Xiao Jingyun made up his mind. He immediately stood up and stepped forward to support Chen Xiaobei’s arm, giving him another hug.
“Brother Xiaobei, please accept my condolences. I know you are heartbroken by Huang Ying’s accident.”
“But our Great Cang Kingdom has never held a state funeral for a commoner’s wife. I want to go to the palace to see my father and verify the truth.”
Chen Xiaobei understood this. After all, he was just making claims without witnesses.
So it was normal for Xiao Jingyun not to believe him. Besides, if it were him, he wouldn’t believe it either.
“Then, Your Highness the Crown Prince, please do as you please. I will await your reply.”
Xiao Jingyun waved his hand. “No, Brother Xiaobei, there’s no need for such trouble. You’ll accompany me and Prime Minister Fang into the palace later. We’ll sort this out together.”
Chen Xiaobei was stunned. He looked at Fang Zheng blankly. Fang Zheng was also momentarily taken aback, but being experienced, he quickly understood Xiao Jingyun’s intention.
He was naturally very willing. More people meant more strength. Three people persuading the Emperor to release Liu Xiangnan would appear more formidable than one person doing it. With this thought, he said in a deep voice, “Yes, Your Highness the Crown Prince is right. We will go into the palace together and clarify this matter before the Emperor, to avoid any further mistakes from secondhand information.”
After Fang Zheng finished speaking, Chen Xiaobei discerned something from his words.
These two were using him as a pawn. They must have been discussing something. He suddenly remembered that Liu Kai had also mentioned that Fang Zheng was planning to rescue Liu Xiangnan, but he was suddenly forced back to his hometown by the Emperor, not even having time to rescue Feng Xiaoyue’s father.
Understanding this, Chen Xiaobei secretly felt that he had come at the perfect time.
But then he thought, this might also be a good opportunity to save Liu Rumei. His woman had died for this matter, and if the Emperor still didn’t give him some face and release Liu Rumei, then they would go their separate ways from then on, parting ways completely.
“Alright, thank you, Your Highness the Crown Prince, for thinking so highly of me. I will accompany you into the palace.”
Xiao An had finished his lunch and was dozing in the imperial study. His nerves had been tense and anxious all morning, leaving him somewhat exhausted.
Hearing footsteps, he opened his eyes slightly and saw Bai Han standing at the desk, hesitant to speak. He slowly asked, “What is it?”
“The Crown Prince of Huang Sha has arrived, and he’s brought Prime Minister Fang and someone named Chen Xiaobei.”
Upon hearing this, Xiao An’s eyes snapped open, and he straightened his body.
“Chen Xiaobei, what is he doing here?”
Bai Han shook his head. “I don’t know. He just looks very sad.”
Xiao An composed himself, stood up, and stretched his limbs. “Let him in.”
Bai Han bowed and exited. Soon, Xiao Jingyun entered with Fang Zheng and Chen Xiaobei. The three respectfully knelt before Xiao An.
Xiao An waved his hand, smiling at Fang Zheng. “My esteemed old minister, you’ve returned. I heard a few days ago that you were missing. My heart was worried. Tell me, what happened?”
As expected, Fang Zheng, as the old prime minister, had high emotional intelligence. He clasped his fists again and said vaguely, “Reporting to Your Majesty, this old servant was careless and was captured by villains. Fortunately, Your Highness the Crown Prince rescued me.”
“If not for Your Majesty’s benevolence, I would have perished by now.”
Fang Zheng’s words pleased Xiao An. Yes, his son had rescued him, and that was also thanks to him. His words made perfect sense.
He laughed and gestured. “Come, grant the old minister a seat.”
Bai Han quickly brought over a brocade stool and placed it beside Fang Zheng.
Fang Zheng did not stand on ceremony and sat down. Xiao An then looked at Chen Xiaobei, who was still kneeling.
“Chen Xiaobei, last time you led people to protect me, I intended to reward you handsomely, but you had already returned to your hometown.”
“I heard of your wife’s misfortune and am deeply grieved. Therefore, I have decreed a state funeral for your wife to express my sorrow.”
Hearing the Emperor’s words, Chen Xiaobei understood that Xiao An was trying to find an excuse to explain why he wanted to hold a state funeral for Huang Ying. But honestly, even as an excuse, it sounded very far-fetched.
Not only did he find it strained, but Fang Zheng and Xiao Jingyun beside him also frowned.
Although saving the emperor was a monumental achievement, Chen Xiaobei had not been at the palace back then. It was Liu Rumei and others who had made great contributions. Therefore, Chen Xiaobei could only be considered a participant, not the main force.
Chen Xiaobei clasped his fists and said loudly, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern. This humble subject has a request, and I wonder if I may speak it.”
Hearing his words, Xiao An raised his hand. “Whatever you have to say, speak freely. If I can grant it, I will.”
This was the moment he had been waiting for. Chen Xiaobei continued, “Your Majesty, when Huang Ying and I were married, we vowed to be together for eternity. I beg Your Majesty to allow me to escort her coffin back to our village in Hetou.”
“This humble subject is merely a commoner and dare not accept such a grand honor as a state funeral.”
As Chen Xiaobei spoke, Xiao An’s expression began to change. Fang Zheng also secretly worried for Chen Xiaobei. Although he knew Chen Xiaobei had more to say, he feared that if Xiao An became angry, Chen Xiaobei wouldn’t have a chance to finish.
He quickly looked at Xiao Jingyun. Xiao Jingyun was also prepared. If his father became angry, he would immediately step in to comfort him, at least so that Chen Xiaobei could finish speaking.
Fortunately, Xiao An only showed displeasure. He suppressed his unhappiness and stared at Chen Xiaobei. “Chen Xiaobei, do you intend to defy my decree?”
Chen Xiaobei clasped his fists. “Your Majesty, if you insist on rewarding me, this humble subject implores you for a favor: please release Miss Liu Rumei.”
*Bang*. Xiao An slammed the table. “Chen Xiaobei, you have great nerve! I am giving your wife a state funeral, which is a great honor for you, yet you dare to come here and bargain with me.”
Chen Xiaobei also felt anger rising within him. A man must have some backbone. He decided to go all out today. With this thought, Chen Xiaobei stiffened his neck and said loudly again.
“Your Majesty, I am not a noble or a high official. According to the laws of the Great Cang Kingdom, I cannot bear the heavy honor of a state funeral. I beg you to revoke your order. If you truly wish to reward me, then release Miss Liu Rumei. If you are unwilling to release her, this humble subject has nothing more to say and will take his leave.”
After speaking, Chen Xiaobei knelt on the ground, bowed respectfully to Xiao An three times, stood up, and turned to leave.
Chen Xiaobei’s actions stunned Xiao Jingyun and Fang Zheng.
Fang Zheng and Xiao Jingyun knew that Chen Xiaobei must have had something to say to Xiao An, but they did not expect Chen Xiaobei to be so passionate and eloquent.