"Please, everyone, get up. Zebei Town is a small place, and it's also my mother's family property. So, I, Chengmo, only reside here as the son of the Cheng family. There is no title like The Lord of East Bin or Duke Mo.
In the future, when we meet here, you can call me Chengmo or Young Master Cheng. Ziqiu Qiao and Tong Chen are already sworn brothers with me; there's no need for formalities." Chengmo extended his hand to help up Lady Huo and also assisted Tong DingShan to stand.
"Many thanks, Young Master Cheng. You are truly a benefactor. Last time, Xiaobei mentioned to me that you would help find her mother. Thanks to your auspicious words, my wife has returned today. Thank you, Young Master Cheng." Tong DingShan said immediately.
Xiangbei wanted to cover her face; her father was being overly thankful. Chengmo didn't seem to have done much other than gathering information. Look at how pleased he was, thanking gods and buddhas everywhere.
Lady Huo stood up, slightly surprised, giving Chengmo a quick glance. Then she turned to face Xiangbei, who had been standing by Chengmo's side.
Shock was evident on her face. Was this girl standing there receiving so many people's kneeling?
Lady Huo apologized to Chengmo, "Thank you, Duke Mo. I've been away from home for several years, and my daughter has been neglected in terms of discipline. Please forgive her lack of manners. I just arrived here today and would like to apologize first before returning. After meeting the elders at home, I'll choose a suitable day to formally pay my respects to Your Grace. May I?"
"Lady Tong, your words are too heavy. Miss Tong is talented, intelligent, and virtuous. She has never shown any lack of decorum. Chengmo congratulates you on your family reunion. Madam, please go ahead, and I'll have someone escort you all a part of the way."
Chengmo could understand Lady Huo's demeanor, but having been away for several years, she started accusing Xiangbei, who had taken on the heavy responsibility of managing the household alone, which he found displeasing. The conversation became somewhat awkward.
"Xiangbei, bid farewell to Prince Chengmo. We're going home. Ziqiu, you should also apologize to Prince Chengmo. Let's go back together." Lady Huo's words almost left Chengmo astonished.
Xiangbei looked at these so-called parents, who had no resemblance to her modern-day parents.
Not only could she not find that kind of blood-related affection, but also because of Lady Tong's actions, she realized that her days ahead would not be as smooth as they were a few days ago. If she wanted to live an exciting life in this different world, she would rather trust Chengmo, believing that he sincerely cared about her future.
She quickly made a decision and instructed Chengmo with her head lowered, "Remember that coal mountain? Help me buy it, and build a road for the carriage to reach the foothill of that mountain, make it fast."
"Don't worry, Xiangbei. I've transferred everything from Shuiting to the base of the mountain under your name. Wait for me. No matter what they say, don't agree to anything, just say you'll decide after the Coming-of-Age Ceremony."
"Prince Chengmo, thank you for your care these days. I will honor the agreement. I'll be at Fuhai Pavilion every week to teach them how to test the new products." Xiangbei took a few steps back, hastily performed a random salute to Chengmo, and replied loudly.
"Alright, I'll have someone pick you up at the foot of the mountain in five days. This carriage will take you back for now." Chengmo strongly felt that the road ahead wouldn't be smooth and watched Xiangbei with deep reluctance in his eyes.
"Ziqiu, you accompany Xiangbei in that carriage." Indeed, in the next second, Lady Huo made an arrangement that almost made Chengmo burst into anger.
Quick to intervene, Qiao Er spoke up, considering his impulsiveness and the future proposal to marry someone else, "Tong Chen, you come up too. We can discuss the new products on the way. Prince Chengmo, when picking up Miss Tong, I had Duō Er, her maid, prepare some clothes and food for her. Would you like to take them as well?"
"Of course, thanks for your thoughtful consideration, Brother Ziqiu." Chengmo sincerely thanked him this time. Seeing Duō Er approaching with a large bundle, he took the items and placed them in the carriage, whispering a few words to her.
Four carriages and a team of mounted soldiers passed directly through the straight path between Fuhai Pavilion and Zebei Mountain Villa, heading up the mountain. Chengmo and Loyal Uncle entered the study in the villa; there were many things that could no longer be delayed, and he had to go up the mountain early.