Chapter 676: Chapter 670, 671: World Astounded (Part 2)

Geng Songfu, Zuo Lianglun, and Chen Cultivator were all stunned, not knowing where this joy came from.

Upon further inquiry, they learned that a great victory had been achieved at the front, with the rebellious Lu Sheng and Chu Yan annihilated. When Duke An was promoted to King Wei, they vaguely pieced together the reason and hurriedly went to receive the decree.

Quarter of an hour later.

Geng Songfu, Zuo Lianglun, and Chen Cultivator held the holy decree, their eyes blank.

Geng Songfu was unexpectedly appointed as the Minister of the Secretariat, overseeing the Six Ministries.

It’s worth noting that the Minister of the Secretariat is also referred to as Prime Minister.

Previously, Xu Guozhong and Lu Sheng held the post of Minister of the Secretariat.

Honestly speaking, Geng Songfu never imagined that he could take on the role of Prime Minister, even in his dreams.

In his view, even if Chen Mo had defeated Lu Sheng, the position of Prime Minister should have been assigned to Chen Mo, yet it was bestowed upon him.

Geng Songfu thought, what merit or ability does he have...

He was approaching the age of seventy, and although he was a Middle-Grade Martial Artist, his life was counting down, yet he could still...

But to say he wasn’t happy or excited would be false.

Since ancient times, which official has not longed to be ennobled and appointed as Prime Minister?

With a thud, he knelt on the ground, tears streaming down his face, overwhelmed with joy: "Thinking of me, Geng Songfu, at this age, still able to reach such a high rank, truly Heaven’s protection. Thank you, King Wei, thank You Majesty..."

It goes without saying that this must be Chen Mo’s idea.

At this moment, even if Chen Mo asked him to die on the spot, he wouldn’t hesitate.

"Congratulations Lord Geng... no, Prime Minister," Zuo Lianglun and Chen Cultivator hastened to congratulate Geng Songfu.

Their positions weren’t low either; one was appointed Minister of Revenue, the other Minister of Rites, both remarkable titles.

"Congratulations, congratulations." Geng Songfu shakily stood up and said to the two: "Just now, the celestial envoy said, after receiving the decree, we should instantly proceed to the capital to assume our positions. Let’s pack up and accompany the celestial envoy to the capital."

"Wait a moment, I need to send someone home to announce the good news." Zuo Lianglun laughed.

Chen Cultivator said, "In that case, shall we bring the list of Imperial Examination Champions with us?"

Incidentally.

As the saying goes, when one person attains enlightenment, even chickens and dogs ascend to heaven.

With the promotion of Geng Songfu and Zuo Lianglun, Wei Linchun, originally just the County Magistrate of Xiangyang, also became the Prefect of Linzhou.

Furthermore, Huang Xiu, the County Magistrate of Longmen County in Yu State, was promoted to the Prefect of Yuzhou.

...

With the news of Chen Mo’s appointment as king spreading in Xiangyang, the Imperial Examination results were also announced on the same day.

Instantly, the whole of Xiangyang burst into cheers, astonishment, and jubilation.

Fu Ze Restaurant.

"My master’s son performed brilliantly, ranked thirty-seventh in the advanced scholar examination. Today’s entire venue consumption is on my Qin Family, everyone cheers for joy." A middle-aged man dressed as a steward shouted in the ground-floor hall, causing an uproar of cheering.

After speaking, the steward didn’t linger but rushed to the next tavern or restaurant, as if intending to treat the entire city.

Second floor of Fu Ze Restaurant.

Jiang Quyang looked at Sun City, who was ranked eighth on the list, and smiled: "Sun, with Duke An successfully supporting the king and now promoted to King Wei, will our upcoming examination be held in Celestial River? Then we might see Your Majesty."

Yet Sun City was muttering Guo Ning’s name under his breath.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Quyang said disdainfully, "Sun, really? You’re still thinking about the Imperial Examination Champion’s name."

What Jiang Quyang didn’t know was that after topping the Linzhou provincial examination, Sun City had become somewhat arrogant, treating everyone as inferior, which fostered his ambition and resolve to seize the Imperial Examination Champion title.

Unexpectedly, not only did he not become the Champion, but he slipped to eighth place among the advanced scholars. Though still among the top, it clearly didn’t meet his expectations, so even two hours after the announcement, he couldn’t let it go.

"Guo Ning, I will definitely defeat you in the upcoming imperial examination." Sun City gulped down the wine in his cup.

...

The city of Xiangyang was awash with celebration, and Copper Sparrow Garden quickly received the news.

It was the early spring season, the weather warming up, Princess Zhaoqing, Chu Ran, in a pink dress, quietly sat behind a long table, holding a book in her hands, reading intently.

After listening to Xu Ying earlier, Chu Ran’s style had changed, becoming more youthful and vibrant.

"Princess." Just then, a voice sounded from outside.

Chu Ran put down the book, lifted her brows: "Aunt?"

Chu Ran rose, opened the door, and saw Xiao Yunxi dressed brightly and beautifully, asking: "Aunt, why did you come? Who is this?"

Chu Ran looked at the girl behind Xiao Yunxi.

"This is Xiaoya, whom I mentioned to you earlier, Your Highness." Xiao Yunxi turned to Xiaoya and said: "Xiaoya, pay respects to the Princess."

"Your Highness." In a white dress, the pure and charming Xiaoya saluted Chu Ran.

"I’m no longer a princess... Xiaoya, you need not stand on ceremony." Chu Ran’s eyes flashed with unease.

After all, she called Xiao Yunxi aunt, and Xiaoya, being her niece, was technically of a higher seniority, yet she also referred to her as Xiaoya.

Xiaoya didn’t mind, only finding the Princess easy to get along with.

Once seated inside, Xiao Yunxi spoke first: "Your Highness, have you heard? The rebellious Lu Sheng and Chu Yan have been eliminated, my husband has accomplished the task of expelling treachery and driving away foreign foes, and has been promoted to King Wei, presumably returning soon or taking us to the capital."

"Really?" A trace of astonishment appeared in Chu Ran’s eyes, followed by a murmur: "An... King Wei is indeed extraordinary, ever the victorious general; whenever he leads an army, there’s never been a defeat."

"The news has spread throughout the city, so there’s no doubt. Nowadays people talk about how my husband is an immortal descended from the heavens," Xiao Yunxi chuckled.

Since Chen Mo raised his army, he has carried a mysterious aura, being referred to in the army as Immortal Master Chen.

After defeating the "allegedly" Second-Grade Lu Sheng, Chen Mo was naturally further mythologized, even to the extent that Chen Mo himself wasn’t aware, due to excessive mythologization, making people feel that whatever Chen Mo did was normal and heaven-permitted, even tales of his love for women were seen as heavenly arrangements.

"In this way, the greatest threat within the country has been removed, and he has been appointed King Wei, then..." Chu Ran didn’t dare to say the rest.

But consulting the historical records, one could realize that reaching this stage leaves no option but to progress further, otherwise, after his death, he risks being purged and avenged.

Xiao Yunxi understood what Chu Ran wanted to say, and immediately chuckled: "Your Highness, there’s another good news, my husband rescued the King of Chenliu, who has now been elevated to the Supreme Emperor. Your position as Princess will soon be reinstated."

This was indeed good news; no matter what, King of Chenliu was her "Huang."

"Haven’t congratulated aunt yet, now that Duke An has been crowned king, aunt becomes the Side Princess Consort." Chu Ran said.

Hearing this, Xiao Yunxi’s gaze darkened, Chu Ran hesitated, then realized she misspoke and quickly apologized.

Xiao Yunxi shook her head, indicating it was fine, then said: "This time coming, besides sharing this news with Your Highness, I also hope Your Highness can help me with something."

Chu Ran was momentarily stunned before saying: "Aunt, please speak."

Xiao Yunxi found it difficult to speak but eventually voiced her request: "I hope that when my husband returns, Your Highness can join me and Xiaoya to serve together...

In that case, Your Highness might be able to move out of Copper Sparrow Garden and obtain a status."

Upon hearing this, Chu Ran’s face flushed red, and Xiaoya was no better.

Chu Ran looked at her aunt incredulously, feeling she was increasingly unlike the aunt she remembered; this was too...

Also, she thought of Xu Ying’s earlier advice to ally for warmth.

If this were to add...

Chu Ran dared not imagine.

This was becoming too ridiculous.