Chapter 200: General Wang

"Assistant Commissioner Chen Liqin of Luo City, Yu State, while in office, maintained integrity and upheld justice. He governed himself and led his subordinates well, considering the feelings of the people. He added compassion and relief, making people happy to engage in affairs, and the state taxes were not deficient..."

"Decree: Assistant Commissioner Chen Liqin of Luo City, Yu State, is transferred to the James Division as Junior James, and will enter the East Palace office."

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

After reading the document, he politely handed the dragon-patterned yellow paper document to Chen Liqin, smiling and bowing deeply: "Congratulations, Lord Chen! Three years ago, we parted in the capital, and I knew then we would meet again, but I didn't expect it to be so soon. After Lord Chen returns to the capital, I still hope for much guidance." To the side, Zhang Zhuo let out an exaggerated 'yao' sound and said with a mocking tone: "Junior James, Zheng Fourth Rank! The Chen family made a great effort. I fear this position wasn't personally sought for you by Cabinet Elder Chen in front of the emperor? From now on, I might have to respect Lord Chen more. A higher official position can suppress and mock people to death."

Luo City Prefect is Zheng Fifth Rank, Luo City Assistant Commissioner is Cong Fifth Rank, and James Division Junior James is Zheng Fourth Rank. From now on, Chen Liqin's official position was two levels higher than Zhang Zhuo's.

Chen Liqin glanced at Zhang Zhuo: "Lord Zhang's promotion document has also arrived. Why come to mock a lower official?" He took the document and, after confirming it repeatedly, breathed a sigh of relief. He then hurriedly said to the official: "Lord Li, you are too kind. I will still need your guidance in the future. Wang Gui, lead Lord Li to..."

Chen Liqin almost subconsciously called out Wang Gui's name, but after shouting it out, he remembered that Wang Gui had just been caned twenty times and was now lying in bed unable to get up.

Not being able to find a familiar helper for a while, he always felt a bit unadapted. Chen Liqin pondered for a moment and instructed a young servant: "Please lead Lord Li to Runquan Garden to stay and serve him well."

After speaking, he turned his head to look at Lord Li: "Lord Li's carriage and horses are weary. Please go to the residence to rest first. The Chen family will express their deep gratitude."

Lord Li smiled broadly. With Chen Liqin's words, his assignment, which involved traveling several hundred li, was not in vain. At this time, another official was led by a young servant of the Zhang family to the front of the Chen family residence. The official met them and loudly reported the good news: "Congratulations, Lord Zhang! Congratulations, Lord Zhang!"

However, before he could finish speaking, Zhang Zhuo stepped forward and grabbed the official's wrist: "I ask you, has Wang Dao Sheng's promotion document arrived? His mourning period has ended. Has His Majesty made an appointment?"

The official was slightly startled and mumbled: "No... no. The two humble servants only brought yours and Lord Chen's."

Zhang Zhuo frowned: "Nonsense! His document has clearly been drafted, only lacking the cabinet's vermilion approval!" The official hurriedly said humbly: "Lord Zhang, this humble official's position is low and my words are insignificant. When I left the capital, I didn't hear anyone mention Lord Wang's reinstatement."

"Really not?"

"Really not."

Zhang Zhuo sighed deeply, his figure actually somewhat desolate. He personally took the promotion document from the official and stuffed it into his sleeve, casually saying: "No need to read it. I know the content. Zhang Zheng, lead Lord Zhou to Baiyi Lane to listen to some tunes and relieve your fatigue. In addition, prepare that box well and give it to him."

"Yes," Zhang Zheng happily ran back into the residence, carried out a small wooden box, and led Lord Zhou away.

Chen Liqin stood at the door and looked at Zhang Zhuo on the steps below: "Lord Zhang, why is your brow still furrowed? Could it be that the promoted official position is not ideal?" Zhang Zhuo laughed dryly: "Those who know me say my heart is worried; those who do not know me say I am seeking something. Forget it, there is no benefit in saying more to you."

Just at this moment, Liang Shi, supported by a maid, hurriedly walked out of the residence.

Chen Liqin subconsciously glanced at Chen Ji and Zhang Zhuo, pondered slightly, then said in a deep voice: "Aren't you in the Buddha hall? Why have you come out?" Liang Shi was tearful and about to cry: "Master, your concubine was reflecting in the Buddha hall earlier, but your promotion document has arrived, and you must host a banquet. This matter is related to the Chen family's face, and your concubine should exert all her effort."

She carefully listed: "Master, you need to write invitations three days before the banquet, send invitations, and consecutive three seals show propriety. Before the banquet, you also need to prepare ingredients, find cooks, and clean the house thoroughly.

Now your concubine and Wang Gui have both been relieved of their duties, and I fear the others in the residence cannot handle it. You also haven't handled these things before..."

Chen Liqin hesitated. These things had always been handled by Liang Shi and Wang Gui; he had never touched them. If he had to handle them personally, he feared he would be extremely busy and confused.

Liang Shi saw Chen Liqin hesitate, turned her head to look at Chen Ji and said gently: "Chen Ji ah, you also see, this family has a great happy event. If the entertainment of guests is not proper, I fear it will make the guests laugh. I will handle this banquet first. Some matters can be discussed after the banquet is over, how about that?"

Chen Ji answered with a smile: "You are right. Important matters are important." He knew in his heart that after this banquet, the Chen family would all go to the capital. At that time, packing luggage would also require Liang Shi to handle. Where would Liang Shi still have time to reflect in the Buddha hall?

Even this one matter made Chen Liqin realize that the Chen family truly could not do without Liang Shi. If Chen Ji obstructed, it would be not knowing the big picture.

However, Zhang Zhuo on the side opened his mouth and said: "Nonsense! Why does this matter need sister-in-law to handle? Lord Chen and I were promoted together. If the promotion banquets are held separately, you tell me whether the officials of Luo City will attend my Zhang family's banquet or your Chen family's banquet? Aren't we making things difficult for the officials!" Liang Shi's face changed slightly.

Zhang Zhuo said with a smile: "This time, I have also been promoted, and I have been promoted even higher than Lord Chen. This matter can be handled by my Zhang family. At that time, Lord Chen and I will attend together. Sister-in-law, there is no need to worry."

Liang Shi stood at the door, her fingers tightly grasping the maid's arm, unable to leave, yet unable not to leave.

Zhang Xia held Zhang Zhuo's arm: "Father, I will also help mother handle it together. Tomorrow, I will go write the invitations and find the cooks from Yingxian Building to prepare the ingredients. We will definitely not let father and Lord Chen lose face." Zhang Zhuo praised her: "My daughter is sensible."

Liang Shi was silent for a moment, finally bowed deeply, and turned back into the residence: "Then I will trouble Lord Zhang and Miss Zhang Second. Your concubine will now return to the Buddha hall."

Chen Liqin was puzzled: "What exactly is Lord Zhang's promoted official position?" Zhang Zhuo slanted him a look: "Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel."

Chen Liqin was shocked. Zheng Third Rank!

No wonder the official from the Ministry of Personnel who came just now was so humble! It turned out he came to deliver the document for a superior!

Chen Liqin was shocked and doubtful: "Lord Zhang is now only one step away from entering the cabinet. Just now, why was your brow still furrowed?"

"You won't understand," Zhang Zhuo smiled, then said warmly to Zhang Xia: "Daughter, let's go home." Chen Ji looked at Zhang Zhuo's back, only feeling as if there was a mountain today, pressing down on him alone.

However, before leaving Luo City, he still had one thing to do.

"Lord Zhang, wait," Chen Ji quickly walked a few steps, pulled Zhang Zhuo's arm, and said in a low voice: "Lord Zhang, I have one matter to request."

Zhang Zhuo was doubtful: "Just speak, no harm."

Chen Ji said earnestly: "When the Zhang family sends invitations to the officials of Luo City, trouble them to also send one to General Wang of the Qian Sui Army. Lord Zhang, rest assured, this matter will definitely not implicate the Zhang family." Zhang Zhuo's heart was shocked, and he turned his head to look at Chen Ji.

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

Zhang Zhuo lowered his head and pondered for a moment. When he raised his head again, he agreed: "Good, this promotion banquet originally also wanted to invite him."