Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty
Chapter 458 - 449

Chapter 458: 449

Wang Cheng said that his mother passed away early, and it was his sister who raised him from when he was one until he was six years old. His life after being sold at six years old was unbearably harsh. His sister was the only one kind to him during his childhood, so he wanted to request an imperial edict on his sister’s behalf.

Mr. Chu, the third master, was also in the Golden Hall, and he reported to the Emperor that Wang Cheng’s sister was previously Chen Shiying’s foster daughter.

The Emperor knew that Chen Shiying was raised as a foster daughter. Hearing that this foster daughter was also the sister who raised Wang Cheng, he thought that it was uncannily coincidental. The Emperor commented that Chen Shiying was intelligent and composed, while Wang Cheng was brave and resolute, their integrity remained despite physical disabilities, and they were both vital pillars for the Dashun dynasty. To have raised two such individuals, Mrs. Wang must indeed be a woman of outer beauty and inner intelligence, with a resilient personality...

The Emperor not only granted Wang Cheng’s request, but also conferred imperial titles upon Mrs. Wang, the sister of Wang Cheng, and his wife, Mrs. Liu, naming them both "appropriate ladies". At the same time, the Emperor posthumously granted the same title to Mrs. He, Wang Cheng’s mother.

An official of the fifth rank or above can request imperial titles for their mother and wife. Since Wang Cheng’s mother had passed away, he wished to request the same for his sister who was like a mother to him. Unexpectedly, the Emperor granted titles not only to his sister but also posthumously to his mother.

Wang Cheng was so moved that he wept bitterly, repeatedly praising the Emperor’s kindness.

As for Shaanxi’s total commander, Yang Qing, who falsely claimed Wang Cheng’s military merits, he was accused of deceiving the emperor and harming loyal officials. He was dismissed by the emperor, his property was confiscated, and he was sentenced to be executed after the autumn. All who helped Yang Qing falsely claim military merits were also dismissed. Some were executed, others were imprisoned.

These people were all capable officers of the Second Prince’s party, they were senior officials of the third rank or above, among them were two of the king’s maternal uncles. Due to the failure of the king’s uncle to supervise his clansmen, the emperor issued a decree of reprimand to him.

At the same time, the Third Prince’s party accused Minister Qian of the Ministry of Personnel and Mr. Huang of the Guangdong Inspection Office of colluding together to accept bribes for official positions and framing loyal officials. Both Minister Qian and Mr. Huang were supporters of the Second Prince.

The Second Prince’s party also accused Minister Yan of the Ministry of Industry of corruption and malpractice in law enforcement. He had embezzled silver meant for river regulation, totaling up to a colossal sum of 100,000 taels of silver.

Since Minister Yan, being a cabinet minister, and the backbone of the Third Prince’s party, if he were to be toppled, the Third Prince would suffer huge losses.

Furious, the Emperor suspended Minister Yan, Minister Qian, and others involved, and sent them to the Dali Temple. At the same time, he dispatched people to Guangdong to arrest Inspector Huang...

The royal court was now in greater turmoil.

Chu Lingxuan fulfilled his wish of becoming the Deputy Military Commander of Dingzhou. Deputy General He was transferred to the Left Guard Battalion in the outskirts of the capital to serve as the Army Supervisor, even though it is the same third rank, its power and function are much smaller than that of the Deputy Military Commander of Dingzhou.

Chu Lingxuan also said that he has found a way to transfer Wang Cheng to the Dingzhou army’s yamen to serve in a civilian role, and that this matter is currently being processed.

He is still busy at present and will visit them in the countryside in a few days. Also, the imperial decree to confer Mrs. Wang and Mrs. Liu will reach the countryside soon...

The series of good news left Chen Afu extremely excited, not only for Wang Cheng, Mrs. Wang, and Mrs. Liu but also for the Ninth Prince and the Chu family’s phase victory. She could not wait until dawn and got up to go to Lu Garden to deliver the good news about Wang Cheng to Mrs. Wang and Mrs. Wu.

Madam Li advised, "Madam Chen, it is already the third quarter of the night watch. Perhaps the master and mistress have already retired."

Chen Afu replied, "Then wake them up."

Seeing that Madam Li had no other options, she had Xia Yue and Xiao Mo carry a sheep horn lamp, and Hong Fei escorted her.

The dazzling starlight and evening breeze helped to somewhat calm Chen Afu’s exuberant mood.

The small path from Tang Garden to Lu Garden has been well maintained, and they quickly arrived at Lu Garden. Xiao Mo knocked on the front door, and sure enough, apart from Alu who was studying under the lamp, Chen Ming and the others had indeed gone to bed.

When Chen Ming and the others learned that Chen Afu had come over so late, they knew something important must be amiss, so they all got up and came to the hall.

When Chen Afu announced that Wang Cheng had been appointed a fifth-rank official, both Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang burst into tears of excitement. The news that Mrs. Wang and Mrs. Liu would all receive an imperial decree of rank further stirred their emotions.

Chen Afu laughed, "From now on, mother and aunt will be ladies of decree."

Mrs. Liu sobbed, "I feel like I’m dreaming. Since meeting Afu and my sister, our family has been living a fairy-tale life. Now, my husband is an official, and I can, I can attain an imperial decree! Good heavens..."

Mrs. Wang was in disbelief, wiping her tears, "Chengzi is really bold, how could he make such a request in the Golden Hall? What if the Emperor takes offense?"

Alu entered the room and smiled at Mrs. Wang, "Mother, I’ve been striving and working hard, hoping to earn a phoenix crown and robe for you as soon as possible. I didn’t expect uncle to achieve it first."

The letter stirred up a ripple in Chen Afu’s heart, which quickly calmed down as he continued his peaceful daily life. Meanwhile, the Lu Garden was bustling with excitement. Mrs. Liu, Mrs. Wang, and Chen Ming were secretly delighted, eagerly waiting for Wang Cheng’s return.

The next day, they hosted guests at Lu Garden, inviting the master of Tang Garden and Manager Luo’s family for dinner. They only said that their daughter had returned, they were happy, and everyone should come together to celebrate.

In the evening of June 19th, after dinner, Chen Afu led the children to Fu Garden. Dabao and Chu Lingzhi, who couldn’t come to Fu Garden during the day because of their classes, would come here to play before nightfall every day.

The two youngsters, tired from playing in the afternoon, had already gone to bed. If they didn’t come, Liao Chen would not either, and would remain in his Zen room chanting sutras.

Suddenly, Ms. Chu pointed towards the western horizon and shouted, "Look, so many birds, Jin Bao must be back."

They had been gone for over twenty days and were only now returning.

There were nearly a hundred birds that first rained down a shower of "droppings" from the sky between Fu Garden and Lu Garden.

Upon seeing this trademark move, Dabao and Ms. Chu broke into laughter and shouted, "Jin Bao really is back."

Shortly after, barking sounds were heard, Zhui Feng’s family and Wang Cai had also returned. Wang Cai went directly to Lu Garden, while Zhui Feng’s family came to Fu Garden.

Chen Afu had the maids spread some rough rice on the ground to feed the birds. He also ordered someone to prepare large wooden tubs to bathe the pets.

After Jin Yanzi, Qi Qi, Hui Hui, and the Zhui Feng family had all been bathed, they were surrounded by the children and they started chatting.

At this moment, Wang Xiaomei ran to Fu Garden, shouting out loud "Brother Alu asked me to tell you that Wang Cai brought back a wife. At first, she looked dirty and ugly, but after washing her, wow, she’s gorgeous." Then, she whispered into Dabao’s ear, "She’s even more beautiful than Sasa, and she can smile, really." After she finished speaking, she nervously glanced at Zhui Feng and Sasa.

Really?

Upon hearing this, Chen Afu and the others gasped, rushing towards Lu Garden. Dabao and Luo Mingcheng, who were the closest to Wang Cai, excitedly bolted towards him.

Chen Ming and others were all gathered around Wang Cai and another dog, chatting.

Noticing Chen Afu’s arrival, Chen Ming said to her, "Afu, look at this dog. Isn’t it handsome?"

Chen Afu looked closely at the dog and burst into laughter. It should be a Silver Fox Dog. Its coat was snow white, with a curled tail, and round almond-like eyes that looked exceptionally endearing. Not to mention, its pointy snout and the way it stuck out its tongue made it look as though it was smiling.

Good heavens, they actually had a dog like this in this era.