The Humble Family’s Daughter Has A Spatial Pocket!
Chapter 775 - 693: Stealing the Spotlight_1

Chapter 775: Chapter 693: Stealing the Spotlight_1

Mid-February marked the death anniversary of Granny Gu, so Daohua didn’t return to Beijing with the Yan Family. Instead, she waited until the period of mourning had passed before she and Gu Jian leisurely made their way to the capital.

In ancient times, opportunities to travel long distances were scarce, so Daohua cherished this journey. Instead of hurrying to enter Beijing, she and Gu Jian wandered leisurely, taking their time as if on a sightseeing tour.

Three days after Daohua and Gu Jian left, a formidable team of cavalry dressed in uniform rode into Taohua Village.

Xiao Yeyang dismounted in one motion and then ran towards the top of Taohua Mountain. By the time he burst into Taohua Temple, it was deserted save for two villagers cleaning up.

Having learned that Daohua and Gu Jian had left only two days before, Xiao Yeyang was extremely disappointed. After paying respects to Granny Gu, he promptly led his men in pursuit of the pair. Regrettably, even when they rendezvoused with the main force returning to the capital, they failed to encounter Daohua and Gu Jian.

...

The Yan Family’s party entered Beijing in mid-February.

Having been to the capital before, Yan Zhigao knew where the family estate was located and, without waiting for servants to meet them, led his entourage directly to Easten Street.

Upon reaching the entrance to the Yan Residence, a welcoming party, including Yan Wenxiu and his wife, was already waiting.

Madam Li helped Granny Yan down from the coach, surveying the surroundings of the mansion, both women finding them quite satisfactory.

Granny Yan commented with a smile, "Although it’s not as large as Ningmen Prefecture, it’s certainly a lot more imposing."

Madam Li laughed, "It’s close to the imperial residence, so naturally, it has a touch more elegance." Saying this, she escorted Granny Yan into the residence. The grandmother and daughter-in-law, too excited to feel tired, eagerly toured the back courtyard.

Compared to the back courtyard of the Governor’s Office at Ningmen Prefecture, the courtyard in Beijing was significantly smaller. Knowing there were many family members and limited space, Han Xinran dared not allocate the courtyards casually. He only prepared Granny Yan’s courtyard and the main courtyard; the rest were left for Madam Li to arrange.

Madam Li didn’t hesitate or show any concern; she reserved the most exquisite courtyard for her daughter. After all, their family had gained this property by the grace of their daughter’s standing.

Regarding Yan Yishuang, Yan Yihuan, and Yan Yile, because there were not many courtyards available, they had to share one.

Yan Yishuang, naturally, was somewhat dissatisfied with this arrangement, though her displeasure was directed more towards her sisters, Yan Yihuan and Yan Yile.

Yan Yishuang sat huffily in the main room, watching her maids organize her belongings. She glanced at the busy figures in the eastern wing’s room and felt increasingly upset.

If only her second and fourth sisters hadn’t come to Beijing, her eldest sister surely would not be sharing a courtyard with her, which would have meant a courtyard of her own.

Now she had to share with others, constantly under their watch—it was so vexing!

While the women were settling in, Yan Zhigao, having rested for just a couple of days, hurriedly went to report to the Ministry of Revenue.

The Minister of Revenue, Xie Xingteng, met Yan Zhigao without giving him any trouble, but he wasn’t very warm either. He casually assigned a menial task to Yan Zhigao and had someone take him away.

Yan Zhigao knew that as a newcomer to the Ministry of Revenue, he would face some ostracism. Without caring too much, he accepted his assignment and started familiarizing himself with the Ministry.

After everyone left, Sun Chang, another Vice Minister, entered, looking puzzled at the Minister of Revenue, "Sir, Yan Zhigao is personally appointed by the Emperor. Aren’t you worried that..."

Sun Chang had been promoted by the Minister of Revenue himself. To his own right-hand man, the Minister would sometimes reveal confidential information.

The Minister of Revenue chuckled and shook his head, "Although the Emperor values the Yan Family, it won’t be easy for them to establish themselves in Beijing. You know, based on Yan Zhigao’s achievements in Ningmen Prefecture, he should have been transferred to the capital a year ago. But oddly enough, it didn’t happen. Why do you think that is?"

Realization dawned on Sun Chang, "Is someone suppressing the Yan Family?"

The Minister of Revenue smiled mysteriously, "Being an official in Beijing isn’t just about ability; it’s uncertain whether the Yan Family can secure a foothold... Really, it’s hard to say."

Sun Chang’s gaze flickered, indicating his understanding that those suppressing the Yan Family were no ordinary figures.

...

On the first day of March, the main street of Beijing was packed with citizens eager to catch a glimpse of the heroes who had defended their country’s borders.

At the beginning of the hour of Si (9:00 AM), the orderly troops, led by Chui Gang, solemnly entered the city gates.

As soon as the army entered, they received a warm welcome from the citizenry.

Trailing behind the army, a member of the Jinling Guard grumbled, "The Northern Frontier conflict settled down so quickly because we Jinling Guard put in a lot of effort, but now, the spotlight has been completely stolen by the troops."

Xiu Xiangchen turned his head to Xiao Yeyang beside him, "What do you think?"

Xiao Yeyang calmly replied, "I follow the Commander’s orders."

Xiu Xiangchen snorted internally, as Xiao was not usually this obedient. He then laughed out loud and said, "The glory that belongs to the Jinling Guard cannot be taken by anyone. All men, heed my order, regroup, and follow me to have an audience with the Emperor."

Upon hearing this, the faces of the Jinling Guard brightened, each of them mounted their horses in formation, and then they raised their whips uniformly and galloped into the city gate.

The Emperor, leading the civil and military officials, personally awaited at the palace gate to receive the army returning from the campaign, due to the significance of the military victory.

At this, Chui Gang and his soldiers were all excited and thrilled.

At the palace gate.

Chui Gang and several generals dismounted, just about to salute the Emperor, when they heard the ’thud thud thud’ of orderly and resonant horse hooves from behind them.

In an instant, everyone, including the Emperor, turned towards the source of the sound.

Seeing the Jinling Guard, dressed in uniform and riding mighty steeds, generating an imposing presence even from a distance, all the officials couldn’t help but turn their heads.

Seeing the newcomers, the corners of the Emperor’s mouth curled up, especially upon observing the disgruntled faces of Chui Gang and the other generals who felt overshadowed, his smile deepened.

It wasn’t long before the Jinling Guard arrived at the palace gates.

All the Jinling Guard simultaneously reined in their horses. Xiu Xiangchen was the first to dismount, followed by the three young men behind him who grabbed everyone’s attention, and then, the rest of the Jinling Guard dismounted with precisely coordinated movements.

They appeared disciplined and impressively majestic.

Xiu Xiangchen knelt on one knee before the Emperor, and the rest of the Jinling Guard followed suit, "Your Majesty, I have fulfilled the mission without disgrace, and I have returned with the Jinling Guard to report back!"

His loud voice resonated across the palace gate.

The Emperor raised his hand to signal the Jinling Guard to stand, praised Xiu Xiangchen with a few words, and then his gaze fell on Xiao Yeyang standing behind him.

Looking at his stalwart and extraordinary nephew, the Emperor felt genuinely happy. He stepped forward and patted Xiao Yeyang on the shoulder, "Well done, lad, you haven’t disappointed me."

Joy momentarily flashed in Xiao Yeyang’s eyes. Seeing Xiu Xiangchen staring straight over here, Xiao humbly remarked, "It’s all thanks to the Commander’s good instruction."

The Emperor looked toward the grinning Xiu Xiangchen, then back at Chui Gang and the others whose faces soured from being upstaged, and laughed, "All of you are meritorious officials. A banquet has been prepared in the palace. Follow me inside."

Saying so, he turned and led the way into the palace, indicating that Xiao Yeyang should walk by his side.

Xiu Xiangchen, Chui Gang, and the others hurried to follow.

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