Crowned by the Treacherous Big Shot
Chapter 176 - 164: The Old Dowager Protects Her Own

Chapter 176: Chapter 164: The Old Dowager Protects Her Own

Qing Shuang and Yu Zichuan returned to the Governor Mansion.

"Do you need me to accompany you to see him?"

Yu Zichuan asked Qing Shuang.

Qing Shuang shook his head, "No need, I’ll go on my own."

Yu Zichuan did not insist. He took his large bow, climbed onto the rooftop, and began a meticulous and elaborate bow-cleaning process.

Qing Shuang entered the main courtyard and stood at the door of the study: "Grand Commander."

Lu Yuan said, "There’s no need to say anything; tomorrow, continue to serve by Bao Shu’s side."

Qing Shuang stared blankly at Lu Yuan inside the study for a long while, then knelt on one knee: "Yes!"

The Old Matriarch slept until the sun was high in the sky. The first thing she did upon waking was to look for Lu Yuan: "Where’s my great-grandson-in-law? I remember I found him... Did I bring him down the mountain? Where’s Qianqian? Qianqian! Is my great-grandson-in-law around?"

Meng Qianqian opened the window, pointed at Lu Yuan in the courtyard glaring at Bao Shu, and laughed, "He’s here, look."

Bao Shu was standing akimbo, arguing with her terrible father. The argument started because she had proudly shown Lu Yuan her candy. Lu Yuan assumed his daughter was offering it to him and ate it in one bite.

This thoroughly infuriated Bao Shu, and she tried to pry open Lu Yuan’s mouth to retrieve the candy.

How could that be possible?

The two had been in a face-off all morning.

Being able to quarrel with a child showed that his mood was good. Meng Qianqian’s lips curved slightly.

The Old Matriarch, seeing that her great-grandson-in-law was home, felt reassured. After all, she was waiting to hold another little great-great-grandson. If the great-grandson-in-law were gone, her hopes for a little great-great-grandson would also be dashed.

During breakfast, the Old Matriarch quietly asked Lu Yuan, "Great-grandson-in-law, were you unhappy the other day because of attending court? You see, today you didn’t go to court and seem quite cheerful."

Before Lu Yuan could answer, the Old Matriarch decisively declared, "Forget about that nonsense court. If anyone wants to attend, let them!"

Lu Yuan asked, "Great-grandmother, wouldn’t that make me seem lackluster?"

The Old Matriarch righteously argued, "Lu’s father goes to court every day. Do you think he’s accomplished?"

She was referring to Lu Xingzhou.

Lu Yuan’s mouth twitched—what she said made too much sense; he couldn’t refute it.

Besides, he indeed planned to "claim illness" and take a few days off from court.

With the Old Matriarch saying it outright, he didn’t need to think up excuses to appease her.

Lu Yuan gave the Old Matriarch a glance and asked seriously, "Then what excuse should I use?"

The Old Matriarch waved dismissively, "Isn’t it simple? Pretend to be sick, claim a dead father... Isn’t it easy to come up with excuses?"

Lu Yuan and Meng Qianqian’s mouths twitched in unison.

Meng Qianqian strongly suspected the Old Matriarch was cursing Prime Minister Xun, given that Prime Minister Xun was Lu Yuan’s adoptive father.

But the Old Matriarch likely didn’t know that, considering she fell asleep during their carriage conversation last night.

The news of Prime Minister Xun’s victorious return to the Capital City stirred up the entire city. Soon after came the joyful news of the Supreme Emperor’s return from the auxiliary palace—truly an occasion for widespread celebration.

In Jinluan Palace, the Emperor and the civil and military officials were all elated.

Zong Zhengxi sat on the dragon throne, radiant, and declared, "My father has heard of the Prime Minister’s successful campaign to subdue the Western Regions and retake thirteen cities in the Western Continent. He is overjoyed, and even his chronic head ailment has been healed. All of this is thanks to the Prime Minister’s efforts. Minister Xun, I shall reward you!"

Prime Minister Xun, holding his tablet, stepped forward anxiously and said, "To serve Your Majesty with loyalty is the duty of all subjects; I dare not take credit!"

Zong Zhengxi proclaimed resolutely, "My father has always taught me to distinguish rewards and punishments clearly. You have achieved great merit, and it deserves recognition! I shall reward you with ten thousand taels of gold and bestow upon you the title of Duke Xun, to be inherited by your descendants without diminishment!"

All the ministers collectively gasped!

In this dynasty, only relatives of the royal family could be conferred the title of Duke. For instance, the Emperor’s maternal grandfather was given the title of Duke, which was then inherited by his uncle.

Moreover, even Dukes could only inherit their titles for three generations, with most titles being reduced by one rank per generation.

Inheritance without diminishment meant the title would never be reduced and could be passed down indefinitely.

This reward was truly unprecedented in this dynasty.

"Your Majesty, this is improper," Imperial Censor Wang said.

Zong Zhengxi stated, "He has achieved significant merit; why would it be improper? In the past, King Chu was also granted the title of king with a different surname for his contribution in resisting enemies. Is the Prime Minister’s talent any less than that of King Chu?"

Imperial Censor Wang replied, "But King Chu’s title was not heritable."

King Chu’s son had become the Chu Grand Marshal through his own achievements, unrelated to King Chu’s royal title, and he hadn’t even been named a Princely Heir.

Prime Minister Xun, holding his tablet, said, "Imperial Censor Wang speaks reasonably. I am indeed unworthy of the Duke’s title. I beg Your Majesty to retract your decree!"

Zong Zhengxi exhibited imperial authority and solemnly declared, "My decision is final! Duke Xun, rise!"

Prime Minister Xun sighed deeply, "I... thank Your Majesty for your grace."