"As for this matter of marriage, the Emperor has countless consorts in his three palaces and six courtyards. I am not asking you to make Ruomei a principal wife, as long as you keep her in your heart, that is enough," Liu Xiangnan said, his eyes tearing up and his words becoming a little incoherent.
Chen Xiaobei knew that a father's claim of not caring was false. Who wouldn't care about their own daughter? Moreover, Liu Ruomei had followed Liu Xiangnan through countless campaigns, achieving great military merits.
Chen Xiaobei bowed to Liu Xiangnan again, "Father-in-law, please rest assured. Even if I marry the Princess, I will not forget Ruomei. I will find a way to go to the Great Tu Kingdom to bring her back."
Liu Xiangnan nodded slightly and then waved his hand, "I understand your intentions. You may go and rest now."
Chen Xiaobei bowed and retreated. After a brief rest, he returned to the inn.
According to Jiang Shangpiao's arrangements, someone would reply to him, so Chen Xiaobei dared not leave the inn.
Meanwhile, a thousand miles away in Qingguang City, Qiaopusen, the Emperor of the Great Tu Kingdom, received a secret letter.
It was from his spy in the Great Chang Kingdom. After reading the letter, Qiaopusen was speechless for a long time.
Captain Duobang could not help but ask, "Your Majesty, what is wrong?"
Qiaopusen sighed and pointed to the secret letter on the table, "Jiang Shangpiao, the instructor of the Black Wolf Guards, personally led more than thirty men on an assassination mission to the Great Chang Kingdom's imperial palace, and not a single one returned."
Upon hearing this, Duobang was stunned.
After all, over thirty Black Wolf Guards possessed terrifying combat power. What kind of expert was guarding the Great Cang Kingdom?
Why did such elite Black Wolf Guards meet such an end?
Duobang bowed again and said loudly, "Reporting to Your Majesty, I am willing to lead the Black Wolf Guards to Wanniang City again."
Qiaopusen waved his hand, "Forget it, forget it. We cannot risk it again. I suspect there might be a problem within our ranks. Otherwise, it's impossible for so many people to not return alive. Especially Jiang Shangpiao, he might not be skilled at killing, but he is definitely skilled at escaping."
Duobang's expression changed upon hearing this, "Your Majesty suspects a traitor?"
Qiaopusen sighed, "Until the matter is clarified, let the rest of them return. Staying in the Great Cang Kingdom is too dangerous."
Duobang was somewhat unwilling, "Your Majesty, how about I take them one more time? No matter what, we must kill Xiao Jingyun."
Just as Qiaopusen was about to speak, someone rushed in from outside.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has returned."
Upon hearing that Qiao Na had returned, Qiaopusen's spirits lifted.
Soon, Qiao Na strode in and knelt on one knee to pay respects to his father, "This son greets Your Majesty."
Qiaopusen looked at his son and, seeing his face full of melancholy, asked, "My son, why are you so anxious?"
Qiao Na cupped his fists again, "Your Majesty, there is an urgent matter. These past few days, I have captured at least a hundred Great Chang Kingdom soldiers by the Xiaoqing River."
Qiaopusen was delighted to hear this, "Good, excellent capture."
But as he rejoiced, he saw Qiao Na still looking dejected and asked curiously, "This is already quite good. Why is my son unhappy?"
"Your Majesty, although I have captured these Great Chang Kingdom soldiers and sent them to the capital,"
"The strange thing is that only seven or eight people were received in the capital, and the soldiers escorting the prisoners also disappeared. I searched along the way but found no clues. However, in my opinion, our men have likely met their demise."
Hearing this news, Qiaopusen's brow furrowed again, "So, someone killed our soldiers and rescued those prisoners."
Qiao Na nodded, "Yes, Your Majesty. I came to remind you to be careful. Perhaps those people from the Great Chang Kingdom never left and are lurking in the shadows."
Qiaopusen was startled by this. He recalled the nights of terror from a few days ago, the successive assassinations of high-ranking officials that had thrown the city into a panic.
"I understand," Qiaopusen said, turning to Duobang, "Immediately issue an order for a full city lockdown. Search meticulously, and do not miss any suspicious areas."
After saying this, he looked up at Crown Prince Qiao Na, "Continue to guard the Xiaoqing River and watch carefully. Then, re-examine every nook and cranny along the route from the Xiaoqing River to the capital. By the way, if necessary, you can summon Yelü Chuang."
"But, Your Majesty, if we do that, we will have no one to search for between the Xiaoqing River and the border."
Qiaopusen waved his hand, "That doesn't matter. If we guard the Xiaoqing River, they cannot escape. As long as we search this area repeatedly, we will eventually find these people."
Then, he changed the subject, "We cannot always be passive. We must also take the initiative."
"When you return, you can arrange for people to disguise themselves as Great Chang Kingdom soldiers and escort them along the route to see if anyone will indeed attempt a rescue."
Qiao Na's eyes lit up at this suggestion, "Your Majesty's plan is excellent. I will immediately send a message to the Xiaoqing River to arrange it."
As Qiao Na turned to leave, Qiaopusen began to ponder with a furrowed brow. He noticed Duobang looking as if he had something to say.
Duobang cupped his fists, "Your Majesty, is something troubling you?"
Qiaopusen sighed, "I am wondering what kind of celestial beings have come from the Great Chang Kingdom. We have searched and searched on such a large scale, yet we cannot find any trace of them."
"According to what Qiao Na just said, we have lost over a hundred soldiers."
"Alas, these are the warriors of our Great Tou Kingdom, dead without knowing why."
Duobang cupped his fists again, "Your Majesty, please grant me permission to immediately lead my men to the Great Chang Kingdom. I want to kill Xiao Jingyun and Xiao An to appease your anger."
Qiaopusen nodded, "This matter must not be made public. Take your men secretly and ensure a decisive strike."
"Also, all the inns and lodgings used by Jiang Shangpiao and his men are to be avoided from now on. Do you understand what I mean?"
Duobang cupped his fists, "Your subordinate understands. This mission will be absolutely confidential, and no information will be revealed to anyone."
"Alright, you may make your arrangements." Qiaopusen finally felt a burden lifted from his heart.
Meanwhile, in Wanniang City, life continued in its usual revelry.
The news that the Emperor was to bestow a marriage upon Chen Xiaobei and Princess Zhang Ning further excited the populace.
Chen Xiaobei instantly became a trending topic, even a great mystery in the hearts of many ordinary people.
Many could not comprehend how a commoner from a mountain village could marry Liu Xiangnan's daughter one day and then become the Emperor's son-in-law the next. What capabilities did this person possess?