Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty
Chapter 543 - 534: Wish

Chapter 543: Chapter 534: Wish

Since the Second Master and Mrs. Li, among others, were present, Chu Lingxuan merely touched on the basics of what happened without delving into details. He only mentioned that the Third Master, backed by Marquis Chu, forcefully declined the emperor’s orders. The emperor didn’t explicitly agree, but his stance seemed a bit softened. After dinner, Chu Lingxuan returned home first, while Marquis Chu and the Third Master were retained by the emperor.

He had already relayed this to the Old Marquis yesterday, and he reiterated it to the Third Mistress today. The Third Mistress was a woman of foresight and felt that her husband and eldest brother-in-law were acting appropriately. The current emperor was wise and resolute. He certainly appreciated their efforts, especially those of the eldest brother-in-law, towards whom he harbored deep affection. Yet, the old emperor might have left some parting instructions due to his suspicion towards the eldest brother-in-law, possibly explaining the current emperor’s testing waters. Once the emperor is convinced that the Chu family bear no disloyalty, all resentment will dissolve, ushering in good days for the Chus.

"Assuming the Third Master resigns from his substantive post, he could retire to a life of leisure before the age of forty," said the old Marquis to his daughter-in-law, smiling.

The Third Lady replied with a laugh, "When my husband was young, he was stationed at the border which was rather turbulent during the time. He often led his men into battle. When we returned to the Capital City, he was initially too busy for domestic affairs, which was followed by a revolt in the Southern Region that needed quelling. My heart was always on edge. It would indeed be a good thing if he could relax now, and I am relieved."

The old Marquis stroked his white beard and nodded with approval. He was pleased with his prudent and magnanimous daughter-in-law.

Mrs. Li initially reacted with laughter, but her expression gradually darkened. If two of the Chu family’s decision-makers resigned from their high-ranking posts, then didn’t that mean fewer people would support her son? Although Chu Lingxuan’s official rank was quite high, it didn’t reach the top echelons. Furthermore, he might end up as the Commander-in-Chief, which meant he would have to leave the capital- something she didn’t want for her only son.

She was aware that the Old Marquis and Third Mistress despised her, and that she wasn’t supposed to speak out in such circumstances. She signaled her husband, the Second Master, with her eyes, indicating that he should immediately beseech the Old Marquis on behalf of their son for a bright future.

The Second Master didn’t say a word and gave her a stern look, signaling her to be quiet and avoid causing trouble.

Everyone noticed the fluctuating expressions on the couple’s faces. Mrs. Shen lowered her head in embarrassment, while the Old Marquis snorted and ignored them.

Just before dinner, Marquis Chu and the Third Master finally returned home.

Apart from the Old Marquis, everyone stood up to pay respects. The Third Mistress brought out a handkerchief and wiped her tears.

Marquis Chu seated himself next to the Old Marquis while the Third Master sat below Marquis Chu, above the Second Master.

Marquis Chu further explained that the emperor had only withdrawn the actual position of Secretary of War but had retained the Third Master’s position as Tutor, advancing him to be Marquis of West Chengdu while his son would succeed his title for three generations. He also indicated that in future, if the court needed the Third of the Third Master, the latter would be obliged to respond.

This demonstrated that the emperor was still willing to employ him.

In addition, Chu Lingxuan was to be appointed as the Vice Commander of the Imperial Forestry Army. Though this rank was merely secondary level compared to the promised position of Commander-in-Chief, it was a position close to the Emperor, and only his confidants could fill such roles. Furthermore, Mr. Huang, the current Commander, was nearing his fifties. At his age, it was typical for officials to be transferred to the Metropolitan Governor’s Office. This meant that within a few years, Chu Lingxuan could effectively replace him.

This was indeed an unexpected piece of good news, showing that the current emperor trusted the Chu family unlike his predecessor and considered them his absolute confidants.

Upon hearing this wonderful news, the Old Marquis laughed heartily, his beard curling upward with joy, "It appears our efforts have paid off and have indeed touched the emperor’s heart."

Marquis Chu nodded in agreement, his smile extending to his eyes, "The emperor has already agreed to my request to pass my title to Xuan’er. From now on, I will be unburdened by official duties." With a glance at the Old Marquis’s doting look, he added, "The emperor also mentioned that he will forever remember what I have done for him. In the imperial court tomorrow morning, he will present me with the ’Golden Book and Iron Ticket’ in front of all civilian and military officials."

After finishing, he bowed towards the north with his fists clasped, exclaiming, "Great are the Emperor’s blessings!"

The "Golden Book and Iron Ticket," colloquially known in public as the "Death-free Gold Medal," is an award that the Emperor of Dashun dynasty dearly cherished and rarely bestowed. It was only given to a few meritorious officials at the founding of the nation. This was the first bestowed since then, by several generations of emperors.

That meant Marquis Chu, despite being without any official role, was accorded the highest honor.

This uplifting news excited everyone present in the parlor, bringing the Old Marquis to tears. Though Marquis Chu was completely retired and the Third Master semi-retired, which made it seem as if the highest official rank in the Chu family was currently Chu Lingxuan’s secondary level; the Chu family had unquestionably become one of the most prestigious and noble households in the capital.

Chen Afu was also thrilled. Possessing the "Death-free Gold Medal" would excuse the holder’s family and descendants from all capital crimes, provided that they do not harbor the ludicrous idea of rebelling. Besides, considering the emperor’s favor towards the Chu family and Chu Lingxuan’s critical position, there should be fewer people eyeing Prince He now that Ms. Chu has the support of her family, right?

Chen Afu observed the three children huddled together with Chu Lingxuan. They were strong-willed and intelligent, requiring little worry. However, the one who constantly made her anxious was the gentle and honest Chu Hanyan.

Marquis Chu glanced at Second Master and Mrs. Li’s envious expressions, assuring them, "Second brother, don’t worry. Qi’er and An’er are both good children. They will have promising futures as long as they work hard."

The Second Master nodded repeatedly, laughing, "In glory, all are glorified. As Xuan’er becomes successful, he will naturally help elevate his two younger brothers."

Mrs. Li’s laughter also grew louder. Her son was already working in the Imperial Forestry Army, assuring a promising future.

Furthermore, the emperor had also gifted the Third Master ten carts of brocade, jade ornaments, pearls, medicinal materials, and other things, along with five hundred taels of gold and one thousand acres of fertile land. Chu Lingxuan was gifted five carts of brocade and other ornaments, along with five hundred taels of silver and five hundred acres of fertile land.

The Chu family had secretly divided factions some time ago, so these items belong to the first and third factions leaving the Second Master and Mrs. Li green with envy.

Once the official matters had been discussed, Marquis Chu noticed a slight departure from the usual. Usually, the three young grandchildren would be huddled around him, but now, they were flocking to the side of his son.

He waved them over with a smile, "Come to grandpa." Seeing them somewhat reluctant to leave their father, he added, "Your father is burdened with official duties. From now on, the one who can take you boating, hiking, walk the dogs is only your grandpa."

He had long promised them that he would take them out to the countryside. Upon hearing this, the children surrounded their grandfather again. Little Yu’er climbed onto her grandfather’s knee and protested, "I also want to visit grandma. You forgot, grandpa. You forgot."

The grandpa promised that he would take them boating, hiking, walk the dogs, and visit their grandma, which she remembered. Seeing that her grandpa forgot to mention visiting the grandma, she reminded him.

Marquis Chu laughed heartily, "Yes, we must also visit your grandma. I forgot."

Chu Lingxuan gave Chen Afu a smiling look. His long-teased wish to establish an excellent career, provide a good life for his wife and children, and bring his mother back home was finally about to be fully realized.