Xiao Jingyun looked at his father with a trace of deep worry in his eyes. He could see the problem but had no solution, which was what concerned him most.
At this moment, Xiao An paced back and forth with his hands behind his back. After a long while, he looked up and asked, "Have you inquired with the Military Supplies Department? How much provisions can we still prepare? Winter is approaching, and we cannot let the soldiers go hungry or freeze."
Xiao Jingyun clasped his fists. "Your Majesty, please rest assured. I have already ordered Tian Wenhao to compile the military supplies. The quantities will be reported soon."
Hearing this, Xiao An nodded approvingly. "Good. You have thought of this before me. Dispatch troops to the border defense as soon as possible. If we can subdue the enemy without fighting, that would be best."
"Your Majesty is absolutely right. I will hurry to dispatch more troops to the border."
After speaking, Xiao Jingyun bowed his clasped fists.
"Your Majesty, I have come today to request a Shang Fang Bao Jian. I wish to depart for Jizhou tomorrow."
Upon hearing his words, Xiao An was stunned for a moment, his eyes widening in surprise as he looked at Xiao Jingyun.
"You are the Crown Prince, my only son. Why would a Crown Prince constantly go to the border?"
"I can give you the Shang Fang Bao Jian, but you are not permitted to leave the capital by even half a step."
After saying this, he turned to look at Xiao Shunzi beside him. Xiao Shunzi immediately stepped forward and disappeared into the inner room, emerging with a treasure sword.
Xiao An looked at the Shang Fang Bao Jian with sincere words. "Remember, you can send anyone, but you, you must not leave Wannan City."
Xiao Jingyun bowed again in agreement, then took the sword with both hands and retreated.
Watching Xiao Jingyun leave, Xiao An turned to Bai Han and said, "If you can't divide it, you can't sustain the city's affairs, especially Jingyun."
Bai Han understood the Emperor's concerns. Princess Zhaoning had already left Wannan City in a huff. If Xiao Jingyun were to rush to the front lines and something were to happen to him, who would the empire of Da Cang pass to? At that point, Xiao An would truly weep without tears.
Fortunately, after lunch, good news arrived. Chen Xiaobei emerged from the homeowner's residence with a group of people.
Many in this group were temporary laborers hired from the streets. But as long as the numbers were sufficient, the atmosphere would be there.
Two old retainers from the Fang Zheng mansion walked at the forefront, beating gongs and shouting, "Chen Xiaobei, by imperial decree, is to marry Miss Liu Rumei."
"Chen Xiaobei, by imperial decree, is to marry Miss Liu Rumei."
As they shouted, people behind them continuously scattered peanuts and dried fruits to the onlookers. With these incentives, the commoners became even more enthusiastic, some even following the wedding procession simply to get a few extra treats.
With the crowd stirring up excitement, Yang Chun quickly directed the musicians to begin playing.
Instantly, gongs and drums blared. There were no firecrackers at this time, so the gongs and drums were the height of the festivities.
According to plan, to further enhance the atmosphere, the procession first circled Wannan City for half a lap before heading to the main gate of the Liu family.
Even before the wedding procession arrived, the entrance to the Liu family's residence was already packed tightly.
As the commoners saw Chen Xiaobei arrive, they let out cheers. Of course, amidst the cheers, some also sighed.
"Alas, who would have thought Marquis Liu, who spent his life in battle, would end up in such a state."
"Indeed. Miss Liu has both looks and skill, and her talent is first-class, yet she is marrying such a rustic bumpkin."
"Who says not? Look at Chen Xiaobei, he's ordinary in appearance. Compared to the Crown Prince, or even just any prince from a royal mansion, he's much inferior."
"Enough. You've said too much. What do you know? This is an imperial arranged marriage. To receive such a decree, Chen Xiaobei must have some extraordinary qualities."
At this moment, Chen Xiaobei had no time to listen to the public's murmurs.
He had already entered the Liu mansion with a large red flower pinned to his chest. Upon entering, Liu Yuanwen was already waiting and courteously led Chen Xiaobei into the main hall.
Although the Liu residence was decorated festively, it was ultimately only Liu Yuanwen, the elder brother, and a few retainers, so it felt somewhat deserted.
Seeing Chen Xiaobei arrive, Liu Kai stepped forward and clasped his fists, saying, "Son-in-law, I am merely a steward, but I watched Miss grow up. Since the Marquis is not home, I will take it upon myself to give you a few words of advice."
"My lady has never suffered any grievances since she was young, so her temper is naturally a bit unruly. If there are any improprieties after the marriage, I beg you, son-in-law, to be more tolerant."
Chen Xiaobei smiled and clasped his fists. "Old sir, please rest assured. Rumei and I are like siblings. This marriage is merely to avoid attention. After a few years, when this matter passes, if Rumei wishes to go anywhere, I will not stop her."
At this point, Liu Yuanwu, who was beside them, interjected, "No, that cannot be said. To put it bluntly, a wife follows her husband. Once married, she is married. How can it be a pretense?"
Chen Xiaobei was somewhat surprised by such words spoken so suddenly. From these few sentences, it was not difficult to see that Liu Yuanwen, at heart, still looked down on him.
Liu Kai beside him also added, "This is also the Marquis's wish."
"Son-in-law, please do not fail the Marquis's kind intentions."
Chen Xiaobei knew that bringing up the so-called Marquis Liu Xiangnan at this moment was merely to emphasize the importance of these words to him.
However, he had to discuss such matters with Liu Rumei first.
Thinking of this, he bowed again to Liu Yuanwen. "Elder brother, we will discuss this matter later. What other etiquette do we need to observe? Let us proceed..."
Liu Yuanwen waved his hand. "There are no other rituals. Everything is as I please. You may leave with Rumei later. Oh, and before noon tomorrow, do not forget to go to the imperial palace to thank His Majesty. He most likely will not see you, so do not be surprised."
Xiaobei nodded. In fact, Princess Zhaoning had mentioned this to him before coming. Now that Liu Yuanwen had said it again, it seemed highly probable.
"I have noted it all."
Liu Yuanwen waved his hand and said to Xiao Qing beside him, "Go, please invite the young lady."
Xiao Qing turned and left. After a short while, she returned supporting Liu Rumei, who was dressed in her wedding attire. Upon seeing Liu Rumei at this moment, Chen Xiaobei was also taken aback.
Today, Liu Rumei was clad in a bright red wedding dress. The word to describe her was "phoenix coronet and ceremonial robes."
Coupled with her exquisite makeup, her beautiful eyes sparkled, and her graceful smile captivated. She was a stunning beauty.
Having grown accustomed to Liu Rumei's spirited demeanor, seeing her transformed into a beauty that could topple cities was something Chen Xiaobei had yet to fully adjust to.
Seeing Chen Xiaobei staring at her in a daze, Liu Rumei rolled her eyes at him. "What's wrong, Brother Xiaobei? Don't you recognize me?"