Chapter 793: Chapter 793: Yao Tianqin Restored to His Former Position Chapter 793: Chapter 793: Yao Tianqin Restored to His Former Position Yao Family’s joy was unmistakable to Lu Erbai from the first glance, which made him curiously inquire, “Brother Yao seems so delighted, has something joyful happened?”
Yao Tianqin led the two into the living room, poured some water, placed some refreshments on the table, and then, smiling broadly, said, “Indeed, there is a piece of good news.”
In the face of Lu Erbai’s puzzled look, Yao Tianqin cleared his throat, seeming a bit embarrassed, “Actually, this matter is not yet finalized. I’m afraid there might be unexpected complications, so I really shouldn’t speak of it yet.”
Upon hearing this, Lu Erbai waved his hand, “If it’s inconvenient, it’s alright not to disclose anything.”
“It might be inconvenient for others, but this matter does have some connection with you, so there’s no harm in telling you.”
Yao Tianqin let out a sigh, took another sip of water to calm his slight excitement, and said, “When you both helped me meet Mister Qi, allowing me to present my high-speed drum cart, it was an enormous favor to our family. Mister Qi tested the drum cart, and afterward he hastily had it delivered to the capital, presenting it to His Majesty.”
Lu Erbai and Shu Yu exchanged glances, then heard him continue, “His Majesty values the high-speed drum cart highly, and just as Mister Qi said, due to the contribution of the offering, His Majesty not only pardoned me of my exile crime but also reinstated my official position.”
In fact, had there been a vacancy above, Yao Tianqin would have been promoted further.
But he was already on the record in the Emperor’s court, and if a suitable opportunity arises in the future, he would naturally be promoted.
Lu Erbai was extremely surprised upon hearing this, “Really? You’ve been reinstated to your post? Can you leave this place?”
“Yes,” nodded Yao Tianqin, his face, weathered from years in the exile area, flushed with excitement, “However, the official bearing the Imperial Decree is still on the way. I found out through a letter sent in advance by a friend in the capital.”
That’s why he said the matter wasn’t finalized yet. As long as the pardon in the Imperial Decree hadn’t reached his hands, he dared not confirm it.
But Yao Tianqin was worried that once the Imperial Decree arrived, he might not have another opportunity to bid farewell to Lu Erbai, so he spilled the news ahead of time.
This was something he could have kept from others, but he had to tell Brother Lu. Otherwise, he would be ungrateful.
Moreover, although the time he knew Lu Erbai was not very long, their friendship was more congenial than some others he had known for five or six years. Even if something went awry, he knew Lu Erbai would neither mock him nor spread the word.
“Then, congratulations in advance to Uncle Yao,” Shu Yu spoke up first.
Yao Tianqin laughed and said, “No hurry, let’s wait until the Imperial Decree arrives to celebrate.”
After the laughter, he turned a bit sentimental, “To tell the truth, since being exiled here, my mind has always been focused on returning to the capital. At my age, it’s not a big deal for me, but it’s not good for my son to always stay here without prospects. Yet now, when it’s really time to leave, I find it hard to part. Brother Lu, although our acquaintance wasn’t long, we share the same aspirations and understand each other well. Parting now, who knows when we will meet again.”
All this time, Lu Erbai had only been happy for him, but now with these words, he too started to feel reluctant to part.
On the other hand, Shu Yu, smiling, said, “We’ll definitely meet again. Uncle Yao is a free man, and so is my father. If Dahu from our house excels in his studies and perhaps goes to the capital, wouldn’t that bring about a reunion?”
She didn’t mention the possibility of her own release–her situation was even more uncertain than Yao Tianqin’s.