Chapter 740

Chapter 747 Surprise (Part 1)

Xu Sijin glanced left at his father, then right at his mother, forgetting to chew the rice in his mouth.

How strange!

Father and mother were sitting upright as usual while eating, without any overtly affectionate gestures, yet somehow their every movement exuded a natural intimacy, completely different from yesterday's coldness and distance.

It had only been one night.

What on earth had happened?

"What's wrong?" Noticing her son's odd behavior, Eleven Mother asked with a smile.

Lord Xu also laid down his chopsticks, his eyes filled with concern.

"Nothing, nothing." Xu Sijin lowered his head to hide his expression and began eating hurriedly, forgetting he already had some in there. He choked and started coughing.

"This child!" Eleven Mother quickly ladled a bowl of soup for her son. "Why are you so flustered?"

Leng Xiang quickly offered tea for him to rinse his mouth.

Xu Sijin took the soup from Eleven Mother, drank a few mouthfuls, and felt much better. Afraid his father would notice his wandering thoughts, he hurriedly said, "Father, you haven’t told me about what happened yesterday at Minister Chen’s house yet."

"Eat first," Lord Xu said calmly. "After the meal, we’ll talk in your mother’s study in the east wing."

Xu Sijin gave an "oh" and finished his meal in a few quick bites, then stared eagerly at Lord Xu.

Lord Xu smiled faintly, finished the half bun in his hand, stood up, and said, "Let’s go!" heading toward the east wing.

Xu Sijin quickly followed.

Eleven Mother smiled and instructed Leng Xiang to clear the dishes. She then sat on the large heated brick bed (kang) by the window in the west wing, set up her embroidery frame, and began stitching.

After about the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn, Lord Xu and Xu Sijin emerged from the east wing one after the other.

Lord Xu’s expression was calm, while Xu Sijin looked quite excited.

"I’m going to Old Marquis Sun’s residence," Lord Xu said to Eleven Mother. "I’ll be back by noon." He then turned to Xu Sijin and added, "Stay home and keep your mother company, understood?"

"Don’t worry!" Xu Sijin quickly replied. "I know what’s important and promise not to run around everywhere."

Eleven Mother stepped down from the kang to see Lord Xu out.

Once his father had left, Xu Sijin slipped an arm around his mother’s shoulders. "Mother, these high officials are truly cunning! No wonder Lord Gong repeatedly warned me before I came, saying Yanjing’s political waters run deep and that I should consult Father on matters and never act on my own." He then told Eleven Mother how both Minister Chen and Minister Lu had tried to install their own allies in the opportunity created by Ding Zhi’s recall to Yanjing.

Lord Xu had already analyzed this last night. At the time, Eleven Mother had been distracted and hadn’t listened too carefully. Now, hearing Xu Sijin’s account, she smiled and said, "That’s just how things are in the court. Don’t assume that just because you’re now the Earl of Wujin, you’re all-powerful. There’s still a lot for you to learn."

This time, Xu Sijin didn’t talk back but instead replied earnestly, "That’s why there’s the saying, 'A full bottle makes no noise; a half bottle sloshes.'"

Eleven Mother smiled and looked her son up and down.

"What is it?" Xu Sijin felt a bit embarrassed under her gaze and explained with a laugh, "I heard that saying from our Battalion Commander’s wife. The one from the Pingyi Guard…"

"I’m just happy!" Eleven Mother said with some emotion. "Our Jin Geer has grown up. He has learned self-reflection and how to evaluate himself properly."

His mother’s praise made him blush. Avoiding her gaze, he said, "I, I’ve always known how to reflect—you just never noticed before."

Eleven Mother smiled gently.

Xu Sijin, afraid his mother would continue praising him, quickly changed the subject: "Mother, I still want to secretly visit Grandmother to see how she is doing!"

Lord Xu once remarked that sometimes it’s better to pretend not to know than to act recklessly. Before Lord Gong had even handed over his commander’s seal, Xu Sizhun had quietly returned to the capital. If those with ill intentions noticed, even if they pretended not to know out of respect for the Emperor’s current mood, it could become a major issue if conflicts of interest arose later. Seeing that his mother remained silent, Xu Sijin knew it wouldn’t be possible. He lay back on the kang, resting his head on his arms, and said disappointedly, "Among all us brothers, Grandmother has always been the kindest to me..."

Lady Xu smiled bitterly. "Just be patient for a couple more days."

Xu Sijin had no choice but to nod in agreement.

Lady Xu then fetched some travel journals from Lord Xu’s study to keep him entertained.

As mother and son chatted, read, and did needlework, the days flew by, and soon it was the 29th.

During lunch, Lord Xu suddenly said, "Gong Dongning has set up camp at Wangjia Bay, fifteen li from the Western Hills. This afternoon, Shunfeng Escort in Yanjing will have a convoy leaving the city. You should leave the capital with them and rendezvous with Lord Gong. Do not return home until after the Prisoner Tribute Ceremony is over!"

Xu Sijin solemnly replied, "Yes," his demeanor showing a steadiness and calmness beyond his years.

Lord Xu nodded approvingly.

Lady Xu reluctantly helped him disguise himself as a servant.

"Mother, according to custom, there should be a few days of rest after the Prisoner Tribute Ceremony..." Xu Sijin comforted her. "When the time comes, I will return openly to see you, pay my respects to the Grand Madame, Second Aunt, and Fifth Aunt... and set up memorials for Huang Xiaomao and Liu Erwu." As he spoke, his eyes dimmed, and his expression grew somber.

"I’ll be waiting for you to return," Lady Xu said, hugging her son before watching him leave the main room.

On the day of the captive presentation at the Meridian Gate, Xu Lingkuan, Xu Sizhun, Xu Sijie, Shen Geer, Cheng Geer, and even Ting Geer and Zhuang Geer all went to watch the excitement. The women of the household gathered in the Grand Madame’s room to wait, while servants from the reporting office periodically brought updates: "The Sixth Young Master has entered the city," "The Sixth Young Master is processing through the streets," "The Sixth Young Master has reached the Meridian Gate." The Grand Madame was overjoyed, rewarding the couriers with ten taels of silver each, which led to fierce competition among the servants to deliver news, creating a lively atmosphere. The Fifth Lady joined in the fun, saying, "Mother, shouldn’t those of us waiting here also get some rewards?" The Grand Madame was in such high spirits that she took the joke seriously and laughingly instructed Zhi Hong, "Reward your Fifth Lady with twenty taels of silver!" This elicited peals of laughter.

A servant rushed in, wiping sweat from his forehead. "Grand Madame, Grand Madame, great news, great news! Our Sixth Young Master has been appointed Guizhou Commander!"

How could Jin’ge become Guizhou Commander? He’s only sixteen this year!

Lady Xu was stunned.

The Grand Madame sat up straight with a start, her expression serious as she asked the servant, "Are you sure you heard correctly? If you’re spreading rumors, you’ll be punished!"

"Grand Madame, I’m not lying!" the servant insisted urgently. "Fifth Master sent word saying the imperial decree has been read, and the official notice has been posted. He asked us to inform you so you could share in the joy." He then turned to Lady Xu. "Fourth Madame, Fifth Master also said that once court is dismissed, there will likely be many guests coming to offer congratulations. He asked us to inform you so the kitchen can prepare food and drinks in advance."

"If Fifth Master says so, then it must be true!" the Fifth Lady quickly supported Xu Lingkuan and said to Lady Xu, "Fourth Sister-in-law, do you need my help?"

"If it’s true, I’ll certainly need your assistance, Fifth Sister-in-law!" Lady Xu replied with a smile, though her thoughts were in disarray.

If Xu Sijin has been made Guizhou Commander, then who is the Sichuan Commander?

She managed to find an excuse to go to the study.

"Lord, did you know that Jin’ge has been appointed Guizhou Commander?"

"I just found out," Lord Xu said. "The Sichuan Commander is Minister Chen’s appointee... According to Wang Li, appointing Jin’ge as Guizhou Commander was the Emperor’s idea." He then analyzed, "Minister Chen wants to place his own man as Sichuan Commander and needs the Emperor’s support, so he likely won’t object to this. Since the cabinet sees that Minister Chen isn’t raising any objections, they naturally won’t spoil the mood at this time. By a twist of fate, the commander position ended up going to Jin’ge." At this, he showed a helpless expression. "When Lord Gong hears about this, he’ll surely be very disappointed. I’ve already written a letter to explain to Gong Dongning—the steward delivering it just left!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a servant rushed in. "Lord, Lord, Lord Zhou has arrived."

"He’s probably here to drink!" Lord Xu mused to Lady Xu. "Go instruct the kitchen to prepare some food and drinks. I expect more people will be coming later!"

Lady Xu acknowledged and returned to the inner courtyard.

The outer courtyard buzzed with activity all night long. The next day, ladies of the family came one after another to offer congratulations, keeping Lady Xu extremely busy. To make matters worse, Lady Tang brought up the old matter again, pulling her aside to discuss the marriage between the Tang family’s eldest daughter and Jin’ge. Lady Xu barely managed to excuse herself by saying, "There are too many guests today; this isn’t the right time to discuss this." But then Lady Gan grabbed her to talk about her niece.

Lady Lin pulled her aside and said, "It’s best not to agree to any of these families—Jin’ge is now a Regional Commander. By custom, his family are required to stay in Yanjing." She hinted meaningfully.

Lady Xu had a sudden realization.

No wonder Lady Zhou and Lady Mu-shi fell silent.

"Thank you for reminding me!" she quickly thanked Lady Lin. "I will discuss this matter with Lord Xu."

Lord Xu, however, wasn’t convinced: "There are always exceptions. We can simply request an imperial decree allowing Jin’ger to take his wife with him to his post. For now, just focus on finding him a suitable match. As a high-ranking official, remaining unmarried gives the impression of immaturity, which could hinder his future promotions."

"Does Lord Xu have any suitable families in mind?" When it came to which alliances would most benefit Jin’ger’s career, Lord Xu had the final say, but the choice of who would become his wife ultimately rested with the Eleventh Miss.

"There’s no rush," Lord Xu said with a smile. "Let’s get the special decree first before we talk more. Otherwise, who would dare marry their daughter into our family, only to be left alone like a widow? Soon enough, we’d have to arrange concubines for Jin’ger, and having an elder son born to a concubine before the legitimate heir would only lead to complications!"

Hearing this, the Eleventh Miss immediately replied, "Then let’s wait until the Emperor’s special decree is issued." Her attitude was resolute.

Lord Xu nodded slightly.

Leng Xiang came in with quick, light steps, all smiles: "Lord, Madam, the Sixth Young Master has returned!"

Overjoyed, the Eleventh Miss hurried out as she asked, "Where is he?"

"He’s surrounded by the Fourth Young Master, Fifth Young Master, Seventh Young Master, and Eighth Young Master," Leng Xiang said, stepping forward to support the Eleventh Miss. "They’re talking about capturing Duoyan! The maids, older women, stewards, and other servants have gathered in layers, totally caught up in the story!"