CHAPTER 680: CHAPTER 660: TRUE HUSBAND AND WIFE

Xie Xun and Xie Jue had originally agreed that after the New Year’s Festival, Xie Jue would embark on a diplomatic mission to Sannan. Xie Xun relinquished all authority regarding the mission, leaving the preparations—protocol, the number of people to bring, and who to take along—entirely up to Xie Jue, without interference. Marshal Fang’s hidden agenda implied that Sannan could be subdued through military means rather than diplomacy. He was also somewhat apprehensive about Xie Jue’s journey to Sannan. In fact, Lin Helin had privately spoken to him, suggesting that the diplomatic mission to Sannan could be delayed. Han Ziqi was in the Capital interacting with Dugu Jing, and had even waited until Beiman surrendered before planning his return to Sannan. Sending Xie Jue to Sannan was undoubtedly fraught with danger. What if Sannan, desperate, used Xie Jue as leverage against Beining?

If the mission must go ahead, another envoy could be sent in Xie Jue’s place.

The marshal’s concerns were not about Xie Jue’s status but rather about the Sannan Royal Family’s potential duplicity. Previously, they had almost rashly launched a campaign against the Twelve Provinces due to Xie Jue’s identity. If he were to go to Sannan, everything on foreign soil would be unpredictable, and rescuing him from any peril would be exceedingly difficult.

Xie Jue gazed at the falling snow. "The diplomatic mission being planned for after the New Year is a matter of national policy. There’s no need to alter it."

The marshal, having received confirmation, did not argue further. Fang Chuning’s expression turned somber as he kept silent. The marshal said, "If that’s the case, then let Tunan accompany you on this mission."

Xie Jue frowned, instinctively refusing, "I have already finalized the personnel list for the mission. It will be discussed during the court session after the New Year. Chuning likely has assignments after the holiday and doesn’t need to accompany me to Sannan."

Xie Xun remained silent, "..."

To be honest, whether Fang Chuning had any post-New Year arrangements was unclear to Xie Xun. Fang Chuning himself had expressed his intention to accompany Xie Jue, and since this was agreed upon, Xie Xun hadn’t considered making any adjustments. Therefore, he hadn’t assigned any duties to Fang Chuning.

Marshal Fang immediately sensed that the pair was engaging in a spat. If it were in the past, Fang Chuning would have rebutted instantly; now, however, he sat quietly like he was invisible.

"Your Majesty, do I have any assignments after the New Year?" Fang Chuning asked smoothly after sipping a cup of wine.

The wine was being warmed over a double boiler, but Fang Chuning preferred cold wine in winter. An empty wine flask sat by his hand as he poured and drank on his own. Xie Xun, observing him, momentarily found himself unable to respond, "None yet."

Fang Chuning was a general. Now that the Beiman had been subdued, several veteran generals were stationed in Ningzhou, eliminating the need to deploy additional military personnel there. Even if someone were deployed, it would be generals of the Ningzhou faction.

Sending him to Zhongzhou was one viable option, but Jiangnan was where the marshal was stationed. Placing Fang Chuning in Zhongzhou on top of that risked consolidating too much power within Marquis Zhenbei’s faction in the Yuwen Dynasty—something to be avoided. How his assignments were to be handled became a delicate issue. Insisting on sending him to Zhongzhou could overpower anyone else assigned there as subordinates to Fang Chuning.

Unless his second brother oversaw Zhongzhou, having Fang Chuning travel with him on the mission to Sannan became the most suitable plan. Once they returned from the mission, Xie Xun could then decide on Fang Chuning’s placement.

Marshal Fang suddenly said, "This old minister is getting on in years. After Jiangnan is fully stabilized at the end of next year, I plan to retire and return to my homeland. What does Your Majesty think of having Tunan stationed in Jiangnan afterward?"

"Marshal, you’re still in your prime; isn’t it rather early to discuss retirement?" Xie Xun’s tone remained calm. This was indeed the most suitable arrangement, but it couldn’t have come from him or Xie Jue. The marshal proposing it himself was ideal.

The marshal truly was still at a vigorous age. If he wished, he could easily remain stationed in Jiangnan for another decade.

"Your Majesty, this old minister has spent years stationed in Jiangnan and neglected my family. My heart is heavy with guilt. Once Jiangnan is stabilized, it will be time for me to step down and spend time with my loved ones. I hope Your Majesty can grant this request."

Fang Chuning seemed unmoved, staring at the wine in his cup, lost in thought. Xie Jue couldn’t help but glance at him. Some people are fated to draw your gaze no matter how many mental admonitions are issued against crossing boundaries. Despite outward composure, one’s eyes will always betray one’s heart.

"Who cares about you being stuck in the Capital all year round!" Fang Chuning sneered lightly, his voice neither loud nor soft but perfectly audible to everyone. Xie Xun caught the marshal’s slightly darkened expression and silently gave him a mental thumbs up.

Marshal Fang, mindful of Xie Xun’s presence, refrained from anger. Mr. Li Er intervened to break the tension, "We’ve been busy all year. On New Year’s Eve, we should relax rather than discuss state matters. Come now, let’s drink. Your Majesty, allow me to pour you a cup."

Mr. Li Er filled everyone’s cup. Fang Chuning, having delivered his single remark, backed off, only voicing that one jab, and, with no response from the marshal, quieted down. He turned his head and met Xie Jue’s concerned gaze. Fang Chuning impassively looked away. The Mudan Building’s flower-boat wasn’t far off, and the distant melody of a pipa drifted in the winter air. The group continued drinking and listening to the music, occasionally exchanging a few words of casual conversation, though the atmosphere stayed strained.

Mr. Li Er wiped the cold sweat from his brow, already regretting boarding the flower-boat with the Fang Family. Who would have thought they’d cross paths with both the Emperor and Empress, only for the occasion to be so oppressively tense?

Xie Xun couldn’t help but wonder if his presence and mentioning the matter of Sannan had made the mood so heavy. What had they all been discussing before he arrived?

Xie Xun and Xie Jue didn’t linger long on the Fang Family’s boat. Half an hour later, they left, taking Fengyu and Ruyi with them to avoid further disrupting the Fang family’s New Year celebration.

Once on their own boat, Xie Xun asked, "Second Brother, what’s going on between the marshal and Fang Chuning?"

Although the marshal and Fang Chuning had a tense father-son relationship, they usually maintained appearances in front of outsiders, especially now that Xie Xun was Emperor. Fang Chuning’s temperament was known for its composure, and he wouldn’t openly embarrass the marshal under normal circumstances.

Distracted, Xie Jue held Ruyi’s hand and shook his head, offering no response. He hadn’t had a proper conversation with Fang Chuning in some time, so he was unaware of what might have transpired within the Fang Family.

Fengyu, who knew a thing or two, pretended otherwise. She chose not to elaborate on their elders’ matters, instead caressing Ruyi’s chubby cheeks. "Ruyi, do you enjoy boating and lantern-viewing?"

"I like it, but Ruyi is hungry."

The group chuckled and ceased dwelling further on the boat’s earlier awkwardness. Xie Xun instructed the servants to prepare a meal. They dined onboard, treating it as a fresh and novel experience for Ruyi, making the intimate family gathering a pleasant New Year’s Eve.

After dining, they returned to the palace before midnight, staying up to welcome the new year. Ruyi received three vibrant, red envelopes—one from her father, one from her uncle, and one from her aunt. Her face lit up with joy as she gave New Year’s greetings to her elders amidst the cascade of fireworks at midnight.

Seeing Ruyi’s clever and adorable face, Xie Jue couldn’t help but smile as well.

The new year had arrived!

After the New Year festivities, the matter of Beiman integration was promptly brought to the fore. News came from Ningzhou’s borders that the Beiman Royal Family had begun relocating to the Capital. The Ningzhou Iron Cavalry escorted them. Ten thousand people entered Ningzhou, with the Ningzhou forces transferring some to Yunzhou and Huangzhou, while most remained near Ningzhou’s outskirts, awaiting allocation to different state administrations of the Twelve Provinces.

In the Capital, arrangements for housing the Beiman Royal Family were quickly finalized. Xie Xun assigned them to the Chen Garden in the city’s western district. That area had originally been the Kyoto Capital Guard’s quarters, but they were relocated to make space for the Beiman Royal Family.

Soon after, General Cui from Ningzhou sent a family letter to Xie Xun, revealing a piece of shocking news. According to his letter, Xie Jue had actually gotten married in Beiman years ago—not some pretense, but a formal union consecrated before the Heavenly God. Moreover, the Beiman King had brought Xie Jue’s wife and her maternal family to the Capital, claiming they wished for family recognition.

Xie Xun, "..."