Soon, the Lotus Sect Master and Shen Ziyan, along with Xiao Hua, Mo Li, and others, left in pairs.
Watching them depart, Chen Xiaobei felt a mix of emotions. He understood Shen Ziyan's implication: Chen Xiaobei claimed to not forget Huang Ying, yet married Liu Rumei before Huang Ying's remains were even cold, and now, only a few months later, he was about to marry a princess. To anyone observing, this didn't look like someone who had forgotten a past lover.
It seemed more like a scumbag, loving one and marrying them, then loving another and marrying them.
Chen Xiaobei shook his head gently. He thought to himself, "I don't want it to be like this either, but fate has a way of putting me in these situations."
Chen Xiaobei's words were true; no one was more excited that morning than Xiao Jingyun.
On this day, Chen Junyu brought civil and military officials to discuss state affairs. Although a few low-ranking officials had died the previous night, those who perished were not of a caliber to attend court.
In this era, such individuals held no significant sway over Xiao Jingyun's mood, as long as the court provided them with adequate pensions.
What Xiao Jingyun was most concerned about, of course, was arranging the marriage between Chen Xiaobei and his sister, Xiao Jingfeng. He smiled at Chen Junyu and the others, saying, "Last night, following Chen Xiaobei's suggestion, we captured the Black Wolf Guards of the Great Tu Kingdom in one fell swoop. From now on, we will no longer live under the shadow of assassination. Do you not agree that Chen Xiaobei has earned another great merit?"
Upon hearing this, everyone responded enthusiastically. Chen Junyu, knowing that Xiao Jingyun wanted everyone to praise Chen Xiaobei, quickly cupped his fists and said, "Your Highness speaks wisely. Indeed, Chen Xiaobei has earned great merit."
"Yes, yes, Chen Xiaobei deserves the foremost merit."
Xiao Jingyun was very pleased with the discussion, nodding his head. This was precisely the outcome he desired.
"Very well, since you all believe Chen Xiaobei deserves the foremost merit, I shall write a memorial to Father Emperor later, requesting him to bestow the marriage between Chen Xiaobei and Jingfeng. All of you must sign it."
Hearing this, the civil and military officials present secretly groaned, realizing they had walked into a trap set by the Crown Prince.
However, they had no choice; the Crown Prince's arrangements could not be ignored.
The memorial was quickly drafted. Chen Junyu was the first to step forward and sign his name. One by one, everyone present, without exception, signed their names.
With the signatures in hand, Xiao Jingyun felt confident. He took the memorial straight to the palace to see his father.
Initially, Xiao An considered making excuses to refuse. However, when he saw the signatures of so many officials, he hesitated.
Xiao An understood that the signatures were somewhat coerced. But regardless of whether it was forced or not, high-ranking officials had signed. If he refused, it would be seen as disregarding the will of the assembly.
After much deliberation, Xiao An could not make up his mind. He said to Xiao Jingyun, "Very well, I will think about this matter further. You may leave for now."
Xiao Jingyun was helpless but had no recourse. If his father did not agree and sent him away, he could only comply.
After Xiao Jingyun left, Xiao An, with his hands behind his back, exited the imperial study and went to the back courtyard. He strolled through a desolate garden, hands clasped behind him. Xiao Shunzi, following behind, clearly understood the Emperor's mood and kept his distance, not daring to utter a word.
The captain of the guards, Bai Han, also kept a considerable distance, several paces behind Xiao Shunzi. In truth, neither of them wanted to be the one to disturb Xiao An.
After walking half a circle, Xiao An suddenly seemed to recall something. He abruptly turned around and saw the two of them standing far behind him. His expression darkened.
Xiao Shunzi and Bai Han hurried forward upon seeing this. "Your Majesty, what are your orders?"
Xiao An looked at them. "What do you think? Should I agree to this matter or not?"
Bai Han hesitated and glanced at Xiao Shunzi.
Xiao An noticed this and immediately pressed, "Bai Han, what is your opinion?"
Bai Han stammered, thinking that no one dared to make this decision. "Your Majesty, this matter is being arranged by the Crown Prince. Why not ask Princess Jingfeng for her opinion?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao An's eyes lit up. Indeed, one could be too close to see clearly. He had been racking his brains for an excuse to refuse Xiao Jingyun. If Princess Xiao Jingfeng disagreed, wouldn't everything be resolved?
Such a simple solution, and he had been agonizing over it.
Soon, Princess Zhaoning, Xiao Jingfeng, was brought to Xiao An's imperial study.
Xiao Jingfeng stepped forward and respectfully paid her respects to Xiao An.
"Father Emperor, you summoned Jingfeng so urgently. Do you have any commands?"
"Jingfeng, do you recall that when we were at Phoenix Mountain, I said whoever rendered great merit in repelling the Great Tu Kingdom would be betrothed to you?"
Upon hearing her marriage mentioned, Xiao Jingfeng naturally appeared a little shy.
But then she considered that marrying anyone was better than being sent for a political marriage. With this thought, Xiao Jingfeng bowed. "Father Emperor, what exactly do you mean?"
Seeing that Xiao Jingfeng seemed not to understand his intention, Xiao An quickly explained, "Jingfeng, it is said that a man should marry when he comes of age, and a woman when she is ready. Although this is a matter of parental decree and matchmakers, I believe your opinion should also be sought. What do you think of Chen Xiaobei?" Sudian Novel Network
Hearing Chen Xiaobei mentioned, Xiao Jingfeng was startled.
After all, in her mind, she knew Chen Xiaobei was already married. Naturally, she hadn't expected her father to propose such a person.
But then she reconsidered. Chen Xiaobei's contributions were indeed significant. Furthermore, his idea last night to annihilate the Black Wolf Guards of the Great Tu Kingdom was indeed brilliant.
If her father's earlier conditions were to be followed, Chen Xiaobei truly met the criteria.
Moreover, considering the interactions she had with Chen Xiaobei, Princess Jingfeng found him to be reliable and upright, a decent choice.
However, Chen Xiaobei's biggest issue was that he was already married.
Seeing Xiao Jingfeng's silence, Xiao An clearly misinterpreted her feelings, believing she had tacitly agreed. He sighed softly.
His sigh, however, led Xiao Jingfeng to believe that her father thought she disagreed. She quickly bowed again. "Jingfeng will obey Father Emperor's words."
After saying this, she stood there with a flushed face, silent.
Witnessing this scene, Xiao An understood. His daughter had agreed!
"So, you agree." Xiao An pressed again.
Xiao Jingfeng's face was red as she bowed. "Daughter withdraws."
With that, Xiao Jingfeng turned and left, leaving Xiao An somewhat dumbfounded. Anyone could see what Xiao Jingfeng meant.
After a long period of thought, Xiao An let out a long sigh and looked again at Xiao Shunzi and Bai Han standing by the door.
"You two, do you think I am wrong? Is Chen Xiaobei truly the only man in the world for her? All the officials have jointly petitioned to betroth Jingfeng to Chen Xiaobei, and now Jingfeng herself agrees..."
Xiao Shunzi and Bai Han exchanged glances, neither speaking. The Emperor was clearly venting his frustrations, and anyone who interjected at this moment would be unlucky.