Chapter 214: Chapter 87: An Zhichen (Part 1) Chapter 214: Chapter 87: An Zhichen (Part 1) Brother Zheng was extremely excited during his first time traveling far from home, and as soon as they left the Capital City, he lifted the curtain to look outside. He frequently asked Yueyao about the scenery outside.
Yueyao patiently explained everything to Brother Zheng one by one.
Tingli was riding a horse, not sitting in a sedan. Before Emperor Yingzong, the Great Yuan Dynasty favored scholars over warriors, and at that time military officials of the same rank had to salute civil officials. However, after the reforms of Emperor Yingzong, civil and military affairs belonged to separate categories and did not interfere with each other. Military officials were no longer restrained by the civil officials, and there was no longer a situation where civil officials of the same rank were considered higher in status than military officials. However, Emperor Yingzong had been dead for over fifty years, and during these peaceful decades when military officials had little to do, civil officials consistently persuaded the Emperor to cut military spending, essentially a reduction in troops. Essentially, they wanted to suppress the military officials harshly and restore the past glory. Naturally, military officials were unwilling, so there was intense conflict between civil and military officials in the Imperial Court.
While listening to Yueyao and Tingzheng explain for a long time, Tingli showed no impatience on his face, but rather a growing admiration. He smiled and said, “Third Young Lady, I’ve always heard people in the mansion say you’re very patient. Today, I’ve truly witnessed it.” He had heard that Brother Zheng could recognize ten characters a day and Third Young Lady could still teach him effectively, and although he thought it was an exaggeration, today he realized it was true, certainly not a rumor.
Tingli felt it was a pity that if Yueyao were a man, she would surely make an excellent scholar in the future. Unfortunately, such talent was wasted, or otherwise he would have a helper.
As the heir of the family, Tingli had been taught from childhood that the family’s interests were his primary duty. Therefore, he also wished that the family would cultivate several talented individuals. Unfortunately, his father’s generation had failed to carry on their ancestors’ glory. His uncle had a very bright future but died early. Although his father became a Palace Graduate, he was ranked low, and the fate of the Lian family was worrisome!
The elder of the Great Grandfather’s family had already left the official path, and in his branch, there were only Tingli and Tingyi. Tingyi was playful and didn’t focus entirely on his career. The Lian family had to rely on him. His father’s agreement to send Yueyao to their ancestral home was not without another purpose, which was to maintain a good relationship with the main family. Otherwise, their branch would have no support.
Yueyao’s great-grandfather, Lian Cheng, had a fierce conflict with the main house in the past, resulting in a severance of relations with the main house and the establishment of a separate family record. Later in his old age, thinking of Qi County as his roots, Lian Cheng bought a large plot of land there. After Lian Cheng passed away, Yueyao’s grandfather restored relations with the main house in Qi County. However, since the family records had been separately established and they were already seen as a different branch and faced exclusion from the main house, even if there was a desire to improve relations, they remained estranged.
Although the main house’s reputation had declined, there were still several outstanding members, including the current Provincial Governor of Suzhou, a second-rank official, and an Inspector of Sichuan, a third rank position; both held substantial authority. Their branch could not compare to the main house now.
Yueyao smiled and said, “Brother Zheng learns slowly, so I explained in more detail.” Compared to before, Tingzheng was now much improved by more than tenfold. Mr. Zhu was indeed a good teacher, both in character and patience, which was also lucky for the siblings.
Upon hearing this, Tingli laughed and asked, “Little sister, how many days do you plan to stay in our old home? There is a wedding banquet at the Ma Family on the 26th, do you intend to return before then?”
Yueyao smiled and shook her head, “I’ll follow Elder Brother’s arrangement; whenever he says it’s time to go back, then it’s time. I’m in mourning, so I need to avoid my uncle’s family’s wedding banquet.” She definitely wouldn’t attend the wedding for it might inadvertently bring trouble to the bride. Yueyao planned to visit and meet her future cousin-in-law after the bride had returned to her marital home.
Tingli nodded, “Good.” Today was only the 7th, and it seemed certain they could return to Capital City before the 26th. However, plans could not always keep up with changes; he’d better mention it to Yueyao.
The servant following them was very familiar with this route; by evening, he had led them to the best inn in town. Although their group included a lady, Yueyao was only nine years old, and there was no need to specifically arrange for a courtyard suite. Tingli directly booked three superior rooms on the second floor, and a few ordinary rooms as well.
After a whole day of jolts, food was delivered to their rooms after they had washed up. Yueyao took a bite and frowned, the food was too greasy.