Chapter 327 An Auspicious Time for Marriage
Meng Xingjiang laughed and said, "Yes, but all colleagues serve His Majesty and obey His Majesty's orders. Why should juniors step forward?"
He Wenting took a sip of tea, the steam rising from it.
Seeing that he didn't respond, he gave a soft "hmm" and then made it clear.
"Now that the military preparations in the court have been reformed, Your Majesty has entrusted your son-in-law with an important task."
His voice was calm and measured, carrying the composure unique to a seasoned veteran.
"My Southwest Camp is guarding the vital passage to Chirong, and the responsibility is heavy."
He Wenting's gaze shifted to Meng Xingjiang's face.
His gaze was intense, filled with expectation, but also with an undeniable air of authority.
"Xingjiang."
He deliberately slowed his speech, each word spoken with conviction.
"Now that you're in charge of the Divine Machine Battalion, these new muskets and those improved cannons..."
He didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning couldn't be clearer.
"If only my Southwest Camp could be the first to change uniforms..."
He leaned slightly forward, his voice carrying an alluring seduction.
"It can not only greatly deter villains, but also be a great achievement for the country and the family."
The moment the words left his mouth, the entire flower hall became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
The air seemed to freeze.
Meng Yushan held the teacup, his knuckles slightly white, but he remained silent, simply watching his grandson.
Meng Shilan's heart also jumped, and she subconsciously looked at Zhou Congxian beside her.
A faint smile played on Zhou Congxian's lips, and his deep eyes held the leisurely air of someone watching a show.
At this moment, all eyes, both visible and invisible, were focused on Meng Xingjiang.
Meng Xingjiang's expression remained as calm as ever.
He did not answer immediately, but instead slowly placed the teacup back on the table.
The white porcelain teacup collided with the rosewood tabletop, producing a sound that was softer yet more resonant than He Wenting's earlier.
"Thump."
Like a hammer that has brought the world together.
He raised his eyes to meet He Wenting's imposing gaze, his eyes clear and firm, without the slightest hesitation.
"Uncle He".
He spoke, his voice steady, devoid of any emotion.
"I am deeply grateful for your concern for the border defense and your concern for the country and its people."
He first bowed respectfully, keeping a very humble attitude and giving his future father-in-law plenty of face.
"The vast territory of the Great Zhou Dynasty is at peace because of great generals like you and my grandfather who guard the borders, and countless soldiers who fought and bled to protect it."
These words were so well-spoken that no one could find a single fault with them.
He Wenting's expression softened slightly as he stroked his beard, waiting for him to continue.
Meng Xingjiang paused for a moment, then continued.
"The Divine Machine Battalion, it is His Majesty's Divine Machine Battalion."
He spoke slowly and deliberately, his voice not loud, yet it carried clearly to every corner of the flower hall.
"The manufacture, storage, and allocation of all military equipment are all based on regulations, requiring inspection by the Ministry of War, approval by the Cabinet, and finally submission to the Emperor for final decision by His Majesty."
His gaze remained unwavering, fixed on He Wenting's gradually darkening face.
"Which army should be re-equipped first, when to re-equip, and how much to re-equip are all matters of comprehensive consideration by His Majesty and the court, and are of paramount importance to the nation."
"I am deeply grateful for the Emperor's favor and serve as the supervisor of the Divine Machine Battalion."
He stood up and solemnly bowed to Meng Yushan, who was seated at the head of the table, and also to He Wenting.
"All my thoughts and actions are solely for sharing Your Majesty's burdens and for serving the Great Zhou Dynasty with utmost loyalty."
His voice suddenly rose, carrying the force of metal and stone, resolute and unwavering.
"As for the allocation of military equipment, this humble general dares not and has no right to act on his own. He will obey Your Majesty's orders!"
The smile on He Wenting's face vanished completely.
Instead, a deep, grim blue color appeared.
He hadn't expected Meng Xingjiang to refuse so decisively and thoroughly, leaving not even the slightest room for negotiation.
He invoked the greater good of the nation, while Meng Xingjiang invoked the authority and power of the emperor.
This made all his arguments a joke.
What could he say?
Does that mean the emperor's decision is less important than his personal desires?
The temperature inside the flower hall seemed to drop to freezing point instantly.
Zhou Congxian's smile deepened even further.
He looked at Meng Xingjiang with admiration; this brother-in-law was indeed a man of integrity.
Meng Shilan's anxiety subsided, replaced by a deep sense of pride.
This is her brother.
Standing tall and upright, with an indomitable spirit.
In the stalemate, Meng Yushan finally made a move.
"Hahaha……"
He burst into loud laughter, breaking the suffocating silence.
"What a fine 'obeying His Majesty's command'! Truly a prodigy of the Meng family!"
He stood up, walked to Meng Xingjiang's side, patted him heavily on the shoulder, and his eyes were full of approval.
"Xingjiang is right. National affairs should be handled with public interest in mind, and not a single selfish thought can be involved."
He turned to He Wenting, his smile as warm as a spring breeze, subtly offering him a way out.
“Wen Ting, you too, why are you talking about official business all day? It’s making the children nervous.”
He Wenting's expression softened slightly.
Having been through many years in officialdom, he quickly adjusted his emotions and gracefully accepted the situation.
"What you say is true, I was being too attached to appearances."
He forced a smile, "It's just... I get a little anxious when I think about border defense equipment."
"I understand, I understand."
Meng Yushan nodded repeatedly, "You and I have both dedicated our lives to the Great Zhou, who could not understand this feeling?"
He pulled He Wenting back to his seat, then changed the subject.
"However, I'm afraid your visit today wasn't solely about the Shenji Battalion, was it?"
He Wenting was taken aback.
Meng Yushan winked mischievously, "In a few more days, it will be the end of the year."
"Once the New Year is over, spring will arrive and flowers will bloom, making it a perfect time for weddings."
The atmosphere changed instantly upon hearing this.
The tense atmosphere, like a sword drawn, was instantly replaced by a subtle, joyful mood.
Even on Meng Xingjiang's perpetually icy face, a rare hint of embarrassment appeared, and a blush crept across his ears.
He Wenting's expression also softened completely.
Ultimately, his purpose in coming here today is twofold: military preparations and his daughter's marriage.
The former met with a setback, but if the latter can be finalized, then the trip will not have been in vain.
"Master Meng is indeed very thoughtful."
He Wenting sighed, his words carrying a hint of a loving father's tone.
"To be honest, ever since my daughter heard the news that Xingjiang was returning to Beijing, she's been itching to get back to work."
"She may not say it, but as her father, how could I not see through her little girl's thoughts?"
"The two children have been engaged for more than two years."
He looked at Meng Xingjiang, his gaze softening once more.
“Our Ran’er has been spoiled by us men. She’s a bit naive and will have to be more tolerant of her in the future, Xingjiang.”
These words clearly indicated that Meng Xingjiang was considered one of their own.
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