Chapter 200: General Wang

"Assistant Commissioner Chen Liqin of Luòchéng, Yù State, holds integrity and impartiality in office, leads subordinates correctly, understands the feelings of the people, adds intention to console and succor, makes people happy to engage in affairs, and state taxes are not deficient..."

"Edict: Assistant Commissioner Chen Liqin of Luòchéng, Yù State, transferred to become Vice James of the James Division, entering the East Palace office."

In front of the Chén family residence, the officials from the capital were dusty and weary.

He finished reading the document, politely handed the dragon-patterned yellow paper document to Chén Lìqín's hand, smiling broadly as he cupped his hands and bowed: "Congratulations, Lord Chén, three years ago we parted in the capital, and I knew then we still had the opportunity to meet, but I didn't expect to meet again so soon. After Lord Chén returns to the capital, I still hope for much promotion." On one side, Zhāng Zhuó 'yāo'd, saying in an exaggerated tone: "Positive fourth rank Vice James, the Chén family has such a grand gesture, is this not because Elder Chén himself went before the emperor to seek this official position for you? In the future, I must respect Lord Chén more; one level higher in officialdom crushes people."

The Luòchéng Prefect is of the positive fifth rank, the Luòchéng Assistant Commissioner is of the subordinate fifth rank, and the James Division Vice James is of the positive fourth rank. From now on, Chén Lìqín's official position would be two levels higher than Zhāng Zhuó.

Chén Lìqín glanced at Zhāng Zhuó: "Lord Zhāng's promotion document has also arrived, why come and mock a lower official?" He took the document, confirmed it again and again, and then breathed a sigh of relief, saying to the officials: "Lord Lǐ is too kind, in the future, I still need your care. Wáng Guì, lead Lord Lǐ to..."

Chén Lìqín almost subconsciously blurted out Wáng Guì's name, but after shouting it out, he remembered that Wáng Guì had just been caned twenty times and was now lying in bed unable to get up.

Using a handy tool for a while and then not being able to find it always felt a little unaccustomed. Chén Lìqín pondered for a moment and then instructed a young servant: "Please invite Lord Lǐ to stay in Rùnquán Garden and serve him well."

Having said that, he turned his head to look at Lord Lǐ: "Lord Lǐ has traveled a long way by carriage and horse, please first go to the residence to rest. The Chén family will have a heavy thanks."

Lord Lǐ smiled from ear to ear. With this sentence from Chén Lìqín, his assignment several hundred *lǐ* away was not in vain. At this time, another official was led to the front of the Chén family residence by a Zhāng family servant. That official, upon meeting, loudly announced his congratulations: "Congratulations, Lord Zhāng, felicitations, Lord Zhāng!"

However, before he could finish, Zhāng Zhuó stepped forward and grabbed the official's wrist: "Let me ask you, has Wáng Dàoshēng's promotion document arrived? His mourning period has ended, has His Majesty appointed him?"

The official was startled and murmured: "No... no, this humble servant only brought you and Lord Chén."

Zhāng Zhuó frowned: "Nonsense, his document has clearly already been drafted, it only lacks the cabinet's red approval!" The official hurriedly said humbly: "Lord Zhāng, this humble servant is of low rank and has little say. When I left the capital, I did not hear anyone mention Lord Wáng's reinstatement."

"Really not?"

"Really not."

Zhāng Zhuó sighed deeply, his figure actually looked somewhat desolate. He took the promotion document from the attendant's hand and stuffed it into his sleeve, saying casually: "No need to read, I know the content. Zhāng Zhèng, lead Lord Zhōu to Bái Yī Alley to listen to a small tune and relieve your fatigue. Also, give him that prepared box."

"Yes," Zhāng Zhèng happily ran back to the mansion, carried out a small wooden box, and led Lord Zhōu away.

Chén Lìqín stood at the door and looked at Zhāng Zhuó on the steps below: "Why is Lord Zhāng frowning? Could it be that the promoted official position is not ideal?" Zhāng Zhuó gave a dry laugh: "Those who understand me say I am worried, those who do not understand me say what I seek. Forget it, it is of no benefit to talk to you."

Just at this time, supported by a maidservant, Liáng Shì hurried out of the mansion.

Chén Lìqín subconsciously glanced at Chén Jì and Zhāng Zhuó, pondered slightly, and then said in a low voice: "Are you not in the Buddhist hall? Why have you come out?" Liáng Shì was about to cry with tears: "Master, this concubine was reflecting in the Buddhist hall earlier, but your promotion document has come, and you must host guests. This matter concerns the face of the Chén family, and this concubine should naturally exert her heart and effort."

She carefully counted: "Master, three days before the banquet, you need to write invitations and send them out. Three seals in succession show propriety. Before the banquet, you also need to prepare ingredients, find cooks, and clean the house. Now, this concubine and Wáng Guì are simultaneously let go, I only fear that the others in the mansion cannot manage it. You have never handled these things before either..."

Chén Lìqín hesitated. These things had always been handled by Liáng Shì and Wáng Guì; he had never touched them. If he had to handle them himself, he feared it would be a mess.

Liáng Shì saw Chén Lìqín hesitate, turned her head to look at Chén Jì and said gently: "Chén Jì ah, you also see, there is a big happy event in this family. If entertaining guests is not done properly, I fear it will make the guests laugh. Let me first handle this banquet. Some matters can be discussed after the banquet ends, how about that?"

Chén Jì smiled and replied: "You are not wrong, important matters are important." He knew in his heart that after this banquet, the Chén family would move as a whole to the capital. At that time, packing luggage would also require Liáng Shì to handle it. Where would Liáng Shì still have time to reflect in the Buddhist hall? Even this one thing made Chén Lìqín realize that the Chén family truly could not do without Liáng Shì. If Chén Jì obstructed, he would not be understanding the bigger picture.

However, on one side, Zhāng Zhuó spoke up: "Nonsense, where does this matter require sister-in-law to handle? I and Lord Chén were promoted together. If the promotion banquets are held separately, do you think the officials in Luòchéng will attend my Zhāng family's banquet or go to your Chén family's banquet? We are not making things difficult for the officials!" Liáng Shì's face changed slightly.

Zhāng Zhuó smiled and said: "This time, I have also risen in official rank, even higher than Lord Chén. This matter can be handled by my Zhāng family. At that time, I and Lord Chén will attend together. Sister-in-law does not need to worry."

Liáng Shì stood at the door, her fingers gripping the maidservant's arm tightly, unable to leave, unable to not leave.

Zhāng Xiǎ held Zhāng Zhuó's arm: "Father, I will also help mother handle it together. Tomorrow, we will write the invitations and find the cooks from Yíngxiān Building to prepare the ingredients. We will definitely not let father and Lord Chén lose face." Zhāng Zhuó praised: "My daughter is sensible."

Liáng Shì was silent for a while, finally performed a courtesy, and turned back into the mansion: "Then I will trouble Lord Zhāng and Second Miss Zhāng. This concubine will now return to the Buddhist hall."

Chén Lìqín was puzzled: "Exactly what official position has Lord Zhāng been promoted to?" Zhāng Zhuó slanted his eyes at him: "Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel."

Chén Lìqín was shocked, positive third rank! No wonder the officials from the Ministry of Personnel were so humble just now, it turned out they were delivering a document for their superior!

Chén Lìqín was both shocked and doubtful: "Lord Zhāng is now only one step away from entering the cabinet, why were you still frowning just now?"

"You won't understand," Zhāng Zhuó smiled, then said warmly to Zhāng Xiǎ: "Daughter, let's go home." Chén Jì looked at Zhāng Zhuó's retreating figure, feeling as if today a mountain was pressing down on him alone.

Only, before leaving Luòchéng, he still had one thing to do.

"Lord Zhāng, wait," Chén Jì walked a few quick steps, pulled Zhāng Zhuó's arm, and said in a low voice: "Lord Zhāng, I have one matter to request."

Zhāng Zhuó doubted: "Just speak freely."

Chén Jì said earnestly: "Trouble the Zhāng family, when sending invitations to the Luòchéng officials, also send one to General Wáng of the Prince's Army. Lord Zhāng, rest assured, this matter will definitely not involve the Zhāng family." Zhāng Zhuó's heart jolted, and he turned his head to look at Chén Jì.

He only saw that night was already deep, and Chén Jì's expression in the night could no longer be seen clearly.

Zhāng Zhuó lowered his head to ponder for a moment, then lifted his head and agreed: "Good, this promotion banquet was originally meant to invite him as well."