Chapter 1842: Chapter 1830: Promotion and Anomalies

This is all for later discussion.

Most importantly, the Emperor finally has some free time.

Qin Bohan hurriedly returned to the Capital City, presenting the treaty signed between the two countries.

With Qin Bohan overseeing and the efforts of Song Chongjin and the others, the treaty signed between the two nations clearly favored Great Chu, which everyone could see.

Even those old foxes couldn’t help but envy Song Hong. Previously, Song Hong had been rewarded for his effective protection of the Emperor, and now his heir had accomplished great feats abroad.

With this merit, the promotion of the Heir to the Duke of Weiguo is just around the corner.

Looking at their sons and then at their own, it’s truly incomparable!

If it were in the past, the court might have had someone in disagreement with Song Hong, who at this time would find fault with Song Chongjin or point out some deficiencies, always saying unpleasant things and causing trouble.

But now, the bloody smell at the marketplace hasn’t completely faded, and with the Imperial Court’s civil and military officials just having undergone a purge, they are likely still fearful; who would dare stick their neck out?

Any observant person could see that the Emperor needed this good news to wash away the misfortune of the first month, and anyone who dared to jump out would only be courting death.

Therefore, when the Emperor declared that merits would be rewarded, the civil and military officials unanimously agreed.

After several days of discussion in the court, the awards were issued. Qin Bohan was promoted a rank, following Gu Changqing, and entered the Cabinet.

Song Chongjin was appointed Northwestern Circuit Censor, from the fifth rank. The so-called Imperial Censor inspects all officials and oversees counties, criminal investigations, and maintaining court decorum. Though the rank isn’t high, the authority is extensive, representing The Emperor in inspections.

For major issues, they report; for minor issues, they make decisions. Especially since this position has direct access to report to the Emperor, only his confidants can serve in it.

Just by this appointment, it is clear that the Emperor is very pleased with Song Chongjin and has future plans for him.

If he serves well in this position for a few years and smoothly returns to the Capital City, his bright future is visible.

With this generous reward, all civil and military officials were envious—another person in the Emperor’s favor.

Speaking of the father and son of the Duke Weiguo Residence, how could they be so capable? The Duke Weiguo is already the Emperor’s confidant, and now his son has gained the Emperor’s favorable gaze.

Not to mention, the Heir’s Wife of Duke of Weiguo has a good relationship with the Empress. If the Ninth Prince manages to ascend the throne one day, it could be decades of prosperity.

The eyes of all others grew red with envy.

The members of the negotiation teams, as long as they were listed in the meritorious reward registries, all received commendations, mostly promotions in official positions.

Even Lee Changnan was extraordinarily appointed to a seventh-rank position, under the Northwestern Circuit Censor.

This recommendation was suggested by Song Chongjin and Qin Bohan, mainly citing Lee Changnan’s business acumen, needed for opening trade routes and leading teams to the grasslands.

It’s rare for Song Chongjin to emphasize one person, while Qin Bohan knew Lee Changnan was originally the Ninth Young Master of the Lee Family, later expelled, yet partnered with Wang Yongzhu and connected with the Empress, thriving in business. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Naturally, Qin Bohan sold Song Chongjin’s favor and lightly mentioned him before the Emperor.

The Emperor always trusted Qin Bohan; hearing his reason and recalling Lee Changnan, he readily agreed, deliberately placing him under Song Chongjin, clearly indicating the expectation for him to work diligently.

Knowing that if he performs well, the surplus revenue benefits both the state treasury and his personal coffers, ensuring he’s the primary beneficiary, so it’s naturally best to offer support.

Song Chongjin received the news first, and estimating the journey, the person delivering the imperial decree would have nearly reached Chicheng County. He couldn’t leave, so despite his unease, he could only watch Wang Yongzhu go alone.

After all, this matter is significant, and Wang Yongzhu’s efforts are for him, leaving him nothing to say.

Reluctantly seeing off Wang Yongzhu, Old Granny Zhang stayed behind.

The matchmaking mishap last time, though not much damage, became street gossip briefly, causing both families involved to avoid going out out of embarrassment.

Yet while entering spring, the biting wind occasionally carries rain, making travel more challenging than in winter.

Given Old Granny Zhang’s age, the journey is naturally inconvenient, and Wang Yongzhu worried about the possible harm from catching cold, even with her presence, as it would inevitably harm Old Granny Zhang’s health.

After much persuasion, convincing Old Granny Zhang to stay, Wang Yongzhu arranged a task for her, keeping her occupied, finally managing to coax her to agree.

Not needing to bring Old Granny Zhang, Wang Yongzhu traveled lightly with guards and simple luggage, ditching the carriage, and directly set off on horseback.

In just two days’ time, she reached Yunzhong County.

In Yunzhong County, Gu Zikai had guessed Wang Yongzhu might come but didn’t expect her to arrive so swiftly.

Seeing her in a state of exhaustion, he was left speechless, so he arranged for her and her entourage to rest for the night.

Early the next day, the person from the exploration team waiting in the county, was summoned by Wang Yongzhu for a thorough inquiry lasting half the day.

It turned out that they sent two people to inspect the valley; while the subterranean river doesn’t freeze, the river in the valley does, so they checked the ice thickness.

Unexpectedly, diving into the subterranean river revealed the initially consistent temperature had risen somewhat compared to their last visit.

Thinking it might be an illusion, they swam further to explore.

To their surprise, the closer they got to the valley, the higher the water temperature rose.

When they emerged through the subterranean river within the mountain and ventured out, they discovered the valley’s snow had melted, revealing green grass and blooming flowers, resembling a paradise.

Without witnessing the snow-capped peaks surrounding the valley, they would’ve believed spring had arrived there.

As the saying goes, abnormal events indicate unusual occurrences. Both were cautious, avoiding the valley, only taking a glimpse at the river’s outlet before returning the same way.

Upon surfacing, they didn’t delay, immediately sending a message to Wang Yongzhu.

Currently, one person remains stationed within the mountain belly.

Upon hearing the news, Wang Yongzhu’s first reaction was that it’s unscientific, violating natural laws! Yet considering she herself had transcended time and space, what science was left to discuss?

If it’s deemed unscientific, then what about the distant Alliance, the System, and Chen Xing? Could it be that theology and science converge on the same path?

Finding her thoughts overwhelming, Wang Yongzhu considered contacting Chen Xing but couldn’t reach them, so she thought, why rely on Chen Xing or the far-off Alliance? Better to inspect personally.

Seeing is believing!

With this belief, Wang Yongzhu couldn’t afford delay, so she ordered horses prepared, leaving her previous day’s luggage intact, again packed neatly. The group mounted their horses once more to set off—upon news, Gu Zikai hurried over.

Spotting Wang Yongzhu eager to embark, he couldn’t help but say, "Cousin Yongzhu, even if you intend to head to the mountains, there’s no rush. At least rest a day, and as the mountain conditions are harsh, shouldn’t you prepare thoroughly before leaving?"

Impulsive, Wang Yongzhu conceded, "Cousin Zikai’s words make sense; however, I remain unsettled and prefer to check first. As for other preparations, I’ll leave two people behind, relying on cousin Zikai to prepare everything. Let them follow and deliver the supplies."

With a formal gesture to Gu Zikai, she said, "Everything’s entrusted to Cousin."

Then, gathering her people, she rode off swiftly.

Gu Zikai shook his head, intrigued by what could capture Wang Yongzhu’s attention so intensely, yet acting gentlemanly, refrained from inquiry. Since Wang Yongzhu withheld details, he respected discretion.