Mr. Jing and His Little Husband

Chapter 106

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.

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.”