Shuang Han Shi Si Zhou

Chapter 717 Liu Rumei Has Returned

Fang Jun, however, waved his hand with a smile, "Sister-in-law, I'm here to help, no wages needed."

Cui Hongyu glared and put on a serious face, deliberately saying in a deep voice, "How can that be? We agreed on ten taels of silver, you can't have me go back on my word."

"Sister-in-law, I didn't come here to earn money. I just feel sorry for these children and hope they can study."

"How about this, I'll make a list, and you can take it to the county town to buy some books. You can use this money then."

Cui Hongyu was deeply moved. Fang Jun truly loved these children, but she couldn't let Fang Jun's kindness be in vain.

"Fang Jun, I know your intentions, but we must distinguish matters."

Fang Jun began to write the book list, and then smoothly changed the subject, "Sister-in-law, there's something I know I shouldn't say, but I still want to remind you."

"Brother Fang Jun, what is it? Just say it directly."

"Sister-in-law, Xiao Bei Ge has been in the capital for a long time and hasn't returned. Now, rumors say he's going to marry a princess."

When this matter was brought up, Cui Hongyu felt a pang of sadness. After all, no one wanted to see their husband marry one wife after another. He had just married Liu Rumei, and now he was to marry a princess.

"Sister-in-law, I don't mean anything else. It's just according to our dynasty's ancestral system, Xiao Bei Ge is not qualified to marry a princess. I'm worried there might be other problems. If something goes wrong, it could lead to the extermination of nine generations. By the way, my grandfather and Lord Feng left for Wannian City a few days ago."

Hearing this, Cui Hongyu's heart sank. Although she didn't understand the imperial family's rules well, she vaguely felt that Chen Xiaobei marrying Liu Rumei first and then marrying a princess sounded indeed incredible.

Cui Hongyu forced herself to remain calm and said to Fang Jun, "Brother, thank you. I'll go buy books for the children with this list."

Cui Hongyu walked out of the schoolhouse, but her heart was already uneasy, with Fang Jun's words echoing in her ears.

Now, she eagerly awaited news from Wannian City. Of course, if Chen Xiaobei could return for the New Year, she would have a good talk with him.

Thousands of miles away, in Wannian City.

Chen Xiaobei finally decided to move into the Princess's Consort's mansion. Staying here was more convenient than staying in an inn or the Liu family's residence, as the princess would likely visit him more often in the future.

Meanwhile, Princess Zhaoning began to preside over her first council meeting. Her first order of business was to summon Liu Xiangnan and Fang Zheng to discuss assigning Chen Xiaobei a position.

After listening to Princess Zhaoning's words, Fang Zheng bowed, "Your Highness, according to our dynasty's ancestral system,驸马 Chen should be a third-rank official. However, all the substantive positions of the third rank are filled, leaving only honorary ones."

Princess Zhaoning didn't care about these details. She nodded slightly, "Very well, honorary positions will suffice."

Fang Zheng glanced at Liu Xiangnan. Liu Xiangnan remained silent. After all, he had a familial relationship with Chen Xiaobei, and he couldn't speak on this matter.

Seeing this, Fang Zheng continued,

"Your Highness, Chen Fuma can be appointed as a third-rank Attendant Officer."

Attendant, in simple terms, was like a substitute or a reserve. When a vacancy occurred, you would fill it. Of course, the new appointee could choose not to take it and a new person could be appointed directly. However, the greatest benefit of being an Attendant was enjoying the salary and treatment of a third-rank official without having to exert any effort.

Princess Zhaoning didn't understand these intricacies. An Attendant was an Attendant. As long as there was a salary, and it was already third rank, promotion could come later. Su Dan Novel Network.

"Alright, then everything will be as you say. Lead me to deliver the message."

With that, Princess Zhaoning waved her hand, and Fang Zheng and Liu Xiangnan exchanged glances before leaving.

Outside the imperial study, Liu Xiangnan cupped his fists towards Fang Zheng and said respectfully, "Thank you, Old Grand Preceptor, for your help."

Fang Zheng smiled and waved his hand, "Ah, there's no need to be so polite. It's just a small matter. By the way, Marquis Liu, when you have time, you should discipline your son-in-law."

Liu Xiangnan understood the meaning of "discipline." It meant that Chen Xiaobei should not become arrogant because of the princess. An Attendant Officer was not a substantive position, so he shouldn't show off, and more importantly, he shouldn't forget Fang Zheng's recommendation.

Upon returning home, as soon as Liu Xiangnan dismounted, Liu Kai rushed forward with a joyful expression.

"Master, Master, Miss is back, Miss is back!"

Hearing that Liu Rumei had returned, Liu Xiangnan's heart was filled with joy.

He leaped off his horse and sprinted towards the mansion.

At this moment, Liu Rumei had already changed into a new set of clothes and was waiting in the courtyard. Seeing her father rushing towards her, she immediately lifted her skirt and knelt on the ground, kowtowing.

"Your disobedient daughter Liu Rumei pays her respects to Father!"

Liu Xiangnan walked up to Liu Rumei, his trembling hand gently wiped away the tear stains on her face, and he embraced her.

"Rumei, you're back, you're finally back."

Father and daughter embraced and cried for a long time. It was only then that Liu Kai stepped forward and whispered, "Master, Miss, let's go inside. It's cold out here."

Liu Xiangnan nodded, pointed to his study, and the father and daughter entered the study one after another. Liu Kai ordered tea to be prepared and asked Xiao Qing to leave, giving them time alone.

Wiping her tears, Liu Rumei said, "Father, what happened to my brother? Why didn't you wait for me to come back to see him before rushing to bury him!"

Liu Xiangnan sighed, "Rumei, it's not that I'm heartless. Your brother was poisoned, and his appearance was not something you should have seen. By the way, since you're back, you should go to the Crown Prince's residence this afternoon to offer incense."

Liu Rumei nodded, "I know. I heard the murderer has been caught. Please beg the Emperor for mercy, Father. I want to personally kill the murderer."

Liu Xiangnan shook his head gently, "It's not time for that yet. By the way, Chen Xiaobei has moved into the Princess's Consort's mansion. You should go there and see him too."

Liu Rumei had heard from others about Chen Xiaobei being betrothed by the Emperor. Although she was unwilling, she had no choice.

After all, Chen Xiaobei was her man, and Liu Rumei still cared about him. After explaining her experience returning to the country to her father, Liu Rumei, with Xiao Qing, hurried to the Princess's Consort's mansion.

Chen Xiaobei was not idle either. He was reading in the study. Princess Zhaoning had mentioned wanting to give him an official position, so he had to brush up on the books of this world to avoid making a fool of himself.

While he was reading, Liu Tie stumbled through the door. Without a word, he grabbed Chen Xiaobei and pulled him outside.

"Brother Liu Tie, what's wrong? Tell me what's going on first."

Liu Tie said in a stutter as he ran, "Hurry, hurry, Miss is here, Miss is here."

Upon hearing that Liu Rumei had arrived, Chen Xiaobei shook off Liu Tie and rushed ahead of him, heading straight for the main gate.

At this moment, Liu Rumei had already entered the gate.