Chapter 678: Chapter 672-673: Zhang River: The Prince Is Truly a Man of Sentiment

"Guo Ning..."

The real identity is Dai Tu’s "Guo Xian". When he saw the name of the Imperial Examination Champion on the advanced scholar list, he couldn’t help but be taken aback.

"Does the young friend know the Champion?" Zhao Daoxian asked.

"In response to Lord Zhao, I also have a friend named Guo Ning, same name, but he failed the provincial exam. Seeing the name of the Imperial Examination Champion being also Guo Ning, I was momentarily stunned." Dai Tu quickly answered.

Zhao Daoxian did not have any suspicions, as after all, "Guo Xian" is from Cangzhou. He said, "I’ve heard this Guo Ning is a candidate from Huai State. The southern region has inherently deeper foundations than the northern region and wasn’t much affected by war. It’s quite normal for a Champion to emerge. If young friend Guo Xian had the learning environment of southern students, who knows where the Champion honor would have landed."

Dai Tu’s palm involuntarily trembled, then he calmly said, "Lord Zhao overpraises."

Zhang River was very pleased with Zhao Daoxian’s remarks.

Indeed, scholars always speak very eloquently and beautifully.

"Since major matters are settled, does Lord Zhao know when the Prince will return? I was planning on having the Prince officiate their wedding ceremony." Zhang River openly expressed his thoughts.

Zhao Daoxian chuckled lightly and said, "General Zhang might not know, but there was a major upheaval in Luonan, seemingly an earthquake. The court plans to move the capital to Celestial River, and the Prince might not come back anytime soon. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Moreover, Lord Geng Songfu has already been appointed as Prime Minister with the Prince’s recommendation and is now serving in the capital. The Prince might settle permanently in Celestial River in the future."

"What, Lord Geng has been appointed Prime Minister?!" Zhang River was already surprised by Zhao Daoxian’s earlier statement.

Regarding Geng Songfu, Zhang River is very familiar. A native of Gaozhou, once served as County Magistrate of Wutai County in Gaozhou, and later, during chaotic times, moved to Qingzhou, joined the then-rising Chen Mo, served as County Captain of Pingting County.

Subsequently, as Chen Mo’s rank rose, Geng Songfu also soared, first as County Magistrate of Pingting County, then as Prefect of Qingzhou and Huai State, and now has become the Prime Minister of the empire.

Zhao Daoxian smiled and said, "Not only Lord Geng, but also Lord Zuo Lianglun and Lord Huang Xiu from Yu State...even myself, have also been promoted a grade."

After hearing all this, Zhang River’s eyes became somewhat lost.

Chen Mo truly treats his subordinates well. He eats meat, and they too can eat meat. Even the worst can drink the soup.

If only he hadn’t been shortsighted and embezzled several hundred taels back then, with his seniority of being the first to follow Chen Mo, his accomplishments might have been very high now.

But unfortunately, there’s no medicine for regret in this world.

Now he can only pin his hopes on "Guo Xian."

He said, "If the Prince settles in Celestial River, what about Zhu’Er’s marriage?"

"General Zhang, don’t worry. The date for the imperial exam is not set. When Lord Geng and the others enter the capital, they will undoubtedly bring up the matter of the imperial exam. Who knows, Guo Xiaoyou might enter the capital to participate in the imperial exam. If Guo Xiaoyou succeeds, wouldn’t having the new couple marry in Celestial River be even better? Perhaps even Your Majesty might attend." Zhao Daoxian said.

Upon hearing this, Zhang River’s eyes lit up. Perhaps this could be an opportunity for the Zhang family to move to Celestial River.

However, Dai Tu’s face showed no trace of delight, and there was even a strong sense of concern.

Zhao Daoxian did not stay long at the Zhang family. After chatting with Zhang River for a while about past matters, he left.

After Zhao Daoxian left, Zhang River immediately asked "Guo Xian," "My good son-in-law, what kind of official position is Inspector General of the Ministry of Works? Is it significant?"

The court has numerous official positions, and roles like Inspector General of the Ministry of Works are something Zhang River had never heard of before.

At that moment, Dai Tu was preoccupied with his thoughts and directly responded without being very tactful, "It is merely a non-office status in the Great Song, without any official duties, not formally appointed, but has a status higher than a regular official."

Upon hearing this, Zhang River’s complexion changed.

Even Zhao Daoxian had been promoted while Zhang River wasn’t promoted at all but only given an honorary title.

Could it be that the Prince hasn’t forgotten about that past incident?

At this moment, Dai Tu recovered from his earlier emotions, noticed Zhang River’s peculiar expression, and, aware of the hidden story, hurriedly said, "Father-in-law, don’t worry. Although Inspector General of the Ministry of Works is a leisurely position, at least we can see that King Wei has not forgotten about father-in-law. The fact that he took the time amidst his busy schedule to confer father-in-law the title shows King Wei still remembers their past friendship and has forgotten about the previous incident.

If father-in-law doesn’t repeat past mistakes, there’s no reason he can’t assist King Wei in the future."

Being comforted by "Guo Xian," Zhang River’s eyes lit up, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

Yes, if the Prince were still fixated on past matters.

He could have completely ignored him, why bother giving him the title of Inspector General of the Ministry of Works?

It just shows that the Prince is a person who values past relationships.

As long as the son-in-law he has chosen impresses the Prince, he will be seen as assisting the Prince by bringing in talent and alleviating worries, so there could still be opportunities for future use.

Zhang River already made up his mind that he would have to study harder from now on.

This way, if the Prince needs him in the future, he can keep up with the pace and not be completely useless.

Of course, his increased study isn’t in cultivation, but in management.

He knows himself well enough that he isn’t suited for cultivation and should choose the relatively easier path.

...

Xiao Family and Wu Family.

Knowing what happened in Luonan, the entire family felt as if they were in a honey pot, almost giddy with sweetness.

Particularly the Wu Family.

Truth be told, at that time, the Wu Family was "stuck in their ways," indifferent to power in the court. They proceeded with the marriage alliance with Chen Mo when forced, and after Chen Mo married Wu Mi, the matter was settled and could not be changed, so naturally, the Wu Family hoped to gain more benefits from it.

And Chen Mo did not disappoint them.

First, Lady of the County.

Then, First-class Duke’s wife, First-class Imperial Decree Lady.

And now, Princess Consort Wei.

Even the Patriarch of the family became one of the Three Ministers, the Minister of Works.

One could say, with this, the Wu Family firmly holds a place among the Seven Great Noble Families.

Most importantly, Wu Mi is the legitimate wife and has given birth to a son—Chen Jia.

As long as nothing happens to Chen Jia, the Wu Family will remain secure.

If in the future Chen Jia becomes the Crown Prince, the Wu Family’s status will rise accordingly.

Now the Wu Family is starting to consider increasing their initial investment.

The treasure seized from the Huai Prince back then could be brought out.

Of course, the Xiao Family also knows they can’t compare to the Wu Family. Chen Mo not dismantling the bridge after crossing it is already satisfactory.

Now, they are given positions, with Xiao Jing receiving an official position and Xiao Yunxi becoming a Lady of Imperial Decree, which are unexpected delights.

Furthermore, if Xiao Yunxi gives birth to a son for Chen Mo in the future, the Xiao Family could aspire for even more.

...

Shu Residence.

After learning about the news from Luonan, Yang Xian was somewhat dumbfounded with not much joy.

Back then, he chose to let Jiang Li target the Huai Prince and married his daughter to Chen Mo, hoping Chen Mo would succeed in supporting the King, but he didn’t expect Chen Mo to be this successful.

Yang Xian had hoped for Chen Mo to narrowly defeat Lu Sheng, forcing the latter to rely more heavily on him and not have such a sweeping victory.

That’s right, Yang Xian is also an ambitious man. Only if Chen Mo won narrowly could he leverage his position as a "hero" to his advantage and expand his territory.

But now that Chen Mo has won comprehensively with little loss, as a leader in his prime, without the greatest threat, would he tolerate others occupying territory and wielding military power? Wouldn’t he want to bring the entire land under his control?

Wouldn’t he attempt to suppress and weaken others?

Furthermore, based on Jiang Li’s return letter, Chen Mo seems to have already entered the Second Grade Divine Transformation Realm.

Given that Lu Sheng, who initiated the Soul Devouring Array, fell at Chen Mo’s hands, it’s impossible to have accomplished this by merely being in the Divine Power Realm.

Just as Yang Xian was contemplating his next step,

The court issued a Holy Decree summoning all vassal kings and officials to the capital, which arrived at the Shu Residence.

The decree demanded Yang Xian to immediately enter the capital, without delay.

To defy the decree would be considered treason.