The wicked man and his party left Xianyang and headed east, passing through Yiyang and Chencheng, thus entering the State of Chu. After submitting official documents, they arrived in Shouchun and temporarily settled there. Three days later, they would travel to Juyang, the capital of Chu, fifty miles away.
"Brother, this Chu Kingdom is really something else. Other countries don't easily change their capital, but they... how many places have they changed?" Erniu complained as he removed his armor.
The wicked man chuckled upon hearing this, "You'll probably have to ask Lord Wu'an, Bai Qi, about this."
The State of Chu underwent several changes, moving its capital from Danyang to Yanying, and then to Zaiying, where it developed for more than two hundred years. However, due to Bai Qi's attack on Yingdu, it was forced to move its capital to Chen, where it developed for twenty-five years before moving to Juyang. Finally, to avoid the Qin army's advance, it established its capital in Shouchun, where it was eventually destroyed.
People say that as long as the country exists, the people will exist.
The State of Chu is quite convenient; every place is a capital city. If this place doesn't work out, I'll just leave, resolutely adhering to the principle of having three burrows.
They were forced to walk an extra halfway for no reason, and they had to hurry to avoid breaking the rules of etiquette.
"Haha, elder brother, you are now no less than Lord Wu'an. I wonder if this title will eventually fall to you." Chun Ning interjected with a laugh.
Now, the entire Qin state is eagerly awaiting to see if the name of 'Lord Wu'an' can reappear in this generation and fall upon the wicked man.
"Lord Wu'an?"
The wicked man's lips curled into a smile. The weight of those three words was self-evident, and he was also very much looking forward to it, after all, this was one of his great achievements.
If one cannot gain recognition after coming here, life will never be complete.
Qin had Lord Wu'an, Han had Marquis of Champion, and in between came Xiang Yu, the Hegemon of Western Chu.
These three titles became the long-cherished wish of later military generals. No matter how high or famous their titles were, they were still somewhat lacking in meaning compared to these three titles.
"Martial arts bring peace to the world, and prestige brings stability to the country. I imagine that if we were to destroy the four kingdoms of Chu, Zhao, Yan, and Qi, my elder brother would surely bestow this title upon us." Chun Ning smiled.
As he spoke, he didn't notice the Chu minister who had just entered the room. His expression kept changing, and finally he forced a smile and coughed lightly, saying, "I am Chang Qing, the official in charge of the Chu court. I pay my respects to the Grand Commandant of Qin and the two generals."
He was speechless, and thought to himself: "Next time you're cricketing, could you please do it behind someone's back?"
Unexpectedly, Chun Ning didn't take it seriously at all, acting as if nothing had happened, as if he wasn't the one who had been cricketing behind his back. This made Chang Qing feel a little awkward.
Being caught cricket-catching someone is embarrassing enough, but how dare you act so self-righteous?!
"You bastard... Doesn't this make me look like an eavesdropper?!" Chang Qing was both angry and furious.
The wicked man glanced at Chun Ning, then waved his hand and said, "Chang Dianke, you're too kind. May I ask what brings you here?"
Chang Qing's gaze fell on her wicked husband. Seeing that he had a smile on his face and was not as fierce as the rumors said, she immediately felt much more at ease.
"I have been waiting for a long time. Upon hearing of the Grand Commandant's arrival, I came to pay my respects and discuss the marriage proposal and betrothal procedures." Chang Qing smiled kindly, as if he had not heard Chun Ning's words.
"Procedures? What procedures are there?" The wicked husband raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the matter.
“Indeed, Your Excellency, a marriage alliance between our two countries will surely deepen the friendship between Qin and Chu, so it must be taken seriously and these etiquettes must be observed, as this will prove the goodwill between our two countries through marriage.” Chang Qing’s tone was somewhat flattering.
The wicked man pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Come in and talk. I will cooperate with you however you need."
Seeing that her husband's attitude had softened, Changqing stepped into the house and explained in detail each step of the marriage proposal and betrothal ceremony.
He mentioned that, according to the customs of the Chu state, the groom's family needed to prepare generous betrothal gifts, including gold and silver jewelry, silk and satin, and jade objects symbolizing good fortune.
In addition, an envoy must be sent to the capital to present the wedding invitation, and only then can the King of Chu issue an edict three days later to allow the wicked man to enter the city to receive the bride, as a sign of respect and sincerity.
Upon hearing this, the wicked husband frowned, showing considerable impatience with the elaborate formalities. Besides, he couldn't afford those gold, silver, and jewels as betrothal gifts, and the petty Ying Zheng only wanted to get something for free.
Chun Ning and Er Niu, who were listening nearby, gradually abandoned their previous relaxed attitude and their eyes turned cold.
They were soldiers by birth and believed in the law of the jungle. Now that Qin was stronger than Chu, they couldn't help but get angry and scold them.
"My king is extremely busy with state affairs, and my Grand Commandant holds multiple positions. Their presence here is a great honor for your Chu Kingdom."
"This marriage was arranged by your Chu state begging our Qin state, how come it seems as if our Qin state is begging you now?"
"You keep asking for this and that. Or... why don't we just wipe out your Chu Kingdom? Then we probably won't need all this formalities, right?"
Chang Qing's expression changed, and anger surged within him. His gaze instinctively fell upon the wicked husband. He knew that these two young generals were rough men in the army, and there was no need to argue with them.
To everyone's surprise, the wicked husband didn't say anything. Instead, he lowered his head and blew on the wine in his glass. The wine was already cold, so what was there to blow on? Wasn't he just trying to appease him?
That's right, Chun Ning and Er Niu's words were exactly what he was thinking.
"Grand Commandant, this... is the way of etiquette... I hope you won't make things difficult for me." Chang Qing could only force a smile and cautiously look at his wicked husband.
"Shut up! How dare you be so rude!" The wicked man glanced at Chun Ning and Er Niu, pretending to scold them.
Then, he looked at Chang Qing and gave her a warm smile. "As the saying goes, a woman follows her husband wherever he goes. Your Chu customs should follow those of my Qin."
Chang Qing was momentarily speechless, then immediately retorted, "In my opinion..."
"I don't care what you think, I care what I think." The wicked man interrupted him before he could speak, then stood up and turned his back to Chang Qing. "Go back and tell your king that the rules of Qin are the rules, and all etiquette and laws must be in accordance with Qin."
"This Grand Commandant has had a bumpy journey and is quite tired..."
Chun Ning and Er Niu immediately stepped forward, flanking Chang Qing on either side, and simultaneously extended their hands, saying with a forced smile, "Master Chang, please."
Seeing that the evil man and the others were adamant, Chang Qing had no choice but to leave with them. Before leaving, he did not forget to say, "Grand Commandant, on the day of the betrothal, you must personally go to the Chu King's Palace to show your respect for the Chu Kingdom."
"My King of Chu will also host a banquet, and all the civil and military officials of both countries will attend. The event will be grand, so please make sure you attend."
The wicked husband readily agreed to this trivial matter, as this was the job he had come here for. After all, it was a marriage proposal, and the custom was for the man to come to the woman's home, so he naturally wouldn't make a fuss about having her send her over.
"Go back and tell your king that I will arrive on time three days from now, before noon, and I will not be impolite."
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