Chapter 275: The Future Is Limitless

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

The brothers went from being foot soldiers to being appointed as fourth-rank generals, known for their bravery and courage. Their achievements on the battlefield surpassed those who had spent ten years studying in the cold, dark rooms.

The brothers received honors in the Golden Dragon Hall, parading on horseback throughout the day, basking in their newfound glory.

The Emperor went further to grant them two mansions and appointed them as commanders in charge of city patrols and suburban military camps.

Having military power in their hands, their origin as adopted sons of the Yuan family made them less threatening.

The Emperor’s role was challenging, having to be vigilant and cautious at every step. No wonder historical emperors didn’t live very long.

At the end of March, the brothers returned home for a family visit. The local officials and Magistrate Wang came to welcome them, and even Yuan Jiaqi rushed back from County She.

As a fourth-rank general and a magistrate were of the same rank, the one with military power held a different status. Even Magistrate Wang had to greet them with a smile.

In the living room, Qiao Mai and Yuan Jiaqi sat at the top while others took their seats below. The brothers formally paid their respects to their parents and then showed their courtesy to the others.

As they sat together, sharing stories and laughter, Yun’er briefly mentioned his experiences in the military.

When it came to fainting on the battlefield and later joining the border, he glanced at Qiao Mai. A smile from her side conveyed everything, and he understood.

Mother had been silently protecting them. Tears welled up in his eyes at the thought that his mother had rescued him from the battlefield.

He had been covered in wounds yet miraculously healed. A person who should have died had appeared safely within the borders.

Qiao Mai avoided looking at him, stood up, and went to the kitchen to arrange the feast.

The brothers’ return deserved a grand celebration. After handling the kitchen arrangements, Qiao Mai went straight to Jingtai Restaurant.

Shopkeeper Tong anticipated her arrival. “Madam Qiao, are you planning a grand event?”

“Yes, make some good arrangements. I want a three-day feast, inviting all the townspeople.”

“Oh my, that would require quite a spectacle.”

“Set up a banquet in front of your restaurant too. Let everyone enjoy together.

Add the expenses to our tab but make it a bit grand.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure everything is done well.”

Once Madam Qiao left, Shopkeeper Tong clicked his tongue.

“Such good fortune! Her husband is a fifth-rank county governor, and the son is a fourth-rank general. They are so young and promising. Their future is limitless.”

Mayor Qian had the town’s trees wrapped in red cloth and even invited a theater troupe to perform. For a while, Tianshui Town felt like it was celebrating a big festival.

As Qiao Mai’s family thrived, some people felt increasingly uncomfortable. The old Qiao couple were as distressed as if they were being fried in oil.

“Husband, we shouldn’t have broken ties with her when she divorced. Look at her now; she’s so prosperous.”

“Alright, there’s no regret medicine in the world. I think the stubborn girl has decided not to acknowledge us. Let it be; I hope that she and her brothers can reconcile. After we’re gone, her two brothers won’t suffer anymore.”

“It’s her husband who’s soft-hearted, arranging our son to work for him. They eat well, and the pay is high. They have even gained weight.”

“That’s not true. If the stubborn girl hadn’t agreed, he wouldn’t have allowed our two sons to stay there. Fortunately, she didn’t cut ties completely.” “I heard that some of Yuan Jiaqi’s brothers also worked there?”

“Of course. He would favor his brothers.’

“Sigh. I heard she’s planning to host a three-day feast in town. Should we secretly attend?”

“Why sneak around? She can host others, but we’re her biological parents. Let’s openly join, especially since it’s a public feast; she won’t be watching.”

“Exactly. Let’s inquire about it in town tomorrow.” “Good idea. Let’s bring the Yuan couple along.”

“Okay.”

As for the Tian family, Old Tian had found a new love, so he no longer thought about Qiao Mai.

However, upon hearing that Qiao Mai was planning a three-day feast, he decided to bring his wife along.

Tian Sanzhuang had no hope for the future. With broken limbs that had recovered but couldn’t handle strenuous activities, he could only work as a minor official in the court, thanks to his father-in-law’s influence.

Seeing Qiao Mai’s life improving and her children becoming more successful, he felt increasingly uneasy.

Fortunately, his son was growing up. Seeing the child as intelligent and adorable, he began to have different thoughts.

He decided to focus on raising his son. If he couldn’t be successful, he would make sure his son…

If he couldn’t be as prosperous as Qiao Mai, his son…

His son might not surpass Qiao Mai’s sons, but if he could at least be more successful than himself, even becoming a scholar, it would be much better.

In mid-April, the brothers returned to the capital. When they left, Qiao Mai handed Yunfeng a banknote for two hundred thousand taels of silver.

She instructed him to use the money to prepare the betrothal gift, ensuring everything was of the highest quality. They needed at least a hundred and twenty carts. If it wasn’t enough, he could write to her for more.

She also advised him to socialize more with the Duke’s mansion and understand their expectations.

Yunfeng kept everything in mind, but carrying two hundred thousand taels felt burdensome.

Qiao Mai was surprisingly generous for his wedding, offering two hundred thousand taels of silver at once. Yunfeng had a clear idea of the family’s income.

Qiao Mai genuinely considered them as her sons. This made him feel closer to Qiao Mai as his mother.

Not long after their departure, it was the season for harvesting wheat. Except for areas north of County She, which planted spring wheat, the southern regions sowed winter wheat, ready for harvest by May.

Even the Emperor supervised the wheat harvest at the Imperial Farm outside the capital.

The results were extraordinary, with bountiful harvests thanks to well-managed fields. In the south, abundant rainfall resulted in a yield of a thousand kilograms per acre. This delighted the old Emperor.

Immediately, he issued an edict, promoting Yuan Jiaqi and replacing the Minister of Personnel in the capital with him.

Yuan Jiaqi became the Minister of Personnel, who is responsible for appointing and dismissing officials, conducting examinations, promotions and demotions, transfers, and granting honors.

A first-rank official in the capital was a prestigious position, especially when overseeing personnel matters. All officials had to curry favor with the Minister of Personnel.

The Emperor was delighted for several reasons. Yuan Jiaqi had made significant contributions, many officials had secretly misbehaved, the Minister of Personnel had been making private moves, and they hadn’t found suitable candidates in recent years.

Now, he did!

Yuan Jiaqi was pleased with the promotion but couldn’t bear to leave the recently developed County She.

Even more, he couldn’t bear to leave Qiao Mai. She had stated that she wouldn’t follow him to the imperial capital.

This dilemma troubled him. He wanted to persuade his wife, but her words were like an imperial decree, not easily changed.

Despite the promotion, he wasn’t happy!

However, Old Master and Mistress Wang were delighted, as was Chuan’er. Although everyone knew how Yuan Jiaqi had obtained his position, they were genuinely happy.

However, when they heard Yuan Jiaqi wanted them to follow him to the capital, everyone shook their heads.

They loved their home; its changing seasons—gentle spring breezes, summer heat, autumn leaves, and winter snow— It offered different sceneries throughout the year.

But the capital was always rainy and damp, with harsh cold winters. They were not accustomed to living without a heated bed.

They refused to go, and Yuan Jiaqi finally understood why his wife didn’t want to.

Besides, she disliked socializing, and here, she had friends and a thriving business. If she left, what would happen to this home? It was such a level home; she couldn’t bear to part with it..

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