The Lotus Sect Leader looked at Princess Zhaoning helplessly, "What do you mean you agreed, it was clearly your father who betrothed you?"
Princess Zhaoning, however, had a solemn expression. She turned to Chen Xiaobei again, her eyes full of affection and happiness. Then she turned back to the Lotus Sect Leader, "Master, my father promised back then that whoever could resolve the crisis of Da Tu Country besieging the capital would have the greatest merit, and I would marry him. I was actually hesitant at first, but when I learned that the person I was to marry was Brother Xiaobei, my heart was filled with excitement."
"Master, think about it. Whether it was defeating the enemy forces attacking Wannian City, or your expedition to Da Tu Country, Brother Xiaobei, a frail scholar with no martial arts skills, charged into battle with you, risking his life!"
Her words made the Lotus Sect Leader fall silent. Yes, setting aside everything else, this point was indeed impeccable. Chen Xiaobei, without knowing a single move, had followed them on their campaign with fearless courage.
Shen Ziyan, standing nearby, began to nod at this point. It had to be said that if one overlooked the fact that Chen Xiaobei had married several wives, in all other aspects, he was indeed a good match for the princess.
At this moment, Liu Rumei also stepped forward and bowed to the two of them, "Esteemed seniors, what you say is also true. According to the ancestral system of my dynasty, my husband is not qualified to marry a princess. However, in extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken. Just like now, for centuries, there has never been a precedent of a woman ruling in our Great Cang Kingdom, but now that the Crown Prince has been attacked, the princess will soon ascend to the throne."
Her words were reasonable and logical. The Lotus Sect Leader remained silent for a long time, then stamped her foot in frustration, "Alright, alright, even a wise official cannot settle a family dispute. It was I who was overly concerned."
After speaking, she clasped her fists towards Chen Xiaobei, "Chen Xiaobei, I apologize. I shouldn't have been so aggressive towards you just now!"
Chen Xiaobei quickly returned the bow, "Senior Sister, you are too kind. As my Senior Sister, you are entitled to scold and hit me."
Seeing this, Princess Zhaoning quickly stepped forward and held the Lotus Sect Leader's hand, "Master, you're finally back. Your disciple has so many things to tell you. Let's go!"
Over there, Shen Ziyan approached Liu Rumei, "Miss Liu, you are finally back."
Feeling Shen Ziyan's care, Liu Rumei was deeply touched. The Lotus Sect Leader was impulsive, while Shen Ziyan was clearly much calmer.
"Thank you for your concern, Senior Sister. I just arrived in Wannian City today."
Shen Ziyan stepped forward and gave Liu Rumei a hug, "Your complexion looks haggard. You need to rest more. Senior Sister was a bit impulsive just now, please don't mind her."
Liu Rumei nodded, "I know, I won't blame her."
As they were talking, they saw the Lotus Sect Leader hurrying over from the other side. She came before Liu Rumei, and without a word, suddenly embraced Liu Rumei in a big hug.
This scene startled Liu Rumei, who couldn't figure out what the Lotus Sect Leader intended to do now.
The Lotus Sect Leader took a step back and clasped her fists towards Liu Rumei, "Miss Liu, I apologize. I was a bit impulsive just now, and please accept my condolences."
Hearing this, Chen Xiaobei understood. Princess Zhaoning must have told the Lotus Sect Leader the news of Liu Yuanwen's unfortunate incident.
This was why the Lotus Sect Leader came to comfort Liu Rumei.
Tears instantly streamed down Liu Rumei's face. After all, remembering her brother's tragic death, Liu Rumei still regretted not being able to see him one last time.
With a choked voice, Liu Rumei bowed to the Lotus Sect Leader, "Thank you, Senior Sister."
The Lotus Sect Leader patted Liu Rumei's shoulder again, then came to Chen Xiaobei.
"Chen Xiaobei, it was wrong of me to hit you just now."
"I hope you will not betray Miss Liu in the future, nor betray Princess Zhaoning. I also hope you will not forget the deceased Huang Ying."
After speaking, the Lotus Sect Leader reached into her sleeve, took out an object, and stuffed it into Chen Xiaobei's hand.
"This is a clue to Huang Ying's origins. His Holiness asked me to pass it to you."
With that, the Lotus Sect Leader turned and chased after Princess Zhaoning, and Shen Ziyan also quickly left.
After they had all left, Chen Xiaobei finally lowered his head and opened the cloth bundle in his hand.
The cloth bundle opened to reveal an exquisite bronze plaque, inscribed with: Xinwei, Wuxu, Gengchen, Renwu.
This was a Bazi (Eight Characters) for fortune-telling. Written on the reverse side was "Huang Ying, by the White Wave River in Yongzhou."
Seeing this, Chen Xiaobei seemed to understand a little. He knew that Huang Ying's origins were that she was picked up by her master, the Divine Nun of the East Sea, from the roadside. The inscribed time should be the time she was found, and Yongzhou, by the White Wave River, was the location where Huang Ying was found.
Clearly, this was the Divine Nun of the East Sea's hope that he could find Huang Ying's hometown. No matter what, to allow Huang Ying to return to her roots, or at least to find her home, would be a way to console her spirit.
But how easy would that be?
In this era, and after so many years, it was like finding a needle in a haystack to search for her, but he had to try, no matter how difficult.
That noon, Chen Xiaobei prepared a lavish banquet to welcome Liu Rumei.
Chen Xiaobei drank a lot of wine, and Liu Rumei also drank a lot, both becoming somewhat drunk.
Xiao Qing, standing nearby, spoke up to stop them, "Miss, you can't drink anymore. If you drink any more, we might not be able to go home." Su Dan Novels Online
Liu Rumei waved her hand, "Xiao Qing, you're mistaken. What do you mean we can't go home? This is our home."
Xiao Qing was stunned for a moment, but then quickly understood. That's right, his young lady was already married to Chen Xiaobei. Chen Xiaobei's home was their home.
However, this was the驸马府 (Fuma Mansion), bestowed upon Chen Xiaobei by the Emperor. Living here seemed a bit awkward.
Xiao Qing was about to speak again when Liu Tie coughed and gestured beside him.
Xiao Qing understood Liu Tie's meaning and quickly got up and followed Liu Tie out. Only Chen Xiaobei and Liu Rumei were left in the room.
Although Chen Xiaobei was a bit tipsy, he knew he couldn't let Liu Rumei drink any more.
"Rumei, you've had enough to drink. I think it's best if you rest early."
Liu Rumei nodded, and as she stood up, she stumbled and almost fell. Chen Xiaobei quickly got up to support her.
They leaned on each other and entered the inner room, which was the bedroom.
Liu Rumei lay down on the bed like a starfish and remained still.
Chen Xiaobei shook his head at this and personally helped Liu Rumei take off her clothes and covered her with the quilt.
Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly felt a soft hand grasp his. Turning his head, he saw that Liu Rumei's hand was tightly holding his. In a semi-conscious state, speaking words that were neither dream nor drunken ramblings, she said, "Husband, don't go, stay with me."
Hearing Liu Rumei's words, Chen Xiaobei's heart softened. He agreed, sat back by the bed, and quickly got into the quilt.