And Yang Mengchen knelt to the left of Long Xuanmo, raising her head to look at the Emperor seated at the head of the hall, "Your Majesty, your daughter-in-law has a suggestion and hopes for your acceptance."
"All of you, rise," said the Emperor, lifting his hand and speaking to Yang Mengchen with a face full of affection, "Jiujiu may speak freely."
The three complied and stood.
Yang Mengchen spoke with meaningful lingering words, "I request that Father Emperor issue an imperial decree stating that the citizens of Xiliang living in the Five Cities who wish to leave may do so within two months, and their families are allowed to leave with them;
Those who wish to stay must register their households in the various counties of the Five Cities as Dong Chu citizens, effectively from that moment on, and must provide detailed records of their ancestral origin in Xiliang, the addresses and all relatives of their Nine Clans, as well as personal physical features. Moreover, they must have two guarantors sign and seal their commitment. Should they commit acts endangering Dong Chu, they will be treated as conspirators and traitors, and the two guarantors will also bear joint responsibility;
This is but a small suggestion from your daughter-in-law. Please rule on it, Father Emperor!"
In this era, unlike the modern day, it was not guaranteed that some might not harbor loyalty to elsewhere while residing in one place. Her suggestion was also a means to possibly eradicate hidden dangers.
The Emperor’s pupils constricted, feeling ashamed that he had let his guard down in the joy of recovering the Five Cities, and at the same time, he felt proud and comforted by daughter-in-law Jiujiu’s vigilance and foresight.
"Jiujiu’s words are just, I will make a special note of this in the imperial edict. Prince Kang must also pay extra attention when dealing with the affairs of the Five Cities!"
Many people from Xiliang had settled in the Five Cities over nearly a hundred years. This clear regulation would ensure that if they chose to stay, they would be hesitant to commit any rash acts. Even if they fled back to Xiliang, Dong Chu would be able to accurately capture and execute them. Naturally, the guarantors fearing joint responsibility would also keep a close eye on them.
Prince Kang respectfully complied, "My son obeys the decree!"
Qi Zonghao’s expression looked somewhat unsightly, his hands clenched into fists under the table, his gaze towards Yang Mengchen filled with dark viciousness.
He didn’t care about the withdrawal of the troops; he could plant undercover agents among the populace in the Five Cities, and once he launched an attack on Dong Chu, these agents would collaborate from within, easily reclaiming the Five Cities. Even conquering Dong Chu would become easy.
He had not expected Princess Chen to be so thoughtful and meticulous, already considering this possibility and thus foiling his plans. She was not to be underestimated.
Now, he wanted Princess Chen even more, even if it meant paying any price. With such a woman by his side, why should he worry about his grand undertakings not succeeding? freewёbn૦νeɭ.com
Those astute in understanding realized the deep and kind intentions of Princess Chen and naturally respected her even more.
Once the official matters were dealt with, it was time for song and dance performances and the banquet. Because of the Emperor’s special pardon and excitement over the return of the Five Cities, everyone was less restrained than usual, drinking heartily and creating a bustling atmosphere.
By the time the banquet ended, the night had grown very deep. Host and guests had enjoyed themselves thoroughly and everyone happily returned to their respective mansions.
That night, Long Xuanmo loved his wife several times, without any reservations.
After the banquet, the Emperor went to the Grand Temple to announce the good news to the spirits of the ancestors, then talked with the Empress for half the night, too excited to sleep.
The news of Princess Chen winning the Five Cities spread to every corner of the Capital the next day. The citizens of Dong Chu spontaneously set off fireworks and celebrated grandly. Yang Mengchen’s name rang throughout the land again, and of course, the cries of ’Long Live the Emperor’ were like a tidal wave.
Long Xuanmo ordered the imperial decree, along with the document signed and stamped by Qi Zonghao, to be sent at top speed to Yuwen Yanhe, and dispatched guards to secretly escort a shipment of new weapons there.
Bidding farewell to his wife and child, Prince Kang shouldered his bag and led the five thousand elite troops assigned by the Emperor, embarking on his journey to the Five Cities.
When Yang Zongrun performed the cleansing ritual, many visitors came to the Yang family to offer their congratulations. Xiahou Muyang and others also sent their gifts, which were kindly accepted by the Yang family instead of being refused.
In the inner courtyard.
Yang Mengchen apologetically said to Princess Kang, "I’m sorry, sister-in-law. My lord has always trusted your husband, and yet we have caused your family to be separated, which I deeply regret."
As everyone present was family, Yang Mengchen did not hold back. The preparations for the cleansing ritual were left in the hands of Xiao Wanxue and the other sisters-in-law; Shao Yao, Mu Jin, Bai He, and Wu Tong assisted from the side. Yang Mengchen did not go out to greet the guests. After all, this was the Yang family’s joyous occasion, and it would not be fitting for her, a married woman, to interfere.
"Sister-in-law, don’t speak like that," said Princess Kang with a smile. "It’s good for the brothers to be close; we women should not meddle. Besides, having you and the others to keep me and Yeye company, Yeye and I are very happy."
Princess Kang was gentle and magnanimous by nature, and Yang Mengchen got along with her very well. "Four sister-in-law and Yeye are welcome to visit the Prince Mansion often."
"Yeye and I will surely come to the Prince Mansion to eat often; Yeye says the food at brother and sister-in-law’s place is much more delicious than ours," joked Princess Kang.
"We wholeheartedly welcome you," said Yang Mengchen.
A few close relatives also asked to join the meals, to which Yang Mengchen happily agreed. They chatted and laughed, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.
"Princess, it’s time for the banquet to begin," Lv Luo reported as she came in.
Everyone rose and headed towards the garden. To prevent any accidents, the womenfolk and children sat down to eat in the inner courtyard garden, while the male guests stayed in the front courtyard. Servants and guards were stationed between the inner and outer courtyards to prevent outsiders from entering at will.
Yang Mengchen, representing the Yang family, expressed a few words of thanks and then asked the women to sit for the meal, announcing the start of the banquet.
Seeing Princess Kang eat only a little and then put down her chopsticks, Yang Mengchen asked with concern, "Do these dishes not suit sister-in-law’s taste?"
"The dishes are fine, I just don’t have an appetite," Princess Kang shook her head.
Princess Ning, looking worriedly at Princess Kang, said, "Are you feeling unwell? This is just the time for Jiujiu to have a look."
Yang Mengchen walked over to Princess Kang and took her pulse.
"Jiujiu, how is it?" asked Princess Ning and the others, all focusing on Yang Mengchen.
Yang Mengchen withdrew her hand and smiled in reply, "Congratulations, sister-in-law, you are a little over a month pregnant."
All were taken aback, then burst into congratulations for Princess Kang. Touching her belly gently, the princess’s face glowed with the warm smile of maternal love.
After lunch, the cleansing ritual commenced. Just as Liu Xiuyun was about to pick up the child, Mo Yun came to report that Sun Chuanmao had arrived with the imperial decree.
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