Princess Zhaoning slowly spoke to everyone present, "Yes, Brother Xiaobei is absolutely right. We should consider this issue thoroughly. Since we are to negotiate peace, let's do it completely and live in peace with the Great Tu Kingdom from now on, ending all conflict."
Liu Rumei hesitated before speaking, "Your Royal Highness, since both sides are to negotiate peace, could my father return from the border?"
Hearing this, Princess Zhaoning fell silent. This letter was only sent by Liu Xiangnan, and the envoy from the Great Tu Kingdom had not yet arrived. Would rashly moving troops have any repercussions?
Thinking this, she looked at Chen Xiaobei.
Chen Xiaobei naturally understood the princess's thoughts. He looked at Liu Rumei and said sternly, "Rumei, Dad's return is a matter of time, no need to rush. With him here, our negotiations with the Great Tu Kingdom can proceed smoothly."
After hearing Chen Xiaobei's words, Liu Rumei no longer insisted and naturally let the topic pass.
Seeing that no one else spoke, Princess Zhaoning looked at Fang Zheng and others again, and said in a deep voice, "Imperial Preceptor Fang, Prime Minister Chen, Commander Feng, as I said before, you five should discuss matters. You understand that Brother Xiaobei's intentions are my intentions, right?"
These individuals understood. Although it was said they should discuss matters, if opinions differed, Chen Xiaobei would have the final say.
"Please rest assured, Your Royal Highness. We will follow Duke Consort Chen's lead."
Hearing their pledge, Princess Zhaoning felt somewhat relieved. She gestured, "Alright, you may withdraw. I have something to say to Brother Xiaobei."
Fang Zheng and the others bowed and withdrew, leaving only Chen Xiaobei, Princess Zhaoning, and Liu Rumei in the room.
Princess Zhaoning looked at Chen Xiaobei and said solemnly, "Brother Xiaobei, my father's imperial decree clearly states that after we have descendants, my child will inherit the throne, and they do not need to bear the surname Xiao!"
"I'm thinking, in the past hundreds of years of Da Cang, there has never been a female ruler. This is not something I wish to deal with."
Hearing this, Liu Rumei's eyes lit up with joy, but Chen Xiaobei waved his hands repeatedly.
"Your Royal Highness, this will not do. Da Cang is your Xiao family's empire. It has nothing to do with me, Chen Xiaobei."
Seeing Chen Xiaobei refuse, Princess Zhaoning said softly again, "Brother Xiaobei, you saw the situation just now. Everyone strongly supports your ideas. I believe that under your leadership, Da Cang can become even better." Su Dan Novel Network
Chen Xiaobei was about to speak again when Liu Rumei, holding his hand, said happily, "Brother Xiaobei, this is bound to happen sooner or later. Once you have children, you will be the Grand Emperor. I think it's best if you become Emperor and let the Princess be Empress. Wouldn't that be killing two birds with one stone?"
"Yes, yes, Brother Xiaobei, that's what I think too." Princess Zhaoning finally showed a happy smile.
"Tomorrow, I will officially issue an edict, abdicating the throne to you. From now on, you will be the Emperor of Da Cang."
Chen Xiaobei wanted to say more, but Liu Rumei interrupted him again, "Brother Xiaobei, your becoming Emperor is the will of the people. I believe everyone will support you."
Chen Xiaobei thought to himself, I haven't said anything yet, and you've already said all the good things.
Before he could speak again, Princess Zhaoning waved her hand, "Sister Rumei, take Brother Xiaobei to be measured for dragon robes."
Without a word, Liu Rumei pulled Chen Xiaobei outside.
Chen Xiaobei understood that he could no longer refuse. Besides, even if Princess Zhaoning acted as regent, once they had a son, and the son took power, he would be the Grand Emperor. It wouldn't be much different from him being in power now.
After being measured for clothes, Chen Xiaobei and Liu Rumei returned to the Duke Consort's mansion, and the atmosphere was different.
Seeing Liu Rumei's excited demeanor, Liu Tie and Liu Ce couldn't help but step forward to ask. After asking repeatedly, Liu Rumei naturally explained the true situation, and the entire Duke Consort's mansion erupted in excitement.
That evening, Liu Rumei ordered a banquet to be prepared for a grand celebration. Before the wine cups were even raised, Liu Tie rushed in.
"Miss, Master, the Lotus Cult Leader and the chivalrous hero Shen Ziyan have returned. They have urgent matters and wish to see the Master."
Chen Xiaobei nodded and ordered two more chairs and sets of cutlery to be added. Since they had come, they might as well eat together.
Soon, the Lotus Cult Leader and Shen Ziyan entered from outside. Upon seeing Chen Xiaobei, they nodded in greeting. Liu Rumei stepped forward and took their hands.
"Second Senior Sisters, you've arrived just in time. We were about to eat. Please sit down and join us."
The Lotus Cult Leader and Shen Ziyan didn't stand on ceremony and sat down directly.
"Chen Xiaobei, we spent several days searching by the White Wave River and finally found a family whose situation is very similar to Huang Ying's."
"We verified their birth dates. They said that copper token was specially cast for them. They originally wanted to keep it as a memento for the child, but that year their family suffered a great upheaval, and they couldn't raise the child, so they quietly left Junior Sister by the river."
Hearing this, Chen Xiaobei was deeply moved. He raised his wine cup and bowed to them, "Thank you, Second Senior Sisters. I will toast you on behalf of Huang Ying."
The Lotus Cult Leader and Shen Ziyan raised their cups and drank them dry, as did Chen Xiaobei. He then continued, "Please rest assured, Second Senior Sisters. I will order Huang Ying to be posthumously honored. If her family is willing, her tomb can also be moved there."
The Lotus Cult Leader looked up at Chen Xiaobei, "What did you say? You want to posthumously honor Huang Ying? On what grounds?"
Seeing the Lotus Cult Leader's questioning, Liu Rumei quickly interjected, "Senior Sister, you probably don't know yet, but Brother Xiaobei is about to become Emperor. Princess Zhaoning has already made it clear that she will issue an edict to abdicate the throne."
The Lotus Cult Leader and Shen Ziyan exchanged glances, their mouths agape.
"How is this possible?"
Liu Rumei explained the whole story. After listening to Liu Rumei's account, the Lotus Cult Leader and Shen Ziyan cupped their fists towards Chen Xiaobei, "Then congratulations, Brother Xiaobei."
Chen Xiaobei raised his wine cup again.
Soon, Princess Zhaoning issued an edict to the world, announcing the abdication of the throne to Chen Xiaobei.
Even if Fang Zheng and the others had any reservations, they knew that the matter was unstoppable.
Soon, Chen Xiaobei ascended the throne amidst the congratulations of civil and military officials, and the peace treaty with the Great Tu Kingdom was successfully signed.
Da Cang finally ushered in a rare period of peace. Chen Xiaobei governed diligently and led his people towards a happy life.
As for the imperial harem, Chen Xiaobei naturally had to make Princess Zhaoning the Empress.
However, Cui Hongyu remained true to her original intention and resolutely refused to enter the palace. Chen Xiaobei had no choice but to let her stay in Hetou Village, visiting her every few days, looking forward to the birth of their first child.
There were still some subsequent plot developments. Due to space limitations, this will not be continued. This book is now concluded.
Thank you to all readers for your unwavering support. We hope our new book will continue to receive your support.
(The End)