Chapter 187 [VIP]
Kyoto had a heavy snowfall last night, and when I woke up this morning, the yard was all white, with snow about half a foot deep underfoot.
In winter, the days are short and the nights are long. At the hour of Yin (3-5 AM), the sky is still pitch black. In the bedroom of the Chen family's west wing, a lamp is lit. Chen Qingyan is washing his face, combing his hair, and changing into a vermilion official robe to go to the Hanlin Academy for his shift.
Chen Qinghuai also finished tidying up the east wing. The two of them had gotten used to this schedule when they were studying, so they didn't find it hard.
However, others couldn't. The carriage stopped outside the Hanlin Academy, and as soon as the two got out, they heard several people nearby complaining in hushed tones, "Having to get up this early every day, it's so cold and tiring, it's really unbearable."
"That's right, I really don't want to get out of bed!"
Chen Qingyan and Chen Qinghuai exchanged a glance and couldn't help but smile. Back when they were in school, they had been lazy in the winter, and as a result, their master chased them with a ruler and beat them. After a few times, they corrected this bad habit.
"Come to think of it, Fourth Uncle and Master should be heading to the capital soon."
"Well, when we left Shanzhou, Father said we would be arriving in the capital by the end of the year at the latest, so it should be soon."
"In this cold weather, I hope Uncle and Aunt don't catch frostbite!"
A few more people arrived shortly afterward, including familiar faces Li Bin and Xu Wei. The group greeted each other.
"Ouch, it's really cold," Li Bin said, stamping his feet.
Xu Wei chimed in, "I was woken up by the cold in the middle of the night last night. This damned weather, I wonder how many poor people will freeze to death."
The house he rented in the market was very cheap, only a little over a hundred taels of silver a year. Of course, cheap things are not good. The three rooms had drafty doors and windows and a leaky roof. The two servants who came with him were also useless. They just left it to freeze without thinking of making any repairs.
Chen Qingyan even suspected that Xu Wei was picked up by his father, otherwise why would he let his son suffer like this?
As they were talking, the gates of the Hanlin Academy opened, and everyone quickly lined up to go in. If they waited any longer, their jaws would freeze off.
As the year drew to a close, the Hanlin Academy wasn't too busy. The books that needed to be revised had basically been completed, and what remained were mostly miscellaneous tasks. Chen Qingyan first went to Chief Jiang to collect his work, and then assigned his subordinates to do it. Of course, he himself couldn't be idle either, as he had to be ready to send messages from the palace at any time.
No one from the palace has come all day, so it seems like it will be another peaceful day. Around 1 p.m., Chen Qingyan stood up, stretched, and prepared to pack his things and leave.
Just as he was about to leave, hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside. "Lord Chen, the palace has arrived and ordered you to go and draft an imperial edict."
Chen Qingyan quickly put on his coat and cloak, and followed the palace eunuchs hurriedly toward the palace.
Upon arriving at the palace, we were taken directly to the Imperial Study, where a fire was burning and it was very hot. The Emperor was writing something at his desk.
Emperor Wuping is thirty-seven years old this year. He is slightly overweight and has a mustache. He is in good health and has been a wise ruler who has been diligent in his duties over the years.
Chen Qingyan knelt down and kowtowed.
"Get up, go grind the ink and prepare to draft the imperial edict."
"yes."
Chen Qingyan took off his outer robe and handed it to the palace servant beside him. He walked to a small table nearby, where writing materials had already been prepared. He ground the ink, picked up the brush, and the emperor's voice rang out.
"Now that the Turks have suffered a great defeat and the border is secure, it is truly a blessing for the people. Marquis Wuping, Li Mu, has rendered meritorious service in defeating the enemy and is hereby granted the title of Second-Class Marquis, a house, and one hundred taels of gold. However, although the war is over, the border still needs to be defended. Zhao Yi is getting old, and considering his merits, he should return to the capital to enjoy his old age. Therefore, he is granted the title of Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent, and Li Mu will take over the position of General Who Guards the Border."
Chen Qingyan paused, never expecting that what he was writing was an imperial edict for his brother-in-law!
Li Mu has been granted a second-class noble title, but he will be stationed at the border frequently from now on. I wonder what will happen to my younger brother, Sui.
Chen Qingyan picked up his pen and pondered for a moment before beginning to draft the imperial edict.
By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:
Now the Turks are rampant and have invaded our territory. Fortunately, Marquis Wuping, Li Mu, is loyal, brave, and resourceful. He personally led his elite army and defeated the fierce enemy beyond the border, quelling the flames of war and stabilizing the border. This is a blessing for the nation and a boon for the people.
Now, I hereby bestow upon you the title of Second-Class Marquis, a residence in the capital, and one hundred taels of gold, as a sign of my high regard and honor.
As for the important border towns, although news of victory has been reported, defenses must not be relaxed in the slightest. The veteran general Zhao Yi has long been stationed in the northern deserts, toiling for many years, and his merits on the battlefield are invaluable. Considering his advanced age, I hereby grant him permission to return to the capital and bestow upon him the title of Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent, as a sign of the nation's remembrance of his old friend.
The position of General Who Guards the Border is hereby granted to Marquis Li Mu of Wuping. You shall organize the camps and fortifications, pacify the soldiers, and ensure that the barbarian horses dare not invade the south, so that the Han border will remain impregnable.
The proclamation was made known both domestically and internationally.
So be it.
After the imperial edict was written and made sure nothing was missing, it was handed to a palace maid to present to the emperor. The emperor looked it over and nodded, "Write it this way. The New Year is coming soon, so let the soldiers on the border have a good New Year too."
The soldiers will all be rewarded, so there's no need to write that in the imperial edict; it can just be sent to the border along with the edict.
After drafting the imperial edict, Chen Qingyan prepared to take his leave, but the emperor suddenly asked, "What is your relationship with Chen Jing?"
"Your Majesty, it is indeed my uncle."
"No wonder, I was wondering why you looked so familiar. Turns out you're Chen Jing's nephew. Your Chen family is quite capable." Chen Jing was a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in the first year of Emperor Wuping's reign. Because he was from a poor family, he left a particularly deep impression on me.
"Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty."
"Has he been the governor of Shanzhou for three years now?"
"Your Majesty is wise. This is my uncle's third year in office, and he should come to the capital to report on his duties this year."
"Alright, you can go back now."
"Yes." Chen Qingyan kowtowed and got up to leave with the palace servants, not understanding what the emperor meant by suddenly mentioning his fourth uncle.
It was already dark when he returned from the palace. Tianju was waving at him from a distance, carrying a lantern. Parking was prohibited near the palace, so he parked his carriage in the alley behind it.
When he got home, Wang Ying was already waiting anxiously. She took his hat and cloak and said, "Why are you so late?"
"Just before I was about to finish my shift, I was summoned to the palace to draft an imperial edict."
"Go wash your hands and get ready to eat. The cook has already reheated it three or four times."
Chen Qingyan washed his hands and went to the side room to call Qinghuai over so they could eat and chat.
"Guess who the edict being drafted today is about?"
The two shook their heads; how could they possibly guess that?
Chen Qingyan didn't keep him in suspense, "It belongs to General Li Mu. He made great contributions to the victory at the border this time. The emperor conferred upon him the title of Second-Class Marquis and bestowed upon him a house and gold. However... he will probably have to stay at the border for a long time in the future."
Wang Ying asked, "Then what about his marriage to Sui Di?" The commander cannot leave the border without permission. This guard post might last for ten or twenty years. Does he expect Sui Di to wait for him forever?
Chen Qinghuai said, "Why don't we wait until next spring and send Sui Di to the border as well?"
"I will write a letter and send it back. As for how Sui-di decides to proceed, that's up to him."
After finishing discussing the matter in the imperial edict, Chen Qingyan recounted how the emperor had suddenly brought up his fourth uncle before he left.
Qinghuai asked nervously, "What was His Majesty's attitude when he mentioned my father?"
Chen Qingyan shook his head, "How dare I speculate on His Majesty's thoughts? But judging from His Majesty's attitude, he seems to have a good impression of Fourth Uncle. Let's wait for them to arrive before we talk about it."
*
Time flew by, and it was already the 20th of the twelfth lunar month. Chen Jing's family and their master Liang Boqing finally arrived in the capital.
For the past few days, Chen Guang had been waiting at the city gate. When he saw his master's carriage from afar, he quickly ran over.
"Brother!" The driver was a young man who waved excitedly when he saw Chen Guang. This man was Chen Guang's younger brother, Chen Xin.
"We've been waiting for you for several days, and you've finally arrived."
"The snow on the road was too heavy and delayed us for several days. When we first entered the city, the master was still wondering where the young master was staying and was thinking of settling him in an inn first."
"The eldest and second young masters have been waiting at home for a long time. Come with me." Chen Guang got into the carriage, took the whip from his younger brother, and drove the carriage toward the Chen family.
The trip was carried in two carriages. Chen Jing and Liang Boqing rode in the front carriage, while Fang Ling and her two children rode in the back carriage. The two children had never been to the capital before and were peering out the window.
Before long, the carriage stopped in front of the Chen family's house. Ma Qianzi knew that the Fourth Master and his men had arrived as soon as he heard the sound, so he quickly opened the gate.
Once the carriage had come to a stop in the courtyard, Wang Ying, holding Yuanbao's hand, was greeted by Chen Qingyan and Chen Qinghuai.
Chen Qingyan had not seen his fourth uncle for more than five years. He saw that his temples were gray and he looked much older than when he last returned to his hometown. He guessed that he had been busy with political affairs in recent years.
Old Liang had aged considerably, but he was still in good spirits. Upon seeing Chen Qingyan, he immediately went over and patted him on the shoulder, exclaiming, "Good lad! I knew I hadn't misjudged you; you've actually become the top scholar!"
Chen Qingyan scratched his head and grinned foolishly, "It's all thanks to Master's excellent teaching."
Fourth Aunt hadn't changed much. She pulled the two children forward and said, "This is your brother Qingyan and sister-in-law Wang Ying. Quickly greet them."
The little girl called out obediently, "Big brother, sister-in-law." She looked just like Chen Jing, and surprisingly bore a striking resemblance to Qing Yun. Looking at her, it was as if one could see Qing Yun from back then.
Another boy, who was a bit mischievous, made a face at Yuanbao, and was kicked from behind by Fang Ling before he started to greet her properly.
Wang Ying couldn't help but chuckle and said, "These must be Ying-mei and Lan-didi, right? They're so big already! It's cold outside, come inside!"
The whole family entered the main room, where servants brought hot tea. Wang Ying also specially prepared pastries for the children. Yuanbao, being very outgoing, followed behind his uncle and aunt, curiously observing them.
Chen Qingyan asked, "Was your journey smooth, Fourth Uncle?"
"The journey was fine at first, but after less than ten days, we encountered a heavy snow that blocked the roads. We originally planned to arrive in Kyoto in early December, but it was delayed until mid-December."
Liang Boqing said, "That's right, I thought it wouldn't arrive before the New Year!"
Wang Ying said, "No matter what, it's good that you arrived safely."
Chen Jing then inquired about how the two were doing at the Hanlin Academy.
Chen Qinghuai said, "My elder brother, as editor, often has the opportunity to meet the emperor, but I have only been once."
"Don't rush, take your time. There will be an opportunity to show your talent in three years."
"By the way! The Emperor mentioned you when he asked my elder brother to draft an edict the other day."
Chen Jing asked nervously, "Did His Majesty say anything?"
Chen Qingyan shook his head, "His Majesty didn't say much, but he knows that you are supposed to come to the capital to report on your duties this year."
Chen Jing sighed, "My performance evaluations have been above average these past few years, so I don't even dare to think about staying in the capital. I'd be content if I could just have the chance to return to Laizhou or Jizhou."
As people get older, they lose their drive. Chen Jing used to be determined to take a position in the capital, but after his son passed the imperial examination, he lost all ambition. As long as the younger generation can support him, he is at ease.
After chatting for a while, Wang Ying noticed that they looked tired, so she quickly went to arrange food and accommodation. Luckily, she had chosen a large house when she bought it, otherwise there really wouldn't have been enough room for so many people.
After the meal, everyone went back to their rooms to rest, and other matters could be discussed the next day.
A note from the author:
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