Bai Han fell silent upon hearing this.
What the Emperor said was not wrong. The Great Tang Dynasty had a configuration of one Empress and three Imperial Concubines. With Feng Xiaoyue's intelligence and capability, even if she couldn't be Empress, she could easily become an Imperial Concubine.
Moreover, Fang Jun had not achieved any official rank and was merely a commoner. Relying on the merits of his ancestor, Fang Zheng, he might be able to hold on for a while, but not for a lifetime.
However, he, Bai Han, truly couldn't bring himself to speak.
But since he had taken the money, he had to find a way to resolve the matter, even if he didn't want to.
At this moment, Feng Pengju's family was already starting their meal, or rather, their drinking. With a sumptuous banquet and a pot of old wine, Feng Pengju's unsettled heart could finally calm down.
Feng Xiaoyue raised her wine cup and said with a smile, "Father has safely returned. Xiaoyue will toast you first."
Fang Jun, standing beside her, also quickly raised his wine cup. The three cups gently clinked together, and they all drained their drinks in one gulp.
After this cup, Feng Pengju smiled and raised his cup again, looking at the two of them.
"Once things settle down, I will quickly arrange your wedding. It will be one of my wishes fulfilled."
Fang Jun hurriedly stood up, holding his wine cup, and said to Feng Pengju, "Thank you, Uncle, for your blessing."
Feng Pengju did not drink immediately but sighed softly. "Alas, your father and I had agreed to this marriage long ago. Who would have thought he would pass away so young? It pains me to even think of it."
Upon mentioning this topic, the atmosphere at the table became somewhat somber.
Just then, a servant rushed in. "Reporting to Master, a group of people has arrived outside. They say they are sent by the Emperor."
Feng Pengju quickly put down his chopsticks and went out with Feng Xiaoyue and Fang Jun to greet them.
They reached the main entrance and saw Bai Han dismounting his horse.
Bai Han jumped off his horse, laughing heartily, and stepped forward to cup his hands at Feng Pengju. "Lord Feng, you've returned! We've been thinking of you every day."
Feng Pengju stepped forward, clasped Bai Han's arms, and said affectionately, "Thank you for your concern, Commander Bai. Fortunately, this old bone of mine can still withstand the wind and snow of the border."
After speaking, the two exchanged a look and burst into laughter.
After their laughter subsided, Bai Han gestured to the several carriages behind him. "The Emperor was overjoyed to hear of your return. I've brought you food, clothing, and daily necessities. If there's anything you need at home, just send someone to tell me."
Feng Pengju was deeply touched and pulled Bai Han's arm. "Guard Bai, you are very thoughtful. Please, come inside."
With that, he pulled Bai Han inside.
Returning to the living room, Feng Xiaoyue served tea and habitually stood behind her father. Bai Han, meanwhile, looked around the room, making small talk.
Feng Pengju, being a perceptive man, understood. He waved his hand towards Feng Xiaoyue.
"Prepare two more dishes. I'll have a drink with Guard Bai."
Feng Xiaoyue, understanding the situation, winked at Fang Jun. They both got up and left, taking the maids with them.
Once everyone had left, Bai Han cupped his fists at Feng Pengju. "I am here on the Emperor's orders to give you advance notice. You must consider this carefully."
Feng Pengju quickly returned the courtesy. "Brother Bai, please speak freely."
Bai Han sighed. "The Emperor wishes to bestow a marriage upon Miss Xiaoyue, intending for her to marry the Crown Prince. He also mentioned that once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, she will at least be an Imperial Concubine, and perhaps even an Empress."
Feng Pengju was stunned. "Guard Bai, you must know that my daughter and Fang Jun have long been betrothed. It was known throughout the capital."
Bai Han nodded. "Indeed, the daughter of the Minister of Revenue and the grandson of the former Grand Chancellor forming a lifelong union was widely known. But now, His Majesty..."
At this point, Bai Han also sighed slightly. Feng Pengju understood that Bai Han was here to deliver a message and to gauge his reaction.
Thinking this, he spread his hands and feigned helplessness. "As you saw just now, the two children have already..."
He shook his head slightly. "Even if I wanted to stop it, it's too late..."
Bai Han didn't say anything further. He picked up his teacup, drained it, and then stood up. "Lord Feng, I shall take my leave."
After seeing Bai Han off, Feng Pengju couldn't quite feel happy. He knew the Emperor's temperament. He had just made him Prime Minister and then came to propose marriage.
This seemed a bit hasty.
However, as the saying goes, an arm cannot twist a thigh. Even if he wanted to refuse, if the Emperor issued a forceful decree, he would likely have to comply.
Seeing her father walk into the dining room with a worried expression, Feng Xiaoyue knew that the previous topic must have been heavy. But in front of Fang Jun, she couldn't bring herself to ask.
Fang Jun had clearly noticed Feng Pengju's low mood. He ate a few mouthfuls of food perfunctorily and then got up to leave.
Seeing Fang Jun depart, Feng Pengju put down his chopsticks and let out a long sigh.
"Father, what's wrong? Did Guard Bai bring any bad news?"
Feng Pengju looked at his daughter and sighed heavily once more.
"Never mind, I'll tell you about it. You decide what to do."
Hearing her father's words, Feng Xiaoyue was stunned. She looked at her father in disbelief and asked, bewildered, "What does this have to do with me?"
Feng Pengju nodded. "It has a lot to do with you."
Seeing Feng Xiaoyue's bewildered expression, he continued, "Guard Bai just told me that the Emperor wishes to bestow a marriage upon you and the Crown Prince."
Upon hearing this, Feng Xiaoyue's whole being trembled. "How is this possible? What is between Jun Gege and me is known throughout the city. Besides, the Crown Prince already has at least two consorts."
Feng Pengju sighed helplessly. "Yes, everything you said is true. Yet, the Emperor specifically sent Bai Han to deliver this message. Alas..."
After sighing, he looked at Feng Xiaoyue, his expression firming.
"Why don't you leave with Fang Jun? Find a place where no one knows you and live the rest of your lives peacefully."
Feng Xiaoyue shook her head. "I won't leave, and I won't marry the Crown Prince. Why should my marriage be decided by others!" Upon hearing Feng Xiaoyue's words, Feng Pengju's eyes were filled with approval, and he nodded slightly.
"You have backbone. You are a fine son of the Feng family."
"However, my child, you must understand the saying, 'an arm cannot twist a thigh.'"
"If the Emperor forcibly bestows this marriage and we refuse, it is defying the imperial decree, which is a grave crime."
"This old bone of mine, I can go to the border and serve for a few more years if necessary, but you are still young..."
He stopped speaking here. He had said what he needed to say. Feng Xiaoyue would naturally grasp the situation. Of course, no matter what choice his daughter made, as a father, he would fully support her.