Do you know: I am Xu Jiazi

Chapter 803 Daughters Grow Up and Leave Home [Thank you! Thank you again! 7k words owed]

Two days later,
morning,

A few white clouds drifted in the azure sky.

The Great Zhou Imperial Palace

In the rear palace,

The Empress sat in a chair, carefully examining an embroidery hoop in her hand.

The little princess stood nervously to the side, afraid that the Empress would say something displeasing.

At this moment, a female official walked in quickly.

After exchanging greetings, the female official said with a smile, "Your Highness, the old Marquis has entered the palace."

The Empress looked up from the palanquin, nodded to the lady-in-waiting, and asked, "How is the palanquin prepared for him?"

The female official looked troubled: "Your Majesty, the eunuch has pleaded twice, but the old Marquis has always refused to ride in a sedan chair."

The Empress frowned upon hearing this: "What? Why don't you want to sit?"

The female official replied, "Your Majesty, the old Marquis said that he is a subject and there is no such thing as riding in a sedan chair in the palace."

The Empress pursed her lips in slight anger: "How old is Father? Why is he still so willful?"

He stood up as he spoke.

"Your Majesty, please don't worry!" The Empress looked over upon hearing this, her eyes filled with a sense of 'How could I not worry?'

The female official hurriedly said, "I heard from the young eunuch that the old Marquis happened to meet the top scholar, Xu Jiawu, at the palace gate."

Upon hearing this, the little princess smiled and asked, "Has Xu Wulang persuaded him?"

The Empress shook her head and said, "My father is stubborn, and I'm afraid he can't persuade Xu Wulang."

The female official nodded a few times as she looked at the princess, indicating that the Empress was right.

"I also said that it would be enough to send someone to the Cao family to talk to him, but he insisted on coming to the palace to go through the whole process! What happened in the end?"

As she spoke, the Empress looked at the female official.

The female official pursed her lips, unsure of what to say for a moment.

Seeing the Empress's urging gaze, the female official carefully said, "Your Majesty, the young eunuch said that at first, Xu Wulang squatted slightly in front of the old Marquis, wanting to carry him into the palace."

The little princess's eyes lit up, and the Empress nodded in approval: "Good child, he always has the best ideas."

"But the old Marquis said that since Xu Wulang is not only the top scholar in the imperial examination but also a future prince, he shouldn't ride on Xu Wulang's back."

After the lady-in-waiting finished speaking, the Empress's expression darkened again: "And then?"

"Later," the female official pursed her lips, "this servant doesn't know how to say it for a moment."

"Just say it directly."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The female official glanced at the curious little princess and said, "Xu Wulang said that the old Marquis wouldn't let him carry him into the palace, so he carried the old Marquis in."

As she spoke, the female official gestured with her hand to demonstrate the action of hugging someone. It wasn't about hugging someone from above or below, but rather hugging them with one hand behind their back and the other on their knees.

"In the end, the old Marquis could not resist and did not want Xu Wulang to carry him, so he boarded the sedan chair."

Officials dressed in various colored robes walked out of the palace in an orderly fashion.

Xu Minghua, who had just walked out of the main hall with his colleagues, was gestured to the east by a palace official after taking only a few steps.

The other officials looked eastward and saw an old man and a young man standing at the palace gate leading to the main hall of the imperial palace.

That's why Sheng Hong is said to be exceptionally talented.
Although he passed the imperial examination and served as an official for many years, he also possessed excellent calligraphy skills that pleased the emperor.

But he happens to be nearsighted, so even from some distance, he can recognize who the two people standing in the distance are.

While Lord Liu, dressed in a scarlet official robe and standing close to Sheng Hong, was still squinting to identify the two people, Sheng Hong had already tucked his official tablet into his waistband and bowed respectfully.

Seeing that the others around him were also bowing, Lord Liu quickly followed suit and asked, "Brother Sheng, who are those two officials at the palace gate in the distance?"

Turning his gaze away from the distance, Sheng Hong stroked his budding beard and smiled as he looked at his classmate. "Brother Liu, those standing before the palace gate in the distance are General Cao and this year's top scholar."

"Oh!" Lord Liu squinted and examined them again, then nodded and said, "I suppose you two are here in the palace to familiarize yourselves with the procedures for the grand ceremony."

"Not bad!" Sheng Hong nodded with a smile.

suddenly,

Other colleagues gathered around.

As the voices said, "Mr. Sheng, your three daughters are of marriageable age. Are there any suitable matches for them?" the crowd gradually dispersed.

Before the palace gate leading to the main hall of the imperial palace, Xu Minghua quickened his pace and bowed to the old Marquis Tuoxi, saying, "Old General."

"Haha, Hua-ge'er, you're too polite." General Cao smiled and gestured with his hand.

Looking at Xu Minghua standing up, General Cao sighed, "Brother Hua, your son is really stubborn. Even I, an old man, can't persuade him."

Xu Minghua looked at his son and father-in-law, who were standing on either side of the old general, and said with a smile, "Why do you say that, old general?"

As he spoke, Xu Minghua walked to his son's side and took the hand that Xu Zaijing was supporting the old general.

Afterwards, the group passed through the palace gate and arrived near the main hall of the imperial palace, which was just one gate away.

Xu Zaijing followed behind, looking at the old man walking in front with deep emotion in his eyes.

Four years have passed since the pacification of Baigao Kingdom. When Xu Zaijing met the old general at Baigao Pass, the old man was still vigorous and capable, and was even able to ride his old horse to inspect the battlefield.

But a few years later, Xu Zaijing noticed that the old man seemed to have aged exceptionally quickly.

It was because of this incident that Xu Zaijing devised a way to get the old general to ride in a sedan chair.

Xu Zaijing's maternal grandparents and grandchildren had a good relationship with the Cao family, and Xu Minghua had previously served under the old general.

Moreover, the old general's daughter, son-in-law, and grandson were saved by Xu Zaijing several times.

It was only because Xu Zaijing was a junior that this was so difficult to deal with. If it were someone else's son, the old general who had commanded the army for many years and was known for his fiery temper would have already lost his temper if he were 'forced' like this.

After entering the palace, Xu Zaijing and the old general talked all the way.

Only then did I learn that the magnificent old horse I had seen at Baigao Pass had passed away peacefully last year.

Both he and the old general were horse lovers, and they sighed again.

The group entered the main hall.
Under the explanation of the Ministry of Rites officials,
Following the procedures to be followed a few days later, everyone walked around the main hall to familiarize themselves with their respective positions on the day of the ceremony.

Seemingly a habit left over from the battlefield, the old general insisted on walking the route twice before finally sitting down to rest.

Looking at Xu Zaijing, who was sitting on the side looking at Marquis Yongyi, the old general said, "What are you thinking about, kid?"

"Ah? General, I'm thinking..." Xu Zaijing stopped talking when he saw the old general waving his hand.

The old general laughed and said, "After the ceremony, you'll have to get used to referring to yourself as 'this king'."

Xu Zaijing paused for a moment, then smiled and nodded: "Yes. I was just thinking that on the day of the ceremony, you and Father should be in front of me."

“Hey! That’s not right.” The old general shook his head and said, “Your father and I are dukes, and you, boy, have been granted the title of prince, which is equivalent to that of a prince. In a sense, you are practically a member of the royal family.”

"Therefore, you cannot be behind me and your father."

Xu Zaijing: "But you and my father have made great contributions."

The old general shook his head: "Hard work and great achievements? If the villains' plot had succeeded last month, how could your father and I have any hard work and great achievements?"

"When the news gets out of reach, they'll summon the Cao family and your father to the capital with their sons, and then accuse them of plotting rebellion."

As he spoke, the old general patted Xu Zaijing on the shoulder with great emotion.

The old general had large hands, and despite his age, Xu Zaijing could still feel the strength in them.

The old general was quite satisfied with Xu Zaijing's strong and broad shoulders after the few pats.

He then chuckled softly, "If it weren't for that Lu family brat being as cunning as his grandfather, I might have petitioned His Majesty and the Empress to marry my Cao family's daughter to you."

Xu Zaijing was taken aback upon hearing this, and a somewhat embarrassed expression appeared on his face.

As a former subordinate of the old general, Xu Minghua knew that the general would not stop him from doing so.

Seeing Xu Zaijing's expression, the old general laughed heartily a few times and said, "I heard that the lad who was by your side in Baigao has also been granted a title?"

Xu Zaijing nodded.

The old general smiled and sighed, "Hmm, a bright future awaits!"

After going through the ceremony procedures again, Xu Minghua went to the government office to attend to official business, while the old general and Xu Zaijing went to the inner court of the palace. Inside the hall,

The Empress smiled and waved her hand, "Please take a seat."

After Xu Zaijing and General Cao bowed and thanked him, they sat down on the embroidered stool.

With Xu Zaijing present, the Empress only glanced at General Cao with some pity and reproach, and didn't say much.

The Empress's father is quite old, yet he is still such a worry.

After saying a few words,

"The Crown Princess has arrived."

As the eunuch announced the news, everyone in the hall stood up.

Seeing Gao Taotao, who was heavily pregnant, walk into the main hall, the Empress stood up and scolded her, "Taotao, didn't you say you didn't need to come?"

Gao Taotao bowed slightly to the Empress and the others in the hall, and said with a smile, "Mother, I originally wanted to obey your command, but the baby in my belly keeps moving around, making me restless."

"Perhaps they are urging me to come and see my elders."

As she spoke, the Crown Princess sat down in the chair with a backrest below the Empress.

Everyone laughed upon hearing this.

As they continued talking, Gao Taotao would always look at Xu Zaijing with earnest and sincere gratitude in her eyes.

At noon, Xu Zaijing was kept in the palace for lunch.

After dinner,

As the emperor rose to leave with Zhao Fang, he said, "Fifth Brother, come here too."

"According to the order."

The emperor was in front, and Xu Zaijing followed half a step behind Zhao Fang.

"After the investiture ceremony, do you have any plans for where you're going?"

The emperor asked without turning his head.

After glancing at Zhao Fang, Xu Zaijing said as he walked, "Your Majesty, I wish to travel to the north."

Without hesitation, the emperor nodded and said, "Very well! If you hadn't been granted the title of king, you should have spent a year or two at the Hanlin Academy."

After walking a few steps, the emperor turned back and said, "However, the most important matter in the court right now is to reclaim Yan and Yun. It won't be too late for you to return to my side after we've finished dealing with this."

Seeing the emperor's expression, Xu Zaijing nodded knowingly: "This humble subject understands."

"Ah."

Upon arriving at the study where the emperor and crown prince handled state affairs, Xu Zaijing sat to one side and listened for a while.

afterwards,

Zhao Fang presented a roster to Xu Zaijing like a treasure: "Brother Jing, as Father said, you are to lead an army yourself. You can choose any of the commanders and officers in this roster."

Xu Zaijing stood up, bowed, and accepted the document. After glancing at Zhao Fang, he smiled and began to read it.

After looking through the items for a while, the emperor, who had finished his business and was taking a short rest, looked over and asked with a smile, "Have you finished choosing?"

Xu Zaijing bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have copied them all onto paper."

The emperor smiled and nodded, saying, "Good! As for the name of this army, Fang'er begged me to allow you to name it yourself. Think of a name."

As he spoke, the emperor took a sip of his drink and looked at Xu Zaijing with a smile.

Xu Zaijing glanced gratefully at Zhao Fang, pondered for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, Your Highness, I have an idea."

"Tell me about it," the emperor said with a smile.

Xu Zaijing bowed: "Your humble servant has already designated it as the 'Destroying Vanguard Army'."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Fang's eyes lit up and he laughed, "'Jing led his light cavalry to break through the enemy lines and utterly defeated the Turks at Yinshan.' Hahaha, Brother Jing, you've chosen a good name."

Upon hearing this, the emperor shook his head and laughed, "You little rascal, you know how to take shortcuts! You've read quite a few books, I like that!"

The "Jing" that Zhao Fang mentioned did not refer to Xu Zaijing, but rather to a sentence in the newly revised history of the Great Zhou Dynasty describing the famous general "Li Jing" of the previous dynasty.

Even more coincidentally, the title of the famous general Li Jing of the previous dynasty was "Duke of Wei".

The emperor smiled broadly for a moment, then nodded to Xu Zaijing and said, "Good! This name is excellent, I approve!"

Zhao Fang smiled and raised an eyebrow.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Xu Zaijing bowed and clasped his hands in thanks.

in the afternoon,

Xu Zaijing left the palace and returned to Quyuan Street.

The emperor and Zhao Fang also returned to the inner court.

When eating together,

The Empress carefully chose her words and said, "Your Majesty, my father spoke a few words to me before he left."

The emperor was taken aback, and asked gently, "What did the old general say?"

The Empress sighed softly and said, "."

Later,
When the lights come on,

Consort Rong's bedroom

"Your Majesty, the elder sister from the Empress's side has arrived."

Consort Rong, who was having dinner with her son, quickly stood up and said, "Please come in quickly."

The next day,

morning,

On the banks of the palace moat, the Chai family's Qiusheng Garden.

Yawning, Chai Zhengzheng sat down in front of the dressing table.

Looking at Yunmu in the mirror, Chai Zhengzheng closed her eyes and said, "Don't make the hairstyle too complicated. Anyway, I still need to continue embroidering this morning."

As he spoke, Chai Zhengzheng yawned again.

“Miss, the maidservant from the Madam’s side just came to say that the Madam will be having dinner with you. You don’t need to go to the main hall later.”

"Hmm—" Chai Zhengzheng opened her eyes and looked at Yunmu curiously: "How did you get here today? Mother is actually having dinner with me?"

"This slave doesn't know."

"alright."

After washing up, a maid would set out breakfast on the table.

quickly,

"Madam is here."

Amidst the announcement, Madam Chai stepped into the house.

Looking at her beautiful youngest daughter, Mrs. Chai couldn't help but smile.

"Mother, please sit down! What made you decide to come to your daughter's place today?" Chai Zhengzheng asked with a smile.

Seeing the way her mother was looking at her, Chai Zhengzheng touched her cheek in confusion.

“Zhengzheng, His Majesty and the Empress bestowed a marriage upon each other, and the Imperial Observatory gave several auspicious dates.”

Chai Zhengzheng nodded.

"Originally, we intended to let our two families choose for ourselves, but news came from the palace last night that His Majesty personally set the nearest date."

"Huh? The closest date?" Chai Zhengzheng exclaimed in surprise, "How could that be?"

As he spoke, Chai Zhengzheng couldn't help but raise the corners of his mouth.

Seeing the look of 'a daughter is not meant to stay at home' in her mother's eyes, Chai Zhengzheng quickly pursed her lips to make herself appear less happy.

(End of this chapter)