Chen Xiaobei was secretly delighted at these words. The Crown Prince's wedding gift was more valuable than ten thousand taels of gold.
Seizing the moment, he said, "Uncle, since you've said the word, why don't we have our village elder formally propose tomorrow? That will settle the matter."
Cui Fugui readily agreed. "Yes, yes. Let's get this happy event over with while the weather's not too cold. It would be too much of an ordeal to have a wedding banquet in the dead of winter."
With that, the three of them burst into laughter.
Having settled the matter with ease, Chen Xiaobei returned to Hetou Village and went straight to the Old Ancestor. This was a major event, and proposing marriage required someone of high standing in the clan. The Old Ancestor was, of course, the most suitable candidate.
Upon meeting him and explaining his intentions, the Old Ancestor's beard practically bristled with joy.
"Good, good. I never imagined such a beauty from ten miles around would end up with little Wen. Good deeds are rewarded!"
Chen Xiaobei almost burst out laughing at the words, but then he thought about it and realized it was true. Chen Xiaowen was indeed a good person.
Returning to his own home, Chen Xiaobei briefly explained the situation to Cui Hongyu.
Cui Hongyu was naturally overjoyed. "Brother Xiaobei, I'll gather everyone to help with the preparations. You don't need to worry about it. You should get ready to go to Wannian City."
Chen Xiaobei nodded. "Yes, the date is approaching. I really must go."
"Right, you should also go and ask Brother Fang Jun more about this. He understands these matters better."
Chen Xiaobei nodded; that was indeed true.
Fang Jun was a descendant of Fang Zheng and had certainly seen his share of the world, so he would know more.
As it grew dark, Chen Qiao'er and a few of her friends returned, chattering and laughing. Seeing Chen Xiaobei, Qiao'er ran up swiftly and hugged his leg, saying with a smile, "Brother, brother! Today the teacher taught us a poem. I'll recite it for you later."
Chen Xiaobei nodded and gently patted her small head. "Okay, okay. You can recite it to me later. I have to go out now."
Cui Hongyu quickly called out to Chen Qiao'er, "Qiao'er, Qiao'er, come here. Your brother is busy with something."
Chen Qiao'er was obedient and immediately ran to Cui Hongyu's side, taking her hand. Chen Xiaobei hurried towards the school.
There were too many people at dinner, and it wasn't convenient to discuss certain things. It was better to go now and ask Fang Jun for clarification.
At this time, Fang Jun was still tidying up at the school. After teaching the children, he still had to organize the day's lessons and meticulously complete the children's homework.
Seeing Fang Jun writing diligently on the blackboard in the classroom, Chen Xiaobei felt a pang of emotion. He waited until Fang Jun finished before gently knocking twice on the door.
Hearing the sound, Fang Jun turned around. Seeing that it was Chen Xiaobei, he looked very excited. He quickly put down the chalk and strode out to meet him.
"Brother Xiaobei, why have you come?"
Chen Xiaobei rubbed his nose.
"I have something I'd like to ask your advice on."
"Brother Xiaobei, there's no need to be so polite. Ask whatever you need to, and I'll tell you everything I know."
Chen Xiaobei looked around, feeling a little embarrassed. "It's like this: in a few days, I have to go and marry Miss Liu Rumei according to the Emperor's arrangement. I'd like to ask you first what the customs are. What should I prepare?"
Hearing this question, Fang Jun was slightly taken aback. Then he scratched his head.
"Normally, when the Emperor bestows a marriage, the first thing is the imperial edict. Someone will carry the edict at the very front, and you'll follow behind with plenty of betrothal gifts."
Chen Xiaobei nodded at this. That rule was easy enough to understand. I'm coming to escort the bride by imperial decree, so of course the edict should be carried first. But I only received a verbal instruction.
"I don't have an imperial edict, only a verbal command. What should I do?"
This stumped Fang Jun. He scratched his head.
"In that case, I don't know." Then he slapped his forehead.
"Right, why don't you go and ask the Princess yourself? Let her give you some advice. If there's anything you do wrong, you can say you were acting on the Princess's orders. If the Emperor blames you, it won't be your fault."
Hearing this, Chen Xiaobei gave Fang Jun a silent thumbs-up.
This idea from Fang Jun was truly brilliant.
It made sense. Even if he did something wrong, if he was acting on the Princess's orders, then her father, the Emperor, couldn't do anything to him, let alone punish his daughter because of it.
Thinking of this, he beamed and cupped his fists towards Fang Jun. "Thank you for your guidance. Tomorrow morning, I will go and seek the Princess's counsel."
As they spoke, they returned to Chen Xiaobei's new home to prepare for dinner. The focus of everyone's discussion that evening was Chen Xiaowen.
Everyone gathered around Chen Xiaowen, discussing him enthusiastically.
Facing the congratulations and discussions from everyone, Chen Xiaowen simply poured himself a cup of wine, stood up, and said to those present, "My brothers and sisters, elders, tomorrow I, Chen Xiaowen, will go and propose. The result I have today is all thanks to Brother Xiaobei's help."
Hearing this, everyone raised their cups and smiled at Chen Xiaobei again. Chen Xiaobei waved his hand, indicating for them to listen to what Xiaowen had to say next.
Chen Xiaowen raised his wine glass again and said loudly, "Everyone, my tolerance for alcohol is limited. Tonight, I will use this cup to thank everyone for their help. When I get married, you can all eat and drink to your heart's content."
At his words, the crowd erupted in cheers.
"Great, great! We're all waiting to drink your wedding wine."
"Exactly, exactly! On that day, I must get thoroughly drunk."
Amidst the cheers, Chen Xiaowen unhesitatingly raised his glass and drank it dry.
Everyone cheered loudly and then raised their own glasses and drank.
Looking at the lively scene, Chen Xiaobei and Cui Hongyu exchanged a glance.
Although they were happy for the situation, they also knew that thoughts of Huang Ying still brought endless sadness. Cui Hongyu said softly, "Husband, if you don't want to drink, you can go back and rest early."
Chen Xiaobei nodded. After eating a couple of bites, he put down his chopsticks and left the house.
Outside, Chen Xiaobei thought for a moment and headed straight for the village entrance.
A large bonfire was lit at the village entrance, and two village guards were patrolling. Chen Xiaobei waved to them.
"I'll take over your watch here. You can go back and have something to eat."
The two village guards looked very excited but refused. "No need, no need. It's almost time to change shifts. We'll eat after we get off duty."
Chen Xiaobei's face darkened. "Alright, alright, you can go back. I'm here."
The two exchanged glances again, handed their swords to Chen Xiaobei, and then turned to leave.