Chen Xiaobei was relieved. Xiao An had agreed, needing only a way to step down.
Chen Xiaobei cupped his fists and said, "Your Majesty, this matter is simple enough. We can announce to the public that several more gangs are still at large in Duobang, and they will all be executed together once they are captured."
After a moment of thought, Xiao An nodded slightly. "Alright, then detain him for now and imprison him in the Heavenly Prison. We'll deal with him later. Oh, and from now on, you handle these matters as you see fit."
Xiao An glanced at Liu Xiangnan, who immediately understood the implication and bowed. "Your humble servant obeys."
Leaving the imperial palace, Liu Xiangnan shook his head slightly, followed by a long sigh. "Alas."
Chen Xiaobei understood his sigh. Emperor Xiao An had been very dispressed earlier, even delegating such matters to Liu Xiangnan.
It was evident that Xiao Jingyun's death had dealt a heavy blow to Xiao An, leaving him utterly demoralized.
Thinking of this, Chen Xiaobei couldn't help but worry. Even if Princess Zhaoning managed state affairs, Xiao An's grasp of the overall situation was crucial. In his current state, Xiao An likely wouldn't live much longer.
What surprised Chen Xiaobei even more was that as soon as the father and son-in-law returned to the Liu residence, they saw Liu Kai rushing to greet them. He cupped his fists at Chen Xiaobei and said, "Brother-in-law, the Princess has arrived and has been waiting for you in her chambers for a long time."
Chen Xiaobei felt a pang of awkwardness. Princess Zhaoning was truly bold, coming to the Liu residence to find him, especially in front of his father-in-law, Liu Xiangnan. It was indeed a bit embarrassing.
However, there was no use dwelling on such thoughts now that the princess had arrived. Chen Xiaobei bowed slightly to Liu Xiangnan, then turned and headed towards his own room.
Upon entering the room, he found Princess Zhaoning pacing back and forth, her face etched with worry.
The two maids, Chunhua and Qiuyue, stood by with anxious expressions.
As soon as Princess Zhaoning saw Chen Xiaobei, she rushed forward and took his hand.
"Husband, you've finally arrived."
This address brought a hint of warmth to Chen Xiaobei. He believed that this word, "husband," was spoken by Princess Zhaoning from the bottom of her heart.
This was enough to show that Princess Zhaoning had accepted him as her husband from within.
Chunhua and Qiuyue exchanged glances, then quickly withdrew, closing the door behind them, leaving only Princess Zhaoning and Chen Xiaobei in the room.
Chen Xiaobei gently placed a hand on Princess Zhaoning's shoulder and gave it a slight shake.
"Jingfeng, tell me slowly what's wrong. Don't rush!"
Princess Zhaoning nodded. "Early this morning, my father sent someone to inform me that I am to temporarily manage state affairs. I am just a woman, how can I possibly handle such matters?"
So that was it. Chen Xiaobei let out a long sigh of relief.
"Jingfeng, the Emperor clearly stated that you are only acting as regent for now. The Emperor is still there, isn't he? If you encounter anything you can't resolve, just ask the Emperor."
Princess Zhaoning shook her head again. "That's what he said, but I can't possibly run to the Emperor for every little thing. If I sit there and can't resolve anything, won't I look like a fool? Oh, the thought of it makes me anxious."
Chen Xiaobei understood Princess Zhaoning's feelings. After all, she was just an inexperienced young woman with no prior work experience. Suddenly thrust into managing state affairs would be incredibly difficult.
"Jingfeng, this matter isn't that difficult. When you first start acting as regent, you can listen more to Fang Zheng and your father, Liu Xiangnan's, opinions."
"Also, on the days you hold court, you can have Fang Zheng and Liu Xiangnan brief everyone beforehand. After the ceremonies, you can dismiss the court and discuss matters slowly in the Imperial Study."
Princess Zhaoning nodded. "Yes, your method is good. By the way, my father also said that the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince's residence, will be renovated soon, and I am to move in. Don't bother with your驸马府 anymore; just move in with me."
Chen Xiaobei hesitated upon hearing this. Logically, after he finished building the 驸马府, he should be the one to bring the princess there.
However, Xiao An had his own considerations. The Crown Prince's residence was now empty, and letting Princess Zhaoning move in would signify her status as the heir apparent.
From this perspective, Xiao An's thinking was not problematic.
The issue was that it put Chen Xiaobei in an awkward position.
If he were to move into the Eastern Palace, then Liu Rumei naturally couldn't accompany him. Not living with Liu Rumei, would that make Liu Xiangnan and the Liu family think he was fickle, abandoning the old for the new and climbing the social ladder?
Thinking of Liu Rumei, Chen Xiaobei also recalled another person: Cui Hongyu, his wife of record, who was far away at the foot of Qingniu Mountain, in Hetou Village.
Thousands of miles away, at the foot of Qingniu Mountain.
Hetou Village was beginning to feel a festive atmosphere, as the most important festival of the year was fast approaching.
It was the New Year.
The capital, due to the national mourning for the Crown Prince, naturally dared not celebrate. But in this small mountain village, thousands of miles away, everyone's faces were beaming with joy, radiating a happy atmosphere.
For Cui Hongyu, this was the happiest New Year she had experienced since childhood.
And for the entire village, thanks to Chen Xiaobei's appearance, their living conditions had improved greatly, and every household had some savings.
Therefore, as the end of the year approached, those who went into town to deliver goods were especially sought after. Chen Xiaowen received many order slips daily, on which the villagers wrote down items they hoped Chen Xiaowen would bring back from the city.
Early one morning, Liu Ziming and Liu Ziliang came to see Cui Hongyu. "Sister Hongyu, we have some good news for you."
Cui Hongyu's eyes lit up. "Good, tell me what the good news is."
"Our young lady has returned from the Great Tugu Kingdom. She recuperated in Shuozhou for a couple of days and is now on her way to Wannian City from Shuozhou."
Upon hearing this, Cui Hongyu was truly overjoyed. She couldn't help but clap her hands. "That's wonderful, wonderful!"
"Heaven bless us! I always said Miss Liu was destined for greatness and would be fine."
Liu Ziming nodded. "Yes, now you can rest assured and celebrate the New Year happily."
After smiling, Cui Hongyu looked at them. "By the way, can you send another message to the capital asking when my husband will return?"
Indeed, this was Cui Hongyu's first New Year since her marriage. Logically, Chen Xiaobei should at least spend the New Year with her.
At this moment, Fang Jun also came to see Cui Hongyu. It was only ten to twenty days until the New Year, and Fang Jun would also be giving the children their winter break.
Cui Hongyu supported Fang Jun's intention to leave Hetou Village and go to Xiao Family Town to find Feng Xiaoyue. It was almost the festival, and they should allow the couple to reunite.
Cui Hongyu took out a few silver ingots, wrapped them in a cloth bundle, and went to the schoolhouse.
Upon meeting, Fang Jun quickly stepped forward to bow. "Sister-in-law, why have you come in person?"
Cui Hongyu smiled and placed the bundle in her hand on the table. "This is your wages."