After Yuan Jing finished his introduction, Lord Yu added: "It's better to see it with your own eyes than to talk about it. The Regent and all the lords can go to the Ministry of Works workshop to take a look."
The Regent immediately said, "Okay."
What can other adults say? Of course, we agreed to follow the Regent to the Ministry of Industry to see the role of cement in person.
As a minor official of the sixth rank, Yuan Jing followed obediently behind the large group. However, the Regent would call him to the front from time to time to ask him a few questions and never ignored him from beginning to end.
The officials knew that this third place winner had really caught the eye of the Regent, and that if the cement really worked, he would surely have a bright future. The idea of marrying him as a son-in-law, which had previously disappeared, resurfaced, and they decided to inquire about whether the third place winner could be engaged.
Lord Yu had his people pave a section of road with cement, and there were also poured cement slabs. The officials walking on it were all amazed. When they learned that this thing had extremely low cost, they all praised Tanhua Lang. Needless to say, he would definitely be valued by the Regent.
There were special people who tested the strength of cement slabs and the load-bearing capacity of cement roads. The test results all showed that cement was an ideal material. When they saw what cement was and how to pave roads, they were amazed. This thing was too convenient. Of course, they strongly supported the promotion of cement and its use in building dams.
After returning to the palace, the Regent promoted Lord Yu to the position of Minister of Works, replacing the old minister who was just occupying the toilet and doing nothing, and ordered the Ministry of Works to fully produce cement. The first task was to cooperate with Lord Shen in Jiangnan Province to build a dam.
The Ministry of Industry immediately launched into intensive production, and the originally quite idle ministry became extremely busy.
Yuan Jing was busy for several months, until the end of the year, when the matter came to an end. He also took the opportunity to learn a lot of things. He was good at theory, but not as good as the officials in the Ministry of Works in practical operations. During this period, he also followed other officials to Jiangnan to investigate the local water conservancy conditions.
When he went to Jiangnan Province, many matchmakers came to the Tao family to find a marriage for the third place winner. The three elders of the Tao family were all very tempted, but they were completely in the dark about the officials in the capital. They let the matchmakers hype up those families, but they dared not promise anything, because they knew nothing about those families. How could they dare to agree to anything? They just said that they had to wait until their son (grandson) came back to decide.
When Yuan Jing came back from Jiangnan, he asked Wu Yi to take him to a house without even entering his home. If he was not mistaken, this house was next to the Zhenbei Palace. Not surprisingly, he met Mu Chengan here.
Yuan Jing had no sense of crisis. Seeing Mu Chengan, he even greeted him happily: "I wanted to go back home to wash up and see if there was a chance to find you, but I didn't expect you to get there first."
Yuan Jing was very well-behaved in front of others, but in private, Yuan Jing was very casual with the Regent. This made the Regent, who hadn't seen Yuan Jing for a while, feel better. But when he thought of those matchmakers who were about to break down the door of the Tao family, Mu Chengan's face darkened again.
Wu Yi had slipped away early in the morning. When he was in Jiangnan to protect Yuan Jing, he received a letter from the capital. He vaguely knew the reason why he was brought here in the first place, so he did not want to get involved in such matters and ran away.
Yuan Jing didn't know, but he could tell that Mu Ancheng was unhappy, so he moved closer, stretched out his hand and pulled his face, making a smiley face: "Smile more, otherwise you will age quickly."
Mu Chengan put his arm around the man's waist and held him in his arms, gritting his teeth and saying, "Yes, I am getting old fast. I am not as good as a handsome and handsome scholar who many families would like to recruit as their son-in-law."
Yuan Jing looked surprised. It turned out that he was unhappy about this matter. But wasn't it agreed before? "Did something happen while I was away from Beijing that made you unhappy?"
"Yes, my prince's third place winner must be handsome and talented. Cement has played an important role in building dams recently, so many families, including nobles, want to take you as their son-in-law."
The news from Jiangnan Province has been passed back to the capital. The built dam is strong and solid, and has won a lot of praise from the people. Everyone knows that Yuan Jing has made a great contribution this time.
Yuan Jing was brought here as soon as he returned to the capital. He had not had time to walk around the capital, so he did not notice that several streets were paved with concrete roads. Now it is becoming a wonder in the capital, attracting many dignitaries and ordinary people to walk and walk on it.
So Yuan Jing became a popular figure.
"Pfft, so sour." Yuan Jing laughed. It turned out that he was jealous. Seeing that Mu Chengan's face was about to turn dark again, he quickly comforted him, "I will find a time to explain it clearly to my parents. The original plan was to wait for Yuan Ze to grow up, and when he gets married and has children in the future, the Tao family will have something to worry about. Then I will say something that will be less of a blow to the family."
Mu Ancheng actually knew that it was not Yuan Jing's fault. Although Yuan Jing was young, he was not the kind of person who was indecisive. Since he had said that he would not get married, he would not go back on his word because of pressure from his family. He always had confidence in this young man.
Well, he actually admitted that he was jealous, but he couldn't tell others openly that the third place winner Tao Yuanjing was his, Mu Ancheng's, and no one could snatch him away.
Thinking about the situation of the Tao family, Mu Chengan softened his heart again. He touched the top of the head of the person in his arms and said, "Forget it. I am older than you. Older people have to suffer some losses. Your family should follow your plan. Just refuse all the matchmakers who come to your house. I am an eyesore."
"Really?" Yuan Jing was surprised and moved by Mu Ancheng's compromise.
"Is this true?" Mu Ancheng raised his eyebrows, "Or I take it back."
Yuan Jing begged for mercy: "I shouldn't have doubted your feelings. I'll do as you say. When Yuan Ze gets married, I'll make sure to explain it to my parents and grandma. No, I won't need to tell them then. I'll just take you to them and there won't be any explanation."
Mu Chengan chuckled. His mood changed from gloomy to cheerful so quickly. Just by looking at this person, his mood would improve.
"I think it's more like scaring them. That really doesn't need any explanation."
"Nonsense, my parents are not that weak."
"Okay, whatever you say is fine. I'll do as you say." This tough man was turned into a softie by Yuan Jing. He never thought that this day would come, but when this day came, he was willing to do it. He wanted to give everything to him, so he didn't want him to have any embarrassment.
Yuan Jing talked to Mu Ancheng for a long time, telling him about the pain of separation, and then Mu Ancheng called Wu Yi to send Yuan Jing back.
Mu Ancheng didn't tell Yuan Jing that the Tao family would have a surprise tomorrow.
Regarding the incident in Jiangnan Province this time, those who have made mistakes should be punished, and those who have made contributions should be rewarded, so the imperial edict commending Yuan Jing will arrive at his house tomorrow.
Yuan Jing didn't know anything yet. He said goodbye to Mu Cheng'an reluctantly and hurried home. He had been in Jiangnan Province for more than a month and missed his family. The Tao family naturally gathered together happily that night. After rewarding Yuan Jing with a good meal, they sent him back to rest. After working hard for more than a month, he was obviously much thinner when he came back.
Yuan Jing thought about bringing up the matter of his matchmaker coming to his house in two days, so he took a short rest, practiced calligraphy and martial arts for a while, and then went to bed.
I planned to rest at home the next day and report to the Ministry of Works on the third day.
At 9:00 in the morning, there was a commotion outside. The concierge came in panic and surprised to announce, "An imperial edict has arrived at our house. Masters and mistresses, please hurry up and receive the edict. Also, the eldest young master."
The Tao family immediately got busy, receiving the imperial edict. This was the first time. After the incense table was set up, the angel entered the Tao Mansion. Although Yuan Jing was a little surprised, he also guessed that it was probably related to the cement issue. This was to wait until the Jiangnan incident was resolved and everyone saw the effectiveness of cement, and then the reward would come.
While kneeling on the ground to receive the imperial edict, Yuan Jing still had time to think that when he met Cheng An yesterday, he didn't tell him anything. It was obvious that he wanted to give him a surprise.
Sure enough, after hearing the contents of the imperial edict, Yuan Jing and the entire Tao family were extremely surprised. Not only was Yuan Jing rewarded and conferred the title of second-rank baron, he was also promoted two levels to become a fifth-rank Yuanwailang of the Ministry of Works. His family members were also granted titles, including that of his grandmother Song as Shu Ren and his mother Xiao Song as Gong Ren, and were granted imperial edicts.
The old lady and Mrs. Song understood the contents of the imperial edict and cried for joy, and hurriedly expressed their gratitude. Tao Dayong was also dizzy, and only handed the purse containing the silver bills to the angel who delivered the imperial edict after being reminded by the housekeeper. After sending the angel away, Tao Dayong had not yet come to his senses and felt like he was dreaming.
"Dayong, look, this is mother's imperial robe."
"My husband, I am also a respectful lady."
"Oh, now our Dayong is left alone. What should we do?" The old lady suddenly remembered and cried out, clapping her thighs. As for her little grandson Tao Yuanze, he would study hard and take imperial examinations in the future to make a living for himself, but there was nothing she could do about Tao Dayong.
Tao Dayong was still cheerful, but he woke up immediately after being pinched by Xiao Song. Seeing his mother and wife holding the imperial robes and the imperial edict on the incense table, he finally realized that he was not dreaming: "Mother, it doesn't matter. Even if my son is a commoner, he will be the father of a second-rank baron when he goes out. Mother, Yuan Jing, let's quickly offer up the imperial edict."
In fact, no one in their family knew much, but the servants they had brought from the capital basically knew everything, so they handled these things quickly. Tao Yuanze also knew that there was a happy event at home today, and he was also very happy.
As soon as the angel left the Tao family, the news spread in the capital. All the nobles, civil and military officials knew that Tao Yuanjing had returned from Jiangnan Province and had been promoted. A 15-year-old boy had become a winner in life that everyone envied. Who could compare to him? He came from a poor farming family.
Afterwards, many families came to congratulate, and the Di family was of course not left out. Di Yu had already gone to the Tao family's door early with the gifts prepared by his mother. Yuan Jing was usually busy, but he had a good relationship with Tao Yuanze, and the two often practiced martial arts together.
The Tao family had a lively day before Yuan Jing went to the Ministry of Works to take up his post. The head of the Ministry of Works was very kind to Yuan Jing. It could be said that his position as the Minister of Works was also due to Yuan Jing. Besides, it was also obvious that the Regent valued Yuan Jing, so he would not go against the Regent. The little emperor was only one year old, and it would take at least a dozen years for him to come of age and take over the government. Who would be so stupid as to go against the Regent?
In fact, during the past six months since the Regent took over the government, the atmosphere in the court has become much fresher. It can be said that the government is more stable and the people are more harmonious than when the previous emperor was in power.
On the contrary, Yuan Jing himself was a little absent-minded that day. Yesterday's situation had made him realize that he, Tao Yuanjing, was a hot commodity in the eyes of others and it was very cost-effective to win him over. Therefore, many people who came to congratulate him revealed their intention to marry into the Tao family. Even Tao Yuanze, an eight-year-old kid, was targeted by someone.
This put Yuan Jing under great pressure, but the environment in ancient times was different from that in modern times. Here, the emphasis was on the three unfilial acts of not having descendants, and the worst of them. Getting married and having children was a path that everyone should take. People like him who didn't want to get married were outliers among outliers. His parents in this life would definitely not be able to accept it, not to mention the old lady who loved him so much that they would probably scare her to death.
Alas, what should I do?
In fact, even if Mu Chengan hadn't existed, he would not have been able to find a woman to get married and have children. After experiencing two lives, he understood his sexual orientation very well. He couldn't even treat her with respect. He was willing to compromise in other aspects, but not this one.
Pulling out a few strands of hair, Yuan Jing said goodbye to his colleagues and went home after get off work. He had to think of a roundabout way to make his family accept the fact that he could not get married and have children sooner. Perhaps he would even need Mu Chengan's cooperation in this matter.
Just as I was thinking this, Wu Yi brought over a piece of paper with a place and a name written on it:
White Horse Temple, Master Huineng.
Yuan Jing's eyes suddenly lit up. Mu Cheng'an was really as worried as he was. This was exactly what he was thinking of. Cheng'an had connections in the White Horse Temple. He could use the master to say that Mu Cheng'an could not get married and have children, which might alleviate the blow to his family.
He didn't expect that he would have to rely on Cheng An to help him clean up the mess.
When they got home, at the dinner table, it was the old lady who brought up Yuan Jing's marriage first. In the old lady's words, the eldest grandson was not young anymore. In Taojia Village, men of this age had already been engaged, and some had children soon. Now the eldest grandson had brought honor to the Tao family. For the old lady, there was only one thing missing, which was for her to hold her great-grandson. Then her life would be completely satisfied.
Speaking of her future daughter-in-law, Song's eyes lit up. She had discussed this with the old lady for quite some time, and now she felt that her eyes were almost dazzled: "Son, last time your sister-in-law took us out to attend a flower-viewing banquet, oh my, those girls were so good that I couldn't describe them. They were good at speaking, and they could write poems and essays. If you marry a daughter-in-law like this, you will have something to say to Yuan Jing."
Perhaps Tao Yuanze was the only one who was a little unhappy. His brother had already allocated very little time to him, and now his sister-in-law was competing with him for his brother?
Yuan Jing sweatdropped, "Grandma, mother, there's no rush for this. You see, there are many people in the capital who get married at around 20, and I'm only 15. How about this? I've spent too little time with you lately. During this holiday, can I accompany you and grandma to stay at the White Horse Temple for a day? By the way, I heard that the wandering Master Huineng has recently returned. Many wealthy families in the capital want to see Master Huineng. Let's go and join in the fun. Maybe we'll be lucky enough to see him."
As soon as the White Horse Temple and Master Huineng were mentioned, the old lady and Mrs. Song really shifted their attention. The old lady said excitedly, "I know Master Huineng. I've heard many people say that Master Huineng is very good at fortune-telling. Alan, why don't you listen to Yuan Jing? Let's go to the White Horse Temple and ask Master Huineng to tell us which girl Yuan Jing will marry."
Little Song nodded repeatedly: "Just listen to mother, I have heard several ladies mention the name of this master."
Yuan Jing breathed a sigh of relief, which happened to be seen by Tao Yuanze. He blinked his eyes and thought, "Brother, there is something wrong with you. Is your brother afraid of getting married?"
Yuan Jing reached out and tapped the little guy's forehead. Just eat, why are you joining in the fun?
Tao Dayong was the most open-minded. He happily watched his family discuss going to the White Horse Temple. Anyway, he just had to be a good follower at that time.
So on the day of the holiday, the whole family got up early, had breakfast, and then got on the carriage to go to the White Horse Temple. It was already autumn, and the weather was still quite pleasant, suitable for going out for climbing. If it got colder later, the old man's body would not be able to bear it.
When we arrived at the White Horse Temple, we found that there were a lot of tourists that day. Needless to say, they all came for the reputation of Master Huineng. Everyone was queuing up to see if they could see Master Huineng, because Master Huineng had said that only those who were predestined would be able to see him, not everyone would be able to see him.
The old lady and Mrs. Song went to draw a marriage fortune specifically for their son. They wanted to ask about his marriage fate. If they couldn't find Master Huineng to interpret the fortune, they would have to find other masters.
The two of them didn't want the brothers Yuan Jing and Yuan Ze to accompany them. It was a rare trip for them, so they let their two grandchildren play by themselves. They even didn't want Tao Dayong to accompany them.
Yuan Jing had no choice but to listen to the old lady and took Yuan Ze out for fun. The scenery of the White Horse Temple was quite nice. Tao Yuanze, who was able to get some fresh air, had a great time. Yuan Jing was not worried at all whether the old lady and his mother could meet Master Huineng. With Mu Cheng'an there, things here must have been arranged early on.
As he thought, the old lady and Mrs. Song took a look around and found that their hope of meeting Master Huineng was extremely slim. So the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were ready to give up and walk around. They happened to walk to an inconspicuous back hall, and a young monk came out and said that someone wanted to see them.
The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law looked at each other, and the old lady asked, "Is there a master who wants to see us?"
"Yes, Grand Master said that the destined people have arrived, and asked me to lead the two kind people in."
The old lady and Little Song were both delighted and said hurriedly, "Okay, okay, little master, please."
Following the young monk, the old lady and Mrs. Song entered the hall and saw an old monk with a white beard sitting on a cushion. The old monk just opened his eyes and looked at them. When the two saw his eyes, they forgot all their worries. They had not been to school and could not describe it in words, but they felt that this master was a living Bodhisattva and they could not feel the slightest disrespect towards him.
The old monk chanted the Buddha's name: "Master Huineng, please take a seat, two good people."
"Oh, it's Master Huineng. Master, you are honored." The old lady and Mrs. Song stood in awe and respectfully bowed to the monk. They placed the fortune sticks they had obtained on the table in front of the master. "We just want to ask the master to interpret the fortune sticks and ask about our grandson's marriage."
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