Looking at the large pile of luggage and several servants behind Zhu Pang, Gu Chengyu thought to himself that there was indeed a carriage at the mansion in the Prefecture, but he wasn’t sure if it could accommodate so many pieces of luggage. If not, he would have to hire another carriage.
From the mont Gu Changbai set foot at the Jingyuan Prefecture dock, his mind was flooded with mories of when he had taken his family to seek refuge in Yingnan Mansion when he was young. Years have passed since then, and he has finally returned to his holand.
By now, it was already 3:00 PM. It seed they wouldn’t be able to return today. Traveling at night wasn’t very safe, and besides, there was no need to rush. Although Gu Chengyu felt an eagerness to return ho, there really was no imdiate hurry.
Moreover, he hadn’t inspected the business in the Prefecture for a long ti, so he planned to stay in the Prefecture tonight and conduct an inspection first.
"Brother Zhu, let’s go to my place in the Prefecture first. It’s getting late today, so let’s wait until tomorrow to return." Gu Chengyu turned around and instructed Zhu Pang.
Zhu Pang naturally had no objections, as he had never been to Jingyuan Prefecture and was curious to see the place.
"Second Uncle! We’ll go back tomorrow. My father and the others will definitely be happy to see you all."
Gu Chengyu turned to Gu Changbai and said this as he had brought people back with him on this trip to Jingyuan Prefecture. However, he needed to find an opportunity to have a word with his father, as this Second Uncle wasn’t the sa person as before.
Ming Yan had already returned to the mansion in the Prefecture ahead of them, given that they hadn’t been back for over a year, and the house needed to be tidied up.
"Young Master! I’ve already called for the carriage." Ming Mo ran over, referring to him as Young Master because Gu Chengyu was traveling incognito on this return to his hotown and did not intend to reveal his identity during the trip.
Otherwise, lower-ranked officials along the way would co to visit him, slowing down his journey.
Gu Chengyu was excited about his return ho, and Shangling Village was equally excited. However, the villagers of Shangling were excited not because they knew Gu Chengyu was coming back.
"Xiao Bao’s mother, you truly have gone through hardship to find your happiness!" Aunt Wang said with admiration, smiling as she looked at Mrs. Lv, who was holding the Imperial edict.
Mrs. Lv was also beaming, "Yes! I never thought we’d see a day like this! It’s all thanks to my Xiao Bao being so accomplished; otherwise, how could I have such blessings?"
Ti returned to just over an hour ago when the county magistrate, accompanied by a ssenger from the Capital, hurried to Shangling Village.
Upon arrival, they instructed Changqing’s family to set up an incense table to prepare to receive the Holy Decree.
"By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The peasant woman Lv Tao, virtuous and gentle, diligent and obedient, is hereby ennobled as a Sixth-rank Anren. So decreed!"
Mrs. Lv didn’t quite understand what was happening since she only heard her na. It wasn’t until the county magistrate personally helped her up that she began to understand.
Only after the county magistrate’s explanation did Mrs. Lv realize she had beco the wife of an official. Her son had beco a sixth-rank official, outranking the county magistrate. She was the mother of a sixth-rank official and had that so-called Imperial Decree status.
After the county magistrate left, the Gu Family had not yet co to terms with their joy.
"Sixth Granny, you are now a Sixth-rank Anren! That’s of higher rank than the county magistrate," a young scholar in the clan proudly declared to Mrs. Lv.
Mrs. Lv happily patted her thigh, "Isn’t that right? My son is now a high official in the Capital!"
Gu Changsong was even happier than Gu Changqing. As the clan leader of the Gu Family, if the younger generation prospered, the Gu Family could thrive.
Gu Chengyu had just passed the Advanced Scholar examination and had already beco a sixth-rank official. Who knows how high he might climb in the future?
As long as Gu Chengyu was around, the Gu Family had hopes of rising to greatness.
Amidst such joyful atmospheres, Gu Changqing suddenly rembered what Xiao Bao’s mother had told him one night. She wanted Xiao Bao to study, as Xiao Bao was frail and different from the other village children, certain to be a good student.
Before Xiao Bao found the ginseng, Gu Changqing was hesitant and conflicted, but now, Xiao Bao had truly passed the highest examination and beco a high official, bringing glory to the family!
His eyes welled up with tears as he looked at the delighted Mrs. Lv. He felt at peace with his life.
When he married Mrs. Lv, he wasn’t fair to her, if he hadn’t acted first, it would have been the shopkeeper jumping in to save her.
All these years, he had harbored guilt towards Mrs. Lv, being lenient with her to make up for past grievances.
To this day, he still rembered the first words Mrs. Lv said when he saved her from the water: "Why is it you?"
Mrs. Lv had planned on trapping the shopkeeper, yet ended up with him. Naturally, she resented him. Now that they had such a good son, Mrs. Lv truly had co out of her hardship.
The Gu Family mbers were all smiling with joy; indeed, the Gu Family was rising, and everyone was dreaming of better days ahead.
"Changqing! Did Xiao Bao say when he might co back?"
Uncle Gu smacked his lips; without Gu Chengyu’s return, they couldn’t even throw a banquet.
Although an Advanced Scholar’s archway had already been erected, it would be better to hold the feast when Xiao Bao returned.
The local gentry and officials were keen to befriend Gu Chengyu and brought gifts. If Gu Chengyu wasn’t around, they would just send their servants—it wouldn’t fulfill the purpose of the banquet.
Mr. Gu was pulled from his reverie by Uncle Gu’s voice. He thought a mont, "Xiao Bao ntioned he was waiting for leave to visit his family. It should be soon, right?"
Uncle Gu grinned widely and rubbed his hands together, "Good! Good! Good! We’ll hold the banquet once Xiao Bao returns. It’s not just Xiao Bao passing the Advanced Scholar exam and becoming an official, but also that sister-in-law has beco the Imperial Decree Lady. Even if the county magistrate and his wife co, they would have to pay respects to her."
This made Mrs. Lv beam even more, "Oh, no need for that. They are true official wives."
"Ah, Xiao Bao’s mother, don’t be so modest. You are now a sixth-rank, and the county magistrate’s wife is only seventh-rank! Doesn’t that an you’re a higher rank?"
The village’s won quickly approached to complint her, knowing that even a small favor from the Gu Family could ensure their own families would never lack.
Aunt Wang also ca forward with a tease, "Xiao Bao’s mother, once your Xiao Bao cos back, matchmakers will surely wear down your doorstep!"
After Aunt Wang spoke, the eyes of the won present brightened. In those tis, who didn’t have a daughter or two eligible for marriage?
Even if they didn’t, their relatives surely did.
This was a high official; he looked good and his family was wealthy. Whoever married into this family would be set for life.
Aunt Wang brought this up as a reminder. In fact, many of the won present were not only there to flatter Mrs. Lv but also had that very intention in mind.
But with Xiao Bao’s current status, how could any village girls match him? Let alone one by one, they were as plain as can be, while Xiao Bao was exceptionally handso.
User Comments
0 comments from readers