Unlimited estates for rural beauty-Chapter 708 Grand Finale (12)

Xiu Bingxi listened quietly to his father’s lecture, committing it to heart. When he saw there was no more to say, he parted his thin lips, "Father, rest assured, Bingxi will definitely keep his eyes peeled and take your words to heart. I will not fail the expectations of the Empress and you."

Xiu Aotian chuckled lightly, seeming not overly concerned as he replied, "Haha, I’m old now, and it’s time for you young ones to strive. All this old man hopes for is to see the birth of my grandson in my lifetime."

Xiu Bingxi stiffened slightly, his face flushing with embarrassment. As he looked up and saw the frost on his father’s face, guilt welled up in him. His face grew even more serious than before as he resolved, "Father, rest assured, I have returned this time to follow your orders, to marry and have children."

"Haha, I can’t manage much anymore, you’ll see to everything. I only hope that the Xiu Family’s lineage doesn’t end with you—that’s all I need to die content."

"Father, what are you saying? You’re still vigorous in your old age. You need to name your grandson and watch him grow up, to teach him well."

"Hahaha, very well." Xiu Aotian smiled warmly as he patted the armrest of his chair and looked out the window at the sky, sighing in his heart but smiling at his son, "It’s getting late, and you have a long journey tomorrow. Go back and rest well."

Xiu Bingxi turned to look outside the window, nodding in agreement, indeed it was no longer early. He stood up, bowed deeply to Xiu Aotian, and said with guilt, "Father, after I leave, you must take good care of yourself. I will try to return as soon as possible."

"Go with peace of mind, I know." He patted Xiu Bingxi’s shoulder and then squeezed it, offering silent encouragement.

"Yes, Father, I shall take my leave." Xiu Bingxi, upon receiving his father’s nod, turned and left the Imperial Study.

Xiu Aotian watched his son leave, and as the doors of the Imperial Study closed, he slightly closed his eyes, feeling a wave of loss.

At dawn, Xiu Bingxi bid farewell to his father, mounted a swift horse, and carrying the plans given to him by the Empress, he galloped all the way to Luo County. Within ten days, he arrived at the palace to pay respects to Lou Wang and presented the imperial edict from the Empress.

Lou Qianyu knelt to receive the edict, read it through, pondered for a while, and then led Xiu Bingxi to the Imperial Study. After dismissing the servants, he secured the edict and turned to Xiu Bingxi, "The Empress’s commands are crystal clear—His Majesty is to assist you with all his might. If there’s anything you need, just speak, and I shall cooperate fully."

"Thank you, Lou Wang. There is indeed one thing I must trouble you with."

"Oh? Speak."

Xiu Bingxi paused briefly, then with a clasped fist said, "A single proclamation from you, Lou Wang, will suffice."

Lou Qianyu’s thoughts quickly clarified, and understanding the reason, he promptly agreed, "Good, I will send people to issue it immediately."

"Thank you, Lou Wang."

Lou Qianyu waved his hand, "No need for thanks, these are my duties. If you encounter any problems in the future, do not hesitate to seek me out."

"In the future, I will inevitably trouble you, Lou Wang." He shared a light-hearted laugh with the affable Lou Wang before him, yet they discussed serious matters, aware that no one could guarantee the smooth continuity of the past.

By the time Xiu Bingxi returned to the inn later that evening, it was nearly dusk. After a simple meal and a wash, he lay on the wide bed, and soon after, fell into a deep sleep, resting well through the night.

Come the next day at dawn, Xiu Bingxi was awakened by a noisy commotion coming from the inn downstairs. As he listened intently, he realized it was all chatter about the construction of a manor. He was slightly taken aback and chuckled, not expecting Lou Wang to act so quickly. The matter they’d discussed just the night before was already the talk of every street and alley. Shaking his head with a laugh, he prepared to face the day.