In the magnificent Sunrise Hall, civil and military officials awaited the emperor's arrival for the morning court. It was an opportune time for the high-ranking officials to build relationships, except for Qi Wentian, who seemed like a recluse. He paid no attention to flattery or ill intentions from others.

"Congratulations, Your Highness," an elderly man with white hair spoke warmly to Qi Yuntian.

"Oh, I wonder what good news the Duke is referring to?" Qi Yuntian looked at the man in front of him gently, inwardly sneering. Does this old fox think I don't know what he's scheming?

"Ah~ Your Highness, your victory over the barbarians was a great success. Shouldn't I congratulate you?" Qi Yuntian smiled gently, his response neither light nor heavy. "The Duke should be congratulating the victorious general, not me."

"Everyone in the court knows that General Pujun is Your Highness's 'beloved general,'" the old man's smile was warm but didn't reach his eyes. The meaning in his words couldn't be any clearer, implying that Qi Yuntian used General Pujun's power as leverage to threaten the current emperor.

"You jest, Duke. I am cultivating talent for His Majesty. General Pujun is not my 'beloved general,'" Qi Yuntian replied naturally, his tone calm, answering Duke Yang Yan.

As the court officials witnessed the power struggle unfolding once again, they watched with a mix of curiosity and concern. One was the younger brother of the current emperor, while the other was the emperor's father-in-law. It was crucial for them to make a clear choice at this moment.

Yang Yan felt the need to back down for now, but he couldn't help but feel an unresolved anger. However, he couldn't display it openly, so he smiled but didn't respond and returned to his original position. Meanwhile, he was planning something he had long imagined, refusing to believe that he couldn't outmaneuver a naive young man. Hmph...

Among those under Qi Yuntian was the current Prime Minister, Hu Jiangling. He watched Qi Yuntian expertly deflect Duke Yang Yan's veiled arrows and couldn't help but feel relieved. It was heartening to see Yang Yan receive no benefits from his attempts.

"Your Highness, I am grateful for your efforts in the matter between General Pujun and me," Hu Jiangling smiled and joked with Qi Yuntian, clearly favoring him as a future son-in-law.

"Not at all, in the future, Prime Minister, you will have to take care of her more," Qi Yuntian responded with the same lukewarm attitude, but there was a hint of helplessness in his smile that others couldn't see.

"Morning court!" a eunuch's sharp voice finally called out. The officials in the court returned to their original positions respectfully, awaiting the appearance of the figure in a yellow robe on the Golden Phoenix Throne.

"Long live the Emperor!" The officials in the hall kneeled down one after another, showing the utmost respect to Qi Aotian, addressing him with respectful language. Only Qi Yuntian, standing at the side, didn't need to kneel. He only slightly bowed, following the proper etiquette between sovereign and subject.

After surveying the civil and military officials in the court, Qi Aotian noticed that General Pujun was absent from the grand hall. His eyebrows furrowed, wondering if this girl truly didn't take him seriously.

"Rise, all of you," Qi Aotian's dignified and resounding voice echoed throughout the hall.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," the officials stood up after paying their respects to the Emperor and awaited the discussions for the day.

"Report! General Wei Yi requests an audience with Your Majesty," a guard outside the hall loudly announced.

"Grant the audience," Qi Aotian raised his eyebrows. He wondered what kind of move she was making but still allowed her to enter the hall.

"I, General Pujun, pay my respects to Your Majesty," as General Pujun entered the grand hall, she immediately knelt down on one knee and respectfully saluted Qi Aotian, her voice lowered using internal force. Her deep and hoarse voice resembled that of a man's, and if it weren't for the incident where Qi Aotian discovered her true identity, it would be difficult to believe that such a mighty general was actually a woman.

"Rise, General," Qi Aotian's expression remained stern as he looked at General Pujun, clearly displeased.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," General Pujun rose and returned to her position on the right side, choosing not to mention the outcome of the battle.

"General Pujun, why do you not mention your victorious return from defeating the barbarians?" Qi Aotian's voice carried a hint of rebuke, clearly dissatisfied with General Pujun's performance that day.

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"Reporting to Your Majesty, although we achieved a great victory over the northern barbarians, our army suffered heavy casualties. Therefore, I believe there is no merit for me to claim," General Pujun's expression was calm, but her words pricked at the heart.

"General, you shouldn't say that. The victory over the barbarians today was achieved thanks to the generals leading the three armies. I will certainly reward their merits," Qi Aotian understood in his heart. General Pujun didn't enjoy war; she treated her soldiers as if they were her own family. Yet, she had been mobilized to the north to suppress the situation in order to demonstrate national strength. The conflict between the two sides resulted in unfortunate casualties. In the end, Qi Aotian had no choice but to command General Pujun to lead the troops to resist the enemy. Perhaps General Pujun blamed herself for participating in a war that didn't need to happen.

"General, it concerns the dignity of our nation. Does the general have any dissatisfaction with the Emperor's decision at the time?" Yang Yan, who was standing on the side, took the opportunity to challenge General Pujun.

"Duke, I have no dissatisfaction with His Majesty's wise decision. I wonder what Duke intends to imply?" General Pujun turned the question back to Yang Yan.

"You...," "Enough, both of you should stop," Qi Aotian intervened in the brewing conflict, putting an end to the argument. Regarding his father-in-law, Qi Aotian understood his intentions. If not for his late father's decree and Yang Yan's status in the court, how could he have married his daughter?

"Your Majesty, I have something to report," Qi Yuntian suddenly spoke, interrupting Qi Aotian's contemplation. At the same time, General Pujun's face turned pale as she glared fiercely at him. He received a harsh look but remained silent, merely smiling faintly.

"Speak," Qi Aotian actually knew what he was going to say. However, he couldn't help feeling some resentment. Why did he have to make it so difficult? Didn't he consider General Pujun's feelings?

"Your Majesty, General Wei Yi has reached a marriageable age. After discussing with Prime Minister Hu, I have arranged a marriage for General Wei Yi, and the Prime Minister also fully approves," Qi Yuntian stated, and Prime Minister Hu Jiangling added, "Your Majesty, please grant the marriage for my daughter."

Qi Aotian glanced deeply at Qi Yuntian and then at General Pujun, who stood tall with her back straight, bowing her head and remaining silent. In a deep and powerful voice, he said, "Granted."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Hu Jiangling immediately knelt down to express his gratitude for the imperial favor, while General Pujun saw everything unfolding according to her master's plan, her face turning livid. She gave him a fierce glare and remained silent. Qi Yuntian simply smiled slightly.

"Your Majesty, I also have something to report," Yang Yan saw that his daughter had been promised to General Pujun and conceived a plan.

"What is it, Duke?" Qi Aotian asked, hoping it wasn't about revealing General Pujun's true gender.

"The late Emperor arranged a marriage between Your Majesty and the Duke's daughter several years ago. Now that she has come of age, I wonder if Your Majesty can agree to both marriages," Yang Yan's old eyes gleamed with calculating light.

"If it was the late Emperor's decree, then I grant it," Qi Aotian understood Yang Yan's calculations. Bound by his father's decree, going against it would be unfilial.

"Yuntian, General Pujun, step forward and listen to the decree. Today, I grant both of you marriage. I decree that you will be married on the third day of next month," Qi Aotian solemnly proclaimed.

"We accept the decree," General Pujun and Qi Yuntian simultaneously expressed their agreement.

"General Pujun shall be granted the title of Marquis of the North, along with ten thousand taels of gold and one thousand bolts of brocade," Qi Aotian intentionally bestowed another title on General Pujun, intending to prevent her from going to the battlefield again. He didn't want to worry about her every day and night.

"I accept the rewards, but I decline the title," General Pujun's words shocked the officials, who didn't understand her lack of gratitude. They secretly cursed her for being arrogant despite being favored.

"Could General explain the reason for declining?" Qi Aotian remained calm, wanting to hear General Pujun's reason for rejecting the title.

"Through this battle, the credit does not belong to General Pujun. Hence, I dare not accept the title," General Pujun knew his intentions. She didn't want to lead troops anymore, as it would only bring harm to the court and no benefits.

"According to your words, there is someone else who deserves more credit than you," Qi Aotian narrowed his eyes as he looked at General Pujun, trying to see through her with his gaze.

"Yes, Your Majesty. That person is waiting outside the hall," General Pujun seemed to have known it would turn out this way and had Yuan Zhigang waiting outside.

"Hold on! Your Majesty's position is of utmost importance. How can you see someone who is nobody?" Yang Yan took the opportunity to intervene, speaking with lofty words, but in reality, he didn't want to let the other side gain more power.

"Duke, I have recommended talents for the court. Duke, do you have any dissatisfaction with the court or...?" General Pujun countered sharply, not letting Duke Yang Yan have the upper hand.

"You...," "Enough, both of you should stop," Qi Aotian intervened, putting an end to the potential conflict. He didn't want to see his future son-in-law being bullied by Yang Yan, and at the same time, he wanted Yang Yan to know that he wasn't afraid of him, but rather disliked him. It was only because of his father's decree and Yang Yan's position in the court that he had married his daughter to him.

"Your Majesty, I believe that General Pujun's words are right. If there is a talented person, Your Majesty should meet them. It would be a blessing for our court," Prime Minister Hu Jiangling supported General Pujun, standing up for her against Yang Yan's obstruction. He also wanted Yang Yan to realize that he wasn't afraid of him and that he was not fit to contend with him.

"Hmph..." Yang Yan, seeing Hu Jiangling also siding with General Pujun, could only coldly snort and keep silent.