Chapter 187

Chapter 187

Last night, a heavy snow blanketed the capital, leaving the courtyard a pristine white by morning, with drifts half a foot deep.

Winter days are short and nights long. Around 4 AM, with the sky still pitch black, a lamp glowed in the west bedroom of the Chen residence. Chen Qingyan was washing his face. After finishing, he combed his hair and changed into vermilion official robes, preparing for duty at the Hanlin Academy.

In the east wing, Chen Qinghuai had also finished getting ready. Both had grown accustomed to this routine since their student days, so they didn't find it arduous.

Others, however, struggled. As their carriage stopped outside the Hanlin Academy, they overheard hushed complaints from nearby officials: "Having to wake up so early every day is truly exhausting—it’s both cold and tiring."

"You said it! I really don’t want to leave my warm bed!"

Chen Qingyan and Chen Qinghuai exchanged a glance and couldn’t help but smile. Back in their student days, they too had been prone to winter laziness, only to be chased with a ruler by their teacher. A few such incidents had cured them of the habit.

"Come to think of it, Fourth Uncle and our teacher should be arriving in the capital soon."

"Yes, when we left Shanzhou, Father said they’d arrive by the end of the year at the latest. It shouldn’t be long now."

"With such cold weather, I hope Fourth Uncle and Fourth Aunt don’t catch a chill!"

Soon, a few more people arrived, including their acquaintances Li Bin and Xu Wei. They exchanged greetings.

"God, it’s freezing," Li Bin said, stamping his feet.

Xu Wei added, "I was woken up in the middle of the night by the cold. This dreadful weather—who knows how many poor families will freeze to death?"

The house he rented in the market district was cheap—just over a hundred taels a year. But as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. The three-room place had windows that let in drafts, a leaky roof, and the two servants he brought with him were incompetent, never bothering to make any repairs.

Chen Qingyan couldn’t help but wonder if Xu Wei was actually his father's son—why else would his father let him suffer like this?

As they spoke, the gates of the Hanlin Academy opened, and everyone quickly lined up to enter. Another moment outside, and their chins would've frozen off.

With the New Year approaching, the Hanlin Academy wasn’t particularly busy. Most of the book revisions were already completed, leaving only miscellaneous tasks. Chen Qingyan first went to Chief Jiang to receive his assignments, then delegated them to his subordinates. Of course, he couldn’t idle around either—he had to be ready for any messages from the palace.

No one was sent from the palace all day, suggesting another day without incident. As the hour of Wei approached, Chen Qingyan stretched and prepared to gather his things and leave.

Just as he was about to go, hurried footsteps sounded from outside. "Lord Chen, a messenger from the palace is here. You’re summoned to draft an edict."

Chen Qingyan immediately put on his outer robe and cloak, following the palace attendant hurriedly toward the imperial palace.

Upon arrival, he was taken directly to the imperial study. The room was heated by a brazier, making it quite warm. The emperor was bent over his desk, writing something.

Emperor Wuping, now thirty-seven years old, was somewhat portly with a mustache. He was in good health and had proven to be a wise ruler, diligent in state affairs over the years.

Chen Qingyan knelt and kowtowed.

"Rise. Prepare the ink and draft the edict."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Chen Qingyan removed his outer robe and handed it to a nearby attendant. He walked to a small desk where ink and brushes were already prepared. After grinding the ink and picking up the brush, the emperor began dictating.

"With the Turks defeated and the border stabilized, it is a blessing for the people. Wuping Marquis Li Mu has rendered meritorious service in defeating the enemy. He is hereby enfeoffed as a Second Rank Marquis, granted a residence, and awarded a hundred taels of gold. Though the war has ended, the border must still be defended. Zhao Yi, advanced in years, has served with distinction and shall return to the capital to enjoy his retirement, conferred the title of Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent. The border defense shall now be entrusted to Li Mu, who is appointed as General of the Border Garrison."

Chen Qingyan’s brush paused—he hadn’t expected to be drafting an edict for his future brother-in-law!

Li Mu was being granted the title of Second Rank Marquis, but he would now be stationed long-term at the border. Chen Qingyan wondered what this would mean for Brother Sui.

After a moment of thought, he began drafting the edict.

By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:

The Turks, in their arrogance, have invaded our territory. Fortunately, Wuping Marquis Li Mu, with loyalty and bravery, employing unique strategies, led his formidable army to crush the fierce enemy beyond the frontiers, quelling the fires of war and securing the border. This is a fortune for the realm and a blessing to the people.

Now, We specially promote you to the rank of Second Rank Marquis, grant you a residence in the capital, and award a hundred taels of gold, as a demonstration of Our favor.

As for the crucial border defenses, though victory has been announced, vigilance must not slacken. The veteran commander Zhao Yi, long stationed in the northern frontiers, has toiled for years, his merits etched on the battlefield. Considering his advanced age, We permit his return to the capital, bestowing upon him the title of Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent, in recognition of his service.

The position of General of the Border Garrison is hereby bestowed upon Wuping Marquis Li Mu. You shall reorganize the camps, look after the troops, ensuring the northern cavalry dares not glance southward, and the Han borders remain secure.

Let this be proclaimed far and wide, so all may know.

So be it.

After completing the edict and verifying there were no omissions, Chen Qingyan handed it to an attendant to present to the emperor. The emperor read it and nodded. "Proceed with this. With the New Year approaching, let the border troops enjoy the New Year."

Rewards for the soldiers need not be included in the edict; they would be sent to the border separately.

After drafting the edict, Chen Qingyan prepared to take his leave, but the emperor suddenly asked, "What is your relation to Chen Jing?"

"Your Majesty, he is this official’s Fourth Uncle."

"No wonder. I thought you looked familiar—so you’re Chen Jing’s nephew. Your Chen family is quite capable." Chen Jing had been a scholar during Emperor Wuping’s first year on the throne. As a scholar from a humble background, he had left a deep impression.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"He has served as Prefect of Shanzhou for three years now, hasn’t he?"

"Your Majesty is wise. This year marks my Fourth Uncle’s third year, and he is due to return to the capital to present his administrative report."

"Very well, you may go."

"As you wish." Chen Qingyan kowtowed and left with the attendant, puzzled by the emperor’s sudden mention of his Fourth Uncle.

By the time he returned from the palace, it was completely dark outside. Tian Ju, holding a lantern, waved to him from a distance. Carriages weren't permitted to stop near the palace, so he had left the carriage in a nearby alley.

Back home, Wang Ying had been waiting anxiously. Taking his hat and cloak, she asked, "Why are you back so late?"

"I was summoned to the palace to draft an edict just as I was about to leave."

"Go wash your hands. Dinner’s ready—the cook's had to reheat it three or four times already."

Chen Qingyan washed up and called Brother Sui from the side room to join them for dinner as they chatted.

"Guess who today’s edict was about?"

The two shook their heads—how could they possibly guess?

Chen Qingyan didn’t draw it out. "It was for General Li Mu. He distinguished himself in the recent border victory. The emperor granted him the title of Second Rank Marquis, granting him a house and gold. However… he will likely be stationed at the border long-term."

Wang Ying asked, "What about his marriage to Brother Sui?" A commanding general cannot leave the border without permission. If he’s stationed there for ten or twenty years, would Brother Sui be expected to wait for him all that time?

Qing Huai suggested, "Perhaps Brother Sui could go to the border next spring."

"I’ll write home about this. As for what Brother Sui decides, that will be his decision."

After discussing the edict, Chen Qingyan mentioned the emperor’s sudden question about his Fourth Uncle before he left.

Qing Huai asked nervously, "How did the emperor sound when he mentioned my father?"

Chen Qingyan shook his head, "How could I guess the emperor's thoughts? However, judging by His Majesty's attitude, he seems to have a favorable impression of Fourth Uncle Chen. We’ll discuss it further when they arrive."

*

Before they knew it, it was the twentieth of the twelfth month. Chen Jing’s family and his mentor, Liang Boqing, finally arrived in the capital.

Chen Guang had been waiting at the city gate for several days. Spotting his master’s carriage from afar, he hurried over.

"Big brother!" The carriage driver, a young man, waved excitedly at Chen Guang. It was none other than Chen Guang’s younger brother, Chen Xin.

"I’ve been waiting for you for days—you’re finally here!"

"The heavy snow delayed us for several days. Just as we entered the city, the master was still wondering where the young master lives, thinking we should find an inn first."

"The eldest and second young masters have been waiting at home for a long time. Come with me." Chen Guang boarded the carriage, took the reins from his brother, and drove toward the Chen residence.

The journey had been made with two carriages. Chen Jing and Liang Boqing rode in the front carriage, while Fang Ling and the two children rode in the rear one. The children, who had never been to the capital before, were leaning out the windows, gazing curiously at the surroundings.

Before long, the carriages stopped at the entrance of the Chen residence. Ma Qianzi, hearing the commotion, knew that Fourth Master Chen and his family had arrived and hurried to open the main gate.

Once the carriages entered the courtyard and came to a stop, Wang Ying, holding Yuanbao by the hand, along with Chen Qingyan and Chen Qinghuai, came out to greet them.

It had been over five years since Chen Qingyan last saw his fourth uncle. Noticing the gray at his temples and how much older he looked compared to his last visit home, Chen Qingyan surmised that the years of busy official duties had taken their toll.

Master Liang had also aged considerably, but his spirits were high. Spotting Chen Qingyan, he immediately strode over and gave him a hearty slap on the shoulder. "Good lad! I knew I wasn’t wrong about you—you actually became the top scholar!"

Chen Qingyan scratched his head and grinned sheepishly. "It’s all thanks to your teachings, Master."

Auntie, however, seemed unchanged. She led the two children forward and said, "This is your elder brother, Qing Yan, and sister-in-law, Wang Ying. Say hello properly."

The little girl obediently called out, "Elder brother, sister-in-law." Her features resembled Chen Jing’s, and she looked exactly like Qing Yun—so much so that looking at her felt like seeing Qing Yun from years past.

The boy, more mischievous by nature, made a face at Yuanbao. Fang Ling gave him a light kick from behind, prompting him to properly greet everyone.

Wang Ying couldn’t help but laugh. "This must be Sister Ying and Brother Lan! My, you've both grown so much! It’s cold outside—come inside quickly!"

The entire family gathered in the main hall, where servants brought hot tea. Wang Ying had specially prepared pastries for the children. Yuanbao, naturally friendly, trailed behind his young uncle and aunt, eyeing them curiously.

Chen Qingyan asked, "Fourth Uncle, how was your journey?"

"It was fine when we set out, but less than ten days in, we hit heavy snow that blocked our path. We originally planned to arrive in the capital by early December, but we were delayed until mid-month."

Liang Boqing chimed in, "Indeed! I was sure we wouldn’t make it before the New Year!"

Wang Ying said, "Regardless, what matters is that you arrived safely."

Chen Jing then inquired how things were going for the two brothers at the Hanlin Academy.

Chen Qinghuai replied, "Elder brother, as a Compiler, often has opportunities to see the emperor. I’ve only been once."

"Take your time," Chen Jing reassured him. "In three years, there will be plenty of chances to make your mark."

"Oh, by the way," Chen Qinghuai added, "a while ago, when the emperor summoned elder brother to draft an edict, he mentioned you."

Chen Jing tensed. "What did His Majesty say?"

Chen Qingyan shook his head, "The emperor didn’t say much, but he knows you’re due to report to the capital this year."

Chen Jing sighed. "My evaluations have been fairly good these past few years. I dare not hope for a post in the capital—I’d be happy with an opportunity to return to Laizhou or Jizhou."

As people age, their ambitions wane. Once, Chen Jing had dreamed of serving in the capital. But since his son passed the imperial exams, he no longer sought advancement. So long as the younger generation could uphold the family's honor, he was satisfied.

After chatting for a while, Wang Ying noticed everyone looked tired and hurried to arrange meals and accommodations. Fortunately, they had picked a big house when they bought it—otherwise, there wouldn’t have been enough room for everyone.

After the meal, the group retired to their respective rooms to rest. Everything else could be discussed until the next day.