Chapter 77 – Return to the Residence to Report the Good News

In a word, since the Northwest War, the Lian-Chu has almost lived in the Huaiyang Residence.

 

In the beginning, it was Old Princess Consort Chu who felt indebted for her son’s hasty dissolution of the marriage, which damaged the reputation of Lian Binglan, and it was not easy to refuse Lian-Chu. But later, it was just because there was someone around to who she could talk.

 

Lian-Chu is familiar with the temperament of Old Princess Consort Chu. If she pleased her, she will be able to take control. After several tries, Old Princess Consort Chu is half-convinced of what Lian-Chu said that her son was raising a mistress in Lingquan Town.

 

After Cui Xingzhou’s coachman was brought up for a trial, the coachman told honestly that he had indeed sent The Prince to Lingquan North Street several times, but he did not know who lived in it. He only saw that the Lady was beautiful, which was really rare.

 

So when it is certain, the expression Old Princess Consort Chu looked at her niece Lian Binglan again, she was very apologetic. He had kept a mistress secretly when her son was engaged with Binglan. In the end, he made an excuse saying that his cousin didn’t share the same feelings as him. He broke off their marriage because Lian Binglan was diagnosed with a bad illness. It was extremely mean!

 

With such a debt in mind, Old Princess Consort Chu decided to ask Cui Xingzhou to withdraw his foreword and sign a marriage contract with the Lian family again after he came back.

 

Lian-Chu is also tolerant and magnanimous, indicating that Xingzhou is young, and cannot avoid being seduced by those seductive women and going the wrong way. As long as he can be enlightened by the Old Princess Consort and know that he was wrong, then Lian Binglan is willing to wait for Cui Xingzhou to come back.

 

But at the beginning, the war in the northwest was tense, and from time to time, there were all kinds of so-called gossip, which frightened the Old Princess Consort to sleep and eat restlessly day all night. Both mother and daughter of the Lian family did not come very often.

 

It was not until later that the Northwest Great Victory was finally spread all over the countryside by the post station that Old Princess Consort Chu suddenly breathed a sigh of relief, and both the mother and daughter of the Lian family have once again come to the Prince Residence frequently.

 

However, Cui Xingzhou had to report his work back in the Capital before returning to the State of Zhen. Thus, Old Princess Consort Chu had to wait patiently for her son to return.

 

Her hateful son was restless in his life. Although the family letter came from time to time, he only spoke a few words. He ignored the meaning of Lian-Chu’s words she repeated several times, saying only that he was healthy and told his mother to pay attention to her health.

 

The State of Zhen is far away from the Capital city, and the news is not as pleasant as that between neighboring states. Cui Xingzhou never comes back, and someone started to rumor that he doesn’t like the new Emperor.

 

Old Princess Consort Chu was so worried that she had a mouth full of blisters. However, Lian-Chu was also worried and fell ill. She hadn’t come to the Prince’s Residence for several days.

 

It was not until the news that Prince Huaiyang was about to arrive in the State of Zhen came that Lian-Chu dragged her “sick body” and brought her daughter to the door.

 

No matter how worried the Old Princess Consort was, she had to wait patiently for Prince Huaiyang to return. Otherwise, it would hurt The Prince’s dignity to ask him back from the North Street of Lingquan Town.

 

However, this eagerness did not reach the small courtyard on North Street.

 

This night, Prince Huaiyang had a good time.

 

After the splendid night with the beauty, her waist was aching from the enthusiasm, and The Prince was lazy to get up too.

 

When Miantang opened her eyes after sleeping, the sun was already shining outside.

 

Miantang pushed Cui Xingzhou and asked, “Didn’t you say that you will return to your Residence to see the Old Princess Consort today? Why aren’t you up yet?”

 

Cui Xingzhou closed his eyes and took her by the hand and said, “What’s the hurry? The Residence can’t run away. I’ve ordered someone to send a message to my mother. It’s okay to go back before dinner… You can go back with me when the time comes. The accounts of those stores can be checked after that.”

 

Miantang opened her eyes, and the bleary look in her eyes was much reduced. After thinking about it, she said, “You should return first. The Old Princess Consort doesn’t know me, so we have to let her have a psychological preparation.”

 

Cui Xingzhou also knew that Miantang was very proud. If his mother suddenly knew that he was about to marry and said something unpleasant, she would keep it in her heart. He took her hand, kissed her, and said, “That’s fine. I’ll pick you up tomorrow.”

 

The two of them were a little bit closer again. Cui Xingzhou reluctantly got up, changed clothes, and wore crown attire. He then led Mo Ru and the other bodyguards to return to the State of Zhen.

 

Who knew that the moment he stepped out, he met with a young man who has just dismounted at the entrance of the alley!

 

It was Zhao Quan, the Marquis of Zhennan, who came with an excited face.

 

Yesterday, when his servant came to Lingquan Town to buy something, he unexpectedly told him that he saw Lady Liu sticking her head out of a carriage as if she was heading for North Street.

 

Zhao Quan was also skeptical and wanted to come and have a look. He asked Miantang to marry him last time, but he was refused without mercy. He also told her that Cui Jiu was injured because he had let slip. The next day Miantang ran out of sight, probably delivering medicine to Cui Jiu.

 

Zhao Quan used to know that Miantang’s heart was full of Cui Xingzhou. Unexpectedly, after learning that he was a liar, she still thought about him so much.

 

The Marquis of Zhennan paid off his infatuation and left sadly. Then the long separation made him more bitter. So he could not help but want to see Miantang when he heard that Miantang had returned to his hometown, to see if she had seen through Cui Jiu’s fickle and had given up on him.

 

But he didn’t expect that before he get to meet the beauty, he bumped into Cui Xingzhou coming out of the North Lane interface dressed neatly.

 

Zhao Quan suddenly lost his temper and said to Cui Jiu, “Prince Huaiyang, I haven’t seen you for many days. The Old Princess Consort has been thinking about you all the time. She always cries to my mother about her son. But you are here, wandering around North Street.”

 

In the past, when Zhao Quan was pestering Miantang, Cui Xingzhou felt unhappy. However, he didn’t have a justifiable excuse to reprimand him.

 

Now Miantang has signed a marriage certificate with him. How can he allow his fiancee to be followed by a greedy dog with only saliva?

 

So he said to Zhao Quan with a straight face, “I have been engaged.”

 

Zhao Quan was stunned and said, “That’s a good thing. Have you made up with Cousin Lian?”

 

Cui Xingzhou shook his head, pointed to the direction of the north street, and said, “You know my fiancee too, Liu Miantang, the daughter of the Lu family in the State of Xi.”

 

Cui Xingzhou’s tone was ordinary, but Zhao Quan’s eyes were wide open and he suspected Cui Xingzhou was lying to him.

 

He was clear about Liu Miantang’s origin. If she wants to enter a Mansion of the nobles, she is not worthy enough as she has a father whose head has been cut off due to crime. What’s more, Cui Xingzhou is not talking about being a concubine, but a serious fiancee… He is crazy!

 

At that moment, he dragged Cui Xingzhou to the tavern beside him and asked him why. Cui Xingzhou has to hurry home. He only took up his wine cup and finished three cups in front of Zhao Quan. He then said to Zhao Quan, “Jiayu, I know you like her, but everything always comes in order. It is an indisputable fact that she first confides in me. You have no chance with her, so please respect her as your sister-in-law in the future. Don’t speak disrespectfully, or you and I will have to cut ties.”

 

Zhao Quan’s eyes had been staring and his mouth was wide open that it could fit an egg. His throat was choked by Cui Xingzhou’s words. He clearly remembered the face of this guy who was dismissive of the little lady in North Street at the beginning. he said that Miantang is as light as ants, and it is not important whether she was crushed to death.

 

How can Cui Xingzhou now, be like a different person, solemnly telling him that he has signed a marriage contract with Liu Miantang, and no one can touch her anymore?

 

After saying this, Cui Xingzhou patted Brother Jiayu’s shoulder, which his mouth was still open, and kindly reminded him that his marriage was not far away, so he could prepare a gift early. After all, they are friends for many years. If they break apart for a woman, it is not worth it.

 

Zhao Quan was so angry that he almost swore, “You… You still want me to prepare a gift for you? No wonder you can advance making a big deal! How shameless! You used the cunning of the barbarians on me… I understand now. You confused me and pretended to be dismissive. Knowing that Miantang didn’t want to be a concubine, you always stressed to me that Miantang was not from a good family, and asked me to mention being a high-ranking concubine to her, but you went on and request a legal marriage of the main hostess… How cunning! Ha… You are still asking for a gift! Sure, wait for the day you die, I will prepare a good set of coffin for you!”

 

Cui Xingzhou knows that Zhao Quan is angry. He doesn’t want to explain to his friends how he has been struggling with Miantang. After all, it hurts the dignity of a man. He then said lowly, “Miantang is very pleased with me, and she can’t follow other men. I think she is pitiful, and I don’t want to let her down. If you don’t want to come, that’s fine. I will still regard you as my best friend. If there is anything I can do for you in the future, I will definitely return your kindness.”

 

After saying that, he hugged Marquis Zhennan and left the restaurant.

 

Zhao Quan was so angry that he patted his chest to relieve his anger when he saw Cui Xingzhou getting on the horse and riding off. This guy is a thoughtless and disinterested person! Years of friendship were like nothing. Why can’t Miantang see the true colors of Cui Xingzhou?

 

… But he’s a tough guy! He even dares to marry such a woman! He doesn’t know what kind of trouble will happen when the family of Prince Huaiyang knows about it…

 

It was already afternoon when Cui Xingzhou arrived at the Huaiyang Residence.

 

The servants of the royal Residence went out to welcome The Prince back to the Residence. Others also supported the Old Princess Consort. With tears in her eyes, she watched her son tumble down from the horse.

 

No wonder he broke his marriage with Binglan previously. The matchmakers are all rushing to break the threshold of their Residence after her son withdraws his marriage certificate and returns from the victory in the Northwest. After such a long time, her son became more masculine from the experience of the northwest war and looked more heroic. Which lady can remain unmoved when seeing such a handsome Prince?

 

Cui Xingzhou strode all the way and came in front of the Old Princess Consort to kneel. The Old Princess Consort, with red eyes and tears in her eyes, helped her son to get up, but she smelled the faint smell of wine on his body.

 

The Old Princess Consort could not help frowning, and suspected that he had drunk in the outer house of North Street. What kind of women are raised in North Street? She even coaxes him to drink!

 

She always knew that her son was self-disciplined and would never drink unless it was the yearly festive or engaged in social activities. As a result, he was abducted by the woman in North Street and became drunk!

 

Cui Xingzhou did not know that the Old Princess Consort was criticizing secretly. He just smiled and asked the guards behind him to carry the special products brought back from the Northwest to the Residence and distribute them to the people.

 

However, Cui Xingzhou’s expression faded slightly when he saw his aunt, Lian-Chu and his cousin were also there, but he still greeted his aunt in accordance with the ceremony.

 

Even if they can’t get married, they are always relatives of his own, so it’s not good to keep away from each other.

 

When she heard that Empress Dowager Wu wanted to recruit Cui Xingzhou as her son-in-law, she was really worried for a while. Her mother didn’t want her to hang on to a tree, so she often walked around the Marquis Mansion in the south of the town.

 

After all, Zhao Quan is also her cousin. He has recently divorced his ex-wife and has never remarried. Although Marquis Zhennan is inferior to Prince Huaiyang, he is also a reliable candidate.

 

It’s a pity that Marquis Zhennan seems to be fascinated by some lady outside. He always runs out. Lian Binglan can’t find the opportunity to bond with her Cousin Zhao.

 

Fortunately, Prince Huaiyang broke his leg, and Empress Dowager has given up on this thought. Although the Old Princess Consort cried several times when she heard the news, Binglan was relieved.

 

Luckily, whether he’s crippled or not, it does not affect the inheritance.

 

However, according to the performance of her two cousins, Lian BInglan even dislikes women who are attractive and seductive and thinks that all men are like that. With women, friendship is not worth a thousand dollars. Since men are like this, why don’t she seek a position of power? Thus, she’s more convinced of Cousin Cui.

 

However, when she saw her cousin dismount today, it seemed that his legs and feet were not inconvenient. It is said that he has been looking for a famous doctor to use medicine all the time, and his legs and feet have been feeling better. Moreover, her cousin is more handsome than before. It makes people feel nervous when they see him. The high-spirited man’s aura is most fascinating…

 

Lian Binglan always complains about her mother recently. She encouraged her to postpone her marriage. Otherwise, she is now an upright Princess Consort. Why should she stay in a guest seat, and can’t talk to her cousin?

 

After Cui Xingzhou helped his mother back to the main hall, she asked him about his recent situation. When he met the new King, was it all right?

 

Cui Xingzhou answered one by one, and his Aunt Lian-Chu also took the opportunity to compliment his nephew on his talent.

 

But after looking at Cui Xingzhou, he didn’t even look at her daughter. Lian-Chu was also worried and said, “Your Highness, after you went to the northwest, we are really worried about you. Since you left, the Old Princess Consort has been unable to eat, and even your cousin, Binglan has lost a lot…”

 

Cui Xingzhou didn’t say anything, but turned to the Old Princess Consort Chu and said, “Mother, I made up my mind before I could tell you about it. I hope you will forgive me.”

 

Old Princess Consort Chu smiled at her son and said, “You always act calmly. Aren’t you the Master in the Residence that makes decisions for everything, what’s there to forgive about?”

 

Cui Xingzhou smiled and said, “It’s good that you don’t blame me for making my own decisions… I have been engaged to the Mayor of Huaisang County who was granted the title by the new Emperor.”

 

As soon as this was said, all the people in the hall were silent, and everyone looked at each other. They don’t know where the Mayor of Huaisang County came from.

 

Old Princess Consort Chu also opened her mouth in surprise, not knowing what to say. It was Lian-Chu who said on behalf of her, “Marriage should be in the name of parents. How can you make your own decisions? How can you be…?”

 

Lian-Chu looked at her daughter’s face which suddenly turned pale. She was distressed and worried. She thought that her nephew was acting too ridiculous.

 

Cui Xingzhou calmly offered tea to his mother, saying, “It’s rare to meet such a beautiful and intelligent woman. I’m afraid that she will be taken by someone else, so I hired the local government as a guarantor and signed the marriage contract with her. You will love her when you see her. I will bring her to you tomorrow, mother.”

 

Cui Xingzhou never beat around the bush about such private matters. After he blew up all the people in the Residence thoroughly, he went to the study to listen to the war briefing from the State of Dong.

 

For a while, people in the study went in and out. The Old Princess Consort couldn’t get the chance to speak to her son anymore.

 

The Lian-Chu made up her mind for the Old Princess Consort and detained Mo Ru for trial while he went to the kitchen to fetch tea for The Prince.