Then he rushed back to the palace and brought Song Huaixi over.
He had barely finished taking Song Huaixi away and settled her in, and before he could even sit down properly in the general's mansion, the emperor's decree arrived.
The one who came to deliver the imperial edict was Qin Han.
He looked at Li Ye, who was covered in sweat, and said with a smile, "Great General, immense wealth and honor have arrived! Quickly rise to receive the imperial decree!"
Li Ye abruptly tossed his robes and knelt on the ground with a thud, "Your subject receives the imperial decree!"
The next moment, Qin Han's high-pitched, effeminate voice suddenly rang out.
By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:
Song Huaiyu, the second daughter of the former Grand Secretary of the Yun Dynasty, is naturally beautiful, exceptionally talented, and virtuous, earning her high praise from both the court and the public. Now, observing her character and examining her family background, I find her to be a model for all women in the land.
General Li Ye was a valiant and skilled warrior who repeatedly distinguished himself in battle, making outstanding contributions to the nation. His loyalty and courage made him a pillar of the court.
For the sake of the nation and the people, I hereby betroth Song Huaiyu to Li Ye, to demonstrate my deep affection for this meritorious official and my high regard for this virtuous woman. I hope that after they become husband and wife, they will treat each other with respect and love, and create a beautiful home together.
I hereby order the Ministry of Rites to select an auspicious day for a grand wedding ceremony, to announce it to the world. I will also bestow a generous dowry upon Song Huaiyu to demonstrate my affection for him. At the same time, I will also reward Li Ye with gold, silver, and jewels to recognize his military achievements.
May the entire court and the people rejoice in this joyous occasion and cheer for my bestowal of this marriage. May Song Huaiyu and Li Ye be forever united in heart and grow old together in happiness.
So be it.
"Congratulations, General! Congratulations, General!" Qin Han bowed and presented the imperial edict.
Li Ye respectfully accepted the imperial edict with both hands and shouted, "Thank you, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"
Qin Han raised his hand, and four graceful palace maids walked out from behind him.
Li Ye looked closely and recognized them as Jiu Hua and Qing Tang, the head palace maids of Song Huaixi, and Xi Wu and Tang Li, the head palace maids who served Cui Mi during her lifetime.
"General, these four are concubines bestowed upon you by His Majesty. Alright, this old servant has brought all the necessary farewells."
"Please wait a moment, Eunuch Qin," Jiu Hua called out softly.
Qin Han stared at her meaningfully.
Jiu Hua stepped forward slowly, placed a bag of loose silver in his hand, and said respectfully, "My general is dull-witted, please forgive him in the future, Eunuch Qin."
"That's for sure." Qin Han accepted the silver, turned around happily, and left.
"General!"
Led by Jiu Hua, the four women bowed to Li Ye in unison, saying, "From now on, we belong to the General. We are willing to go through fire and water for the General without hesitation!"
Li Ye was startled. "Aunties, there's no need for such a grand gesture."
"General!" Jiu Hua stepped forward and took one of his arms, and Qing Tang, seeing this, stepped forward and took his other arm. Xi Wu and Tang Li exchanged a glance and thought to themselves, the general only has two legs left, so let's each lift one leg and the four of them carry Li Ye into the house.
"Hey, hey, hey, what are you doing?"
Li Ye was so frightened that his forehead was covered in sweat.
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