Fan Zehao continued the conversation, "We are practically family now, meant to be united in the future. Furthermore, in the eyes of others, we are already in an alliance. For our future development, does Big Brother have any thoughts?"
Upon hearing this, Helian Zhicheng paused instinctively, hesitating whether to speak.
Seeing this, Fan Zehao said directly, "Between us brothers, there's no need for any reservations. Speak your mind."
"Since younger brother puts it this way, then I won't be polite," Helian Zhicheng paused before pouring out his heart.
"To be honest, Jinli is a very outstanding child. I only have this one son, and the future of Dingbeiliao will certainly be handed over to Jinli and Yumeng."
To this, Zhao Jiaqi and her husband nodded. This was a matter as clear as a louse on a bald head.
Helian Zhicheng continued, "After the two children are married, they will temporarily reside in the inner city. They will have less involvement in the management of Dingbeiliao. We can manage it while we are still able to. In the future, when we are old, we also wish to live a leisurely life. This..."
"So, what I want to say is, let these two children spend half a year here and half a year in Dingbeiliao. This is just our idea, we haven't discussed it with the children yet, and we don't know if they will agree."
This was spoken with much tact. Zhao Jiaqi understood the underlying meaning and said with a smile, "I will talk to Yumeng. I'll try my best to persuade her, as this matter ultimately rests with the children's decision. We parents can only do some ideological work."
With Zhao Jiaqi's words, the couple was extremely happy. As long as Yumeng agreed, Jinli would surely not refuse.
Duan Yao's face lit up, and she nodded joyfully, "Cheng, now that you've spoken to Yumeng, I believe my daughter-in-law is understanding and won't disregard Jinli's feelings."
Whether or not they would be considered, the couple couldn't say for sure. In any case, they would deliver the message. As for what happened next, it would depend on the children's wishes.
Seeing that this was Helian Zhicheng's sole intention, Fan Zehao decided to reveal his own thoughts and break the remaining unspoken barrier.
"I have something to discuss, concerning our two countries."
Upon hearing that it was about state affairs, Helian Zhicheng immediately became cautious and waved to Fan Zehao, "Please proceed."
"We will form an alliance. Within a hundred years, we will not wage war against each other. Regardless of the future of the children, our two countries will not initiate any war, and we will face external threats together."
Helian Zhicheng's eyes widened, and he asked with a smile, "Just this matter?"
"Yes, just this matter."
Helian Zhicheng's tense emotions eased. After all this, he had brought up such a simple matter, and it had made him so nervous just now.
"Younger brother, even if we weren't in-laws through our children, just based on the affection you've shown us, it would be enough for us to unite against external threats. Moreover, we are sworn brothers, so it goes without saying. Your proposal is no longer needed, because your Big Brother always remembers that anyone who treats you badly is my enemy. Our unity against external threats is unquestionable."
"Now that the children are about to marry, then between our two countries, or between the two of us, we can only be closer, comparable to blood brothers. No matter what happens with the children in the future, our agreement will not change."
Helian Zhicheng continued, "Bullying you is like bullying me. We are people who share the same pants. I'll state it clearly today: whoever bullies you, I will give my full support, even if it means losing the country, I won't regret it."
These words were not spoken under the influence of alcohol but in sobriety. Regardless of whether they were true, they were very pleasing to hear at this moment.
Fan Zehao reciprocated Helian Zhicheng's loyalty with a similar pledge: "Bullying you is like bullying me. I will definitely give my full support."
There were no flowery words, no exaggerated phrases, only the most sincere words that struck a chord in their hearts. The two families exchanged smiles.
After completing this series of matters, the rest were simple arrangements.
At noon, the two families dined together, a scene of harmony and joy, filling the entire prince's mansion with a festive atmosphere.
In the afternoon, Zhao Jiaqi took Yumeng shopping. She wanted to buy a few more things for her daughter while also having a chat. Before she was married, she could still be doted on as a child. Once married, her status would immediately change.
"Daughter, have you thought about your plans after marriage?"
Yumeng, holding her mother's arm, sighed inwardly upon hearing her mother suddenly bring up this topic. What was coming could not be avoided.
She spoke her heart sincerely, "Mother, after marrying Jinli, we will eventually have to return to Dingbeiliao. Now that Uncle and Aunt are handling matters in Dingbeiliao, we can stay in the inner city for a while longer with you and Father. In the future, we might not be able to return more than a few times a year."
Hearing her daughter speak this way made Zhao Jiaqi feel a pang in her heart.
"You're right. You're marrying out, not being taken in as a son-in-law. So, Mother won't stop you from going to Dingbeiliao. However, Mother hopes you won't mistreat yourself after marriage. If Jinli bullies you, bully him back. If that doesn't work, come back. Father, Mother, and your brothers are your support. You don't need to fear anyone."
Yumeng giggled foolishly and held Zhao Jiaqi's arm even tighter, her heart filled with reluctance. Fortunately, there was a transition period that would allow her parents to adjust.
Walking past a fabric shop, Yumeng tugged at her mother's arm and pleaded, "Mother, I know you design wedding attire. For my wedding, can Mother personally design a dress for me? I really want one."
She shook Zhao Jiaqi's arm coquettishly. This was one of the few times she had pleaded with her since childhood.
Zhao Jiaqi smiled, looking at her delicate face, and recalled that at her age, she had been sent to Fan Zehao's home by a donkey cart.
Recalling the past as if it were yesterday, now that the family's conditions were better, she naturally couldn't let her daughter follow her old path. She readily agreed.
"No problem, Mother promises you. I will personally design the headdress and gown for you."
Mother and daughter entered the shop, chatting and laughing, and carefully selected bright red fabrics. The shopkeeper, with sharp eyes, recognized them as the Princess Consort and the County Princess and immediately stepped forward to serve them enthusiastically.
As her daughter was getting married, the mother's gaze became even more discerning. No matter how good the fabric she liked was, she could find fault with it.
Finally, from a pile of fabrics, she chose one that her daughter liked and that she was also quite satisfied with. Little did she know that this fabric was sold by the yard.
The shopkeeper said, "This fabric is not made on the Cangyi Continent, but from distant Bosī. This kind of fabric is extremely rare, and only a few bolts arrive each year. These were delivered just last month."
Whether it was Bosī or not, Zhao Jiaqi didn't care. She had set her heart on this fabric and, regardless of the price, was determined to buy it for her daughter's wedding gown.
"Shopkeeper, just name your price. We won't buy it by the yard, but by the bolt. However many bolts of this fabric you have, I'll buy them all. Furthermore, bring me a few bolts of your finest silk. I want bright colors, not dull ones."
When the shopkeeper heard that the Princess Consort wanted all of this fabric, he knew he was in for a fortune. He immediately brought out the remaining bolts of Bosī fabric in different colors.
Zhao Jiaqi admired the authentic colors of the fabric. It was light and airy, soft to the touch, and woven with fine gold threads.
Under the sunlight, it emitted a dazzling glow. Even if it was expensive, it was worth it.