In the world of Chen Xiaobei's parents, there was only the grief of losing a son in middle age.
After the wedding ceremony, filled with various emotions, they proceeded to the bridal chamber. Xiao Qing, supporting Liu Rumei, stepped forward and placed Liu Rumei's arm into Chen Xiaobei's hand before stepping back.
On the other side, Yang Chun and Liu Yuanwen exchanged glances, then stood up to greet the guests and prepare for the banquet.
To save effort, Liu Yuanwen decided to hold the wedding banquet at their location, ensuring all matters would conclude that evening.
While the banquet preparations began in the courtyard, Chen Xiaobei and Liu Rumei sat facing each other in the bridal chamber.
Before Chen Xiaobei could make a move, Liu Rumei herself lifted the red veil.
Chen Xiaobei quickly said, "Don't rush, the auspicious hour hasn't arrived yet."
Liu Rumei smiled, "I'm not so particular. Brother Xiaobei, it's been a long time since we last met. Let's talk for a while."
"I've thought a lot about many things recently. Fame and fortune are external things."
"I want to return to Hetou Village with you and live a simple life. We don't need to think about anything else."
Chen Xiaobei couldn't understand why Liu Rumei's mindset had changed so drastically.
However, her words revealed a disgust and despair towards this world. Perhaps the Emperor's actions had completely chilled her heart.
"Rumei, you are different from me. After the Crown Prince's gathering, you must return and find a way to help the Marquis get justice."
Liu Rumei shook her head slightly, "What's the point? Even if justice is served, it's just an empty name. What good is it?"
"My Liu family has been loyal for generations. We may not have achieved unparalleled achievements for the Great Cang Kingdom, but at least we have a clear conscience. Yet, we ended up like this."
Hearing this, Chen Xiaobei knew he couldn't force the issue. The more he tried to persuade her, the more it would backfire.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door, followed by Xiao Qing's voice, "Master, it's time to come out and toast the guests."
Unexpectedly, Liu Rumei also stood up abruptly upon hearing this.
"Brother Xiaobei, I'll go with you."
Chen Xiaobei was startled. Based on the dramas he'd watched, the bride was supposed to wait obediently in the bridal chamber at this time.
It was unlike his previous life, where both husband and wife would go to toast the guests.
He quickly reconsidered. Since Liu Rumei no longer cared about worldly opinions, why should he? After all, he was a transmigrator, and he could do as he pleased.
When Chen Xiaobei stepped out and saw the crowd of guests filling the courtyard, he finally understood that Liu Rumei's decision to join him for the toasts was absolutely correct. He hardly recognized anyone among the dozens of tables.
After all, the attendees were representatives from various princely estates in the capital. Though they were mostly stewards or young lords, they represented the court.
To Chen Xiaobei, these individuals were no different from extras. But for Liu Rumei, she was somewhat familiar with them. Even with her elder brother present, her joining to offer a toast and exchange pleasantries with acquaintances seemed natural. The courtyard was suddenly lively and abuzz with conversation.
Naturally, the news of Liu Rumei's marriage was a hot topic in Wanniang City's Liu family that day, quickly climbing to the trending list.
After dinner, Xiao An, with his hands clasped behind his back, listened as Xiao Shunzi reported interesting anecdotes from the day, serving as conversation starters.
The conversation eventually turned to Liu Rumei and Chen Xiaobei.
"Your Majesty, I heard Chen Xiaobei spent two hundred taels of silver to rent the residence of the former Prime Minister Fang to host tonight's banquet."
Upon hearing this, Xiao An turned to look at Xiao Shunzi, a smile already evident in his eyes.
"Oh, Fang Zheng still charged for it?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. I heard it was two hundred taels. This news has already spread."
He chuckled heartily, "Fang Zheng really has a knack for this."
"However, it's understandable."
"He has returned to his hometown, and the mansion is empty anyway."
Xiao Shunzi quickly bowed, "Yes, Your Majesty. Perhaps it was just his family members acting on their own initiative."
Xiao An waved his hand.
"It doesn't matter who made the decision. As long as the people in the city know that Fang Zheng's residence accepted money, that's enough."
His smile deepened.
He not only wanted Fang Zheng gone but also to humiliate him. And this was the perfect opportunity.
Meanwhile, at Fang Zheng's residence, Liu Rumei's toasting was nearing its end. She was chatting and laughing with some young people when she saw Xiao Yatou stomping over, tugging at Chen Xiaobei's arm. "Brother Xiaobei, come here. I need to tell you something."
Chen Xiaobei, unsure who had dared to offend this little ancestor, could only gesture to Liu Rumei and follow the girl to the side.
Once they were in a corner, Xiao Yatou put her hands on her hips. "I kindly lent you our mansion for your wedding, and yet you've tarnished my grandfather's reputation by saying he took two hundred taels of silver from you. What is your intention?"
Chen Xiaobei spread his hands. "This, this wasn't my idea. Rumei arranged for me to say that. You'll have to ask her why."
"Fine, stop pretending. It's all over the town now that you paid my family two hundred taels of silver. When did I ever accept a single copper from you?"
Chen Xiaobei knew that if he didn't get Liu Rumei involved now, he wouldn't be able to explain himself.
"Little Yatou, don't be upset. How about you wait in that room over there? I'll bring Rumei over, and she can explain it to you herself."
Although unwilling, Xiao Yatou complied and walked towards the adjacent room.
Chen Xiaobei quickly turned to find Liu Rumei.
He explained the situation to Liu Rumei, who nodded. "This is my fault for not explaining to Xiao Yatou earlier. I'll go and talk to her now."
Liu Rumei walked quickly to the room. Seeing Xiao Yatou sitting there, looking at her indignantly, she smiled and approached.
"Little Yatou, don't be angry. This matter, it was I who had people spread the news."
"Sister, isn't this going too far? My family doesn't lack that two hundred taels of silver."
"I know, Little Yatou. Listen to me. I did this to protect your grandfather, to protect everyone."
"Your grandfather served as an official for many years and had many students in the court. Although he is no longer the Prime Minister, people still come to him for advice on major or minor matters, don't they?"
Hearing this, Xiao Yatou beamed with pride. "Of course! My grandfather is the pillar of stability for our Great Cang Kingdom. Many students come to him with difficult decisions."
Liu Rumei looked at Xiao Yatou and sighed softly. "This is precisely what the Emperor fears."