Chapter 223

Chapter 223

After a brief two-day rest, Chen Qingyan and Chen Jing proceeded to the Ministry of Personnel to report on their duties.

Both were somewhat nervous along the way. Chen Jing was uncertain of his next posting, worrying if his aging body could endure a distant assignment. Chen Qingyan, on the other hand, feared the exposure of the grain supply matter.

No sooner had they arrived at the Ministry of Personnel than they were summoned to the palace, before even meeting Minister Liu. Their carriage was redirected to Xuanwu Avenue, and after a thorough inspection at the palace gates, they were granted entry.

Having served outside the capital for many years, Chen Jing had not entered the palace in a long time. He felt a thrill at the prospect of an imperial audience, discreetly smoothing his sleeves and adjusting his beard and collar as he walked.

Chen Qingyan was calmer. During his tenure at the Hanlin Academy years prior, he had frequent opportunities for imperial audiences, so his excitement was tempered by a greater sense of apprehension.

After approximately a fifteen-minute walk, they reached the Hall of Mental Cultivation, where the Emperor resided. A eunuch went in to announce them, and shortly thereafter, they were called in, entering one after the other.

Upon entering, they performed the full kowtow. After the elaborate ritual, the Emperor's voice resonated from above, "Rise."

The two quickly rose from the floor, standing respectfully to the side.

"When did Zheng He return?"

Startled by the Emperor addressing him by his courtesy name, Chen Jing stepped forward with a cupped-hand salute. "Your humble servant arrived in the capital the day before yesterday. After a day of rest, I proceeded to the Ministry of Personnel to report."

"Hmm, I have reviewed all the memorials you submitted. You have toiled diligently in Yanzhou these past few years."

"Your servant is humbled. It is an honor to share Your Majesty’s burdens; I dare not speak of hardship!"

"This time, remain in the capital. The position of Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review has been vacant since the former official retired at year-end. You shall assume the post and assist me in its administration."

The sudden good news left Chen Jing dumbfounded. He had yearned for this for over two decades, never imagining that just as he was on the verge of despair, the Emperor would not only permit him to stay in the capital but also promote him to the fourth-rank position of Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review! For a moment, he was so overwhelmed he forgot to express his gratitude.

It was only after Chen Qingyan cleared his throat that he regained his composure. He immediately knelt and kowtowed in thanks. "Your humble servant thanks Your Majesty for your recognition. I shall surely live up to your expectations, upholding justice impartially and redressing grievances throughout the land!"

Emperor Wuping gestured for him to rise, then turned to Chen Qingyan. "I have heard from the Marquis of Zhongyong about the situation in Liangzhou. You delivered eight thousand *dan* of grain in their time of crisis, helping them overcome difficulties and defend Liangzhou. I am greatly pleased."

"Your humble servant dares not claim credit. It was the generals and soldiers who defended the city with their lives. I merely contributed a modest effort."

The Emperor tapped a memorial from Shanzhou Prefecture in his hand. "However, I am curious—from where did you procure these eight thousand *dan* of grain? I recall that Shanzhou Prefecture’s tax grain was already transported to the border months ago."

As anticipated, the question of grain supplies arose. Chen Qingyan, well-prepared, responded calmly: "Reporting to Your Majesty, three years ago, Shanzhou Prefecture would indeed have been unable to provide such life-saving grain. However, due to agricultural reforms over the past two years, Shanzhou Prefecture’s grain yield has more than tripled. Previously, tax quotas were difficult to meet, but since last year, tax payments have been largely secured.

"When the common people have surplus grain, they sell it. Your humble official purchased some in advance to keep as emergency seed grain, to prevent widespread crop failure in the event of natural disaster."

The practice of prefectures reserving seed grain was not unique to Shanzhou; other regions also retained a portion of their tax grain for this purpose. However, this year, due to the war, Shanzhou Prefecture’s tax grain had been fully remitted. "This grain was acquired subsequently."

This explanation was sound. After hearing it, the Emperor merely nodded, commending him. "You have been thoughtful. Shanzhou Prefecture’s development in recent years is evident to all, and your husband has also contributed significantly."

Chen Qingyan’s heart sank, and he involuntarily clenched his fists. Why had the Emperor suddenly mentioned A-Ying?

Emperor Wuping noticed his tension and smiled. "Do not worry, I mean no harm. I read the *Qi Farming Techniques* your husband wrote three years ago. The content was quite interesting. I heard the second volume is also complete?"

"Yes, yes, it is."

"Find time to send me a copy. I wish to see what remarkable book could bring such profound changes to Shanzhou Prefecture in just three years."

How could Chen Qingyan possibly delay? "Your humble servant will send the book as soon as I return!"

After a brief exchange, the Emperor dismissed them. As they exited the Hall of Mental Cultivation, a cold gust of wind made Chen Qingyan realize his back was drenched in sweat.

Chen Jing, however, remained immersed in the joy of his retention in the capital. He hastened home to share the good news with his family!

The two still needed to proceed to the Ministry of Personnel to collect their appointment documents. Chen Qingyan was transferred to the Ministry of Revenue as a fifth-rank Gentleman of the Palace Secretariat. Although this was half a rank lower than his previous position as Deputy Prefect, being transferred to one of the Six Ministries was an aspiration many officials coveted but could not achieve!

Back in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, after Chen Qingyan and Chen Jing had departed, a figure emerged from behind a screen. "Reporting to Your Majesty, the investigation you ordered in Shanzhou Prefecture has yielded results."

"Present it."

The person handed over a handwritten letter. Emperor Wuping unfolded it and read carefully. After a while, his brows relaxed, and a faint smile appeared on his face. "Very well, there is no need to investigate further. You may withdraw."

"Your subordinate obeys."

"Wang Ying, oh Wang Ying... what a pity he is a *ge'er*."

The letter did not concern the Liangzhou grain supplies but rather an investigation into the book *Qi Farming Techniques*. When the Minister of Agriculture first presented the book, the Emperor had assumed it was written by an elderly expert in agriculture. To his surprise, upon further inquiry, he learned it was the work of a young man, which astonished him at the time.

However, the book contained mostly theory with little practical application, and Emperor Wuping was unsure if it would be useful. Later, busy with state affairs, he gradually forgot about it.

Unexpectedly, Wang Ying wrote a second volume of *Qi Farming Techniques* and even solved Shanzhou Prefecture’s tax problems. This piqued the Emperor’s curiosity, so he sent someone to Shanzhou Prefecture to investigate whether Wang Ying truly wrote the book himself or had someone else ghostwrite it.

The investigation confirmed that Wang Ying indeed wrote it himself. He also operated a farm supply store in Shanzhou Prefecture, dealing in seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers, which indirectly supported Chen Qingyan’s claim about stockpiling seeds. Whether the grain was stockpiled for sale or for emergency use, it had served a great purpose this time.

After a moment’s thought, Emperor Wuping said, "Summon someone from the Hanlin Academy to draft an edict for me."

"Yes."

Chen Qingyan returned home with his official plaque. He was to report to the Ministry of Revenue the next day, but his face showed no joy. The Emperor’s sudden mention of Wang Ying left him uneasy.

When he saw Wang Ying, he quickly recounted the events.

"I don’t know how the Emperor discovered that you wrote *Qi Farming Techniques*, but he specifically asked me for a copy. Oh, I need to deliver the book to the Emperor!" He had almost forgotten this detail.

Wang Ying hurriedly fetched several new copies from the experimental field and handed them to Chen Qingyan. He, too, was very nervous. "We haven’t done anything improper. Surely the Emperor won’t punish us?"

"I don’t know. I’ll deliver the book first and see."

As Chen Qingyan held the books, waiting for Chen Ju to prepare the carriage, an imperial edict arrived from the palace!

Neither of them had ever witnessed such a scene. Their legs weakened, and they both knelt in the courtyard with a thud.

"By the decree of heaven, the Emperor proclaims:

Chen Qingyan has rendered great service in relieving the siege of Liangzhou. He is hereby rewarded with one hundred taels of gold and five hundred taels of silver. His husband, Wang Ying, excels in agriculture and has contributed to educating the people. He is granted the sixth-rank title of *Anren* (a honorary title for spouses of officials), along with one bolt of brocade, a pair of jade pendants, and one hundred taels of gold."

They knelt and kowtowed in gratitude. Beyond their nervousness, they were mostly astonished. The Emperor had not only granted them rewards but also bestowed upon Wang Ying the title of *Anren*!

Chen Qingyan accepted the edict and helped Wang Ying to his feet.

The eunuch who delivered the message congratulated them with a smile. "His Majesty also instructed me to retrieve a book."

Upon hearing this, Chen Qingyan quickly handed over the books he was carrying. "Thank you for your trouble, sir."

"Not at all. If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave."

Even after the envoys had departed, the couple remained dazed. Wang Ying stretched out his arm. "Pinch me."

"What for?"

"Never mind, I’ll pinch you instead." He gave a hard twist, making Chen Qingyan yelp in pain. "We’re not dreaming. It seems the Emperor hasn’t blamed us but has instead rewarded us. We’ve passed this hurdle!"

Wang Ying had the servants move the rewards into the house. The gold and silver were promptly hidden away in the experimental field. The money not only made up for what they had spent earlier but left them with a surplus.

The bestowed brocade this time was even finer than what Old Liang had given before; the subtle patterns on it gleamed brilliantly under the sunlight—truly a magnificent piece!

The jade *jue* were of average quality, but since they were bestowed by the Emperor, their significance was extraordinary!

Not long after, Old Liang returned from Chen Jing's place and also learned about the rewards given to Chen Qingyan and Wang Ying.

The old man stroked his beard and said, "It seems the book written by A Ying has caught His Majesty's attention. Perhaps it will prove greatly useful in the future."

Wang Ying replied, "That would be wonderful! If we can spread the techniques of superior seeds and composting, people across the land need not go hungry anymore."

Liang Boqing nodded with a smile, though inwardly he felt regretful: it was a pity A Ying was a *ge'er*. If he were a man, with his talents, he could surely secure an official position in the Ministry of Agriculture.

With two joyous occasions to celebrate that day, Wang Ying decided to hold a joint celebration. He specially arranged for a reservation at a restaurant and invited not only Fourth Uncle's family but also Lin Sui and the Marquis.

After the war, Li Mu had been summoned to the capital, so he did not accompany the group to Jizhou. Only Lin Sui and Qing Er returned with everyone.

That evening, as the large family gathered around the table, Wang Ying noticed that the Marquis's right hand was missing half of it...

He had only recently started learning to eat with his left hand and could only use a spoon. Lin Sui sat beside him, diligently serving him dishes and taking care of him with great attentiveness.

Noticing everyone's gaze fixed on his hand, their eyes filled with sympathy, Li Mu couldn't help but laugh. "Don't look at me like that, it's making me embarrassed."

Chen Qingyan, sitting beside him, frowned and said, "When I left Liangzhou, your hand was still intact. How did it become like this in just a few months?"

Li Mu explained, "After you departed, I joined up with the reinforcements to pursue the remaining Turkic troops. On the way, I encountered a valiant general from Jieli Khan's right flank. I injured my hand during the fight with him."

It was fortunate given the circumstances, considering how many soldiers never returned from that battle.

"However, His Majesty, taking pity on my injury, has recalled me to the capital to command the city defense corps. I won't have to return to the border anymore."

The city guard forces were previously controlled by influential families. After the Liangzhou incident, when the influential families moved south, the authority was reclaimed by the Emperor and would not be returned. As an unaffiliated loyal minister, Li Mu was perfectly suited for this position.

While Lin Sui felt sad, he was also relieved. Staying in the capital meant no more days of fear and uncertainty—a true blessing in disguise.

Seeing the somber mood, Wang Ying quickly changed the subject. "Fourth Uncle has finally gotten his wish—he can stay in the capital now."

Liang Boqing was even happier than Chen Jing. "This is truly 'planting flowers with care but they fail to bloom, while casually planting a willow leads to a shaded grove.'"

The family raised their glasses in celebration, happily commencing their new life in the capital.