Chapter 164: The Matriarch's Protection
Chapter 164: The Matriarch's Protection
Qing Shuang and Yu Zichuan returned to the governor's mansion.
"Do you want me to accompany you to see him?"
Yu Zichuan asked Qing Shuang.
Qing Shuang shook her head: "No need, I'll go by myself."
Yu Zichuan didn't insist. He took his large bow and sat on the roof, beginning a complex and meticulous process of polishing it.
Qing Shuang entered the main courtyard and stood at the door of the study. "Your Excellency."
Lu Yuan said, "There's no need to say anything. Continue attending to Bao Zhu tomorrow."
Qing Shuang stared at Lu Yuan in the study for a long time before kneeling on one knee and replying, "Yes!"
The matriarch slept until the sun was high in the sky. The first thing she did upon waking was to look for Lu Yuan. "Where's my great-grandson-in-law? I remember finding him... Did I bring him down from the mountain? Qianqian, where are you? Qianqian! Is my great-grandson-in-law here?"
Meng Qianqian pushed open the window and pointed at Lu Yuan, who was arguing with Bao Shu in the courtyard. "He's here. Look."
Bao Shu was standing with her hands on her hips, arguing with her good-for-nothing father because she had offered him a piece of candy, thinking it was for him, and he had eaten it in one bite.
This made Bao Shu so angry that she pried open Lu Yuan's mouth to retrieve the candy.
Of course, he wouldn't allow that, and so the two, big and small, had been at a standoff all morning.
The fact that he could still argue with a child showed that he was in a good mood, and Meng Qianqian curved her lips slightly at the sight.
Seeing that her great-grandson-in-law was at home, the matriarch felt relieved. She was still looking forward to holding another great-great-grandson, and if anything happened to her great-grandson-in-law, her hopes would be dashed.
During breakfast, the matriarch quietly asked Lu Yuan, "My great-grandson-in-law, were you unhappy a few days ago because of the morning court sessions? Look how happy you are today, not having to attend court."
Before Lu Yuan could answer, the matriarch decisively said, "You shouldn't go to that useless court from now on. Let whoever wants to go, go."
Lu Yuan asked, "Great-grandmother, won't that make me look incompetent?"
The matriarch replied righteously, "Does Lu Xiao's father, who attends court every day, look successful to you?"
She was referring to Lu Xingzhou.
Lu Yuan's mouth twitched. Your logic is impeccable, and I find myself unable to refute it.
However, he did intend to "pretend to be ill" for a few days and avoid attending court.
Now that the matriarch had said this, it saved him the trouble of coming up with an excuse.
Lu Yuan glanced at the matriarch and asked earnestly, "Then what reason should I give?"
The matriarch waved her hand. "That's simple. Pretend to be sick, or say your father died... There are endless excuses if you want them."
Lu Yuan and Meng Qianqian's mouths twitched.
Meng Qianqian strongly suspected that the matriarch was cursing the Minister Xun, who was Lu Yuan's father-in-law.
But shouldn't the matriarch be unaware of this? Last night, when they were talking in the carriage, the matriarch had fallen asleep.
The news of Minister Xun's victorious return to the capital shook the entire capital, followed by the joyous news of the Grand Emperor returning from his palace. It was indeed a time of celebration for the entire country.
In the Golden Luang Hall, the Emperor and his officials were all excited.
Seated on the dragon throne, Zongzheng Xi looked spirited as he said, "His Majesty heard that the Minister has pacified the Western Regions and recaptured the thirteen cities of Xizhou. He is overjoyed, and his head ailment has healed. All of this is thanks to your efforts, Minister Xun. I must reward you!"
Minister Xun stepped forward with his tablet, looking apprehensive. "It is a subject's duty to serve the Emperor with utmost loyalty. I dare not take credit for this achievement!"
Zongzheng Xi asserted, "His Majesty has always taught me to be clear in rewarding and punishing. Since you have made such a great contribution, you deserve to be rewarded! I want to bestow upon you 10,000 taels of gold and the title of 'Duke Xun,' to be passed down through your family forever!"
The officials all drew a sharp breath! In this dynasty, only imperial relatives could be granted the title of duke, such as His Majesty's maternal grandfather, the current Duke Yao.
Moreover, even for dukes, the title would only be passed down for three generations, with each generation reducing the rank by one level.
'Passed down forever' meant that the rank would never be reduced, and the title would be inherited by generations to come.
This reward could be said to be unprecedented in this dynasty.
"Your Majesty, this doesn't seem appropriate," said Wang, the Imperial Inspector.
Zongzheng Xi said, "What's inappropriate about it? Years ago, King Chu was also granted a royal title because of his merit in resisting the enemy. Minister Xun's ability and virtue are no less than that of King Chu."
Wang, the Imperial Inspector, said, "But the title of King Chu is not passed down."
The son of King Chu became the Grand Marshal of Chu, not because of his father's title but because of his own military achievements. He didn't even hold the title of Crown Prince.
Minister Xun held his tablet and said, "Inspector Wang's words are reasonable. I am indeed unworthy of the title of duke, so I ask Your Majesty to revoke the order!"
Zongzheng Xi revealed the dignity of an emperor as he solemnly said, "My mind is made up! Duke Xun, rise!"
Minister Xun sighed and said, "I... thank Your Majesty for your grace."
Although the other officials also felt that granting the title of duke to the Xun family forever was too generous, when they thought of Minister Xun's military achievements and how he had rescued the Grand Emperor from Lu Yuan, the treacherous minister, they understood the Emperor's decision.
Zongzheng Xi's gaze then fell on Xun Yu. "Xun Yu, you dug canals to bring water and led the people to cultivate wasteland, solving the drought in the Western Regions that had lasted for many years. You have made great contributions to the border, and I hereby grant you the title of Crown Prince of the Duke of Xun. Do you wish to serve in the Cabinet or in one of the Six Ministries?"
Xun Yu smiled and humbly replied, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness. I am truly grateful and honored. However, when it comes to governing the country, I am not as capable as the other officials, and when it comes to warfare, I am not as skilled as the generals. Moreover, I have only done what I could at the border and cannot claim to have made great contributions. After traveling and experiencing the outside world, I deeply feel the paucity of my knowledge. Now that I have returned to the capital, I only wish to follow my teacher and devote myself to my studies. I hope Your Majesty will grant me this wish."
Upon mentioning Lin Jiju, Zongzheng Xi felt a twinge of envy. He, too, wanted to take Lin Jiju as his teacher, but the latter had refused, saying he would no longer accept disciples.
Thinking of this, Xun Yu truly was remarkable. Despite his exceptional talents, he never sought personal gain or coveted power and fame, treating them with disdain.
Unlike Lu Yuan, whose greed knew no bounds.
The mention of Lu Yuan's name caused Zongzheng Xi to frown unconsciously as he glanced towards the curtained-off seat behind him.
Lu Yuan had claimed illness and skipped the morning court session. Hopefully, he wouldn't continue to eavesdrop and interfere in political matters from behind the curtains anymore.
Zongzheng Xi furrowed his brows, unsure why he was feeling so perturbed.
After the court session, Zongzheng Xi headed to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
"Grand Preceptor..."
As he crossed the threshold, he found the study room empty, devoid of any presence.
That was to be expected, as Lu Yuan had feigned illness.
Usually, after the court sessions, Lu Yuan would first examine his homework in the study room. Only after he was satisfied would he permit Zongzheng Xi to leave. If there were mistakes, he would even impose harsh punishments.
"Your Majesty."
The voice of the prime minister sounded from behind.
Zongzheng Xi paused, retracting his foot and continuing to walk forward.
Prime Minister Xun glanced at the empty study room and followed suit.
Upon entering the imperial study room, Zongzheng Xi said to Prime Minister Xun, "Prime Minister, I... there's something I wish to discuss with you."
Prime Minister Xun looked at him, noticing his hesitation, and asked, "Is it about assuming full reign? Your Majesty need not worry. I am already making plans to ensure you can assume full control as soon as possible."
"It's not about that," Zongzheng Xi said, lowering his gaze and hesitating for a moment before asking, "Can I... stop doing homework from now on?"
Prime Minister Xun asked with a puzzled expression, "Your Majesty still has to do homework?"
A eunuch standing nearby seized the opportunity to report, "Yes, Prime Minister, you don't know how Lu Yuan has been tormenting His Majesty these past years. To prevent His Majesty from assuming full reign, he forces him to do homework every day—all those complicated and tedious texts. If His Majesty doesn't finish, he's not allowed to do anything else. His Majesty has been working from dawn to dusk, and his hands have even developed calluses from writing!"
Prime Minister Xun listened calmly and then said to Zongzheng Xi with a benevolent smile, "Since His Majesty doesn't wish to continue, then there's no need to persist. What His Majesty should be learning is the art of governing the nation, and I will assist you in this endeavor."
Zongzheng Xi nodded.
"Your Majesty should start by reviewing the memorials first. I'll wait in the side hall."
With that, Prime Minister Xun took his leave.
Zongzheng Xi entered the imperial study room. This was his first time reviewing memorials independently. Previously, Lu Yuan would preselect the memorials, send them to him, and then review them after he was done, reprimanding him if he didn't do a good job.
Zongzheng Xi opened a memorial and asked, "Little Dezi, what do you think Lu Yuan is doing now?"
"Huh?"
The addressed eunuch, Little Dezi, was taken aback.
Zongzheng Xi glanced at him and said, "You were quite chatty earlier. Why are you suddenly tongue-tied?"
Little Dezi smiled awkwardly, stepped forward, and replied with a bow, "Oh, what could the Grand Commandant be doing? He's probably scared sick after seeing the Prime Minister. I reckon he's hiding in his mansion crying right now!"
Zongzheng Xi imagined Lu Yuan crying his eyes out in the courtyard, feeling a sense of relief. "Do you think he'll come to beg for my forgiveness?"
Little Dezi laughed and said, "He's committed heinous deeds. Now that the Grand Emperor and the Prime Minister have returned, they will surely punish him severely. If he wants to survive, he has no choice but to come and beg for your mercy, Your Majesty!"
Zongzheng Xi coldly replied, "Even if he begs for my forgiveness, I will not pardon him!"
Zongzheng Xi began reviewing the memorials, glancing out the window between each one. He did this countless times until night fell.
"Come on, is he going to come and beg for my forgiveness or not?"
At the Grand Commandant's mansion.
Lu Yuan had just had a big argument with his rebellious daughter.
The reason for the dispute was that Cen, the estate manager, had been feeding his dog, and Bao Shu, out of curiosity, had taken a bite of the dog's food, only to discover that it tasted better than her own meals. As a result, she refused to leave and insisted on eating the dog's food.
In fact, the dog's food was freshly prepared, as it belonged to Cen's beloved pet. The cooks dared not slack off, serving dishes like braised lion's head, meaty bones, and melt-in-the-mouth ice sugar elbows.
Unlike Bao Shu's meals, which were bland and barely seasoned, hence their lack of flavor.
However, it was still dog food.
How embarrassing would it be if it became known that the daughter of the Grand Commandant was eating dog food at home? What's more, the little rascal, thinking that he was trying to stop her because he wanted to eat the dog food himself, generously offered to share half of his portion, insisting that they both eat dog food together!
Lu Yuan was adept at the political struggles in the court, always one step ahead and aware of the schemes of others.
But when it came to his daughter, he couldn't predict her unpredictable actions.
Lu Yuan picked her up and scolded her sternly, "That's dog food. Are you a puppy?"
Bao Shu hung her little paws down and barked, "Woof!"
Lu Yuan: "..."
During the day, Lu Yuan engaged in a battle of wits with his rebellious daughter, and in the evening, he played leaf cards with the matriarch, with the four of them sitting around a table. He and Meng Qianqian were partners, while the matriarch and Cen, the estate manager, were the opposing team.
Among them, only Lu Yuan was a novice at the game.
Meng Qianqian said to Lu Yuan, "New players often have good luck. You can easily win by drawing and discarding tiles. When I first started playing, I won for an entire evening!"
Then, Lu Yuan drew a tile and discarded it, causing the matriarch to declare, "Hu! I won!"
Meng Qianqian smiled and said, "Let's play another round. I'm sure I'll win next time!"
Lu Yuan drew and discarded another tile, and Meng Qianqian won.
Meng Qianqian forced a smile, "Third time's the charm."
Lu Yuan drew three consecutive winning tiles, causing all three of them to win.
Meng Qianqian: "..."
And so, another delightful and harmonious day came to an end!
(End of Chapter)
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