CHAPTER 352: CHAPTER 349: GOOD NEWS

The Emperor’s face was full of rage, and the palace attendants lowered their heads in fear, while the eunuch, Du Zheng, gently waved his hand.

Only then did the palace attendants retreat as if granted amnesty.

Du Zheng said, "Please calm down, Your Majesty. At present, the nation is celebrating the victory of the Eight States. After Gao Yu was escorted to the Capital City, the people are chanting long live."

The Emperor furrowed his brows. Du Zheng was reminding him that at a time like this, he could not show anger towards Song Xian. After all, Song Xian was a meritorious minister who had swiftly pacified the Eight States and completely destroyed the Gao Dynasty.

Now, some courtiers have begun to submit memorials requesting the court to bestow honors upon Song Xian and Du Zhuo. Naturally, there are also reports regarding the rumor that the daughter of Prince Guangyang did not die, requesting the court to investigate.

Du Zheng placed a cup of tea in front of the Emperor.

The Emperor suppressed the anger in his chest: "Song Xian has requested the court thoroughly investigate the matter regarding Prince Guangyang." Song Xian clearly knew about this long ago, yet he now pretends ignorance.

Gao Yu was escorted to the Capital City, and along with him came Xue Shougui.

It is said that this Xue Shougui was found by the Song Family Army only after searching all over the Taiyuan Prefecture.

Xue Shougui had been imprisoned and severely tortured by Gao Yu, left barely alive. The Song Family’s House General sought a doctor and managed with difficulty to save Xue Shougui’s life, transporting him safely to the Capital City by carriage.

For what purpose?

Is it not obvious? Because Xue Shougui knows that it was the people of Chen Family Village who rescued Princess Guangyang back then, and it was precisely because of this matter that Gao Yu ordered several military generals imprisoned during wartime.

The Emperor said, "Song Xian had already sent the witness to the Capital City, so this secret letter of his is not about asking me to uncover the truth but urging me to restore the honor of Prince Guangyang’s descendants."

Du Zheng too did not know how to advise His Majesty. Despite this, His Majesty cannot punish Song Xian for it, as Song Xian did nothing wrong. Before leading troops to the Eight States, Song Xian had declared his intention to capture Gao Yu to appease Prince Guangyang.... Over the years, His Majesty had constantly mentioned Prince Guangyang and had treated his collateral descendants well for it.

Now with the news of Princess Guangyang, Song Xian naturally has to report the matter truthfully to the court.

Finding fault with Song Xian to reproach him is indeed difficult.

Especially now, the court has just captured Cai Rong, who has fought for Daqi for many years and was bestowed the title of Military Governor to guard the Northern Border. Although arrested for colluding with the Liao people, the remaining Military Governors of Daqi inevitably feel anxious, fearing that the court’s excuse to punish Cai Rong is due to apprehension over his heavy military power.

Song Xian had performed a great service, and if the court chooses to punish instead of reward, it will surely cause turmoil.

Du Zheng, considering this, softly said, "There is a long way ahead. The Heavenly Family is in no rush. It is said that the land of the Eight States is even more impoverished than Daqi’s most remote areas. The Ministry of Revenue has been allocating relief grain for half a month, but that grain can only meet urgent needs. To truly see progress in these regions, even if the weather is favorable, it will take at least three to five years."

In other words, within the next three to five years, Song Xian will, on the contrary, be constrained by the Eight States.

Du Zheng said, "General Song will be granted the title of Commander because he cares wholeheartedly for the people. Now, the people of the Eight States need the Daqi court. They hope that General Song can fulfill the Emperor’s commission and govern the Eight States as well as Zhenzhou and Zhaozhou."

"When the Eight States show progress, His Majesty can then promote and make further use of General Song, allowing him to lead troops away from the Eight States to places like the West Pass or Southern Border. Many places in Daqi could use an official like General Song."

The Emperor had considered these things before. Du Zheng’s words precisely struck the right chord. Solving many matters now would create a great uproar, and after some time, when the court’s attention shifts away from the Eight States and Song Xian’s military achievements, things can be quietly settled.

The Emperor said lightly, "I originally valued Song Xian and hoped he would serve me wholeheartedly. Who would have thought he still longed for Prince Guangyang."

Du Zheng said, "From this, it is evident that this person has courage in abundance but lacks strategy."

Song Xian is one matter; there is another. The Emperor said, "Have the people sent to Zhenzhou not returned yet?"

Du Zheng said, "Not yet."

What the Emperor wants to see most now is Xie of Chen Family Village, granddaughter of Prince Guangyang.

The Emperor said, "It is said that she led the villagers of Zhenzhou in transporting military supplies to Xinzhou. After Daqi defeated the Liao people, she and her father, Xie Shao Yuan, left Dai State with the villagers of Zhenzhou."

Such actions are indeed reminiscent of Prince Guangyang. Is she deliberately emulating Prince Guangyang, or does she have some capabilities? These people of Prince Guangyang have been hiding in Chen Family Village for so long; what could they be plotting?

The Emperor sneered. Prince Guangyang has long been dead; what can a mere granddaughter do?

"Heavenly Family," Du Zheng said softly, "Have you thought about how to reward General Song? General Song is young and accomplished but not yet married. If you were to grant him a marriage with a noblewoman, first, it would be a magnanimous imperial favor, and second, such a union would satisfy General Song, allowing him to focus entirely on serving Your Majesty."

The Emperor pondered for a moment and nodded: "Issue my decree, instructing the Empress to select a noblewoman. Once Song Qing returns to the Capital, I will grant him marriage."

Fighting for the country is important, but so is marriage and family.

...

Song Xian sat in his military tent, reading the letter in his hand.

It was sent by Old Mrs. Song from Zhenzhou.

Chang An placed his last finger down, saying, "The young master has read it ten times already. If he continues, he’ll have to use his toes."

"Young master," Chang An, while delivering tea, stole a glance at the paper, "Is it good news?"

Song Xian calmly said, "I haven’t really looked at it yet."

Chang An swallowed, he hadn’t really looked at it? His gaze was almost burning a hole through the paper.

Song Xian handed the letter to Chang An: "See what it says and tell me."

Chang An took the letter, though he already knew. The household general who delivered the letter had mentioned that the master and old lady had gone to Chen Family Village to exchange engagement letters for the young master and Miss Xie, and had sent the betrothal gifts.

"Young master," Chang An said with a face full of joy, "You are getting married, and the bride is Miss Xie."

Song Xian’s brows slightly raised: "Is it true?"

Chang An responded, "It’s clearly written in the letter."

Song Xian, seemingly indifferent, stood up and said, "Put it away and accompany me to inspect the camp."

Chang An carefully put the letter away; he thought to himself how many more times the young master would read it, so he must keep it on him at all times.

Song Xian walked out of the military tent.

At this time, the soldiers in the camp were drilling in the field. Seeing Song Xian approaching, they paused and saluted.

Song Xian, as usual, made a round of inspection, and before leaving, instructed several household generals: "Even though the Liao people do not dare act rashly now, you must not relax your vigilance."

The household generals responded affirmatively.

Song Xian said, "Any mistake, and when we return to Zhenzhou, you won’t be attending any banquets at the Prefecture."

The household generals said, "Rest assured, Young Master."

After Song Xian left, the household generals looked at each other: "Did the Young Master just say he would let us feast at the Prefecture?" The young master rewarded them but never held banquets at the Prefecture, which made them feel the words had a deeper meaning.

Chang An looked at Song Xian’s retreating figure and sighed, feeling compelled to explain: "The young master is betrothed to Miss Xie."

Only then did the household generals realize, lifting their gazes to look at Song Xian not far away. Song Xian, with his back to the household generals, was quietly waiting there.

No wonder the young master walked so slowly; he was waiting for them to catch up and offer congratulations?

"Congratulations to the Young Master."

Hearing the voices of congratulation from the household generals behind him, Song Xian could no longer suppress his joyful expression.

From now on, he would be a man with a family.