"Chen Xiaobei, you scoundrel, are you going back on your word?" a furious shout came from the doorway.
Hearing the shout, everyone quickly looked towards the entrance. It was Xiao Qing, Liu Rumei's personal maid. Xiao Qing rushed up to Chen Xiaobei, hands on her hips, her face flushed with anger.
"Chen Xiaobei, the Emperor has already decreed the marriage. Do you intend to defy the imperial edict? Where will you leave my lady's reputation? Do you want to anger my lady to death?"
Liu Kai's face darkened. "Xiao Qing, do not be rude to the son-in-law."
Xiao Qing looked at Chen Xiaobei, then at everyone present. "My lady said that since it's an imperial decree, she is willing to serve Chen Xiaobei for life. I was originally sent to deliver a message to Chen Xiaobei, asking him to escort Huang Ying's coffin back to Hetou Village together. I didn't expect to encounter such a heartless man like you..."
Faced with Xiao Qing's scolding, Chen Xiaobei was rendered speechless.
At this moment, he couldn't explain anything, no matter how he tried. It was better to just remain silent.
However, Cui Hongyu, standing nearby, couldn't stand it any longer. She stepped forward and said to Xiao Qing, neither subservient nor arrogant, "Escorting Huang Ying is our family affair, and Miss Liu need not trouble herself with it. Please go back and tell Miss Liu to wait patiently at home. Your Brother Xiaobei will propose marriage soon."
As soon as she finished speaking, Shen Ziyan and the Lotus Sect Leader on the side immediately snapped back to their senses and stepped forward to support her.
"Yes, yes, go back and tell Miss Liu to wait at home. This is our family affair, she doesn't need to bother."
Seeing Xiao Qing's anxious red face, Liu Kai stepped forward again, cupping his fists towards everyone. "Strictly speaking, I am just a servant and should not meddle in these matters. However, since the Emperor has decreed the marriage, Miss Liu and all of you are now family. Since we are family, why distinguish between yours and mine."
This reasoning seemed sound. The gazes of everyone naturally turned to Chen Xiaobei, as the final decision rested with him.
Chen Xiaobei did not speak hastily. He paused for a moment before looking at Liu Kai. "Old steward, please go back and tell Miss Liu to first settle the old Marquis. We can discuss other matters later."
Upon hearing his words, Liu Kai's face showed bitterness. "Son-in-law, you probably don't know yet, but the Emperor has already issued an imperial decree ordering my Lord Marquis to shave his head and become a monk at Xiangguo Temple, forbidden from seeing any visitors."
At this news, everyone present looked at each other. Clearly, no one expected the Emperor to be so ruthless.
Shaving his head to become a monk meant the loss of all of Liu Xiangnan's glory. By decreeing the marriage of Liu Rumei to a rustic villager, the Liu family would thus fall apart. Furthermore, with Liu Yuanwen being only a weak scholar, the once highly esteemed Liu family would vanish.
Chen Xiaobei also sighed upon hearing this. He hadn't expected the Emperor to be so cruel. But then again, becoming a monk was a suggestion he had given to Liu Kai. Now it seemed he had possessed a bit of foresight, albeit by accident.
"Alright, since that's the case, you can go back and tell Miss Liu to make preparations. We will return to Hetou Village tomorrow."
Before Liu Kai could speak, the Lotus Sect Leader on the side interjected, "No, we cannot leave tomorrow."
Everyone looked at her in surprise. The Lotus Sect Leader continued, "Until the murderer is found, I will not leave Wannian City. If you wish to leave, you may."
Chen Xiaobei stepped forward and said in a low voice, "Senior Sister, this matter cannot be publicized. Even if we want to investigate the murderer, we must proceed discreetly. How can we make such a grand announcement?"
Shen Ziyan also advised in a low voice, "Yes, Senior Sister. Chen Xiaobei is right. We should be cautious. Otherwise, if the murderer hears the wind, they will be scared away long before we can find them."
At this point, Liu Kai chimed in, "Sect Leader, your words are reasonable. Is there anything this old servant can help with?"
The Lotus Sect Leader did not shy away. She waved to her disciple, Jasmine, who immediately brought over a pair of shoes.
"These are the shoes worn by the murderer. Please help me take a look."
Liu Kai took the shoes and examined them. He frowned and said, "These are ordinary shoes, but they don't show much wear. It seems they were bought not long ago. Perhaps it would be best to send people to every shoe shop to see if we can find similar ones."
Upon hearing this, the Lotus Sect Leader's eyes lit up. She gave Liu Kai a thumbs-up. "Old steward, your words are wise. I will send people to search immediately."
Unexpectedly, Liu Kai turned to look at Liu Tie and Liu Ce. "Although my Liu family has fallen from grace, we still have some influence in the capital. Let us handle this matter."
The Lotus Sect Leader was about to speak again, but Chen Xiaobei stopped her. "Senior Sister, let Steward Liu handle it. After all, they are more familiar with the capital. If any clues are found, we can investigate further then."
Liu Kai separated the pair of shoes, giving one to Liu Tie and the other to Liu Ce.
"You two take these shoes and search separately. You must find out which shoe shop they came from."
After sending the two away, Liu Kai cupped his fists again. "Son-in-law, this inn is too crowded, and so many people cannot possibly stay here. Would you consider staying at our residence?"
Chen Xiaobei shook his head. "We are in mourning, so we will not go to the Liu residence. You should go back and take good care of Miss Liu."
After much persuasion, Liu Kai was finally sent away.
As soon as Liu Kai left, Shen Ziyan walked up and bowed to Chen Xiaobei.
"My sister and I were too impulsive just now. We are truly sorry."
She then looked at the Lotus Sect Leader. The Lotus Sect Leader was a proud person, and she would not apologize to Chen Xiaobei in front of so many followers. However, out of consideration for the situation, she relented.
"It's all my fault for not asking for clarification first. Let's not mention this matter again."
She then looked at Chen Xiaobei. "I think it would be best if you escort my junior sister back to Hetou Village tomorrow. I will stay behind to investigate thoroughly and avenge my junior sister."
Chen Xiaobei thought for a moment and nodded slightly. "Alright, we'll do as you say. But you must not act impulsively. Think things through before you act."
Soon, the sun began to set, and the day was over.
Liu Kai arrived again.
Behind him followed over a dozen servants, each carrying two food boxes.
They had come to bring food for Chen Xiaobei and his party.
"Son-in-law, you've had a long day. Please have something to eat first."
Before Chen Xiaobei could speak, the Lotus Sect Leader rushed forward, asking impatiently, "Old steward, have you found any clues about the shoes?"
Liu Kai looked around. "We have found some information. I will tell the Sect Leader about it later."
The Lotus Sect Leader could not wait. She grabbed Liu Kai's arm and pulled him towards the room. "Oh, tell me now. Let's go inside and talk."
This action made Liu Kai's face turn red. He quickly took a step back, breaking free from the Lotus Sect Leader's pull. "Sect Leader, please don't rush. Allow me to set up the food for the son-in-law."