Chapter 151 (1/2)
Chapter 151
Chapter 151 - Imperial Decree
Yu Hang saw a golden flash out of the corner of his eyes . He looked closely and realized that it was the little yellow kitten that his youngest sister raised . When did this fellow come along? Would it trample on the melon seedlings while running around so recklessly? But, after a careful look, he saw that the little kitten very cleverly chose to run on the ridges on the fields and didn’t touch any of the vines and seedlings at all .
Ladle after ladle of water with a faint hint mystic-stone water was watered into the melon fields . The watermelon seedlings stretched it leaves in the breeze, as if it was trying its best to grow . The tiny melons seemed to have quietly grew a little when no one was looking…
They finished watering the three plots of melons fields when it was almost noon . The siblings carried the empty buckets and walked back to their house .
When they reached the foot of the West Mountains, they noticed that the normally deserted Zhao Residence was surrounded by many villagers . Uncle Zhao’s family lived far away from the village, so they rarely interacted with the villagers . His house had always been very peaceful and quiet, but today…
Did something happen? Xiaocao and her older brother looked at each other and quickly ran to the Zhao Residence . When they arrived at the stone wall of the Zhao Residence, they could hear the surrounding villagers discussing excitedly:
“Wow! Did you see? That’s an imperial decree!! It’s the imperial decree mentioned in the opera!! Unfortunately, it’s too far away to see what the imperial decree really looks like!!”
“I never expected that Old Zhao was a great general of the former dynasty! Do you know about the official who often comes to his house these days? That’s his disciple! He’s a high-ranking official of the imperial court!!”
“Didn’t you hear what the imperial decree said? The emperor cherishes and values talent, so he wants Old Zhao to go back to be an official . What was the t.i.tle conferred on him again? I can’t remember . ”
“Zhenguo General [1]!! He’s bestowed the t.i.tle of a great general!! Tsk tsk, Hunter Zhao’s family is going to be amazing in the future!”
“Isn’t that right! The Zhao Family is going to enjoy a happy life in the capital now!!”
“The person who announced the imperial decree doesn’t have a beard . Is he the taijian mentioned in the opera?”
“Shhh… Are you looking for death?! Those eunuchs hate being called ‘taijian [2]’ the most . If he heard you, you’re will be beheaded!”
…
Yu Xiaocao felt completely relieved after she heard that . Things were finally working out for Grandpa Zhao! Before, when she visited the Zhao Family, she often inadvertently saw Grandpa Zhao staring into the distance with a lost expression .
One with civil and military talents shall serve the imperial family . It seemed like Grandpa Zhao was unwilling to live such a dull life despite living in seclusion for thirty years! Fortunately, the current emperor was wise sovereign who appointed people based on their merits . In the future, Grandpa Zhao and his family should be able to s.h.i.+ne and thrive in their own positions…
“Hey! That little girl? Stand right there!!” Just as Yu Xiaocao wanted to turn around and leave, a loud voice stopped her from behind .
Yu Xiaocao looked around and realized that she was the only little girl around . ‘Are they calling me? Who is it?’
“Yes! You!!” The sound of footsteps came from behind and quickly arrived in front of her . A healthy and hearty looking old man, who had a white beard and a fair and chubby face, looked at her warmly with a smile .
“Fifth… Fifth Lord?” Yu Xiaocao recognized him . He was dressed in clothing made of coa.r.s.e cloth . Seeing his simple attire, she asked curiously, “Why are you here?”
“Because I want to!” With his hands clasped behind his back, the emperor emeritus looked around and saw verdant greenery everywhere . Even the air seemed fresher . He smiled and said, “This is a good place to live out one’s life in retirement!”
With imaginary black lines on her head, Yu Xiaocao thought, ‘You must be too idle . You’re choosing to wear patched clothing made of coa.r.s.e cloth instead of silks and brocades . You’re not living like a member of the imperial family, but instead you’re wandering around in a barren and poor area . How in the world did you determine that this remote village was a good place to enjoy one’s life in retirement?’
“You… didn’t come with the imperial envoy who came to announce the imperial decree, right?” Seeing that he came over from the Zhao Residence, Yu Xiaocao suddenly had this thought and asked .
The emperor emeritus laughed and seemed to be in a good mood, “I heard… I heard that Head Steward Zhang needs to go to Dongshan Village to announce the imperial decree . Considering that we were going the same way and it was a good idea to look after one another on the way, we just came together!”
“Going the same way? What did you come to Dongshan Village for?” Yu Xiaocao was holding the little golden kitten and gently stroking its fur .
With an even bigger smile on his face, the emperor emeritus narrowed his eyes and looked at her, making her feel uncomfortable . Then he said, “Of course, I came to find you ah!”
“Find me?” Why was he looking for her? Was it because he thought that it was a waste of money to spend three hundred taels to buy her braised food recipe and wanted to get a refund? But then again, this Fifth Lord wasn’t a businessman, nor did he plan on selling anything . So, spending three hundred taels to satisfy his cravings was indeed somewhat wasteful!