Chapter 146 Helping Yun Bo Get a Promotion

Lu Yun Chu: "My sister-in-law is still the best."

Seeing her sister-in-law's tearful gratitude, she couldn't help but smile. This child was probably used to being bullied by those people before and had forgotten that she was originally the most noble young lady in the General's Mansion and deserved the best treatment.

Lianqiao and Baishao had already brought out all sorts of snacks and fruits, filling the small table on the chaise lounge with them. Lu Yunchu quickly took off her shoes and sat down, eager to play chess with Yu Qingci.

Seeing that there was nothing else to do, Yu Qingci followed her lead, slipped on her slippers, and got onto the bed. The two quickly became engrossed in the game of chess.

Before the New Year, the second and fourth branches of the family returned to pay respects to their ancestors. Early in the morning, a large group of people, young and old, arrived. Even the illegitimate children and grandchildren who rarely appeared in the General's Mansion were all present today.

"Qian-ge'er, Yu-ge'er, Min-jie'er, Hong-jie'er, all you children, stop standing there like idiots and quickly kowtow to your great-aunt and cousin. Your great-aunt and cousin are waiting to give you red envelopes during the New Year."

As soon as Madam Wei and Madam Ma sat down, they waved their arms and beckoned their grandchildren to come forward and kneel down to kowtow to Old Madam Ning and Yu Qingci.

Upon hearing that there were red envelopes to be received, the children immediately surrounded the two men, vying to kowtow and greet them.

Yu Qingci smiled. No wonder everyone came in such a complete set; they were after the red envelopes.

Madam Ning and Yu Qingci were prepared. After the children finished kowtowing, they had Granny Wang and Granny Pei come forward and give each child a small purse embroidered with gold carp, which was bulging with gold beads and plum blossom-shaped silver ingots.

It's a time to wish for good luck during the Lunar New Year.

After the children received the red envelopes, Wei and Ma pretended to be nonchalant as they reached out and took them. In front of everyone, they opened the purses and weighed the contents in their hands.

After seeing what was inside the purse, the two couldn't help but purse their lips, clearly not very satisfied, but at least they didn't say anything to spoil the mood.

Actually, this year, the new bride gave the children more red envelopes than in previous years, containing two more gold beads and two more silver ingots. It's a good thing, and it's worth the effort they put in to bring all the children along.

After all the red envelopes were handed out, the children obediently returned to their elders' sides before it was Lu Yunzhang, Lu Yunbo, and a few other nephews and nieces' turn to step forward and pay their respects.

After not seeing each other for several days, the brothers Lu Yunzhang and Lu Yunbo looked unwell, especially Lu Yunzhang, who looked more dejected than the younger brothers.

It's easy to imagine that Lu Yunzhang used to interfere in all the properties and affairs outside the General's Mansion. Wherever he went, he was looked up to and addressed as "Master".

But now that he has separated from the family, he has no connection with the affairs outside the General's Mansion. Although the second branch also has its own property, it is still a branch. Without the halo of the General's Mansion, who would recognize him as the master?

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Old Madam Ning's gaze fell on Lu Yunbo, and she asked with concern:

"Yun Bo, how are your injuries? Are they all healed?"

Lu Yunbo's eyes darkened, but he quickly regained his composure, raised his head, and replied gently:

"Thank you for your concern, Aunt. I'm fine now."

Wei couldn't help but say sarcastically, "I thought my sister-in-law had long forgotten about Yunbo's injury. When Yunbo was injured, I cried and begged my sister-in-law, but she ignored me and wouldn't even let us leave the house..."

"That's all in the past, Mother, please don't bring it up again."

Lu Yunbo stopped him.

Seeing the look in her son's eyes, Madam Wei remembered that they still needed someone's help today, so she swallowed the rest of her words and put on a smiling face as she said to Old Madam Ning:

"Fortunately, God has blessed us. Yunbo is now much better and as energetic as before. Thank you for your concern, sister-in-law."

Madam Ning nodded: "That's good."

After speaking, he turned his gaze to Lu Yunqing and the others standing to the side.

Seeing that her sister-in-law had casually uttered three words and then immediately turned her attention away, Wei couldn't help but feel a little anxious and said:

"But because of this misfortune, Yun Bo's job has been delayed. It's hateful that his superior doesn't care about our past relationship at all and actually had someone take his place. It's despicable. What are we going to do without a job?"

After saying that, he looked at Old Madam Ning with longing eyes.

"The job's gone? I never expected that."

After speaking, Madam Ning looked at Yu Qingci.

Madam Wei also looked at Yu Qingci, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips:

“Niece-in-law, now only your second cousin holds an official position in our entire General’s Mansion. If even his position can’t be kept, then our General’s Mansion will truly decline.”

"For the sake of family, my niece-in-law should step in and lend a hand, at least to help your second cousin keep this job, okay? You absolutely can't refuse; you're the only one in our family with this ability. If you don't help, who else can we turn to?"

The second master also spoke up from the side: "Sister-in-law, niece-in-law, even if we separate from the family, we are still one family, sharing honor and disgrace. Please help Yunbo out of the sake of our family ties. At least let him have an official position, so that our General's Mansion will not be buried."

Yu Qingci's lips curled slightly, but she remained silent. In this situation, it was best to let the elders finish speaking.

Upon hearing the Second Master speak, Old Madam Ning hesitated, saying:

“What you say makes sense, but Yunbo’s assignment was decided by the Dali Temple. Our General’s Mansion has no dealings with the Vice Minister of the Dali Temple. In fact, we’re not even as familiar with him as you are. Even if I wanted to help, I couldn’t do anything about it.”

Madam Wei: "We naturally know this. There's no need for my sister-in-law to step forward. My niece-in-law's family is the prestigious Nanping Earl's Mansion. As long as the Nanping Earl is willing to speak up for Yunbo, I think the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review would not dare to disrespect the Nanping Earl."

"Hehehe, maybe to curry favor with the Earl of Nanping, they'll even promote Yunbo by one or two ranks."

Wei's eyes lit up as she spoke, as if the matter would soon be settled.

Yu Qingci guessed that they had such wishful thinking, but how could she let them have their way?

Seeing everyone from the second branch of the family looking at her expectantly, even Lu Yunbo casting a pleading glance at her, Yu Qingci sneered inwardly, but feigned reluctance on the surface:

“What my second uncle and aunt said makes sense. However, my father has received great favor from the emperor and has always been honest and upright in official matters, never daring to do anything for personal gain. As his daughter, I shouldn’t ask him for favors.”

However, since my second uncle and aunt have asked me for help, it would seem heartless of me not to. So be it, I'll try to mention it to my father if I have the chance in the future.”

Upon hearing this, Wei Shi, Lu Yunbo, and the others immediately showed joy. Before they could say anything more, Yu Qingci frowned and asked:

"I remember my second cousin's official position at the Dali Temple was—"

Seeing that Yu Qingci seemed unable to recall, Madam Wei quickly reminded her:

“Deacon, Yun Bo serves as a deacon at the Dali Temple.”