Chapter 133: Promotion
"The Emperor, by the grace of Heaven... has appointed Rong Bingwen as Vice Minister of Works, primarily responsible for promoting the waterwheel."
After reading this imperial edict, Lai Xi took out another one. This one was a commendation and reward for other people who participated in the manufacturing.
As expected, Rong Yanhui and the Pu family were both pardoned.
The Pu family had worked in the Ministry of Works before. Now, not only were they exonerated, they were also given a seventh-rank official position and worked with the Rong family to promote water wheels.
When Rong Yan came back, he returned the part of his mother's dowry that had been confiscated before. Like the rest of the Rong family, he got the opportunity to study at the Imperial College without taking the entrance exam.
Such grace is extremely great for exiled sinners, but it is also what they desperately need.
After reading the imperial edict, Lai Xi handed it to Rong Bingwen, and the attendant beside him handed him the rosewood box. Rong Bingwen carefully packed the two copies of the imperial edict and placed them respectfully on the altar in the main hall, then he breathed a sigh of relief.
He led a group of people to pay respectful tribute to the imperial edict, and then called Lai Xi.
When guests come from afar, we must treat them well.
Rong Yanhui and his brothers went to the lake to catch two big fish, while Lu Yao and other female relatives went to pick and wash vegetables and started preparing.
These days, Ye Jiayue, Lan Xin, and Rong Ziyu's cooking skills have improved rapidly under Lu Yao's guidance. Most of the time, they are the three of them who are in charge of cooking. Today's meal is to entertain the distinguished guests from the capital and the county magistrate, so Lu Yao will be the chef herself.
Fragrant braised fish, crispy braised duck, fatty but not greasy braised pork, salty and fragrant garlic spare ribs, braised lion's head, clothesline pork, spicy diced chicken... Lu Yao used her unique skills based on the existing ingredients.
Seeing the table full of delicious food, Lai Fu, who had followed his master and had seen a lot of delicious food, couldn't help but be dazzled, especially when he really put it in his mouth, he realized how delicious it was.
Your Majesty loves delicious food, but it's a pity that you can't taste such delicious food.
Lai Xi felt regretful and thought that he should not share this with him when he returned.
Since ascending the throne, as an emperor, Emperor Jiahe put away all his personal hobbies. At least on the surface, no one knew his preferences.
Lai Fu felt a little distressed when he thought of his master. Fortunately, he was now the emperor, above everyone else, and no one could pose a threat to him anymore.
As for those old foxes in the court, haha, they are just grasshoppers in autumn, the master will always find a way to deal with them!
Zhang Wende had tasted Rongji's braised food and ice jelly and he could not forget the taste ever since. After seeing the Rong family's cooking skills again, he couldn't help but sigh that he probably wouldn't have the chance to have it again in this lifetime.
The Rong family now has a third-rank Minister of Works, and he is only a sixth-rank Tongpan, the distance between them may be a lifetime.
These days, he was extremely grateful that although he had not made any great achievements in these years, he had not forgotten his duties. Even if he had financial transactions with some people, it was within the range that he could control.
Otherwise, not only will there be no hope of promotion, but his fate will probably not be good either.
Thinking this way, I no longer feel regretful about not being able to eat such delicious food in the future.
His hand movements unconsciously quickened a bit.
Well, for such delicious food, one bite is too little, so he wants to eat two more bites and savor it slowly later.
After dinner, Zhang Wende left Fushan Village with Lai Xi and others.
After sending the people away, the Rong, Lu and Pu families sat down and had a good talk.
At this time, the Pu family's father and son and their family members and children came over. Without waiting for the Rong family to react, they all knelt down and kowtowed firmly.
"Mr. Pu, what are you doing?"
"Brother Pu, get up quickly!"
"What are you doing? Get up!"
Everyone in the Rong family rushed forward to help the man up, but Old Master Pu shook his head and said, "You are the adopted parents of our Pu family. Please allow us to complete this ceremony."
"Stop saying that, we're just helping each other."
"Yes, without your carpentry skills, I don't know if this waterwheel could be made."
Mr. Pu shook his head: "You can still succeed without us."
There are still people who are skilled in carpentry in Fushan Village. Even without them, the Rong family can find someone else to replace them, but for the Pu family, this is their only chance.
And they gave this opportunity to the Pu family.
Now, the Pu family is not only no longer exiled prisoners, but can also return to the capital and have their official positions further promoted. If it were not for the contribution of the waterwheel, their family, including the children, would probably have died of old age here for generations.
For the Pu family, this is undoubtedly the grace of rebirth, no different from having reborn parents.
They sincerely wanted to thank everyone in the Rong family. The Rong family felt their sincerity, but they couldn't really accept it.
"You've finished your formalities, get up quickly," Rong Bingwen said helplessly, "there are still many days to come."
Mr. Pu didn't ask for help. He stood up cheerfully and sighed, "Yes, there are still many days to come."
"Dad, what about us?" Rong Yuqing wanted to know what his family's next plan was.
Rong Bingwen sighed softly: "Looks like we have to leave early."
According to the original plan, the family would wait for the results of the third son's provincial examination to come out, and then slowly pack up, as long as they could make it in time for the spring examination next spring. But now the emperor has directly thrown a position of Minister of Works to him, and the promotion of water wheels is urgent, so he has to return to Beijing immediately to take charge of the work.
Seeing that the family still had things to discuss, the Pu family did not stay long. They also wanted to go back to pack up their things and return to Beijing with the Rong family.
After the Pu family left, Lu Mingxiu also stood up and prepared to go back to the next door, but Rong Bingwen stopped him: "We are all family, there is no need to avoid us."
After spending these days together, Rong Bingwen and other members of the Rong family have a very good impression of Lu Mingxiu. With such a brother, it is no wonder that Yaoyao is so outstanding.
It’s a pity that there is no girl of marriageable age in the family, otherwise he would never let go of such an outstanding young man.
After hearing what he said, Lu Mingxiu didn't act pretentiously and stayed generously to discuss the next plans with them.
The imperial edict has been issued, and Rong Bingwen and the Pu family father and son still have to participate in the manufacture and promotion of water wheels. There can be no delay and they must return to Beijing as soon as possible. However, there are still many things to deal with at home, and there is no time at all.
at last,
It was decided that Rong Bingwen would take Rong Yuqing, Rong Yuheng and Rong Yuzhe, who had just finished the provincial examination, to Beijing first, while the rest of the people would pack up and deal with other things before setting off.
The eldest and second sons will take part in the imperial examination in the spring. They can learn a lot from Rong Bingwen. As for the third son, Rong Yuzhe, it depends on the results of this exam. But the Rong family members are very confident. Even though they have not studied seriously for more than ten years, they have not given up studying because of the busy work of making fire.
As for Rong Zheyu, it can be said that he is the most studious in the entire Rong family. As long as he performs normally, the provincial examination will not be difficult for him.
"I don't know how the third one is doing."
"Today is December, and the second round has already begun. As long as there are no unexpected situations, it shouldn't be difficult to tell him."
"I hope the third child will have better luck and get a good room number."
“…”
Rong Yuzhe, as they were talking about, was writing furiously when he suddenly sneezed. He sniffed and an indescribable smell instantly hit his nose, making him hold his breath.
Rong Yuzhe's luck in this scientific expedition was neither good nor bad.
He was not assigned to the Stinky Room, but his position was not far from it. As long as he took a deep breath, he could smell the smell.
Fortunately, I have already taken the exam. If I persist, I will pass it soon.
It was already dark at this time. Rong Zheyu lit a candle and wrote some questions for a while before stopping. He put the test paper and other things away in the corner. After blowing out the candle, he took out the dry food he had prepared and ate some with water to fill his stomach. After moving around for a while in the cramped room, he curled up on the wooden board and began to rest.
Before he came, he had heard repeated reminders from his family members who had participated in the provincial examination, and knew the importance of conserving physical strength and arranging a reasonable schedule.
Banishing all the thoughts from his mind, Rong Yuzhe tried hard to fall asleep.
At the Rong family, the next arrangements had already been planned, and everyone went back to their rooms to rest.
Lu Yao's family and Lu Mingxiu went back to the next door together.
Looking at the beautiful yard they had tidied up, Lu Yao sighed, "I didn't expect to leave so soon."
Although I knew it wouldn’t last long when I first arrived, I still couldn’t help but sigh when it was confirmed.
Calculating the time, there is still some time before the day of amnesty, but being able to leave here so long in advance, even if I can't leave here immediately, I will be innocent and my mood and mentality will be completely different.
Lu Mingxiu smiled at them and said, "Congratulations."
"Brother, we will be able to go back soon!" Lu Yao was also very happy. His brother had risked his life to follow him here, and now he could finally go back.
Lu Mingxiu smiled and said, "Yes, I have to go back again."
When he left the capital, he never thought that he would be able to return one day, let alone that this day would come so soon.
Now, without the burden of the Shen family, my younger sister and her family's lives are visibly getting better and better.
That’s great.
"Brother, your health is better now, and we don't have to worry about our lives. When will you find me a sister-in-law?" Lu Yao suddenly asked.
Caught off guard by being urged to get married, Lu Mingxiu's face was full of helplessness, "Haohao, why are you talking about this?"
"When you return to Beijing, brother, please live with us." Lu Yao did not answer and changed the subject.
Lu Mingxiu was stunned for a moment, then shook his head, "I have a place to live."
"Where?" Lu Yao pressed on, as if she wouldn't stop until she answered.
Rong Yanhui squeezed Lu Yao's hand and said to Lu Mingxiu, "Uncle, you are my only relative. Our house is very big with several courtyards. It would be a waste to leave it empty."
"Yes, yes," Lu Yao nodded repeatedly, "We have a place to live, so why can't we live together?"
She knew that her brother had dealt with all his assets when he left the capital, and going back now would be like starting over, but she couldn't say that.
only,
Even though Lu Yao didn't say anything, Lu Mingxiu knew what she was thinking.
He reached out and rubbed Lu Yao's head vigorously. When he felt Rong Yan's disapproving gaze, he slowly withdrew his hand.
"Don't worry, I have money on me," Lu Mingxiu said, "I just need to redeem our house."
Lu Yao was surprised: "Can I buy it back?"
This house was left by my parents, and it is a thought for them.
"When did I lie to you?" Lu Mingxiu explained, "We agreed at the beginning that if you want to buy it back, just add some silver."
As for how much to add, that’s another matter.
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