Xiao An was equally stunned. He hadn't expected Chen Xiaobei, a commoner, to dare confront him directly. Su Dan Novel Network
Actually, Chen Xiaobei, as he walked away, felt a bit apprehensive.
He was gambling. He gambled that Xiao An wouldn't kill him, a civilian, in front of his own son and Fang Zheng. Doing so would make him appear petty and lacking in magnanimity as the Emperor.
Moreover, he believed that rescuing Liu Rumei was a shared goal of Xiao Jingyun and Fang Zheng. Therefore, if he were to be punished by the Emperor, they wouldn't stand by idly. This gave Chen Xiaobei the confidence to speak his mind.
At the same time, Chen Xiaobei had already made up his mind. Regardless of how this matter ended, he would escort Huang Ying's coffin back to Hetou Village with Cui Hongyu, severing all ties with the officials from then on.
One step, two steps. Just as Chen Xiaobei was about to exit the hall, Xiao An finally spoke.
"Chen Xiaobei, I can let Liu Rumei go, but you must agree to one condition."
Hearing this, Chen Xiaobei unconsciously stopped. Hadn't his objective been achieved?
Xiao Jingyun and Fang Zheng exchanged glances, unable to suppress their joy. They were also there to save Liu Rumei, and now that Xiao An had spoken, it was indeed a good opportunity.
Xiao An looked at their expectant gazes, then shifted his gaze to Chen Xiaobei in the distance.
Chen Xiaobei slowly turned around. He glanced at Xiao An, then walked back a couple of steps.
"As long as Your Majesty will release Miss Liu Rumei and her family, I am willing to go through fire and water."
A hint of a smile appeared on Xiao An's face. He nodded with a smile, "Chen Xiaobei, I respect you as a man of mettle. My condition requires neither fire nor water. I merely wish to bestow a good fortune upon you."
With that, he beckoned, "Come forward."
Seeing Xiao An's harmless smile, Chen Xiaobei felt a bit more at ease. It seemed Xiao An's condition wouldn't be overly harsh.
With this thought, he took a few steps forward.
Then, he bowed and said, "Your Majesty, please state your condition."
Xiao An looked at Chen Xiaobei, then turned to Fang Zheng and Xiao Jingyun. Only then did he say in a deep voice, "I am deeply saddened by the misfortune your wife has suffered. I find Liu Rumei to be dignified, beautiful, intelligent, and clever..."
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiaobei's heart sank. He had a bad premonition. Xiao Jingyun and Fang Zheng, however, were dumbfounded.
Xiao An's intentions were too obvious.
Before anyone could react, Xiao An blurted out.
"I decree a marriage between you, Chen Xiaobei, and Liu Rumei."
"As long as you agree to marry Liu Rumei, I will immediately release the Liu family."
Several thoughts flashed through Chen Xiaobei's mind like lightning. He had just promised to agree to any condition if Liu Rumei were released.
Moreover, even if the Emperor decreed a marriage between him and Liu Rumei, he could find an opportunity to divorce her later and they could go their separate ways. Wouldn't that be good?
His agreement to marry Liu Rumei would also provide Xiao An with a way out. They would both get what they needed.
Unexpectedly, Fang Zheng suddenly spoke, stepping forward and declaring in a clear voice, "Your Majesty, long live the Emperor, this absolutely cannot be!"
Xiao An seemed to have anticipated this. He looked at Fang Zheng and asked coldly, "Why not?"
Fang Zheng replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, Liu Xiangnan, Marquis Liu, is the Protector of the State, a first-rank Marquis. According to our dynasty's laws, his daughter should also be a fourth-rank夫人 (fūren - lady/wife of official rank)."
Xiao An had clearly prepared for this. He immediately responded, "Heh, this is simple. I will grant Chen Xiaobei the title of County Duke of the fourth rank, and Liu Rumei will naturally be a fourth-rank夫人. What is improper about this?"
Hearing this, Fang Zheng understood. This must have been planned by Xiao An for a long time, otherwise, he wouldn't have spoken so readily.
Xiao Jingyun also instantly understood. While it seemed like a decree of marriage for Chen Xiaobei, it was actually meant to humiliate and warn Liu Xiangnan.
Arranging for the daughter of the Protector of the State to marry a country bumpkin. On the surface, Chen Xiaobei was bestowed the title of County Duke of the fourth rank, but this was merely a temporary reward. Compared to established noble families, Chen Xiaobei was insignificant.
Fang Zheng was now speechless. At least Xiao An's words were reasonable. Furthermore, if Chen Xiaobei were indeed granted the title of County Duke of the fourth rank, there would be no issue of rank disparity, and Liu Rumei being a fourth-rank夫人 would be justified.
Fang Zheng had no choice but to bow again and then sit down. At this point, he fully understood that this was beyond his ability to prevent.
Xiao Jingyun, however, felt a sense of relief. He was fortunate that his father hadn't resorted to killing, leaving a way out for the Liu family and not chilling the hearts of the people of the world.
Of course, the key to this matter still lay with Chen Xiaobei. If Chen Xiaobei refused, everything would be in vain.
After a moment of hesitation, Chen Xiaobei clasped his fists in a salute and said loudly, "Replying to Your Majesty, thank you for your benevolence. However, my wife has just passed away, and I am truly not in the mood to remarry. I implore Your Majesty to understand my humble intentions."
Xiao Jingyun and Fang Zheng both showed expressions of surprise. Logically speaking, for the Emperor to decree a marriage between a Marquis's daughter and Chen Xiaobei was an immense honor.
But who would have thought that Chen Xiaobei would flatly refuse?
Of course, Chen Xiaobei had his own intentions for saying this.
It wasn't that he didn't want to save Liu Rumei. The most important point was that he didn't want to be too high-profile. He believed that with the Emperor decreeing a marriage, there would surely be grand preparations.
Coupled with the state funeral for Huang Ying this time.
With two such major events happening simultaneously and so publicly, Chen Xiaobei felt he couldn't handle it.
Fang Zheng, being an experienced official, immediately understood Chen Xiaobei's thoughts. He stood up again.
"Your Majesty, long live the Emperor, your humble servant has something to say!"
Xiao An raised his hand, signaling him to continue.
"Your Majesty, I believe that since a marriage is to be decreed with Liu Rumei, the state funeral for Chen Xiaobei's wife should be postponed. With two such grand events, Chen Xiaobei might draw criticism from the world."
Xiao Jingyun also quickly came to his senses and quickly added, "Yes, Father Emperor, to avoid all sorts of rumors and gossip!"
Xiao An nodded. He also understood Chen Xiaobei's meaning.
After a moment of thought, he looked at his son, Xiao Jingyun.
"Ah, in your opinion, should things be kept more low-key?"
Xiao Jingyun quickly gave his father an out, "Yes, in this extravagant era, the lower the profile, the better. After all, Chen Xiaobei is just a villager. Too much ostentation might lead to backlash."
Hearing Xiao Jingyun's words, Xiao An quickly seized the opportunity to extricate himself. He stroked his beard and nodded.
"Then, according to your suggestions, how should this matter be handled?"
Xiao Jingyun did not speak but turned to look at Chen Xiaobei, implying that he should ask Chen Xiaobei.
Xiao An naturally understood his son's meaning.