Xiao Yuan stared at him. "Is this really the last secret?"
He smiled. "For now."
As they walked hand in hand past an elderly man who had accompanied Emperor Zhenzong of Song, Yelü Chunjun stopped. "How is the matter I 'entrusted' you with progressing?"
The old man smiled apologetically and said, "It's all taken care of. I even specially dispatched skilled craftsmen from the royal family to renovate the tomb of Young Master Hang and his wife."
Yelü Chunjun smiled faintly: "Thank you for your trouble, Grand Tutor."
The old man bowed slightly, "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare."
As they walked past him, Xiao Yuan couldn't help but whisper, "Who's that?"
He smiled and said, "Grand Tutor Pan is the father-in-law of the Emperor of the Great Song Dynasty. He gave me that token."
Xiao Yuan asked in confusion, "Why would he help you?"
"Fool, money can do anything, especially for a decrepit old man."
Empress Dowager Xiao sat on the palanquin, smiling as she examined Xiao Yuan, making Xiao Yuan feel somewhat embarrassed. Empress Dowager Xiao was in her forties, and Yelü Chunjun did not bow to her. Instead, servants brought over chairs to seat him and Xiao Yuan.
"Chunjun, your wife is really beautiful. You've really had a very fruitful trip to the Central Plains." She laughed heartily.
He laughed too, "Sister-in-law, I've done everything you asked me to do. What about what I asked you to do?"
Empress Dowager Xiao gave him a reproachful look. "When have I ever disappointed you? The peace talks specifically included a clause about establishing border markets, and I also issued an edict that His Highness Prince Chu of Liao, Yelü Chunjun, would be in charge of managing them. Now, little brother-in-law, you've truly become the god of wealth of the Liao Dynasty."
Yelü Chunjun chuckled and raised an eyebrow at Xiaoyuan, "This business is big enough, isn't it? I need to earn even more money to support you."
Xiao Yuan smiled and said, "Mm."
"Sister-in-law, you two continue your conversation. I need to take my wife and leave now."
He helped her up, saying, "My princess, my queen, the waterfall we carved for you is now complete."
A servant brought a horse, and he helped her onto it.
He mounted his horse and led Xiao Yuan northward, leaving the large group of people far behind.
He pointed with his whip, "Your Majesty the Moon King—let's go home!"
Xiao Yuan nodded vigorously, spurred her horse and galloped in the direction he pointed. She laughed loudly, "Yes, that's the direction of happiness!"
(End of article)