Chapter 106: Conclusion

 

Since ascending the throne, the new emperor has been diligent and dedicated to governance.

 

After the period of national mourning, the emperor, against much opposition, initiated a large-scale infrastructure project for road and bridge construction. Simultaneously, he appointed the retired former fifth-rank governor of Zhejiang Province, Wen Zhiqing, as the Minister of Works, granting him full authority.

 

This appointment caused quite a stir; jumping directly from the fifth rank to the third rank was not unprecedented, but it was rare. Moreover, Wen Zhiqing was entrusted with a project that the emperor held in high regard, indicating the extent of the new Minister of Works’ favor.

 

Some opportunists quickly tried to curry favor with the Wen family when they heard about Wen Zhiqing’s appointment, but they were all politely turned away with the excuse that the family head’s health was not good, declining all visitors.

 

Nevertheless, many were still observing from the sidelines. The court was evidently divided into two factions, and it was unclear who would emerge victorious.

 

In reality, the emperor’s intentions were clear. He was determined to suppress the aristocracy and promote the commoners, breaking the monopoly of talent by the aristocracy. Those in the emperor’s faction knew that corruption couldn’t be left unchecked, as it would eventually lead to the collapse of the empire.

 

In the later years of the previous emperor’s rule, which was characterized by incompetence and tyranny, most resources and talents were controlled by the aristocracy. Furthermore, to consolidate his political power, the current emperor wanted to accomplish practical tasks in the court and assign responsibilities without the constraints imposed by the aristocracy, like invisible shackles.

 

Wen Zhiqing represented the typical commoner and was a prominent talent. However, during the later years of the previous emperor’s reign, becoming a fifth-rank official was the limit for someone of his rank.

 

Now, being promoted to the position of a third-rank minister, it was evident how much favor the emperor bestowed upon him.

 

Moreover, since ascending the throne, the emperor had been clear in his stance. He wanted to curb the power of the aristocracy, promote the commoners, and dismantle the monopoly of talent ascension channels held by the aristocracy.

 

The emperor’s faction knew that the infestation of corruption couldn’t be tolerated for long. To prevent any potential upheaval, the emperor was taking measures to change the system. Since the current emperor had ascended, he had transformed the triennial imperial examination into a biennial event, even adding a special grace exam in the first year. Additionally, he personally presided over the imperial examinations, making it clear that he intended to absorb fresh blood for his use.

 

As Wen Zhiquing’s road and bridge construction project progressed smoothly over the years, the emperor’s reputation among the common people soared. This initiative attracted numerous ambitious individuals from humble backgrounds, hoping to find opportunities through the imperial examinations to serve the court.

 

Effectively, they were eager to serve the new emperor and contribute to the prosperity of the Da Yuan Dynasty.

 

This series of developments created a significant crack in the vast interest group of the aristocracy, leading to internal strife and gradual decline.

 

Three Years Later

 

During these three years, the entire Da Yuan Dynasty experienced fervent development, and the same held for Fuyang Town.

 

Because the cement formula was voluntarily and unconditionally offered by Jingyi to the emperor, when Minister Wen Zhiquing led the road construction project, he did not hide Jing Yi’s contributions from the emperor. He rewarded him with a thousand taels of silver, a thousand acres of fertile land, and bestowed a plaque with the inscription “Wise Sage,” making Jing Yi the center of attention.

 

Jing Yi organized a ceremony with bathing and incense, officially hanging the plaque in the main hall of the old mansion in Xiwan Village. This attracted numerous nobles, gentry, and even some acquaintances from the town, county, and even the prefectural city, who came to visit and pay their respects.

 

Moreover, the roads from Anchang County to Fuyang Town and even to Xiwan Village were given priority funding for construction.

 

As Jing Yi once again proposed several beneficial ideas such as water conservancy projects and agricultural development over the three years, the emperor promptly appointed him as “Assistant Cavalry Regular Attendant,” a fifth-rank official tasked with sharing the emperor’s concerns.

 

In essence, though lacking real authority, Jing Yi gained reputation, making him a distinguished figure in the emperor’s eyes and having direct access to his audience. Therefore, for a while, the Jing family’s status in Anchang County was unparalleled.

 

However, the Jing family members remained composed. Their daily lives hardly changed, and if there were any changes, it was Jing Yi becoming more of a hands-off manager, delegating tasks.

 

He often teased Chuxia about his lack of enthusiasm for work, becoming a stumbling block on his path to becoming a business elite.

 

“Chuxia, let’s go together. Once you finish checking the accounts, we can head straight to the seaside for some fun,” Jing Yi, like an octopus, ensnared Chuxia on the bed, being extremely stubborn. He wouldn’t let go until he agreed, behaving like a stubborn five-year-old.

 

“No way! We just returned from playing in the capital last month. If we go out again for two months, by the time we return, An An’s voice will be hoarse from crying!”

 

“He’s a little boy; how can he stick to his father all the time!”

 

“He’s only four years old. Which parents leave their child behind and go play on their own? Moreover, it’s almost time for the autumn harvest. Our farms, orchards, and everything else are starting to get busy. How can we go out at this time?”

 

“Leave it to Steward Tong, Renhe, and the others. How about this? Let’s bring An An with us this time. He hasn’t seen the sea yet. Isn’t it a good idea, Chuxia?”

 

“Fine, fine, fine! Really!”

 

Finally persuading him for this outing, Jing Yi, satisfied, released Chuxia. The couple quickly got up to freshen up, fearing their son would come over soon to educate them.

 

Currently, they lived in an expanded house in the village. In the first two years, they added two more courtyards to the east and constructed a row of small courtyards to the north. The small courtyards were previously mentioned as benefits for the family servants, not only in the village but also beside the estate.

 

The Jing family has purchased small courtyards, including Steward Tong, Jing Renhe and Zhao Miao, who got married under Jing Yi’s supervision last spring, and Jing Renyi and Zhao Yu.

 

Recently, Qiao Maisheng and Aunt Cui also joined forces to live together. They didn’t host a big event, just invited a few friends to have a meal. Jing Yi and Chuxia gladly attended the modest celebration and offered their blessings.

 

They also plan to buy a small courtyard in the village, making it convenient for Qiao Maisheng, the current soap factory shopkeeper, to work.

 

Now Jing Yi and Chuxia have moved, residing in one of the independent east courtyards, ensuring better privacy.

 

After tidying up, they strolled towards the main courtyard for breakfast. The family’s tradition of having meals together remained unchanged.

 

From a distance, they saw a little figure, like a firecracker, rushing through the Moon Gate and into the main courtyard.

 

Jing Yi and Chuxia exchanged a glance, both expressing the same speechlessness and helplessness.

 

What just passed by—was that a mud ball? How come the whole body is still covered in straw?

 

Xiai An An is now four years old, mischievous yet sensible.

 

He engages in various antics, such as climbing trees to catch birds, going to the river to catch fish, tearing Grandma’s embroidered items, and knocking over Grandpa’s chessboard.

 

After making a mistake, he flaunts his cute little face, admitting his wrongdoing sincerely. His innocent look often makes people reluctant to scold him.

 

But Jing Yi is not just anyone. If there’s a need for correction, he’ll do it—stand in the corner, spanking, or a little punishment. He won’t use a heavy hand, just enough for An An to understand that actions have consequences, even if he’s just a child.

 

Jing Yi understands that An An isn’t intentionally causing trouble. It’s his love for play and curiosity, coupled with his young age and lack of discretion.

 

He also knows that spoiling a child is akin to harming them, and a sense of right and wrong must be cultivated from a young age. If not corrected now, society will do it later, and the consequences will be much harder to bear.

 

Initially, Chuxia worried that Jing Yi’s strictness would strain the relationship between father and son.

 

However, it turned out that he worried too much. Jing Yi was the only one who could truly play with their son. His mind full of imaginative ideas made An An admire him immensely.

 

Moreover, An An was intelligent, understanding that his father corrected him because he did something wrong, all for his own good. Therefore, he never got genuinely angry with Jing Yi and certainly didn’t hold grudges.

 

“Grandma! Grandma! Help An An wash his face! Father and the others are coming soon.”

 

An An rushed into the main courtyard, shaking his legs, and urgently requested Grandma to help him wash his face and change clothes. He had just seen his parents about to enter the courtyard!

 

Upon closer inspection, Grandma was at a loss for words, and at first glance, she didn’t recognize her own eldest grandson…

 

However, before she could get angry, she was amused by An An’s pitiful plea and quickly focused on how to help her dear grandson.

 

Without saying a word, she put down her work and intended to take her eldest grandson to the bathroom.

 

“Xiao Miao, quickly, get a clean set of clothes for An An! Also, have someone sweep the floor. Don’t let the mud and straw marks on the ground be seen by Xiao Yi and Xiaxia….” Jing’s Mother instructed, then noticed her son and son-in-law entering the courtyard from the direction of the Moon Gate, quickly closing her mouth.

 

An An also saw them, pitifully hugging Grandma’s legs, completely unaware that he had smeared mud all over her skirt.

 

Wearing a remorseful expression but insisting on explaining seriously, “Father, Mother, I was helping Maicao’s family harvest grain. The field had a lot of mud, and since I’m too small, I fell down before I could stand firm.”

 

Maicao is the eldest son of Luo Wei and Xiao Tao, and also a little boy. When the Jing family lived in the village, the two little brothers played together every day with several close friends from the village.

 

“Alright, An An, it’s great that you’re willing to help. Since your clothes got dirty while helping, Mother and Father won’t blame you.” Jing Yi reassured An An, clarifying that they won’t criticize him just because his clothes got dirty—it depends on the situation.

 

Upon hearing this, An An’s little face immediately brightened. He rubbed against Chuxia’s leg, wanting to lean against him, but Jing Yi quickly stopped him.

 

An An was stunned for a moment, then remembered that he was covered in mud. He turned around and looked at Grandma carefully, seeing her skirt stained with mud, he quickly apologized in a low voice, “Grandma, I’m sorry. An An didn’t mean to.”

 

“Oh, An An is so good. It’s okay.” Jing’s Mother smiled so much that her eyes narrowed.

 

“Mother, go change your clothes, and I’ll take this little mud monkey to wash up.” Saying this, Chuxia took An An to the bathroom, and Jing Yi followed suit.

 

While washing the mud off the little monkey, Chuxia chattered, “It’s already September. Why are you getting all wet so early in the morning? Aren’t you afraid of catching a cold? If you catch a cold, Doctor Cen will prescribe bitter medicine for you three times a day!”

 

Little An An has always favored his mother, and upon hearing this, he didn’t speak. He just giggled, wanting to snuggle against Chuxia. Chuxia couldn’t hold back and laughed along.

 

After dressing, An An refused to leave and wanted his mother to carry him.

 

Chuxia, of course, indulged him. However, when he bent over, he felt aches and quickly straightened up, ruthlessly refusing, “No carrying. Baby, you’ve gained weight again.”

 

In secret, Jing Yi rolled his eyes several times. He knew he was in the wrong and couldn’t meet Chuxia’s gaze, looking everywhere else.

 

An An pouted, “Humph, not friends with Mother anymore.”

 

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Jing Yi burst into laughter. He reached out and picked up An An. “Come on, Father will carry you!”

 

An An instantly forgot his small displeasure. As long as someone carried him, it was fine, and the backup option of his father was also acceptable.

 

In an instant, his little emotional turmoil was forgotten. He snuggled his cheek against Jing Yi’s shoulder and wanted to hold Chuxia’s hand. “Mother, hurry up, I’m pulling you.”

 

Upon hearing this, Chuxia’s heart warmed. “Here, thank you, baby, for pulling me.”

 

“An An, Father and Mother plan to check the accounts in a few days and then go to the seaside for some fun.”

 

“Wahhh!!! Father is bad! You’re going to play by yourselves again. An An won’t talk to you anymore, wuuu…”

 

“Baby, baby, save your tears. This time, we’ll take you with us, okay?”

 

“Okay! Don’t lie!”

 

“Absolutely not lying. If you don’t believe it, ask your mother.”

 

“Yes, baby, we’ll definitely take you with us this time. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be fun for us.”

 

“Hehehe, that’s right. You won’t be happy if I don’t go with you. I know!”

 

“Pfft! Yeah, yeah.”

 

“Then, should we bring Grandpa and Grandma? An An wants them to play together.”

 

“Ah? Um… Well…”

 

“Of course, baby. Ah Yi, let’s go together. Mother and Father have never seen the sea.”

 

“Yeah! That’s great! Then, will Uncle and others go too?”

 

“They won’t go this time, but they’ll have plenty of opportunities in the future.”

 

“Why not! An An wants to play with Uncle and others! Last time when we went to the capital, you didn’t take us!”

 

“Alright, alright, we can all go together. Let’s have fun together.”

 

“Xiaxia! This was supposed to be our private time, and now there are so many people!”

 

“Ah Yi, our whole family has never been to the seaside together. It’ll be lively! Besides, the three kids will participate in the imperial examination next year. Let’s relax this year! We can go alone next time (whispering quietly).”

 

“Okay! Then Dongjiang that guy should go too, don’t think I don’t see he has eyes on Xiao Shu!”

 

“That’s their business; you don’t have to worry about it. Dongjiang is doing well.”

 

“Humph! I won’t interfere if you say so.”

 

“In early autumn, the weather is pleasant, the sky is clear, and the sun in the sky is warm, just like the bright sun when I met Xiaxia that summer.”