vrcanaries Chapter 320 Am I the Crown Prince Now?
Chapter 320 Am I the Crown Prince Now?
After the court session, the officials quietly left the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
As soon as they stepped outside, it was as if a switch had been flipped, and everyone started talking excitedly about what had happened that day.
Officials who were close to Xiao Qinian or those who had no conflict with him all came over to congratulate him.
Those who didn't get along with him could only leave, feeling jealous and helpless.
Grand Commandant Yu lost face after being rebuked by Grand Tutor Shen today, and left in a huff.
"Third Uncle, congratulations on your promotion." Xiao Sizhe went to Xiao Qinian's side to offer his congratulations as soon as he came out.
"Sizhe, let's go back. This is great news today. Let's tell your grandparents when we get back and make them happy too." Xiao Qinian was in the limelight today.
"Qinian, let's go together." At this moment, Grand Tutor Shen said to Xiao Qinian with a cheerful smile. He was very happy today.
"Okay, teacher." Xiao Qinian suppressed his excitement and replied.
The two walked down the stairs side by side, with Xiao Sizhe quietly following behind them.
Xiao Sizhe was also very excited. Although it wasn't him who was promoted, it was his third uncle. They were all family.
"Qinian, I also want to thank you. You are already an important official in the court at such a young age. Your teacher is honored to have a disciple like you." Grand Tutor Shen was more and more satisfied with Xiao Qinian. Taking him as a disciple was the best decision he ever made.
In truth, he really benefited from the situation. Xiao Qinian's current status is mostly due to his own efforts, yet he gained a good reputation. Everyone says he is good at teaching disciples, which makes him feel ashamed.
"Teacher, you flatter me. My achievements today are all thanks to your excellent guidance."
"Hahaha," Shen Junru laughed, and said nothing more.
"Teacher, do you know why His Majesty suddenly promoted me to a higher rank today?" Xiao Qinian still felt it was a bit too sudden.
Shen Junru suppressed his smile, glanced around, and seeing that no one else was with them except Xiao Sizhe, he lowered his voice and said, "This teacher really knows. His Majesty had planned this before, but yesterday the Ministry of Works brought His Majesty a batch of weapons. His Majesty was overjoyed after seeing them. Because it was your achievement, he was so happy that he wrote an edict to promote you to a higher rank."
"So that's how it is. The Ministry of War is really fast. The weapons have been made in such a short time." Xiao Qinian understood after hearing this.
"Yes, the Ministry of War worked day and night to produce this first batch of weapons, which is why they were able to manufacture them in such a short time."
The two walked and talked, and soon arrived at the palace gate.
"I'll get on the carriage first. Qinian, you should go back soon too, so you can tell your family the good news and make them happy as well."
"Yes, teacher." Xiao Qinian responded, and after watching Shen Junru get into the carriage, he and Xiao Sizhe went to their own carriage, which had been waiting for a long time.
The carriage clattered along and soon arrived at the gate of the Xiao family mansion.
"Master is back." Xiao Qinian went back to his own courtyard first.
"Madam, I'm back." Xiao Qinian said with a smile as he took Lin Qin's hand.
"What good thing happened to you today, sir? Why are you so happy?" Lin Qin looked at Xiao Qinian, who seemed different from usual, with great curiosity.
"Haha, that's really good news, I've been promoted!" Xiao Qinian laughed heartily.
"Hmm? This is indeed a good thing." Lin Qin was also pleasantly surprised.
Xiao Qinian instructed Lai Xing, who was following behind him, "Lai Xing, go and summon everyone to the front hall. I have something to announce."
"Yes, sir, I'll go right away." Lai Xing turned around and walked out with a beaming smile.
Xiao Qinian quickly took off his official robes and changed into civilian clothes, then went to the front hall with Lin Qin.
In the lobby
The entire Xiao family was present, including Xiao Sibao and his wife, who rarely went out. Since their marriage, the two of them had been traveling and painting, practicing calligraphy and reading, and were rarely seen.
Grandpa Xiao sat at the head of the table, looking at Xiao Qinian: "Third son, what brings you all here?"
The others also turned their attention to Xiao Qinian, all very curious. There must be something important going on, otherwise why would they be so concerned? They just didn't know what it was. Everyone was itching to find out.
"Father and Mother, during the morning court session this day, His Majesty issued an imperial edict promoting me to Vice Minister of Revenue."
Upon hearing this, everyone except Xiao Sizhe, who already knew, showed the same shock on their faces. Even Lin Qin was the same. She had only known that Xiao Qinian had been promoted, but she thought it would only be one promotion. She never expected that he would be promoted two promotions in a row. This was truly a big surprise.
"Third brother, is what you're saying true? You've been promoted again?" Old Master Xiao's voice trembled slightly.
“Yes, Father, and that’s not all, His Majesty also bestowed upon me the title of Marquis.” Xiao Qinian said with a bright smile.
"Oh my, my son is truly destined for great wealth and honor! It hasn't been long, and he's already been promoted to a high-ranking official position!" Old Mrs. Xiao excitedly slapped her leg.
"Congratulations, Third Brother! We're really benefiting from your success. You'll be the Vice Minister of Revenue and the Marquis's brother from now on. Who wouldn't be envious?" Xiao Qiren was the first to thank Xiao Qinian.
“Yes, eldest brother is right, congratulations third brother.” Xiao Qili quickly echoed, both of them genuinely congratulating him.
The others also congratulated Xiao Qinian one by one.
Xiao Siyue really didn't expect such a surprise today. Her father's official career is too smooth. He has been promoted so many times in just a few years. She believes that it won't be long before he becomes a high-ranking official.
"Congratulations to you both." Xiao Qinian clasped his hands in greeting to his two older brothers. To be honest, he was always very grateful to his two older brothers and his sister-in-law. If it weren't for their unwavering support, he probably would have given up on his studies long ago, and he wouldn't have achieved what he has today.
However, the person he should be most grateful to is his daughter, Xiao Siyue. A large part of his achievements are due to his daughter, but these things cannot be said casually.
Xiao Qinian looked at Xiao Siyue and felt a little guilty. These achievements should have belonged to his daughter, but in the end, he was the one who benefited.
Xiao Siyue was still happy at the moment, unaware of her father's thoughts. If she knew, she would only say that there was no need to feel guilty. She didn't want these achievements at all. This wasn't modern times. If all the credit were given to her early on, she wouldn't know if she would still be alive. She would have to thank her father for being her target.
"Hey, Siyu, congratulations!" Xiao Sining, who was sitting at the bottom, poked Xiao Siyu with her hand.
"Congratulations to me? Why are you congratulating me?" Xiao Siyu was completely bewildered. He hadn't done anything.
"Of course, it's to congratulate you on becoming the heir of the Marquis's mansion!" Xiao Sining looked at her with a "you're stupid" expression.
Am I the crown prince now?
Xiao Siyu then realized, yes, his father was now a marquis, so he had indeed become the heir apparent. After all, he was his father's only son. He hadn't expected this.
However, the title of prince is just a formality. He will earn it for himself in the future. Xiao Siyu secretly vowed that he would study hard when he returned and strive for a good result in the next imperial examination.