CHAPTER 351: CHAPTER 348 WITNESS

These words from Xie Shao Yuan allowed Song Qizheng to breathe a sigh of relief.

Song Qizheng couldn’t quite grasp his own feelings, possibly because it was the first time he put effort into arranging these matters for Song Xian, fearful of any mistakes.

Although many issues separated them as father and son, perhaps they could never truly reconcile. Nonetheless, as a father... he should try to make some amends.

Old Mrs. Song smiled and said, "That’s good, we should thank you for not holding any grudges."

Song Qizheng also took Song Xian’s birth card from the steward, stood up, and personally offered it to Old Mrs. Chen.

Old Mrs. Chen couldn’t sit still: "National Guardian General, there’s no need for this..."

Old Mrs. Song firmly held Old Mrs. Chen: "As elders, we deserve the courtesy, and in the future, we’ll be in-laws."

Old Mrs. Chen sat steadily, while Xie Shao Yuan stood up to retrieve Xie Liangchen’s birth card and presented it to Old Mrs. Song.

Old Mrs. Song glowed with vitality under the reflection of that bright red card, her eyes filled with joy.

Cui Gui smiled and said, "Brother Song asked me to stand witness, so I’ll say a few words. Tomorrow is an auspicious day; why not formally pass the betrothal papers and wait for Xian’s return for the main ceremony. In the meantime, everyone can discuss the wedding date. In my view, the two children are of suitable age, sooner rather than later."

Song Qizheng looked at Xie Shao Yuan: "Since Song Xian is the legitimate eldest son, we naturally prefer it as soon as possible. However, which day is truly suitable... we’ll need Old Master Xie’s discretion."

Old Mrs. Song also nodded in agreement, but inwardly, she knew she must ask several more times; how could they be willing to hastily send their daughter out so early?

Old Mrs. Song said, "Everyone is here, and since Xian can’t be present now, he has mentioned certain things to me in letters. Today, I’ll state this in front of the witnesses, and let the witness confirm it."

Song Qizheng was unaware of what Song Xian had discussed with his mother, so he listened carefully.

Old Mrs. Song stated, "Xian said he would only marry once in his life and never take a concubine. Both the Old Lady and Old Master Xie can rest assured that he and Liangchen will often stay in the Chen Family Village. Liangchen is not only his legitimately wedded wife but also everyone’s ’Sister Chen.’ This must also be written on the betrothal papers we send."

It took Song Qizheng a while to regain his composure, recalling the expression Song Xian had when he mentioned Mrs. Feng. His feelings towards Feng... were far from what Song Xian thought.

Even Cui Gui, the witness, couldn’t help but show surprise. What if Song Xian goes against this in the future? Wouldn’t he be at a disadvantage?

However, since even Old Mrs. Song agreed, Cui Gui, as the witness, simply listened.

Xie Shao Yuan accepted without objection and even responded with a gentle smile. Only then did Cui Gui realize that, despite Xie Shao Yuan having no official position, he carried himself with composure, neither arrogant nor humble.

The relationship between the Chen Family Village and Prince Guangyang was known to these Military Governors suppressing the rebellion, though others might not be aware. While Cui Gui had not yet seen Miss Xie, just looking at Xie Shao Yuan’s demeanor confirmed the rumor was accurate.

Xie Shao Yuan said, "Today is a joyful occasion for both families. The Old Lady, the National Guardian General, and Commander Cui, let’s have a meal at the Chen Family Village!"

Everyone responded, and Xie Shao Yuan got up to make arrangements.

Once stepping out of the courtyard, Xie Shao Yuan saw Chen Yongsheng.

Chen Yongsheng quickly said, "Mrs. Gao has taken some people to prepare the meal."

Xie Shao Yuan responded, "Let’s eat at the Familiar Medicine Institute; everyone comes." This has always been the Chen Family Village’s way of hosting guests.

Upon hearing this, Chen Yongsheng’s eyes lit up: "So, brother-in-law, you agreed?"

Xie Shao Yuan nodded.

Chen Yongsheng felt a mix of emotions, happy yet somewhat empty. Though he was the village chief of Chen Family Village, Liangchen was the backbone of the village. If Liangchen marries, what will become of Chen Family Village?

But no family ever marries off the entire village.

Looking at Xie Shao Yuan, Chen Yongsheng realized it wasn’t easy for him, who had just returned... and his daughter was about to marry.

Chen Yongsheng felt both guilty and affectionate: "Brother-in-law, if there’s anything else I can do, just instruct me." He wanted to make amends.

Xie Shao Yuan thought for a moment: "Everything else is done, but there’s one thing only you can do."

Chen Yongsheng responded, "Just tell me, brother-in-law, and I’ll handle it properly."

Xie Shao Yuan said, "When Song Xian returns from Dai State and comes for the main ceremony to request the date, don’t forget to hold his neck and hit him. If you’re afraid you can’t beat him, I’ll find you a stick."

After speaking, Xie Shao Yuan walked on.

Chen Yongsheng stared dumbfounded at Xie Shao Yuan’s retreating figure, unable to speak; hitting the Western Expedition General on the neck? He had seen General Song in battle...

Even if General Song stretched his neck for him to hit, he wouldn’t dare.

...

This meal had long been awaited by Old Mrs. Song, and she enjoyed it immensely.

Today was different from usual, serving the Song Family and Baoshan, without the children at the table, only Chen Yongsheng, Chen Yongyi, and a few other families accompanying.

After the meal, Xie Liangchen stepped forward to greet Old Mrs. Song, Song Qizheng, and Cui Gui.

Cui Gui examined Miss Xie closely; this was the granddaughter of Prince Guangyang. Despite wearing plain clothes, she had a distinct presence.

Her expressions were relaxed and poised.

Moreover, as she approached, the expressions of the village people changed, displaying confidence and pride.

Cui Gui, capable of identifying the commander among thousands of troops, understood immediately. No wonder Song Xian said Xie Liangchen was also "Sister Chen"; that was the meaning.

Cui Gui silently praised: The lineage of Prince Guangyang is exceptional. No wonder Song Xian found such a gem.

After leaving Chen Family Village, Cui Gui and Song Qizheng returned to the Song residence, entering the study. Cui Gui sat down and said, "The Capital City is unaware of your family’s marriage to the lineage of Prince Guangyang. If they find out..."

"It’s too late," Song Qizheng said, "With the betrothal papers submitted, who can disrupt this marriage without reason?"

Neither the victorious Song Xian nor the deceased lineage of Prince Guangyang were easily challenged.

Cui Gui pondered for a moment: "Marriage is good, but it could attract envy. After all, the eight states once belonged to Prince Guangyang, so you must be cautious."

Song Qizheng nodded. Previously, he might have blocked it, but now, after so much, he increasingly saw that Song Xian might see farther than he did.

However, what Song Xian ultimately planned for the future, even if asked now, Song Xian wouldn’t say.

For now, he could only take things step by step.

Song Qizheng looked at Cui Gui: "If there’s any news from the Capital, you must inform me."

"Of course," Cui Gui replied, "Rest assured, Brother Song." Military generals ought not to be too close, interacting privately and offering covert assistance when needed, just like the recent rebellion led by Cai Rong.

Song Qizheng exhaled a long breath: "Let’s hope all goes smoothly!" He wasn’t sure how the Emperor would view this matter.

Cui Gui advised, "Brother Song, after all, you and Xian are father and son. Everything is clear now, and in the future, you should gradually mend things; blood ties are irreplaceable."

Song Qizheng nodded.

Cui Gui smiled and said, "Let’s not speak of these worries anymore; let’s have a couple of more drinks to celebrate with Brother Song."

...

The Capital City.

The vast palace was still brightly lit.

The Emperor slapped the letter presented by Song Xian on the desk: "Did he know of Xie Liangchen’s identity long before?" Hence his confident words in the court.