and cupped his fist. âYour Majesty, please do not bestow me to Young Lady Xu, because she often thinks of ways to make life difficult for me. I simply harbor no good feelings for her.â
Han Moze glanced at Xu Ziling and flatly said, âZuiying doesnât want to go with you. I mustnât force others to do things against their will, so youâre best off leaving!â
All of a sudden, General Xu who stood not too far, drew closer. He was a man with a slender face, around fifty years old, and wore black full body armor. He had a black, short beard and sharp eyes that resembled a tiger. As he walked up to Han Moze, he cupped his fist and said, âGeneral Xu at your service, Your Majesty.â
A friendly smile instantly appeared on Han Mozeâs face. âGeneral Xu, no need for the formalities.â
General Xu straightened his back and shot a glance at Ziling, as he spoke to Han Moze. âYour Majesty, my daughter said that she has fallen for one of Your Majestyâs shadow guards named Zuiying. May I ask, where is he now?â
Zuiying tightly furrowed his sharp brows, then turned to General Xu with cupped fists. âGeneral Xu, I am Zuiying,â he replied.
General Xu nodded with some degree of satisfaction, then turned to Han Moze. âYour Majesty, Iâll be taking Zuiying now. I hope your Majesty permits it.â
Then, without waiting for Han Mozeâs approval, he turned to the dozens of shadow guards behind him and ordered, âMen, take Zuiying away!â
âYes, General!â Replied the shadow guards, then they quickly surrounded Zuiying.
Xu Ziling looked over at Zuiying with an unruly smile. Her father was His Majestyâs teacher. Even if he didnât show her some respect, he would show it to her father.
Han Moze clasped his hands together and said, âGeneral Xu, but...â
General Xu immediately glared at Han Moze. âYour Majesty, donât tell me that you wonât allow me to give orders to a shadow guard who signed a slave contract? He is fortunate for my daughter has set her eyes on him. He has no right to decline!â
Han Moze sighed and didnât say another word. He was right. Zuiying was just a shadow guard who had signed a slave contract. Although he was a second-ranked shadow guard, he was no different from a servant. He wasnât going to offend General Xu, the man who taught him for over ten years and helped him fight for his kingdom, over a servant.