Bai Han fell silent for a moment, but dared not say more. He agreed and withdrew with a bow.
Watching him walk away, Xiao An waved to Xiao Shunzi beside him, "Alright, you can withdraw too. I'll take a walk by myself."
Xiao Shunzi bowed and also retreated. After walking a considerable distance, he raised his head, wiped the sweat from his brow, and sighed again.
"Alas, the Emperor is becoming more stubborn."
Soon, Bai Han arrived at the Crown Prince's mansion. Upon seeing Xiao Jingyun, he clasped his fists.
"It was the Emperor's command that sent me. He heard you personally delivered a congratulatory gift to the Liu family and seemed rather displeased."
Xiao Jingyun was stunned for a moment before regaining his senses. He looked at Bai Han in surprise, "Did Father mention it was because of our status..."
Bai Han nodded. Since Xiao Jingyun already knew, there was no need to be so blunt.
However, even without Bai Han's bluntness, Xiao Jingyun let out a long sigh.
"If this continues, Father will lose the hearts of the people!"
After speaking, he waved to Bai Han, "I understand. Go back and tell Father that I will be more mindful in the future."
"Your Highness, the Emperor also said that in the future, for such matters, you should let the servants go, and you should not go personally."
Hearing this, Xiao Jingyun was speechless. There would be many weddings and funerals in the future, and his father's words had effectively sealed him off. If he sent others for such matters, wouldn't it seem unfeeling if he didn't personally attend to offer congratulations?
But for now, Xiao Jingyun did not intend to strain his relationship with his father. He still smiled and said, "Alright, I understand."
"By the way, Guard Bai, don't speak so directly to Father in the future."
Bai Han naturally understood the Crown Prince's meaning. He bowed and then turned to leave.
Watching Bai Han depart, Xiao Jingyun sat down, appearing somewhat dejected.
He suddenly felt his father had become a stranger, and rather stubborn, to the point of being inhumane.
Xiao Jingyun mentally reviewed the few old ministers. Liu Xiangnan had shaved his head and become a monk, Fang Zheng had returned to his hometown, and Feng Pengju, who had recently been exonerated, had also left the capital, ostensibly to return home, but clearly with little chance of returning.
Thinking of this, he let out a long sigh. They say having an elder at home is like having a treasure. If something else were to happen later, who would he consult?
Take the current situation, for instance. Zhou Quan had already gone out of the city and would soon bring back news about Zhu Meng. Whether it led to war or peace, he would need to face the test.
Waiting and waiting, the third watch had passed, and the city gates were closed, ushering in the curfew.
Zhou Quan had not yet returned, so there was little chance of his return today. Given Zhou Quan's usual cautious approach, it was unlikely he would travel overnight.
With this thought, Xiao Jingyun stood up and yawned, "It's time for bed!"
To Xiao Jingyun's surprise, the next day, he waited until late morning, and there was still no sign of Zhou Quan, which made him uneasy.
Based on the estimated time, six days of rapid travel would have been enough to go from Wugongling to Wannian City and back. Now, he hadn't even reached his destination, and the people sent to search had sent back no news.
Meanwhile, a thousand miles away, in Hetou Village, a different scene was unfolding.
Chen Xiaobei and Chen Xiaowen were going to Cui Dahe's house to propose marriage.
To enhance the atmosphere, Chen Xiaobei had specifically put on a new outfit.
Chen Xiaowen had even changed into a silk garment, appearing neat and tidy from head to toe. The carriage carried two large chests.
One chest contained silks and satins, while the other held chickens, ducks, fish, meat, and pastries, all carefully packed into wooden boxes.
Regardless of the monetary value of the contents, the two large chests alone exuded an air of grandeur.
Amidst the blessings of the onlookers, Chen Xiaobei drove the carriage with Chen Xiaowen towards Cui Jiazhuang.
Upon reaching the village entrance of Cui Jiazhuang, his future father-in-law, Cui Fugui, was already waiting. Seeing them arrive, he waved from a distance.
Seeing Cui Fugui there, Chen Xiaowen was slightly surprised and looked at Chen Xiaobei with a puzzled expression.
Chen Xiaobei smiled calmly, "I asked him to come. After all, I'm not very familiar with Cui Dahe."
Chen Xiaowen then understood and smiled as he stepped forward to bow to Cui Fugui, "Thank you, Uncle, for your help."
Cui Fugui waved his hand and then looked at Chen Xiaobei, "Let's go, let's go. I've already spoken to Dahe, and he's waiting at home."
The three of them chatted as they walked forward along the main street and then turned a corner, arriving in front of an ordinary farmhouse.
At first glance, the courtyard looked like any other common farmhouse. As he understood, Cui Dahe was from an ordinary family. However, his daughter, Mudan, was a renowned beauty in the surrounding villages, which had made the fellow a bit arrogant.
Chen Xiaobei followed his father-in-law through the gate.
He saw several tables set up in the courtyard, adorned with various bottles and jars.
It was still early before noon, yet the aroma of stewed chicken permeated the courtyard.
Watching the smoke curl from the kitchen, Chen Xiaobei couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. Having a beautiful daughter was indeed beneficial.
This chicken was likely a gift brought by a suitor.
Otherwise, ordinary families would only rarely stew a chicken, usually reserved for festivals.
Cui Fugui stood at the main gate and shouted inside, "Dahe, Dahe, brother."
With a creak of the door, a middle-aged man emerged from the north room. The man's face was flushed with color, and he even had a slight belly. In this era, this was not a physique common to ordinary families.
Seeing Cui Fugui arrive, Cui Dahe showed a degree of respect, clasping his fists repeatedly, "Ah, it's Brother Fugui! Please come in, please come in!" As he spoke, he turned to look at Chen Xiaobei.
"Ah, Magistrate Chen, your presence is an honor. We are truly sorry for not welcoming you sooner."
He then looked at Chen Xiaowen behind Chen Xiaobei and put on a demeanor of unfamiliarity.
No, perhaps for him, it was genuinely unfamiliar, as many suitors had come before.
"And who is this?"
Chen Xiaowen said shyly, "Uncle, I am Xiaowen, I..."
He was about to continue when Chen Xiaobei interrupted him.
Chen Xiaobei picked up the conversation, "Uncle, Xiaowen is here to propose," he said, gesturing towards the carriage and the two large wooden chests behind him.
"Xiaowen's family only has one carriage, and it can only carry these two chests. Next time, I'll bring you more." Soodan Novel Network
This statement carried two meanings: the carriage was a testament to Chen Xiaowen's family's status, which was a significant asset in this era. Furthermore, if the proposal went well this time, there would be more gifts in the future.
As he spoke, Chen Xiaobei beckoned Xiaowen forward. The two of them carried the first wooden chest down. It was opened right at the entrance, revealing it packed with silks and satins.
It looked full to the brim, but in reality, it was folded in half, meaning there wasn't that much.