Liu Rumei shook her head, "Of course, we need to buy some, but we also need to buy more coarse cloth. We can't wear these when we go to the village to work."
Xiao Qing looked at Liu Rumei in surprise, "Miss, you're not really going to marry him, are you? Didn't Chen Xiaobei say it was just for show?"
Liu Rumei looked at Xiao Qing, "Since I'm going, I'll truly live with Brother Xiaobei."
"Although I, Liu Rumei, am not a seven-foot-tall man, my words are my bond. Although the Emperor bestowed this marriage upon me, I count myself fortunate in this life to marry Chen Xiaobei."
"Moreover, if it weren't to save us, why would Chen Xiaobei have set up the altar? If he hadn't set up the altar, how would Huang Ying have gotten into trouble? So Huang Ying died saving us, and I will take care of Chen Xiaobei in her stead."
Xiao Qing looked at Liu Rumei speaking with passionate fervor, yet a nameless worry arose in her heart.
Could Liu Rumei endure the hardships of a mountain village?
But clearly, these were no longer questions she was considering.
After lunch, the entire Liu family mobilized and began to purchase goods in the capital on a grand scale.
Liu Rumei, accompanied by Xiao Qing, visited shop after shop, browsing through nearly every rouge and powder store on the street.
Soon, the news of Liu Rumei's impending marriage spread far and wide.
By evening, the news had reached Xiao Jingyun's ears.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingyun felt a pang of sadness.
He sighed deeply. Sudanan novel network
"It is my Xiao family's fault for wronging the Liu family. Once I ascend the throne, I will surely vindicate Lord Liu."
He then looked at his captain of the guards, Zhou Quan, "Go to the treasury and select a few decent items. I will personally deliver them tomorrow."
Zhou Quan acknowledged with a hum and turned to leave. Soon, he returned.
"Your Highness, we've received a letter from Wugong Ridge in Qingniu County, inquiring if the people they sent have arrived."
Xiao Jingyun frowned.
"When did Wugong Ridge send people?"
"Your Highness, don't you remember? A few days ago, we received a letter stating that Her Highness the Princess had captured two spies from the Great Lin Kingdom and had the latest news of Zhu Meng. The Princess killed one and sent the other with someone to the capital."
Xiao Jingyun then slapped the table.
"Yes, now that you mention it, I do recall."
"It's been at least five or six days."
Zhou Quan nodded, "Indeed, at least six days. Calculating the journey, even if they left in the morning and stayed at inns at night, they should have arrived by now."
Xiao Jingyun nodded, "This person is extremely important. You must immediately lead men to meet them along the way and ensure their safe return."
"Then, Your Highness, for Miss Liu..." Zhou Quan started to speak, then stopped. Xiao Jingyun waved his hand.
"I'll handle this myself." Xiao Jingyun said, waving his hand, and then stood up.
Zhou Quan bowed respectfully and withdrew.
By evening, Xiao Jingyun had arrived at Liu Rumei's doorstep with his entourage.
Liu Rumei and Liu Yuanwen had been waiting at the door for a long time. Seeing Xiao Jingyun arrive, they quickly stepped forward, intending to kneel. Xiao Jingyun stepped forward and steadied their arms.
"Alright, you two need not be so formal. We are old acquaintances, let's dispense with the formalities."
Liu Rumei and Liu Yuanwen respectfully stepped aside, inviting Xiao Jingyun to enter first. They led him to the reception hall and ordered tea to be served.
Xiao Jingyun waved his hand, "No need for tea. I'll be leaving shortly. Calculating the days, Brother Xiaobei should be coming to welcome the bride soon. These are just a small token of my regard."
As he spoke, Xiao Jingyun gestured, and a young eunuch stepped forward, handing a gift list to Liu Yuanwen.
Liu Yuanwen accepted it with both hands, placing it on the table without looking. He then stood up and bowed again to Xiao Jingyun, "Thank you, Your Highness, for your concern. My sister's marriage is a small matter, and it is truly inexcusable for it to have disturbed Your Highness."
Xiao Jingyun waved his hand, "The Liu family has rendered meritorious service to my Great Cang Dynasty. Rumei has also fought alongside me. I believe these are not excessive. Tomorrow, I will report to His Majesty and request further rewards."
Hearing this, Liu Rumei quickly stood and bowed to Xiao Jingyun, "Your Highness, this absolutely cannot be done. His Majesty is occupied with state affairs; how can we trouble him with such trivial matters?"
"It is no matter, no matter. My father specifically told me that he would bestow gifts upon your marriage, to not let the old Marquis's lifelong service to the country go unrewarded."
Liu Yuanwen and Liu Rumei thanked him again. After a few more words, Xiao Jingyun rose to leave.
They escorted Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun a considerable distance to the main gate, and only after watching him turn the corner did Liu Yuanwen's smile fade.
Then, he let out a cold snort, "Why pretend? Our father has become a monk, yet he comes here today saying such things."
Liu Rumei also sighed softly, "Brother, there is no need to dwell on these matters now. After I am married, if you wish, you could dispose of the family property here and leave the capital."
Liu Yuanwen shook his head, "No, I will not go. I will stay here. If Father decides to return to secular life one day, I can be there to welcome him."
Liu Rumei looked at her brother, unsure whether to admire or pity him.
She admired her brother's persistence, yet felt a touch of pity for him. What awaited him by staying, she did not know. Perhaps only their father could persuade him, but seeing their father was harder than ascending to heaven.
Meanwhile, in the imperial palace, after dinner, Xiao An strolled in the imperial garden with Xiao Shunzi.
Although it was early winter, it was not yet too cold, so a little activity after dinner was relatively comfortable.
Xiao An walked ahead, with Xiao Shunzi by his side reporting various overheard news. At this time, recounting strange anecdotes beyond national affairs was a way to entertain the Emperor.
As they talked, they heard hurried footsteps. Bai Han rushed over.
"Your Majesty, news has just arrived from outside. Liu Rumei has been vigorously purchasing supplies, and the Crown Prince also visited Liu Rumei to present a congratulatory gift before dinner."
Upon hearing this, Xiao An frowned, "You mean Jingyun went personally?"
Bai Han nodded, "Reporting to Your Majesty, that is correct."
Xiao An sighed, "This Jingyun, he has no patience. As Crown Prince, how could he personally deliver it?"
"Your Majesty, shall I speak to the Crown Prince..." Bai Han responded.
Xiao An nodded, "Indeed, you must tell him the rules. In the future, when sending gifts, one must consider the recipient's status."
"The Liu family is now merely commoners. How can the dignified Crown Prince, who oversees the nation, personally visit to offer congratulations? Sending someone to deliver it would already be a great favor."