Chapter 293: Enlightenment

Next Chapter ▶▶

 Chapter 795: Shu Yu Returns to the Village

Shu Yu paused and turned to look at Yao Bo, who had entered the house.

Now that they had received the confirmed news, Yao Bo was not afraid of others knowing. He eagerly told the Lu family, "Just this afternoon, the County Magistrate led the official delivering the decree from the Ministry of Justice to our house and read the imperial decree there. My father has been reinstated, and the Emperor has rewarded him with many things, including a residence."

Shu Yu raised an eyebrow. "A residence?"

"Yes," Yao Bo nodded repeatedly. "My father is currently talking with the official from the Ministry of Justice and the County Magistrate. I came here first to tell you this good news. I also wrote down the address of the residence. Uncle Lu, if you have any matters in the future, send us a letter to that place."

The Yao family originally had a house in the capital, but after Yao Tianqin was exiled, the house was naturally confiscated and sold to someone else.

However, the house that the Emperor rewarded them now was even bigger than their original one, with three entrances, and most importantly, it had a good location.

The Lu family was delighted for the Yao family, especially the old lady, who clapped her hands and said, "Oh my, this came so suddenly. I must prepare something for you. When are you leaving? I don't know if I'll have enough time."

Compared to Lu Erbai, the old lady had already realized that this was a tremendous connection.

This was a high-ranking official in the capital, several ranks higher than the County Magistrate.

In any case, they had to establish a strong relationship.

Yao Bo waved his hand repeatedly in response. "Grandmother Lu, you're too kind. If it weren't for Uncle Lu and Second Miss helping us, we wouldn't be where we are today. But we still need some time before we can leave. The official from the Ministry of Justice wants to meet with Master Qi, but he's not in Heichang County at the moment, so the official plans to wait a few more days."

What he didn't say was that the official from the Ministry of Justice had suffered a minor injury while rushing here and couldn't continue his journey.

In fact, he could have arrived yesterday, but his injury relapsed, so he had to stay at the post station for a day.

Fortunately, there was a woman named Hou shi at the post station who had some good medicine. After using it, the official's bleeding stopped and the pain subsided. He rested for a day before setting off for Heichang County.

When Shu Yu heard that the official wanted to wait for Master Qi's return before leaving, she breathed a sigh of relief.

She congratulated Yao Bo and then pulled the cart out of the house.

If she didn't leave now, once the city gate closed, she wouldn't be able to go back.

This time, Shu Yu was returning alone. Today was only the second day of the lunar new year, and the festivities in the county would at least last until the fifteenth day of the first lunar month.

The old lady and the others wouldn't stay in Heichang County for long. It was a rare festive atmosphere, and Shu Yu didn't want them to accompany her in Zhengdao Village, doing laundry and cooking all day.

Wang Changdong had previously mentioned many places where they could have fun, right? Shu Yu asked Da Ya to take them there. It was a rare opportunity, and she didn't want them to miss it.

Besides, when she returned to Zhengdao Village, she could have meals at the estate and wouldn't go hungry for three meals a day.

Moreover, she wasn't busy at all now. She had already handed in the hot packs, and the registration records were well-organized. Apart from being busy in the morning and evening, she had free time during the rest of the day.

The old lady couldn't resist her and could only stay in the county.

But she said that she would definitely return by the sixth day of the first lunar month at the latest.

Shu Yu sat on the cart and leisurely returned to the village.

Due to the Lunar New Year, the village was still lively and festive. The children were also rare to be seen running and playing outside.

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 794: Isn't His Superior Gong Qiu?

Shu Yu's words helped dispel their worries.

Yao Tianqin hurried into the house as if he had remembered something, and soon returned with two large stacks of papers, which he directly placed in front of Lu Erbai.

"These are the blueprints of some objects I have been working on for many years. Some have been successful, some need improvement, and some have failed. So there are quite a few blueprints. But these are my most precious possessions, and now that I'm leaving, I'll leave them all to you. Take a look and try making them if they're suitable."

Lu Erbai eyes lit up, but he didn't dare to reach out and touch them. "Are these all for me?"

"Of course, you can take them. If there's anything you don't understand, send me a letter in the future. When I settle down in the capital, I'll give you my address."

After thinking for a moment, Yao Tianqin added, "As a Langzhong of the Ministry of Works, although it's not a high position in the capital, it still carries some authority. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, let me know. If I can help you, I definitely will. Although I am currently powerless to do anything about the exile of your second daughter, I will try to find a solution."

Shu Yu was momentarily stunned, then touched her nose.

Well, she could only disappoint him with this kindness.

But it was still something to be happy about to have such a powerful backer like her father had.

The old Lu family would never have dared to imagine knowing an official from the capital. Even facing the officials in the county, they would be terrified.

At this moment, Lu Erbai hadn't yet realized the connections he had. He hesitantly declined Yao Tianqin's goodwill, "You have just been reinstated to your former position, and you may be under close scrutiny. You should be careful and prioritize gaining the favor of your superior. We can live peacefully here without any difficulties. Don't worry about us."

Superior?

When Shu Yu heard this, her eyebrows furrowed.

Yao Tianqin had been reinstated as a Langzhong in the Ministry of Works, and Meng Yunzheng's despicable father was a Shilang of the Ministry of Works. Wasn't that Yao Tianqin's superior?

There were two Shilangs in the Ministry of Works, one of them was Gong Qiu, and the other was the one who framed Yao Tianqin five years ago but was killed two years ago.

What a coincidence that the person who killed him was Gong Qiu.

Later, Gong Qiu secretly promoted one of his own people and became another Shilang of the Ministry of Works.

And above the Shilangs, there was the Shangshu of the Ministry of Works. According to Meng Yunzheng, the Shangshu was old and rarely handled matters.

In short, the entire Ministry of Works was under Gong Qiu's control. It was his word that mattered.

And now Yao Tianqin became his subordinate...

Shu Yu looked at her father and Yao Tianqin, who were still in discussion, and sighed softly in her heart.

But she couldn't say anything about keeping him away from Gong Qiu. As someone exiled here, she shouldn't have such an understanding of the officialdom in the capital.

But she didn't need to say it. Master Qi could say it.

Because of what he understood, Master Qi had become wary of Gong Qiu.

Yao Tianqin's reinstatement was largely thanks to him, and in the eyes of outsiders, they were now on the same side.

So it made sense for Master Qi to remind him.

However, Master Qi hadn't returned from his meeting with the Prefect yet.

Shu Yu was hoping that the official delivering the decree would arrive a bit later.

Unfortunately, things didn't go as she wished.

In the evening, just as Shu Yu was about to return to the Zhengdao Village, Yao Bo suddenly ran to the Lu family, excitedly telling them that the official from the Ministry of Justice delivering the decree had arrived in Heichang County.

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 292: Discrepancy in Expectations

Next Chapter ▶▶

 Chapter 291: Proficient in Abacus

Next Chapter ▶▶

 Chapter 793: Yao Tianqin's Reinstatement

Lu Erbai immediately noticed the joy in the Yao family, so he curiously asked, "Brother Yao, what good news has made you so happy?"

Yao Tianqin invited them into the main hall, poured some water, and put some snacks on the table. Then he smiled and said, "There is good news."

Facing Lu Erbai's puzzled expression, Yao Tianqin cleared his throat and felt a bit embarrassed. "Actually, this matter hasn't been finalized yet, and I'm afraid of unexpected circumstances, so I shouldn't have mentioned it first."

Lu Erbo waved his hand. "If it's inconvenient, you don't have to say it."

"It may be inconvenient for others, but this matter is somewhat related to you, so it's okay to tell you."

Yao Tianqin exhaled and took a sip of water, suppressing his slightly excited expression as he said, "When you helped me meet Master Qi and handed over the cylindrical tool, it was a great favor to my family. Master Qi tested the tool and then expedited its delivery to the capital. It was presented to the Emperor."

Lu Erbai and Shu Yu glanced at each other, and then they heard him continue, "The Emperor values the cylindrical Plow highly, just as Master Qi said. Because of the merits of the tribute, the Emperor not only pardoned my exile, but also reinstated me to my former position."

Actually, if there had been a position available, Yao Tianqin would have been promoted further.

But he had already been listed in the Emperor's court, and if a suitable opportunity arose in the future, he would naturally continue to rise.

Lu Erbai was pleasantly surprised. "Really? You, you're reinstated? Can you leave this place?"

"Yes." Yao Tianqin nodded. His face, weathered by the wind and frost of the exile, couldn't help but show a flush of excitement. "However, the official who carries the decree is still on the way. I learned about it in advance from a friend in the capital."

That's why he said the matter hadn't been finalized yet. As long as the pardon decree didn't reach his hands, he wouldn't dare to confirm it.

But Yao Tianqin was also worried that once the decree arrived, he might not have time to bid farewell to Lu Erbai. So he revealed it in advance.

He could keep this matter from others, but he had to inform Lu Erbai, or he would be considered ungrateful.

Moreover, although he hadn't known Lu Erbai for a long time, they had a great understanding between them, even more so than some friends who had known each other for five or six years. Even if things went wrong, Lu Erbai wouldn't ridicule him or spread it around.

"Congratulations in advance, Uncle Yao." Shu Yu spoke first.

Yao Tianqin laughed. "No rush, no rush. Let's congratulate when the decree arrives."

After laughing, he became somewhat sentimental. "Speaking of it, ever since I was exiled here, I've been yearning to return to the capital. It doesn't matter much for me at my age, but my son has no future here. But now that I'm really going to leave, I'm feeling a bit reluctant. Brother Lu, although our acquaintance hasn't been long, we share the same aspirations and have great understanding. We don't know when we will meet again after this parting."

Lu Erbai, who was initially focused on his happiness, also began to feel reluctant.

On the other hand, Shu Yu smiled and said, "We will definitely meet again. Uncle Yao will be a free man, and so do I. If our younger brother Da Hu excels in his studies in the future, he might even take the imperial examination and end up in the capital. Then we'll be reunited, won't we?"

She didn't mention that she might be acquitted as well. Her situation was even less certain than Yao Tianqin's.

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 792: Good News in the Yao Family

Wang Changdong returned to the entrance of the alley, and Sun Shi looked at him, "What did you leave behind?"

"It was a mistake, let's go."

Wang Changdong pulled Sun Shi and walked out of the alley, but he glanced back at the corner.

The two people in the corner stiffened and quickly lowered their heads. It wasn't until Wang Changdong and his wife completely disappeared from sight that they breathed a sigh of relief.

"Do you think Master Wang saw us?" Second Madam asked nervously.

"He probably didn't, right?" Second Master Shu furrowed his brows. "If he saw us, he would have come over and asked. How could he just leave like that?"

That makes sense.

Second Madam adjusted her clothes. Although the temperature was a bit high today, it was still cold.

They had been waiting here since early morning. It wasn't difficult to find the Lu family's address.

According to some villagers in the village, the Lu family set up a small stall in this county town, selling something called popcorn.

They had never heard of it before, but it was indeed something rare.

After they arrived in the county town, they inquired a little and someone directed them in the right direction. They went near the Lu family's stall and asked around to find out the Lu family's address.

Both of them were confident that Hou Shi and her daughter would come, but they had been waiting for a long time and still hadn't seen anyone.

The couple was cold and hungry, especially when every household in the county town had prepared a lot of food for the New Year. The scent wafting through the alleys was torture.

Shu Yu didn't pay much attention to the two of them, but her silent prayer unexpectedly came true.

In the afternoon, a sudden cold wind blew, followed by a light rain.

The old lady was afraid the two children would catch a cold and didn't allow them to go out anymore. The whole family, including Meng Yunzheng, sat in the main hall, gathered around a brazier, chatting and eating.

The alley suddenly became deserted, and the passersby became hurried and rushed.

This was unfortunate for second master Shu and his wife. They didn't even have an umbrella and could only take shelter under someone else's eaves to avoid the rain.

If it weren't for the taboo of not scolding people on the first day of the lunar year, they would definitely be beaten for standing in front of someone else's door looking ragged.

"Should we... Should we continue waiting?" Second master Shu started to retreat. His mouth was trembling from the cold.

Second Madam was unwilling. "Let's keep waiting. Hou Shi will definitely come."

They could only believe in that, otherwise, without any hope, they wouldn't be able to go on.

However, they didn't know that at this moment, Hou Shi, who they were hoping for, had encountered someone who would completely change the rest of her life at the post station.

The rain continued until dusk.

Second Master Shu and his wife couldn't wait for the people to arrive, so they reluctantly returned to Zhengdao Village with disappointment.

Meanwhile, the Lu family joyfully set off fireworks in the alley, and the alley became lively again.

That rain seemed to have interrupted the fantasies of second master Shu and his wife, unexpectedly coming and going without warning.

Shu Yu glanced at the entrance of the alley and saw that there was no one there.

This New Year was probably the most fulfilling and reunion-filled year for the Lu family because... Shu Yu had been found.

On the second day of the lunar year, Lu Erbai accompanied Shu Yu to the Yao family to pay a visit.

Shu Yu didn't want to go initially, but she had helped the Yao family before, and they were very grateful to her.

When they arrived at the Yao family, they saw that Yao Tianqin and the others seemed to have encountered some good news, and their spirits were high.

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 290: Women's Artistic Competition Results

Next Chapter ▶▶