The commoners, upon hearing that the immortal maiden was no longer there, immediately began to question her whereabouts in a clamor.
Finally, a soldier pointed towards the city, "Didn't you see the coffin in the plaza? The immortal maiden is inside."
"What?"
"Good sir, are you saying the immortal maiden is dead?"
The word "death," so cold and stark, struck Chen Xiaobei's raw grief. Tears welled in his eyes. It meant Huang Ying would be gone from his life forever.
Just then, the crowd suddenly stirred. Someone shouted loudly, "The immortal maiden died for us! We must kowtow to her three times!"
As the saying goes, a single call brought a hundred responses. Immediately, others in the vicinity echoed the sentiment.
"Yes, yes, we must kowtow to the immortal maiden..."
With one leading and many following, the crowd, chattering noisily, entered Wannian City.
Witnessing this, Chen Xiaobei let out a long sigh. The hearts of the common people were so pure. If their recognition could be earned, at least Huang Ying's death would not be in vain.
Chen Xiaobei descended from the west gate and then looked at Larduo, Yang Chun, and Yang Zhi at the other entrances. All three held their posts. Larduo still seemed a bit perplexed. "Brother, since we're doing this, why do we have to stand guard at night too? It's been so cold these past two nights, damn it."
Lin Xiaobei gently patted Larduo's shoulder. "Brother, thank you for your hard work. Isn't gratitude part of putting on a good show? I met with the Emperor yesterday. Miss Liu will be released soon."
Chen Xiaobei did not mention his own imperial betrothal. Although such news would eventually spread, he did not want to reveal it yet, lest he be scorned.
Time flew by until noon. Chen Xiaobei knew it was almost time to pack up. He immediately ordered the members of the Vermillion Bird Gang to spread the word: they were to withdraw at sunset. He himself then rushed to the Crown Prince's mansion to see Xiao Jingyun.
Upon seeing Chen Xiaobei's arrival, Xiao Jingyun showed great respect and invited him into his study. Meeting in the study, rather than the reception hall, signified treating someone as family. However, Chen Xiaobei did not wish to become part of Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun's inner circle. All Chen Xiaobei wanted now was to stay away from officialdom, from all these entanglements, and return to Hetou Village to live a quiet life.
As expected, Xiao Jingyun began, "Brother Xiaobei, you've worked hard these past few days."
"I will petition my father, the Emperor, for your merit."
Chen Xiaobei shook his head. "Your Highness, I seek no merit. I only wish to escort Huang Ying back to her hometown as soon as possible. I beg Your Highness to grant me permission."
Hearing this, Xiao Jingyun furrowed his brow slightly and sighed softly. "Brother Xiaobei, it is not that I refuse to let you go. You already promised the Emperor yesterday that you would handle Miss Liu Rummei's wedding. If this matter is not handled properly, I fear my father will not allow you to leave."
Chen Xiaobei bowed again. "Your Highness, my wife Huang Ying's remains are still not cold, and her seven-day mourning period has not even passed. If I were to marry Liu Rummei immediately, I fear I would be ridiculed by the world."
"It matters little if they ridicule me, Chen Xiaobei, for I am but a commoner."
"But if they ridicule the Emperor and Your Highness for lacking propriety, for bestowing a marriage upon me during my wife's fresh mourning, would that not tarnish your reputation?"
Chen Xiaobei's words left Xiao Jingyun in silence for a moment. Frankly, Chen Xiaobei was not wrong. His father, the Emperor, had indeed acted hastily. However, he also knew his father had his own reasons, which necessitated this urgency. After a long pause, Xiao Jingyun sighed softly. "Perhaps we can compromise. The Emperor can issue a decree to betroth you and Liu Rummei, but you may wait until Huang Ying's mourning period is over before proceeding with the wedding."
Very well. Things had come to this. Chen Xiaobei could only agree to this condition, considering it a strategic retreat. As long as he could leave Wannian City, everything else could be negotiated.
At this very moment, Xiao An suddenly received a memorial. The memorial was from Liu Xiangnan. Liu Xiangnan, from within the imperial prison, had penned a memorial to the Emperor Xiao An, stating his wish to shave his head and become a monk, spending the remainder of his life at Xiangguo Temple.
After reading the memorial, a sudden ache welled up in Xiao An's heart. Duke Huguo Liu Xiangnan, his loyal friend and comrade-in-arms from days past. He had been forced to suppress Liu Xiangnan to ensure his son's ascension. To think that Liu Xiangnan would now wish to spend his remaining days at Xiangguo Temple was indeed poignant. Yet, for his son, for the Xuan family's enduring legacy, he had no choice but to take this course of action. Though he felt he had wronged Liu Xiangnan, he had no alternative. A ruler must sometimes be ruthless.
After finishing the memorial, Xiao An remained silent for a long time. Finally, he let out a long sigh and looked at Bai Han. "Take some men to the imperial prison and see Liu Xiangnan!"
"Inform him that I intend to bestow a marriage upon Liu Rummei."
"Also, tell Liu Xiangnan that he may go to Xiangguo Temple, but once there, he is only permitted to chant scriptures and worship Buddha; he is not allowed to receive any visitors or pilgrims."
Bai Han's heart tightened inexplicably. Even after becoming a monk, Liu Xiangnan's freedom of movement was to be restricted. This showed the Emperor's deep distrust of Liu Xiangnan. Of course, from another perspective, it also highlighted Liu Xiangnan's considerable influence within the military.
Bai Han bowed and withdrew. He then proceeded to the imperial kitchen, ordered some wine and dishes, and rushed to the imperial prison.
In the prison, Liu Xiangnan was dozing against the wall. Hearing the clanking of chains, he slightly opened his eyes. Illuminated by the firelight, he saw Bai Han. Bai Han cupped his fists respectfully towards Liu Xiangnan. "Greetings, Marquis."
Liu Xiangnan waved his hand. "Guard Bai, please do not be so formal. I am imprisoned now, no longer a Marquis."
Bai Han bowed again, his voice solemn. "Marquis, you jest. In my heart, you will always be Marquis." As he spoke, Bai Han stepped aside, gesturing towards the food containers held by the two men behind him. "I am here on the Emperor's orders to visit Marquis and bring you some wine and dishes. Please do not find them wanting." Su Dan Novel Network
Clearly, Liu Xiangnan had misunderstood. He looked at the wine and dishes, sighed to the heavens, and said, "Please beg the Emperor on my behalf to spare my son and daughter."
This... Bai Han hesitated for a moment, then understood. He quickly let out an awkward chuckle. "Marquis, you are mistaken. I have truly only brought you wine and dishes. And there are a few words I must convey to you." With that, Bai Han personally unlatched the iron chain on the prison door, bowed, and squeezed inside. He took the food containers from the two men behind him and placed them before Liu Xiangnan.
"Marquis Liu, I am conveying a message from the Emperor." As he spoke, Bai Han laid out the wine and dishes, poured a cup of wine for Liu Xiangnan, and then slowly began, "The Emperor has already bestowed a marriage upon Miss Liu Rummei. This matter, I fear, is not yours to decide whether you agree or not!"