"Oh dear, eldest brother, you just left the capital with the troops and came straight to me. Are you afraid people won't know we stand together?"

Ji Wujiang smiled indifferently and said:

"The fact that I'm able to make a comeback is thanks to your memorandum, so whether we're seen standing together or not, we actually are. What is there to fear? Besides, I'm supposed to help you clean up the trade routes. If you don't guide me, I can't just lead the troops to randomly slaughter anywhere, can I?"

"Haha." Ji Chengjue nodded and said, "Eldest brother, you're overstating it. Our brotherhood naturally means mutual support."

"Moreover, you're placing your betrothal gifts today. According to customs, it's supposed to be led by an elder in the family. Father naturally can't come, so with me being the eldest brother, helping you arrange things is my duty."

"Thank you, elder brother. Come, this way please."

The daughter of the He Family was pregnant and sitting inside the carriage, so Ji Wujiang, as the elder brother, couldn't enter. Thus, the two brothers walked at the front while the carriage and the convoy carrying the betrothal gifts followed behind.

The quantity of pig hind legs among the betrothal gifts was so large and "eye-catching" that it attracted quite a number of onlookers in Nan'an City along the way.

For ordinary families getting married, gold, silver, and jewelry are out of reach, but pork is considered hard currency. From the commoners' perspective, this convoy adorned with joyous symbols seemed extraordinarily extravagant.

Ji Chengjue always regretted that their father was too occupied with state affairs to come personally. Otherwise, seeing the envious gazes of the common people around, he would surely feel greatly satisfied.

"You acted quickly, and now she's pregnant. Among our brothers, none have children yet, so yours will be the first grandchild of father.

They say grandparents favor grandchildren, and seeing what father arranged for you this time makes me a bit envious."

The Eldest Prince, having spent much of his early years in the military camp, later set on a task of marrying into a tribal alliance, thus marrying late. And currently, there was no news from the tribal princess.

The Crown Prince's and the Princess's marriages have also been delayed until now.

The third prince is now deposed.

The fourth and fifth princes are about the same age as Ji Chengjue, but neither is married yet.

As for Chengsu, he is still too young.

"Oh, speaking of which, eldest brother, you should thank my unborn child here; without them, your assignment might not have gone so smoothly."

"Yes, yes, when the child is born, I'll prepare a generous gift. But speaking of which, it's quite the coincidence."

"It's no coincidence. I knew Sisi was pregnant half a month ago, and I only delayed before sending up my memorandum to have the royal physician called and informed father."

"You're even making use of your unborn child?"

The Eldest Prince spoke candidly.

Ji Chengjue nodded and said, "They should. If it's a girl, she can just be daddy's little precious helping her father. If it's a boy, he should already be doing something to vie for the position of Crown Prince's first-born grandson."

"Chengjue..."

"I know what you want to say, eldest brother. Rest assured, I won't be like our father; that's too dull.

Oh, by the way, eldest brother, there was good news from the Snow Sea Pass recently, your bridal gifts achieved merit."

"I heard. That Zheng Fan is daring, and based on the timeline, the Keyan Division must have just arrived before he took them to the snowfield for battle."

"Yes, right, eldest brother, do you know what I'm thinking now?"

"Thinking of what?"

"I'm wondering when that Zheng fellow will have children. Hopefully, he has a daughter while I have a son, so I can take advantage."

The Eldest Prince suddenly asked:

"What if it's a boy?"

"Then I still won't replicate father's old story."

"Chengjue, what do you mean by that?"

"Nothing in particular. Look, brother, over there is my father-in-law's house. The one standing beside him is my brother-in-law, He Chu. It's a lucky chance you're here because I was planning to have my brother-in-law join you after the betrothal gift ceremony. Now it's perfect, you can take him with you tomorrow, have him by your side, no need for much training, just let him see some blood and gain some experience."

"Alright."

"Okay, I'm off to greet my father-in-law. Eldest brother, learn from this."

"Does your father-in-law not know your identity yet?"

"I had my brother-in-law return early to tell him, but it seems he hasn't said anything."

As he spoke,

Ji Chengjue pointed forward at old He with his hand and continued:

"Otherwise, my father-in-law wouldn't dare stand there with a vegetable knife waiting for this greenhorn son-in-law of his."

————

Good night.