CHAPTER 354: CHAPTER 351: GOING TO THE CAPITAL TOGETHER

The Emperor on the throne squinted his eyes. In such a celebratory moment, he decided he couldn’t get angry because of this, but was Song Xian truly unprepared?

Du Zhuo, having not heard the Emperor’s voice for a while, cautiously lifted his head. The Emperor’s eyes were deep, revealing no joy or anger, causing Du Zhuo to immediately lower his head again.

The Emperor suppressed his emotions, smilingly saying, "I originally intended to bestow a marriage upon Song Qing, but it seems there’s no need for that now."

Du Zhuo feigned ignorance and hesitantly said, "Your Majesty, your boundless grace and compassion for your subjects will certainly inspire us to serve the country with utmost loyalty. However... though General Song is engaged, it’s not impossible for the court to reward him. There have been precedents where the court bestowed marriages upon already engaged couples."

Realizing he had misspoken, Du Zhuo did not continue, "These are just my humble musings, I ask for your Majesty’s forgiveness." He couldn’t help Song Xian beyond this point.

The Emperor nodded, "What Du Aiqing said makes sense. I will discuss this matter with the Empress."

Du Zhuo responded accordingly.

The Emperor said, "Song Qing has earned merits in this battle, as has Du Qing. Without either of you, this victory would not have been possible. Both of you are key ministers of Daqi. Now that the Eight States have been reclaimed, the governance ahead will require both of you to share my burdens."

Du Zhuo bowed, "I will certainly serve with utmost diligence."

After pondering for a moment, the Emperor said, "The Du Family is famed for producing great generals. Originally, your family’s military title should be passed to your eldest son. However, I’ve heard that your second brother is also both literate and capable in martial arts, and has made significant contributions under your command. I will appoint him as the Riding General, to further train under your banner, so that in future campaigns, he might be sent as a Commander."

Du Zhuo hastily expressed his gratitude.

The Emperor said, "I intend to assign the defense of the Eight States to you and Song Xian. Official documents are being drafted, and you should prepare to act."

Having said this, the Emperor ordered a feast to be bestowed, and let Du Zhuo and others retire first.

The Emperor strolled to the adjoining Warm Pavilion to rest, with the chief eunuch Du Zheng attending him.

The Emperor casually asked, "Has Du Zhuo ever mentioned anything to you?"

Du Zheng, though not from the same clan or ancestry as Du Zhuo, shared a hometown connection. Whenever Du Zhuo entered the palace, he would exchange a few words with Du Zheng.

Du Zheng replied, "Lord Du Zhuo asked me if the case of Princess Guangyang has been thoroughly investigated. He fears he might have overlooked something. The Emperor favors Prince Guangyang, and should Du Zhuo fail in his duties and cause an error, he would be too ashamed to face the Emperor."

The Emperor frowned.

Du Zheng continued, "From Du Zhuo’s words, it’s apparent that most people are of the same mindset."

This is why Du Zhuo offered the suggestion of bestowing the marriage between Song Xian and Xie Liangchen. The Emperor took a deep breath; clearly, publicly commanding Song Xian to marry someone else was now unlikely.

The Ministry of Justice and the Familiar Medicine Institute have both concluded their findings. Besides, the Chen Family Village likely possesses some token left by Princess Guangyang, thereby rendering Xie Liangchen’s identity evident.

The Emperor ordered, "Send someone to Zhenzhou to escort the people of Chen Family Village, Xie Shao Yuan, and his son Xie Liangchen to the Capital City."

Delaying further would surely invite criticism.

"I also want to see for myself, what kind of person Prince Guangyang’s granddaughter truly is."

...

Upon receiving the decree, the villagers of Chen Family Village gathered at the Familiar Medicine Institute.

In fact, after the Song Family came to establish the engagement, Chen Yongsheng and Xie Shao Yuan gradually revealed Xie Liangchen’s lineage to everyone.

When Chen Youli led the people of the Chen Family Village out of Dai State, a few elder stewards of the Chen Family Village were already privy to the inner details.

When Chen Youli led the Chen Family Village into the deep mountains, had Prince Guangyang chosen otherwise, the Chen Family Village would have ceased to exist long ago.

In summary, the gratitude to Prince Guangyang was never meant for Chen Youli alone, nor was it Chen Youli’s sole responsibility to repay it.

Resolute in their decision, everyone cooperated to escort the Commandery Princess all the way to Zhenzhou.

Each household knew some of the ins and outs. Now, having received the news, beyond the initial shock, they quickly returned to normalcy.

Originally, Old Mrs. Chen’s family carried a different weight in their hearts, from Chen Youli to Miss Chen, which time hasn’t the Chen Family Village tackled challenges with their guidance? Even if Miss Chen is Prince Guangyang’s granddaughter, she remains their Miss Chen.

Xie Shao Yuan said, "The court dispatched people to Chen Family Village this time precisely for Liangchen’s lineage."

Chen Yongsheng seemed worried, "Will Liangchen and you be in danger?"

While reestablishing identity is a good thing, he hoped nothing else would occur.

Xie Shao Yuan thought it over and said, "For the time being, there shouldn’t be any danger."

Chen Yongyi said, "Why don’t we send more people? Even if we can’t assist much, having a sense of support might ease our worries, plus, the elder lady needs companions on the journey."

Mrs. Gao nodded in agreement.

Xie Shao Yuan looked at Xie Liangchen, "I discussed with Liangchen; a few carriages are coming from the Capital this time. Seizing the opportunity, let’s go to the Capital City for a visit. If we might venture into business there in the future, seeing it now will benefit everyone."

Upon hearing Xie Shao Yuan’s words, excitement erupted at the Familiar Medicine Institute.

Chen Zhongdong and Chen Chuchu’s eyes lit up, clearly wanting to join the trip. However, it’s impossible to bring the whole village, so further discussion on who will accompany them is needed.

Chen Yongsheng said, "The Familiar Medicine Institute and the Weaving Room both need people. We can’t just leave everything behind, can we? I’ll discuss with my brother-in-law who should go. Everyone can await the news. Even if we can’t make it this time, there will certainly be future opportunities."

Mrs. Gao held Old Mrs. Chen’s hand, whispering, "Dear elder sister-in-law, you’re aged, you will need someone by your side during the journey. Liangchen alone will have too much burden. I’ll go to handle anything that arises."

Old Mrs. Chen deliberately scorned her, "You? You sleep even deeper than me, won’t wake even when kicked, and eat too much. You’re not coming, not coming."

Mrs. Gao clung to Old Mrs. Chen, refusing to let go. As they playfully bantered, Old Mrs. Chen finally relented, "Fine, I’ll take you, I’ll take you."

Mrs. Gao beamed with joy. Unbeknownst to them, Hei Dan had also come forward, clinging to Mrs. Gao’s arm, "Mother, take me as well, take me... I only eat one bowl of rice a day, no... just half a bowl. I won’t ride in the carriage, I’ll run along beside it."

Mrs. Gao put on a stern face, "What do you all think the Capital City is? Bringing all of you along, what if the dignitaries in the Capital laugh at your Sister Chen?"

Saying this, Mrs. Gao glanced around at the people in the room. Though well-fed, they wore coarse cloth clothes with mended patches, the best outfit only being half new and half old at best, clearly leaving no time for new ones to be made.

Would accompanying Liangchen to the Capital cost her family the ridicule of others?

Mrs. Gao choked up a bit, her voice becoming hoarse, "We better not go, leaving it to the elder lady, brother-in-law, and Liangchen."

"Don’t worry, aunt," Xie Liangchen smiled, "I grew up in Chen Family Village. What’s wrong with letting others know that? Besides, there are other things that need attending to."

Xie Liangchen reached out and patted Hei Dan on the head, "We’ll all go together."