Chapter 582: 664 spending the wedding night in the bridal chamber with candles and flowers
Southwest.
On a plain, black flags like a sea fluttered in the spring breeze, countless Black Armor soldiers holding spears stood neatly on the plain, extending to the horizon, adding a murderous intent to the spring breeze.
In the thousand-mile region of the southwest, Zhao Jiang led his army to conquer more than half of it in just over three months. Only the forces of King Ji were still struggling to hold on. Once King Ji was eliminated, the entire southwest would be completely under Zhao Jiang’s dominion.
He gazed at the distant pass and muttered, "Damn it, when Loulan attacked the southwest, I didn’t see him resist so desperately. I’m his brother, yet he defies me."
During this time, Zhao Jiang assimilated various forces from Youzhou to the southwest, expanding the army to a million strong, with about 300,000 elite troops composed of Martial Artists, making it the most powerful "warlord" faction in the Great Song Dynasty.
And King Ji, who opposed him, didn’t even have ten thousand soldiers. When Loulan attacked, King Ji wasn’t this desperate, but now he’s resisting fiercely.
However, Zhao Jiang didn’t know that King Ji only wanted to defend his small territory, not provoking anyone, minding his own business.
When Loulan attacked, they didn’t occupy the entire southwest, only controlling some major provinces and counties, still leaving King Ji with some territory.
But Zhao Jiang wanted the whole southwest and even wanted to integrate his forces into his army, which King Ji couldn’t tolerate, making him resolute and unyielding.
In fact, Zhao Jiang could compromise, not occupying the southwest, but instead working with King Ji to compete for the Central Plains, and then figuring things out after success.
But Zhao Jiang had his own ideas. He had already put pressure on the border, his overall strength overwhelmingly superior, and there was no need to compromise—just a matter of spending a bit more time.
"Prince, there’s news from the Capital," a trusted aide whispered in Zhao Jiang’s ear.
Zhao Jiang opened the letter and read it.
The letter detailed recent events in the Capital, the movements of the Imperial Guard, and the situation of Chen Mo.
Upon learning that the internal situation was chaotic, barely able to take care of itself, yet Chen Mo sent troops to assist the Wan Kingdom’s royal family, supposedly for Princess Huixian, Zhao Jiang couldn’t help but find it amusing.
Of course, despite the amusement, Zhao Jiang did not underestimate the situation, realizing that Chen Mo’s actions for Princess Huixian were one aspect, but also potentially gaining some support from the Wan Kingdom.
Furthermore, Zhao Jiang could deduce some information not in the letter, namely that Chen Mo hadn’t taken the Foundation Establishment Pill, or if he had, he hadn’t broken through.
Nearly two months had passed since Chen Mo obtained the Nan Zhou Treasure, and if he had reached the Foundation Establishment Realm, he would have stayed in the Capital for only a few days before being whisked away by the people over there.
Since Chen Mo was still in the Capital, it indicated that he hadn’t reached the Foundation Establishment Realm.
Zhao Jiang still had a chance. He raised his Longsword, pointing it at the distant pass, and commanded loudly, "Conquering the southwest is just before us, charge!"
The Hidden Dragon List established by Zhao Jiang in Youzhou was useful, recruiting many experts for him.
And these experts came in handy in this great battle.
In less than a day, they captured the pass, surrounding King Ji and his men, trapping them like turtles in a jar.
...
As for the events in the southwest, Chen Mo was yet unaware, for today was his second wedding.
Yes, the second wedding. Calling it a second marriage wasn’t wrong...
In early May, the streets were bustling with carriages and horses, nobles from Jiangnan gathered outside Prince Zhen Nan’s Mansion, the continuous sound of congratulations made the lively scene make people forget that the war had not yet subsided.
The Prince’s Mansion was decorated with red silk lanterns, and generals like Gao Zheng were outside greeting guests.
During this period, Gao Zheng, with the supplementation of various medicinal ingredients, broke through to the Sixth Grade Martial Artist. Though only the Sixth Grade, those of noble blood dared not offend him, for he was a favorite beside Prince Zhen Nan, always accompanying the prince on outings.
"General Gao, congratulations, congratulations, congratulations on Prince Zhen Nan’s wedding."
"General Gao, are you married? An old friend of mine has a granddaughter, a young lady in her prime, who has been fond of General Gao for a long time. If General Gao is willing, I am happy to matchmake."
"Lord Liu, is this friend of yours not Lord Wang from the Ministry of Revenue? I’ve heard the Wang Family and the Li Family arranged a child marriage long ago. Lord Liu, are you setting a trap for General Gao? General Gao, I have a niece..."
These officials, who had some influence in the court, gathered around Gao Zheng, introducing marriage proposals to him.
"Thank you for your kindness, my lord has already arranged a marriage for me..." Gao Zheng politely declined their good intentions one by one.
The ministers were somewhat disappointed, as if missing an opportunity to rise quickly in status.
Some were not resigned, praising Gao Zheng abundantly, saying General Gao was a pillar of the nation, and should marry several for the sake of extending the Gao family’s lineage. The implication being the marriage had been arranged, but he could still take concubines.
"Gentlemen, please come inside. Today is my lord’s wedding, let’s not discuss other matters, please." Gao Zheng knew these people seemed to introduce him marriage prospects on the surface, but in reality, they aimed at the prince. His fortune today was all given by the prince, and Gao Zheng asked for nothing more.
Who knew among those introducing people if there were spies sent by others.
Although Chen Mo was the groom, his current status was such that, without exaggeration, he was supreme and thus couldn’t lower himself to greet guests at the gate.
He wore the groom’s festive attire, seated at the head of the hall, receiving numerous guests who came to offer their congratulations.
Wu Xin’Er, as the Consort of Prince Zhen Nan, dressed rather ceremoniously and maturely, sat by Chen Mo’s side, smiling and chatting with many familiar elder officials.
This grand wedding today could never compare to Wu Xin’Er’s previous wedding. Many significant figures didn’t attend, merely sending their subordinates to pay respects, ensuring no breach of etiquette, which was all for Chen Mo’s sake.
Cao Benyuan smiled like a blooming chrysanthemum. Those high-ranking officials, whom he usually couldn’t even meet face-to-face, those in charge of his superiors’ promotions, enthusiastically greeted him now, their words filled with flattery and currying favor.
He had never been so happy as on this day.
...
Han Jingyun, although a princess of the Wan Kingdom, it was a foreign land here. Even if the wedding’s specifications followed those of a Great Song Empress, it was for show, with many steps omitted. Unlike Wu Xin’Er’s wedding, where the congratulations alone took over an hour.
This was partly because of Qi Nichang.
Although she entered this wedding as Quan Qiyang’s distant cousin, she had previously been the Late Emperor’s Consort, and introducing her in too detailed a manner wouldn’t be appropriate.
With the wedding ceremony concluded and the rounds of drinks exchanged, it quickly ushered in the bridal chamber night.
