A year later, Pei Han finished his mourning period, and not long after, the old Grand Secretary retired to his hometown. The emperor disregarded the system of seniority and directly issued an edict appointing Pei Han as the new Grand Secretary.
The officials with clear minds knew this was inevitable and dared not voice any objection to the imperial edict promoting him beyond the usual ranks.
There were some stubborn envious ones, but Pei Han was a veteran of real battles, unlike these powerless civil officials. Therefore, although they were dissatisfied, they behaved themselves and greeted Pei Han respectfully.
When Pei Ji was selected as the top scholar in the imperial examination, the civil and military officials in the capital were filled with envy and admiration. They rushed to send congratulatory messages, afraid of falling behind.
The maids and servants in the Marquis of Wu'an's mansion were so busy that they barely had time to breathe, but they all had happy faces and didn't feel tired at all.
Ever since they heard that their young master had become the top scholar in the imperial examination, Amei and Azhu have been grinning from ear to ear, whether they're walking or pouring tea.
Min Yueqing looked at the two of them and teased, "Aren't your faces stiff from laughing for so long?"
Ah Zhu immediately replied with a smile, "Miss, we can't help it! Just thinking about how promising our young master is makes me want to laugh."
Hearing this, Amei nodded repeatedly, her smile not only remaining but growing even wider.
Min Yueqing couldn't help but chuckle, and decided to add to their joy by saying, "Go to the accounting office later and tell everyone in the manor that they will receive an extra six months' worth of monthly pay."
Amei and Azhu were not short of money, but they were still overjoyed to share in their young master's good fortune. So they said happily, "Thank you, Miss. We are all benefiting from the new top scholar's good fortune. Everything will go smoothly for us in the future!"
Min Yueqing watched them run out the door with a smile.
Xiao Wei slept for about two hours, and then it woke up. Before its eyes were fully open, it rolled over and placed its big head on Min Yueqing's lap with ease.
Min Yueqing reached out and affectionately scratched Xiao Wei's chubby chin. Xiao Wei immediately tilted its head back obediently, making it easier for Min Yueqing to scratch its itch.
Min Yueqing stroked down Xiao Wei's chin and scratched its neck back and forth. Her other hand was also busy, gently stroking the fur on the large, strong tiger's back.
Soon, Xiao Wei made a "gurgling" sound of enjoyment in its throat. Its big, round, black and gold eyes were fixed on Min Yueqing. Its clear and bright eyes were full of affection. Its big head nestled in Min Yueqing's arms and rubbed against her in a way that was completely out of place with its strong body.
Min Yueqing smiled broadly as Xiao Wei rubbed against her, wrapped her arms around its neck, and affectionately pressed her face against itss.
Little Wei's tiger face pressed against Min Yueqing's smooth and delicate cheek, and he was so happy that his long tail almost left a blur.
Min Yueqing looked up and ruffled Xiao Wei's shiny, smooth head. "There's something great happening today, you can sense it, can't you? You're such a clever little devil."
Xiao Wei looked at Min Yueqing innocently for a moment, then brought his big head close to Min Yueqing's face, wanting to get even closer.
Min Yueqing hugged Xiao Wei's big head affectionately for a while, but said insincerely, "Who has a baby who weighs five or six hundred pounds? Look at yourself, you're more than half a meter taller than me when you stand up, and you're still acting cute, aren't you ashamed?"
Xiao Wei remained completely unmoved, showing no sign of shyness whatsoever. His only concern was to seize this opportunity to get closer to Min Yueqing.
"Mother, Xiao Wei, I'm back." The boy's clear and gentle voice came.
Min Yueqing looked up towards the door and saw Pei Ji walking over, surrounded by Amei, Azhu, Shitou, and others.
Seventeen-year-old Pei Ji is already over 1.8 meters tall, having grown from a cute little boy into a spirited and handsome young man.
Pei Ji entered the room and was about to pay his respects when he saw Min Yueqing extend a hand to him. Pei Ji quickly stepped forward, grasped Min Yueqing's hands with both of his, called out "Mother" again, and then sat down next to her.
Min Yueqing squeezed Pei Ji's hand and teased with a smile, "Congratulations Lele on your excellent results, surpassing your father's achievements back then."
Pei Ji was still laughing when he heard the first half of the sentence, but when he heard the second half, he quickly waved his hands and said hurriedly, "Mother, you're joking with me again!"
In Pei Ji's heart, Pei Han had always been the most capable and knowledgeable person in the world, and his most important role model since childhood. Min Yueqing said he had surpassed Pei Han, but he dared not nod in agreement; he felt he was still far behind!
Even though Min Yueqing was referring to Pei Han from back then, Pei Ji still disagreed, saying, "How can you compare them like that?"
Seeing that Pei Ji was still as innocent and amusing as when he was a child, Min Yueqing couldn't help but chuckle to herself. She said to Amei, "Pour Lele a cup of tea, and get some snacks and soup."
After a long day of fussing, Pei Ji was indeed hungry. He first took a couple of sips of the corn, wild mushroom, and beef bone soup.
Min Yueqing said, "This yam and red date cake is freshly steamed, please try it."
Pei Ji did as instructed, picked up a piece and ate it, then finished the soup beside him, and only then did he feel that his stomach was no longer empty.
Seeing that he had filled his stomach, Min Yueqing began to ask him about his experiences that day. Pei Ji had an excellent memory, and seeing that Min Yueqing was interested, he recounted in detail everything he had seen and heard that day, as well as the procedures of the announcement ceremony.
Before Pei Ji could finish speaking, Pei Han returned.
Pei Han heard a cacophony of congratulatory messages today, from friends, colleagues, classmates, and people of all ages, some familiar and some unfamiliar. He even developed an automatic reply function, repeatedly responding with phrases like "You flatter me," "You're too kind," and "I don't deserve it."
Upon returning home and seeing his wife and children, Pei Han finally relaxed. He first patted Pei Ji on the shoulder and praised him, "Not bad." Then he walked over and sat down next to Xiao Wei.
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