I've announced that I'm destined to have many children, and my father has bestowed upon me

The delegation led by Prince Zhao Chen'an of Wei, who had gone to the Xiao family to propose marriage, finally returned to the capital.

However, when the people of the capital saw the vast procession that stretched for dozens of miles, everyone was stunned.

What's going on?

It was just a marriage proposal, so why did the procession come back more than ten times larger than when they left?

Countless people crowded on both sides of the street, craning their necks to look and discussing the scene.

"My God, whose house did they raid? How come they brought back so much stuff?"

"That's not right. Look at those people, men, women, young and old, helping the elderly and leading the young. They don't seem like prisoners, but rather... an entire clan relocating?"

"Relocation? What kind of relocation involves such a grand spectacle? And with His Highness Prince Wei's entourage escorting them?"

When the large banner bearing the character "Xiao" at the very front of the procession came into view, some well-informed people immediately erupted in excitement.

"It's the Xiao family! The Xiao family, a family with a history of ten thousand years!"

"I've heard that His Highness Prince Wei's proposed marriage is with Xiao Chuchu, the pride of the Xiao family!"

"But...this doesn't make sense! A marriage proposal is one thing, but why bring the entire Xiao family back?!"

This news was like a bombshell, instantly exploding throughout the entire Great Zhou Imperial City!

When the King of Wei went to fetch the bride, he ended up bringing back the bride's entire family.

What kind of nonsense is this?!

I've never heard of such an outrageous marriage before!

The news quickly reached the imperial court, causing a great uproar.

Every single one of the civil and military officials was dumbfounded.

They looked at each other, completely baffled as to what His Majesty the Emperor was up to.

The residence of the General of Chariots and Cavalry.

Upon hearing the intelligence relayed by his subordinates, Li Qingcang's usually impetuous face revealed an unprecedented look of astonishment.

"What did you say? His Majesty not only killed Lu Yuchun, the Crown Prince of the Great Xia Dynasty, but also... he even moved the entire Xiao family back from within the Great Xia territory?!"

"Yes, General! It's absolutely true! The Xiao family's troops have entered the city. His Majesty personally ordered that a hundred miles of fertile land be designated outside the city and granted to the Xiao family as their new ancestral territory!"

Li Qingcang gasped, feeling a chill run down his spine.

He had always believed that the emperor he served, though a man of great talent and ambition, was still within the bounds of propriety in his actions.

But now it seems he was completely wrong!

His Majesty's madness and tyranny are beyond everyone's imagination!

First, he joined forces with the Xiao family patriarch to set a trap and kill the Crown Prince of Great Xia!

Immediately afterward, before the Great Xia Dynasty could react, they directly undermined its power.

They poached an entire dragon-transformation family that had been passed down for ten thousand years from someone else's territory!

What an insane move!

"A truly grand gesture! Your Majesty, this is a truly grand gesture!"

Li Qingcang couldn't help but sigh, and then a surge of passion rushed to his head.

"Issue my order! All troops on high alert! Triple the number of border scouts! The Great Xia Dynasty has lost its crown prince; they will never let this go! A great war is imminent!"

He knew very well that Zhao Daoting's series of actions were tantamount to slapping the Great Xia Dynasty hard across the face several times.

This is no longer a provocation; this is a blood feud that must be fought to the death!

The Imperial Palace, the Imperial Study.

After settling the Xiao family in, Zhao Daoting immediately returned.

He stood before the enormous map of the territory, his finger slowly tracing the border line between the Great Zhou and the Great Xia.

His face no longer held the previous domineering and arrogant air; instead, it was filled with a deep calm.

Killing Lu Yuchun and taking over the Xiao family was only the first step in the plan.

The real test is yet to come.

The Emperor of Great Xia will never swallow this insult.

A major war that engulfs both countries is now inevitable.

He had to make thorough preparations before the war broke out.

……

The Prince of Wei's residence is brightly decorated and bustling with activity today.

Zhao Chen'an marries his fourth concubine, Xiao Chuchu, the pride of the Xiao family.

Officials came in droves to offer their congratulations, almost breaking down the threshold of the Prince's residence.

Unlike previous weddings, this time, there were an unusually large number of attendees.

In particular, the officials who came from the Jixia Academy all arrived with generous gifts and beaming smiles.

Zhao Chen'an was dressed in a festive red royal robe, with Liu Ruoshuang in a light purple palace dress beside him, as they greeted the guests.

Her current status is not only that of a concubine of the King of Wei, but also the newly appointed head of the Jixia Academy, a position of extraordinary importance.

Those officials from the academy faction claimed they had come to congratulate the King of Wei.

In reality, most of them came to show their loyalty to the new "dean".

"Your Highness, congratulations!"

"Her Highness remains as radiant as ever!"

Looking at those officials who used to ignore him but now fawn over him.

Liu Ruoshuang's cool and aloof face always wore a perfectly timed faint smile as she calmly dealt with the situation.

She is no longer the saintess who had to marry in order to protect the academy.

Zhao Chen'an looked at Liu Ruoshuang, who was handling things with ease, and felt a sense of satisfaction.

Having a capable wife makes life so much easier.

Due to their status and personalities, Wulanxue and Li Qingluan did not appear on this occasion.

Wulanxue dislikes socializing, while Li Qingluan is straightforward and not good at such things.

Only Liu Ruoshuang, with her meticulous mind, handled everything in an orderly manner.

As night deepened, the guests finally began to leave.

The Wei Prince's Mansion, which had been bustling all day, finally returned to tranquility.

Slightly intoxicated, Zhao Chen'an walked towards the bridal chamber adorned with a large red "囍" (double happiness) character.

He had just reached the door and was about to push it open and enter.

Suddenly, a burst of silvery laughter came from the room.

It wasn't just one person's voice!

Zhao Chen'an stopped in his tracks.

An outrageous idea popped into my head in an instant.

No way?

On our wedding night, I was cheated on?

He immediately laughed at himself.

Who has the guts?

That's like an old man hanging himself; he's tired of living.

He shook his head, stopped thinking about it, and gently pushed open the door.

With a creak.

The scene inside the door startled him slightly.

Inside the festive bridal chamber, red candles burned brightly, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Around the round table in the center of the room sat four stunningly beautiful women.

Wearing a fiery red wedding dress, Xiao Chuchu looked both shy and curious.

Wearing a white dress, with a slightly protruding belly, Ulanxue radiated maternal glow.

Dressed in a smart outfit, Li Qingluan exudes both heroic spirit and charming beauty.

There was also Liu Ruoshuang, who had just seen off the guests with him and changed into casual home clothes, looking much more gentle.

The four women were gathered together, chatting about something, laughing heartily.

Four women, each with a distinct and unparalleled beauty, gathered together at this moment—a scene that would leave any man mesmerized.

Zhao Chen'an was stunned for a moment.

What... what kind of divine scene is this?

My wives, are they really that close?

It was Wulanxue who first noticed him; her cheeks flushed slightly as she stood up.

"Your Highness, you're back."

Li Qingluan and Liu Ruoshuang also stood up and bowed.

Only Xiao Chuchu, still with the shyness of a bride, sat there somewhat at a loss.

Ulan Xue explained softly:

"I saw that Sister Chuchu had just arrived in the capital alone, far from home, and I was worried that she wouldn't be able to adapt, so I brought Sister Qingluan and Sister Ruoshuang over to chat with her and keep her from overthinking."

Zhao Chen'an felt a warmth in his heart upon hearing this.

He walked to Wulanxue's side and gently took her hand.

"The Princess is so thoughtful."

Wu Lanxue's face turned even redder. She gently withdrew her hand and glared at him.

"Alright, now that you've seen the person, we won't disturb your wedding night any longer."

As she spoke, she pulled Li Qingluan and Liu Ruoshuang, who were still somewhat reluctant to leave, and walked towards the door.

"Little Chuchu, we'll come visit you again tomorrow!"

In an instant, only Zhao Chen'an and Xiao Chuchu remained in the room.

The atmosphere suddenly became somewhat awkward.

Xiao Chuchu lowered her head, nervously twisting the hem of her clothes with both hands, not daring to look at him.

Zhao Chen'an walked up to her, poured himself a glass of wine, and drank it all in one gulp.

He looked at the charming bride in front of him with a slight smile.

"Miss Xiao."

"Hmm?" Xiao Chuchu responded subconsciously, her voice barely audible.

Zhao Chen'an leaned closer and spoke jokingly.

"Now, are you still going to run away from the wedding?"

Xiao Chuchu suddenly raised her head, her rosy cheeks full of embarrassment and annoyance. She pouted and retorted cutely.

"I'm not running away anymore! It's pointless to run away, and it's not fun!"