The evil forces roaming the heavens

Chapter 1275 The Jia family hosts a banquet, and Daiyu pays her respects to her husband!
A few days later, the whole capital learned that the daughter of Lin Ruhai, the Salt Commissioner, was going to be engaged.

It's important to understand that in ancient times, when filial piety was strictly enforced, adopted daughters, though not entitled to inheritance from their master's family, could still enjoy protection!

After serving tea and wine, Lin Daiyu now had the Marquis of Zhongwu as her patron.
At that time, let alone Jia Baoyu's flippant suggestion of a nickname, even the slightest disrespect in his words would be considered as pointing a finger at Zhang Cheng and cursing him!

Just as Jia Lian was pondering how to pay his respects, the invitation from the Earl of Zhongwu had already arrived.

Looking at the letter in her hand, Wang Xifeng's eyes widened as she exclaimed, "Lin Daiyu has become the adopted sister of the Marquis of Zhongwu!"

"She really did get into the wrong sedan chair!"

Staring at the letter in astonishment, Jia Lian was also taken aback.
Because he never expected that Lin Daiyu would not only get into the wrong sedan chair, but also find him such a powerful backer in the capital!
Although both families share the surname Jia, Jia Lian did not believe that the Earl of Zhongwu in Jinling would give the Jia family any face.

Inside Rongxi Hall, Grandmother Jia looked at the letter in her hand and asked in confusion, "Why did Yu'er become a godmother? Why didn't she discuss it with me?"

"Grand Ancestor, this is a good thing! Lin Daiyu has become the sworn brother of the Marquis of Zhongwu. Doesn't this bring the two families closer together?"

When Wang Xifeng addressed Grandmother Jia, she smiled.
Upon hearing Wang Xifeng's words, Grandmother Jia immediately beamed and said, "What you said, Fenglazi, is quite right. After all, we're old relatives, hahaha!"

Looking at Grandmother Jia, Lady Wang's prayer beads kept spinning, because she hadn't even had a chance to "take care" of Lin Daiyu yet, and how had this little hussy found a backer!
"Pack the gifts. I'm going to visit the old lady in person in a couple of days! I'll also take the opportunity to see my Yu'er!"

Addressing Wang Xifeng below, Grandmother Jia couldn't help but become excited.
However, what she didn't expect was that Zhang Cheng's move wasn't about currying favor with the Jia family at all, but rather about shattering the Jia family's unrealistic fantasies.
Without ginseng to nourish his family, he wanted to see how the Jia family would continue to prosper amidst the raging fire.

Look at that big-faced Bao who always talks about traitors and parasites, how he became ambitious after the Jia family was completely ruined!
Inside the palace, in the study,

Zhang Cheng, dressed in official robes, was bowing respectfully to Emperor Hongde.

"You've acknowledged Lin Ruhai's daughter as your sister?"

Turning to look at Zhang Cheng, Emperor Hongde's face showed no joy, but rather a deep sense of mockery.
"Your Majesty, I did this for my mother's sake. As you know, my mother's health has been poor since I was born, and my father passed away unexpectedly. She has always wanted a daughter."

"My father told me from a young age that children from poor families should learn to be independent early."

While feigning misery, Zhang Cheng looked at Emperor Hongde and couldn't help but feel aggrieved.

He had come to understand that Emperor Hongde did not want him to get too close to the Jia family.
After all, that family was incredibly stupid, so stupid that even Emperor Hongde was speechless.
If they can even manage to produce a prince born with a jade in his mouth, what can't these fools do? If it involves his beloved general, wouldn't Emperor Hongde have a terrible headache?
The Emperor Emeritus: That was my beloved general, the name that will be remembered both before and after my death!

"Enough! Stop talking!"

Raising his hand to stop Zhang Cheng from continuing, Emperor Hongde couldn't help but ask, "Are you confident that you can completely control the Divine Pivot Camp?"

The Emperor Hongde quickly changed the subject and became serious.
"Your Majesty, the Divine Pivot Camp should be your blade! After all, I am not a piece of trash like Prince Teng!"

Looking at the Hongde Emperor before him, Zhang Cheng immediately raised his head and spoke.
"Stop belittling Wang Ziteng; he's still your superior!"

Seeing Zhang Cheng immediately begin to berate Wang Ziteng, Emperor Hongde also laughed.
"But he's a good-for-nothing, and I wasn't wrong!"

When explaining to Emperor Hongde, Zhang Cheng made one thing clear: he knew he was wrong, he admitted his mistake, but he just wouldn't change!

"Alright, Zitong, you've also prepared a gift for your mother's reunification with her daughter. Now you may leave!"

Waving his hand, Emperor Hongde couldn't help but speak.
"Your Majesty's great favor and Your Majesty's Empress's reward!"

With a broad smile, Zhang Cheng looked at Emperor Hongde. Watching Zhang Cheng leave, Emperor Hongde couldn't help but sigh, "That lad is still too young!"

Several days later, guests gathered at the Marquis of Zhongwu's residence.
Amidst the bustling traffic, kings, dukes, and marquises all gathered here.

Seeing that many of the noble families had sent their heads in person, Jia She remained silent.
Because the Rongguo Mansion was like this back then, but now, everything is basically done by the steward or the women of the mansion. It's nothing like the Rongguo Mansion of today!
Upon seeing the three characters "Lord Zhongwu," Jia She couldn't help but smile, then led his men inside.
While Zhang Cheng was in charge of entertaining guests at the front, chatting with Feng Tang and others about the military town's profits, a voice came from outside the door: "The Emperor Emeritus has issued an edict."

Upon hearing this voice, many people came out and hurriedly went to receive the imperial decree.
"Is Lin Daiyu here?"

At the shrill voice, Dai Quan couldn't help but start driving.

"The commoner girl Lin Daiyu is here."

Stepping forward, Lin Daiyu knelt before her.
"By the grace of Heaven and by imperial decree, it is said: Lin Daiyu, daughter of Salt Inspector Lin Ruhai, is intelligent, quick-witted, dignified, and virtuous. She is hereby granted the title of Lady of Antang County."

Just as Dai Quan was reading the imperial edict, everyone present gasped in shock, because did the retired emperor really value Zhang Cheng so much?

You know, if it were because of Lin Ruhai's influence, the ban wouldn't have been issued now. This is clearly a demonstration of his affection for Zhang Cheng!

"Lord of Antang County, it's time to receive the imperial decree!"

Looking at Lin Daiyu with a smile on his face, Dai Quan couldn't help but smile back.
"Your subject, Lin Daiyu, receives the imperial decree!"

Upon receiving the imperial edict, Lin Daiyu felt lightheaded, for she had never imagined that she would one day become a county princess. Even the lowest rank of fifth-grade county princess represented the emperor's favor!
"Grand Eunuch Dai, please tell the Emperor Emeritus that I am truly moved to tears!"

Grasping Dai Quan's hand, Zhang Cheng hurriedly stuffed silver notes into his hand, a smile appearing in his eyes.
"It's good that Commander Jia knows. The Emperor Emeritus loves you the most!"

Looking at Zhang Cheng with a big smile, Dai Quan also became happy.

Staring at Lin Daiyu in astonishment, even Grandmother Jia hadn't expected that her granddaughter would be granted the title of County Lady by the imperial family.

Looking at Lin Daiyu, Madam Wang's face darkened.
Back then, she was suppressed by Jia Min. Now, her daughter has just entered the capital and has become a county princess, and she's even a fifth-rank official. Doesn't she have to bow to her when she meets her?
Watching Zhang Cheng and Dai Quan chatting happily, Lin Daiyu seemed to understand something at this moment. It seemed that the royal family did not bestow the title upon her for her father's sake, but rather because her elder brother was receiving the royal honor!

At the ceremony, everyone offered their blessings and gifts.

Looking at Lin Daiyu, Jia Baoyu broke free from Grandmother Jia's embrace and said, "I've seen this younger sister before!"

With wide eyes, the heads of the various households were also taken aback upon hearing this, as if the Jia family had raised an idiot!

"Shut up, you newborn!"

Seeing Jia Baoyu's expression, Jia She quickly realized what was happening and nudged Jia Zheng, who was also dumbfounded.

Just as Jia Baoyu saw Jia Zheng rushing over, his eyes widened immediately, and he turned and ran.
Seeing this, everyone present burst into laughter. Even Zhang Cheng couldn't help but tease, "As expected of a stubborn rock, its wounds heal so quickly! But Uncle Zheng went too far. I have to send two iron thorns to the Rongguo Mansion!"

Staring at Zhang Cheng in shock, Jia Wei looked on with suspicion, wondering if his uncle was a demon!
Who uses iron thorns to beat a child?!

Zhang Cheng: This thing is definitely more effective than clothes hangers and broomsticks when you fight!

(End of this chapter)