Imperial Cultivation

58: Chapter 56 The Minister of Clan Affairs

58 -56 The Minister of Clan Affairs

Chu Zhiyao was in high spirits and full of confidence as he descended seven steps, coming before the four people.

He kept his fists clasped, his face beaming with a smile: “Nephew apologizes for not welcoming you from afar.

Please forgive me, Third Uncle and Third Aunt.

Father is currently having a conversation with Uncle Nine…

being reprimanded by Uncle Nine.”

“Old Uncle Nine…” Chu Minghou shook his head with a smile, evaluating Chu Zhiyao: “Yao’er, you’ve grown up too, heroic and vigorous, not at all inferior to your father.

Truly commendable, commendable.”

Seeing Chu Zhiyao in front of him, it was as if he was seeing a young Prince Xuan, a feeling of affection rose, stemming from the closeness of blood.

“Third Uncle, you’re flattering me.

Please, come inside quickly,” Chu Zhiyao said with a smile.

Chu Zhiyuan said: “Third Brother, it’s been a tiring day.”

“Ah, it’s nothing compared to the border.

Old Nine and Old Ten, they’ve all arrived, even Uncle Eighteen is here too,” Chu Zhiyao replied.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled: “We’re the closest, yet we arrived the latest.”

As they walked inside, passing the tall threshold of the main gate and turning past the wall adorned with blessings of longevity, they were greeted by a lush grove of pine trees.

Guest Welcoming Pine, Beauty Pine, Myriad Leaf Pine…

each species of pine stood proud under the lights, teeming with vitality.

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head secretly.

To plant pine trees in the front hall, this Fourth Uncle, Prince Xuan, was indeed quite peculiar.

These pine trees were all meticulously pruned, evidently well cared for.

Among the pines stood two exquisite pavilions with octagonal flying eaves and carved beams and painted rafters.

Decorative lanterns illuminated the pavilions with a warm glow, while the hearths inside burned red hot, the heat contained by surrounding curtains.

Even so, it was a winter night, unsuitable for civil servants.

Only those with profound cultivation remained in the pavilion.

The two small pavilions were already filled with people, laughter and banter echoing throughout, creating a bustling scene.

Chu Zhiyuan and the three others followed Chu Zhiyao towards the front hall.

The front hall was veiled with thick white felt curtains, obscuring the scene inside.

What Chu Zhiyuan saw with his Super Sense was that inside the front hall, it was cold and quiet, with only two people talking.

One was a middle-aged man as robust as a lion, the other an emaciated elder.

The emaciated elder walked with hands behind his back, speaking as the lion-like middle-aged man bowed his head, obediently listening.

“You, can’t you do something proper all day long?

Just for a birthday, such a big fuss is necessary?

You never did this in previous years!”

“…”

“Because of Yao’er?

Now that Yao’er is accomplished, you feel capable too, eager to show off?”

“Uncle Nine—!”

“And with so many officials, it’s unnoticeable how many ministers you’ve unknowingly befriended.

You’re truly remarkable at social maneuvering!”

“Uncle Nine misunderstands,” the lion-like middle-aged man hastily waved his hand: “I only tried sending out posts, unexpectedly, everyone came.”

“That’s because you have a big enough face!” The emaciated elder sneered: “Once the post went out, all officials of Third Grade and above came to offer gifts.

Doesn’t that seem too greedy?”

“Uncle Nine, I won’t accept their gifts.”

“Who knows if you’ll accept or not?”

“I absolutely won’t!”

“Returning gifts also earns you a wave of goodwill.

Such a shrewd calculation, Old Fourth, I didn’t see you had such a skill, quite impressive!”

“Uncle Nine, please stop mocking me.”

“Mock you?

It’s you mocking me!” The emaciated elder snorted: “If I’d known, I’d have spared this trip, shouldn’t have come!”

“Uncle Nine, you’re really misunderstanding me.

I just wanted them to see, I, Old Fourth, am not idle, I also contribute to the Court!”

“What contributions?

Oh, because of Yao’er; you think having raised a good son is a big achievement!”

“Uncle Nine, isn’t it?”

“…

Alright, alright, fortunately, Yao’er doesn’t take after you but rather our elder brother!”

“That too is my ability, having a son like Father,” his tone filled with unending pride.

Chu Zhiyao stopped, awkwardly turning to look at Chu Minghou.

Chu Minghou shook his head with a bitter smile, raising his voice: “Uncle Nine.”

Chu Zhiyuan saw that the two behind the thick felt curtains turned their heads to look over.

Chu Zhiyao stepped forward and lifted the curtain, motioning for them to enter the room.

Chu Minghou took the lead, stepping into the hall, cupping his fists and bowing deeply: “Nephew Minghou pays respects to Uncle Nine!”

“Old Third!” The emaciated elder hurried forward two steps, helping Chu Minghou up, assessing him, and, seeing the white hair at his temples, his eyes reddened.

“Third Brother, Third Sister-in-law.” The lion-like middle-aged man clasped his fists with a smiling face: “Third Sister-in-law, you remain as elegant as ever.”

Bai Ningshuang pursed her lips with a light laugh: “Fourth Brother, congratulations.”

The emaciated elder Chu Qingyan held Chu Minghou’s hand, his eyes red, lips trembling: “Minghou, you’ve aged quite a bit.”

“Uncle Nine is still as strong as ever, unchanged,” Chu Minghou said, gripping his hand with a smile: “Still so vigorous when scolding people.”

“Hmph, shouldn’t Old Fourth be scolded?” Chu Qingyan drew back the moisture in his eyes, his earlier excitement seemingly an illusion, and cast a sidelong glance at Chu Mingqiang: “Looking like an arrogant upstart, disgracing our Chu Family!”

“Ning Shuang pays respects to Uncle Nine.” Bai Ningshuang curtseyed.

“Greetings to Uncle Nine.” Both Chu Zhiyuan and Chu Yi also bowed.

“Sigh…” Chu Qingyan nodded to Bai Ningshuang, then gazed at Chu Zhiyuan and Chu Yi, sighing: “In the blink of an eye, Bai girl, you’ve become a mother, yet you still look as playful as ever…

Yuan’er is a successful child, Third Brother is truly fortunate.”

Bai Ningshuang chuckled lightly: “Uncle Nine, you are the first to say the Prince is fortunate.”

Chu Qingyan laughed: “Old Third married you, such a virtuous helper, with such obedient daughters and accomplished sons, isn’t he satisfied?”

“Ke ke…” Bai Ningshuang laughed, her smile like a blossoming flower: “Uncle Nine, you really know how to compliment people.”

Chu Minghou said with a smile: “Uncle Nine, today is Fourth Brother’s birthday, to reprimand him can wait until after today, let’s not spoil everyone’s mood.”

“Alright then.” Chu Qingyan nodded with a smile, but turning his head, his expression turned stern, glaring at Prince Xuan, Chu Mingqiang: “Learn to use your brain!”

“Uncle Nine is always biased toward Third Brother.” Chu Mingqiang muttered a few words, hurriedly saying: “Uncle Nine, Third Brother, come, let’s be seated behind.

Third Sister-in-law, you ladies are in another courtyard, Yao’er, Yao’er!”

Chu Zhiyao hurried forward: “Father.”

“Take your Third Aunt and the others to find your mother.”

“Yes.”

Chu Mingqiang then led Chu Qingyan, Chu Minghou, and Chu Zhiyuan directly to the eastern side courtyard, quickly arriving at the rear courtyard.

…

The courtyard of the eastern rear garden was spacious, paved with blue bricks, and there were some plum blossoms.

The main house had eight rooms, and each of the east and west wing rooms also had eight.

The front rooms were all open at this time, each room very lively.

Chu Minghou and Chu Qingyan went to the central eastern room of the main house, while Chu Zhiyuan entered the central western room of the main house.

As soon as he entered, he saw Chu Mingxuan, Chu Zhitian, and Chu Zhichuan.

Seeing him arrive, the thirty or so youths around the table all stood and cupped their fists in greeting.

Chu Zhiyuan returned the greeting with a cupped fist and went to the main guest seat by Chu Mingxuan, smiling: “Uncle Eighteen, you’re not going to the room next door?”

“Over there, it’s too uncomfortable, conversations wouldn’t align,” Chu Mingxuan waved his hand: “It’s more lively here; you know I like to be where the fun is.”

Chu Zhitian agreed: “Exactly, exactly, Uncle Eighteen should be here where it’s lively!

Going over there listening to them talk makes one drowsy, too boring!”

Chu Mingxuan pulled Chu Zhiyuan to sit beside him: “You saw Uncle Nine, right?”

Chu Zhiyuan nodded.

Chu Mingxuan acted relieved, patting his chest: “Good thing I came early, escaped a disaster.”

Chu Zhiyuan laughed: “Uncle Eighteen, it’s not that bad, is it?”

“Every time he sees me, he has to nag for ages, it gives me a headache,” Chu Mingxuan said with grimace: “Afraid of running into him by arriving late, so I came early.”

The others all empathized, wearing expressions of fear.

Chu Zhiyuan finally understood they arrived so early just to avoid Great Grandmaster Chu Qingyan.

As Great Grandmaster, akin to the Director of the Court’s Registry, he was the most powerful and respected person of the Da Jing royal family.

For these juniors, Chu Qingyan was always painstakingly advising, fearing they wouldn’t walk the right path or work hard, as soon as he saw them, he would mentor them.

Those present were all from Mingwu Hall, specially arranged by Chu Zhiyao to gather in one room, thus the atmosphere was the liveliest and most dynamic.

Chu Mingxuan leaned in, chuckling: “Old Fourth, aren’t you curious, with men and women seated separately, how to meet?”

Chu Zhiyuan smiled: “Being separated isn’t surprising.”

The Da Jing Dynasty was open-minded, but not to the point of men and women sitting at the same table; a table for men and a table for women was the basic norm.

Chu Mingxuan said: “After dinner, there’ll be theatre, acrobatics and martial displays, then it won’t be segregated seating, you’ll get to see the Commandery Princesses, County Lords, and maidens of each family.”

Chu Zhiyuan nodded but didn’t pay much attention.

——

Food and wine were quickly served.

There, being among close individuals, with Chu Mingxuan as the senior most, Chu Zhiyao personally stayed to accompany.

With Chu Mingxuan present, adept at creating an atmosphere, there was no fear of the banquet turning dull, soon the air was filled with enjoyment.

During the meal, Chu Zhiyao said with a smile: “Later, some folks will come over to toast, Old Fourth, be careful.”

Chu Zhiyuan was puzzled.

Chu Zhiyao said: “Heard someone saying you plan to marry Xiao girl from the Duke An Mansion, the number one beauty of Yujing.

Many folks have eyes on that Xiao girl.”

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled: “Baseless rumor.”

“Since it’s circulated, there’s likely some truth,” Chu Zhiyao laughed: “No smoke without fire.”

Chu Zhiyuan smiled without arguing.

The Duke An Mansion indeed intended to marry Xiao Ruoling to him, only needing his nod, and the marriage would pretty much be set.

Being a hereditary State Duke Mansion, the current Duke An was mediocre, talent limited, acting cautiously and conservatively.

Although the Prince Qing Mansion had declined, the identity of a Prince still stood firm, not to mention King Qing’s reputation was good, being straightforward and loyal.

The heir of a State Duke married to a Prince Heir was considered well-matched.

Chu Zhiyuan had been hesitant to give his assent because he hadn’t seen her in person and didn’t know Xiao Ruoling’s character.

While it was hard for a great man to avoid having an unvirtuous wife or unfilial children, he didn’t want too much involvement in romantic affairs, preferring to focus on cultivation to become a Great Grandmaster sooner.

Thus, a stable household was needed to allow him peace of mind for cultivation.

However, if her conduct was poor, no matter how beautiful, he couldn’t marry her.

If her character was good enough, marrying her would be acceptable.

He had been indecisive because forming an alliance with the Duke An Mansion also had benefits.

Although the current generation of Duke An Mansion was not strong, as a hereditary State Duke Mansion, forming a marriage alliance could indeed bolster the position of the Prince Qing Mansion by three points.

So he had been vague about the matter.

He was always looking for an opportunity, hoping to see the Inspection Department’s dossier on the Duke An Mansion, thereby obtaining a thorough understanding of the Duke An Mansion.

But the opportunity had never presented itself.