Liu Ziming continued to smile as he spoke, "Miss Hongyu, you are right. According to ancestral traditions, it should be this way. However, His Highness the Crown Prince said that the Emperor's oral decree at the time did not mention these matters, only that rewards should be given based on merit."
"Exactly, exactly! Not only did the son-in-law achieve merit in battle, but he also saved the Crown Prince's life. With the Crown Prince about to ascend the throne, this can be considered a contribution to saving the imperial family," another chimed in.
Listening to the two chattering about Chen Xiaobei's accomplishments, Cui Hongyu felt a mixture of emotions. Was she happy? Of course, she was; he was her man. But then again, her man was about to marry another wife, and she was a princess.
Everyone knew that marrying a princess meant she would undoubtedly be the primary wife. Coupled with Liu Rumei, even though Cui Hongyu was the first to marry him, she certainly wouldn't be the main wife. Of course, Cui Hongyu didn't care about such a mere title.
What she cared more about was that if Chen Xiaobei became the emperor's son-in-law, he would have to remain in the capital and could not return to this small mountain village.
However, leaving the small mountain village for Wannian City was something she truly couldn't bear to do, given her father and these villagers. Sudanh novel network
The pull of one's homeland was strong, and Cui Hongyu was a person who valued relationships.
But all these feelings she could only keep to herself. "Please send a letter to the capital, informing them of our well-being and that everything is fine here, so my husband can be at ease in the capital and focus on his work."
Cui Hongyu deliberately spoke lightly and then turned away.
Upon reaching a secluded spot, Cui Hongyu burst into tears, unsure if it was joy or sorrow. Chen Qiao'er, seeing this, approached and took her hand. "Sister-in-law, what's wrong?"
Looking at the adorable Chen Qiao'er, Cui Hongyu wiped her tears and smiled, "Sister-in-law is fine. Sister-in-law is also happy. They brought news of your brother. Your brother is doing well in the capital and even said he's going to be a high-ranking official!"
Hearing that her brother was well, Chen Qiao'er clapped her hands and jumped for joy.
"Ah, that's great! Brother is going to be an official, a high-ranking official with a big horse, to pick up sister-in-law to the capital!"
Looking at the boisterous Chen Qiao'er, Cui Hongyu finally smiled, but only for a moment.
However, the news that Chen Xiaobei was going to be an official spread throughout Hetou Village, and the entire village was abuzz.
Chen Dayong and others were so overjoyed they couldn't contain themselves, finding it even more exciting than if they themselves were to become imperial sons-in-law.
Only one person seemed unhappy, and that was the village's scholar, Fang Jun.
He was well aware of the many imperial rules and knew that Chen Xiaobei, by any standard, was not qualified to be an imperial son-in-law.
It wasn't that he held any personal grudges against Chen Xiaobei; it was just that Fang Jun believed if the rules were broken here, then in the future, no one would take them seriously.
Fang Jun, having come from an official family, placed great importance on etiquette and rules. The more he thought about it, the more he felt this matter was not as simple as it seemed.
That evening, he decided to ask Cui Hongyu for leave. "Sister-in-law, I have some urgent matters in town. I must return to Xiaojia Town early tomorrow morning. Can we not have class tomorrow?"
Cui Hongyu showed due respect to the teacher, especially since she had promised him four days off each month.
"Alright, if that's the case, then Brother Fang, go ahead and attend to your business. Come back to teach the children after you've finished."
The next morning, Fang Jun, accompanied by two guards, hurried towards Xiaojia Town.
Meanwhile, in Xiaojia Town, Fang Zheng and Feng Pengju had already arrived.
In this harsh winter, there wasn't much to do. The two spent their days drinking, composing poetry, and chatting, living a carefree and joyful life.
One morning, just as they were about to have breakfast, they heard that Fang Jun had returned. Fang Zheng was taken aback. For his good grandson to rush over in such cold weather, there must be something urgent.
As expected, Fang Jun entered and saw them leisurely preparing for breakfast, stamping his feet in anxiety.
"Oh dear, Grandfather, Uncle Feng, you're still having breakfast here? Something big has happened, something big!"
Seeing his anxious state, Fang Zheng was startled, putting down his chopsticks. "My grandson, what major event has occurred? Speak slowly, speak slowly."
"Grandfather, you still don't know? Something big has happened in Wannian City! The Emperor wants to bestow a marriage, to marry a princess to Chen Xiaobei."
Upon hearing this, Fang Zheng was stunned. He exchanged a glance with Feng Pengju, who asked in surprise, "This is impossible. In our Great Cang dynasty, any man marrying a princess must be unmarried. Chen Xiaobei has already taken more than one wife, and even married Lord Liu's daughter. How can he marry a princess again?"
"Yes, I don't believe it either. But this news was brought by Liu Ziming and Liu Ziliang from the Liu family, who specifically came from the capital to inform Cui Hongyu. It must be true."
Hearing this, Fang Zheng frowned. "Isn't this ridiculous? It's like child's play."
"Yes, Grandfather. After hearing it, I also found this matter very strange. Could His Majesty have lost his mind?"
"Silence! Do not utter such disrespectful words!" Fang Zheng quickly stopped Fang Jun from speaking further and then looked up at Feng Pengju. "If the Liu family is saying this, then it might have some credibility. Perhaps we should send someone to the capital to investigate further. If the news is true..."
At this point, Fang Zheng fell silent. Finally, he sighed deeply, "Alas, let it be. I am old, and you are living in leisure. Drinking and composing poetry is one thing, but matters of the imperial court, we should no longer concern ourselves with them."
Feng Pengju shook his head. "Old Prime Minister, if you and I were unaware, then this matter could have passed. But now that we know, even if we are no longer officials in the court, we are still citizens of Great Cang."
"Such a violation of ancestral law is courting heavenly wrath. Regardless, we should try to advise the Emperor!"
These words struck a chord with Fang Zheng.
He sighed again. "Yes, you are right. We cannot stand idly by on this matter. I propose that we immediately travel to the capital. If this matter is true, we will persuade the Emperor face-to-face. If it is false, we can consider it a trip for leisure. What do you think?"
Feng Pengju looked at Fang Zheng with concern. "Your health, old sir..."
"Don't worry, this old frame of mine is still sturdy."
At this moment, Feng Xiaoyue hurried in, followed by Xiao Yatou. Both were overjoyed to hear that Fang Jun had arrived.
"Brother, why didn't you let us know in advance?" Xiao Yatou exclaimed as soon as she saw him.
"Little sister, I came to see Grandfather. I have important matters."
At this point, Feng Pengju looked at Feng Xiaoyue, who had entered behind Fang Jun, and immediately ordered, "Xiaoyue, prepare yourself. The old Prime Minister and I will be leaving here and returning to the capital."