Chapter 8, Promotion

Why? Haven't you always disliked me having a beard

Hehe, the court never expected that I would have an affair with the princess first. In an instant, Xiao Ding thought: This official has truly arrived like a timely rain. Quanzhou in Fujian is a port, and the princess is also to be married off to Fujian. Once I arrive there, I will be a high-ranking official, able to act with impunity. If I have any leverage over Ding Jizhen, I can kill him. If not, it would be very easy to take the princess and escape overseas from there. Once I arrive there, I will be a high-ranking official, able to act with impunity. If I have any leverage over Ding Jizhen, I can kill him. If not, it would be very easy to take the princess and escape overseas from there.

Xiao Ding was taken aback: "Marriage proposal? How does the emperor know about our affairs?"

During the Chongzhen period, Wu Sangui, stationed at Shanhaiguan, had all his family members left in the capital as hostages. Now, after Ding Jizhen has achieved merit in pacifying the bandits, the Emperor not only bestows a princess upon him but also sends the Jinyiwei to monitor him, a duplicitous approach that is truly disheartening. It is possible that the court's reason for involving him in the Jinyiwei is precisely because he is the Chief Guard of the Zhou royal palace, and in the future, Ding's wife will also be a princess from the Zhou royal family, making their relationship close and facilitating the monitoring of Ding Jizhen.

Xiao Ding was puzzled and thought to himself: "I am merely a guard of the royal palace; what could the officials from the Ministry of War want with me?" He hurriedly made his way to the front hall, where he saw Prince Xiao Zhou sitting in the main seat, and beside him sat a eunuch in his thirties, with a straight posture. A cup of hot tea was placed on the table next to them, yet it remained untouched.

You are not allowed to shave your beard after you go there

After sitting for a while, I recalled the few names that are well-known in later generations, which I had heard at the side gate of the Wang residence. Thinking about my journey ahead, I decided to enlist in the military in Fujian. Fujian? The story of "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" seems to have started from the Fujian Fuwei Escort Agency, right? However, my purpose in going there is to hold an official position, which has nothing to do with the martial world. It is better to focus on being Wu Tiande and pursue the promising career of a deputy general in Quanzhou.

Xiao Ding sneered, "So what? In the past, Emperor Chengzu searched the world and could not find a single trace of Emperor Jianwen. Does that mean there is no place for you and me in this world? Even if the Central Plains cannot accommodate us, we can escape to the borders, or if not, we can go to sea and flee to the South Seas"

Zhu Jingyue's beautiful eyes were fixed on Xiao Ding's expression. Seeing the changes in his face and his prolonged silence, she let out a gentle sigh, withdrew her hand, and turned to walk aside. She said softly, "The words of the Son of Heaven are indeed imperial edicts; I should not harbor any delusions... You may leave now"

"Having become a general, having a beard looks quite imposing," Jingyue said playfully, adding in her heart, "Having a beard makes one look older, so one won't be looked at by others."

After a while at https://mhetushucomcom: "Actually, she is not a jealous woman. You are all alone out there, and she feels sorry for you. If... you occasionally go find a woman, she wouldn't be angry."

Adjusting his collar, Xiao Ding stepped out of Princess Jingyue's chamber and saw a young eunuch standing with his hands clasped in the corridor. He cleared his throat and said, "The princess has instructed me to purchase a villa in the outskirts. Is there something urgent?"

Are you saying that I am dispensable

Oh, I... I really don't want you to leave

That young eunuch was indeed the one who was stopped by Xiao Ding that day to inquire about the price of the fields. He did not dare to raise his head and said: "General, the Ministry of War has sent someone, and they are currently in the front courtyard waiting. The prince has summoned the general to go immediately"

The two hurriedly separated, and Zhu Jingyue awkwardly pushed Xiao Ding away, saying: "Look at you, in broad daylight, what if the servants become suspicious and start spreading rumors?"

After a long time, the bare body nestled in his arms shifted slightly and suddenly turned onto him, her star-like eyes sparkling: "Tian Ge"

In the late night, after the most intense exercise, "Are you really going to Fujian by yourself? Leaving the day after tomorrow?"

The delicate body twisted slightly: "I hate it, I mean... I mean... you need to be so strong. In the few days after you moved in, I didn't have the chance to see you. You got anxious and took advantage of the moment when no one was paying attention, running into someone else's room to let them... let them use their hands... to help you. What would you do if I weren't by your side?"

Xiao Ding stood at the entrance of the alley, holding the imperial edict, the military department's document, and the golden token of the Jinyiwei that Lord Wei had finally given him. He gazed at Lord Wei and the four military department horsemen who had left for quite some time, still feeling a chill rising from the top of his head: "My goodness, Wei... Wei Jinchong, the eternal lord Wei Zhongxian, I just shook hands with him not long ago.

You have no conscience; how can you not think of me?

The King of Zhou seemed to have been aware of the situation beforehand, nodded slightly, and sat back down in his chair. Grand Duke Wei led the way ahead, bringing Xiao Ding to a dark corner of the side corridor, and with a stern expression said: "The Deputy General of Quanzhou, Wu Tiande, has received the imperial edict"

Wu Tiande's sweat began to seep out as he cautiously said, "I... I... won't, I used to come over like this even when I didn't recognize you, didn't I?"

Lord Wei looked at him in surprise, clearly a bit moved. He worked beside the Crown Prince, and although others treated him with utmost respect, it was all for the sake of the Crown Prince's status. Who truly cared about him, a mere servant, and what his name was?

Well, I will go take a look first and act according to the situation. When you arrive, if the circumstances are not favorable, we will cross the sea and leave the Central Plains. If you are reluctant, we can wait for three to five years, and when things have calmed down, we will return

From today onwards, I will resolutely become General Wu. As for my former self, let it remain an everlasting memory. Little Ding... Wu Tiande has always read books at a glance, only skimming the surface. He never imagined that he was also a notable character in that very book, and Jin Dada even spent over 200 words writing about his story

I am thinking... I heard that there will be heavy rain the day after tomorrow, so I might as well set off tomorrow

Brother Tian, you are so strong...

Oh, I will listen to you; I will act as Zhang Fei

Zhu Jingyue's face was still marked by tears, yet a radiant smile broke through: "Yes, no matter where you go, I will follow you"

Xiao Ding was puzzled in his heart, cupped his hands, and politely said: "I have met Lord Wei," while thinking to himself: "My wife is about to be given away, what joy is there to be had?"

Xiao Ding held Jingyue tightly in his arms, and the two of them nestled closely together, able to hear each other's hearts beating.

Lord Wei, after receiving the imperial edict, helped him up and said warmly: "The secret investigation in Fujian Province is favored by His Majesty. For any significant military or political matters in the region, you can report directly to the Emperor. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has arranged for the General to also hold the position of Deputy General. This serves two purposes: first, it facilitates the General's actions, and second, Ding Jizhen is skilled in military affairs. With this appointment, the General will enjoy great achievements and will have the foundation for future promotions."

Xiao Ding set down the document from the Ministry of War and took the imperial edict, thinking to himself: this edict refers to me as a guerrilla commander from Cangzhou, rather than as a deputy general from Quanzhou. It seems that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, upon seeing the Emperor's decree, had a sudden idea to assign me a position that, while not as prestigious as that of the Jinyiwei, holds more actual power and is easier to amass wealth. Clearly, this is an attempt to win me over and cultivate the influence of the Crown Prince's faction.

In the Ming Dynasty, the military general known as the commander held the rank of a first-class military officer. Below him were the generals, deputy generals, and then the assistant generals, who were of the fifth rank, equivalent to a local governor. Naturally, this was a significant promotion, which is why Lord Wei expressed his congratulations loudly

Hmph, the fox's tail is showing, isn't it? I knew that there isn't a good man among them

Xiao Ding, upon hearing this, realized that the Crown Prince was indeed cultivating his own power. He put on a grateful demeanor and said, "Thank you for your appreciation, Your Highness. Thank you for the reminder, Your Excellency. I will certainly not disappoint the Emperor and Your Highness's nurturing on this trip." However, he thought to himself: I wonder how many secret envoys from the Jinyiwei have been dispatched to Fujian besides myself. It seems the Emperor does not fully trust the powerful officials stationed at the borders.

Although Xiao Ding clearly heard the emphasis on the words "Crown Prince," he greatly admired the character of the person speaking. He took his hand and respectfully said: "Heavenly virtue will surely not disappoint His Majesty, nor will it betray the recognition and trust of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Please convey my gratitude to His Royal Highness on my behalf. May I ask for your esteemed surname and full name, so that I may remember it in my heart."

The eunuch known as Wei Gonggong stood up from his chair, took a couple of steps forward, and smiled, saying: "I have seen General Wu and extend my congratulations to him"

Well... if I really can't help it, I might occasionally visit a brothel

As soon as Prince Zhou opened his mouth to speak, Grand Duke Wei immediately fell silent, standing there with his hands bound, displaying great humility. After Prince Zhou finished speaking, he smiled and said: "The current Emperor is eager to recruit talented individuals, valuing only merit. His Highness Prince Zhou has spoken highly of the general in the presence of the Emperor. Today, upon returning to the palace, the Emperor mentioned the general to His Highness the Crown Prince, who has also given considerable thought to the matter of the general. It is understood that the general is a military official, and to be granted titles and ranks, he must naturally rely on military achievements. The Emperor is wise; currently, the world is at peace, and there have been no wars for a long time. The only concern is along the coast, where there are threats from Japanese pirates. Therefore, His Highness has decided to send the general to Fujian to serve as a deputy general, to establish some military accomplishments. The general originally held a seventh-rank military position, and today he has been promoted three ranks. Congratulations, congratulations!" As he spoke, he handed over the official document from the Ministry of War, his expression revealing a keen and experienced demeanor. He had said everything that needed to be said and pointed out all that needed to be highlighted.

"Not at all, not at all," Wu Tiande quickly defended himself, "What I meant was that when I didn't know you before, I wouldn't have thought about these things, so naturally, I could refrain from acting on them. Now that I'm not by your side, I just consider myself as I was back then"

At this moment, a young eunuch outside the house asked, "Is General Ding here?"

Go die, I don't care about you at all, snoring so loudly while sleeping

A glimmer of light appeared in Zhu Jingyue's eyes as she joyfully asked, "Are you willing to forsake your future and take me away?" Suddenly, her gaze dimmed, and she sighed, saying, "On this vast land, is there any place that does not belong to the king? Where can we possibly hide?"

Xiao Ding held Jingyue's hand, his thoughts swirling. The words "Let’s escape together" lingered on the tip of his tongue, yet he could not bring himself to say them. If they were to flee from the emperor's arranged marriage, it would surely lead to a nationwide search. After all, Jingyue was a descendant of the Zhu family, a member of the royal family. Would she be willing to abandon everything and leave with him?

The stern lines on Lord Wei's face softened slightly as he said, "Before I entered the palace, my name was Jin Zhong. This is the first time anyone has asked me since I came in with the books. It caught me off guard, and I almost couldn't remember it myself." As he spoke, he began to laugh.

Oh? with a tone of suspicion: "I just don't want you to hide things from me; I don't mind if you occasionally play along."

Feeling guilty? Feeling uneasy? How could I have treated you like this... You heartless one, why are you not speaking?

Hmm? Why?

Zhu Jingyue shook her head and said: "I do not recognize the moon either. Today, the Emperor heard that I am still unmarried, and just received the battle report from Fujian. General Ding Jizhen of Fujian has dealt a heavy blow to the coastal pirates, and at the age of thirty-two, he is still unmarried. Therefore, the Emperor has decided to betroth me to him. Once the Emperor has spoken, how can I refuse?"

Xiao Ding felt a chill run from his head to his feet. He rushed over and turned Zhu Jingyue's shoulder, just about to question her cold-heartedness, when he suddenly noticed two streams of clear tears flowing down her cheeks, exuding a sense of sorrowful beauty. His words were instantly choked in his throat, and after a long pause, he hoarsely said: "To hell with the imperial decree, if I were to take you away, would you agree or not?"

Xiao Ding's heart suddenly plummeted to the depths, and after a long pause, he trembled and asked, "Who... who is that?"

Just as Lord Wei was about to speak, Prince Zhou interrupted, saying: "General Wu is utterly loyal to me and possesses exceptional martial skills. I have mentioned you to His Majesty on multiple occasions, and His Majesty has promoted your rank." As he spoke, he wore a cheerful smile, clearly very pleased.

General Wu was momentarily confused: "What’s wrong? I only asked for it once tonight"

"Drinking can lead to mistakes; if something goes wrong on the battlefield, wouldn't I become a widow?" The young girl playfully twisted his ear, thinking to herself: "Alcohol serves as a medium for romance. Once we arrive in Quanzhou, with the vastness of heaven and earth, you are the most important. If you drink a little, who knows what inappropriate things you might do to me?"

Well, I thought there wouldn't be any opportunity in the military camp... No, it's that there isn't any time. Besides, you will be setting off to Fujian in October, I will wait for you

At this thought, I found the eunuch before me to be exceedingly endearing. I hurriedly took out a silver ingot from my sleeve, which appeared to weigh over twenty taels. Although I felt a twinge of pain in my heart, I still handed it over, laughing heartily as I said, "Master Wei, this is just a small token, please accept it"

The moon is truly obedient, always considering my needs. Rest assured, I never liked drinking in the first place

Xiao Ding hurriedly stepped into the room, bowed to Prince Xiao Zhou, and said, "This official pays his respects to Your Highness." He glanced to the side and noticed a middle-aged eunuch with a long face, thin lips, and a pale complexion. However, a pair of slender eyes were fixed on him, their gaze sharp as a needle, causing his heart to skip a beat. He couldn't help but wonder, "Why is it that I do not see the military officials from the Ministry of War, but instead a eunuch?"

Xiao Ding was taken aback. How could the Ministry of War issue a document, and there was also a decree following it? He hurriedly knelt down, calling out "Long live the Emperor" three times to receive the decree. Grand Eunuch Wei unfolded the imperial edict and read: "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Wu Tiande, the guerrilla commander of Cangzhou, is skilled in martial arts and loyal to the court. He is hereby promoted to the position of a thousand households in the Jinyiwei and assigned to secretly investigate the province of Fujian. Thus it is decreed."

Hmm?

Xiao Ding, as if in a dream, returned to the Wangfu, opened the imperial edict, and carefully studied it for a long time. He sighed while stroking Wu Tiande's name: "It seems that I can no longer distinguish myself from this person. From now on, it is better to honestly be Wu Tiande. My original name will never have the chance to be used again. Sometimes, when I think of my original name, I find myself momentarily stunned, somewhat akin to that future court star, Jiuchengsui. This thought inevitably brings a sense of melancholy.

Brother Tian, you must not drink alcohol after you leave

Zhu Jingyue let out a soft sigh and said, "Silly brother, how could I dare to let him know about you and me? The Emperor has arranged a marriage, but that person... is not you"

A scream echoed as Wu Tiande was bitten on the chest by a piglet

Lord Wei smiled as he pushed his hand away, saying solemnly: "General, there is no need for such formality; I understand your intentions. I serve the Emperor and the Crown Prince with utmost loyalty. As long as you do not betray the trust placed in you by the Emperor and His Highness the Crown Prince, I must first express my gratitude to you, General"

Xiao Ding was momentarily taken aback as he received a thick stack of documents. He recalled the general from Fujian, General Ding Jizhen, and thought to himself: "Well, this is quite something; my wife is going to give him a ride, and even I am being sent off to be ridden by someone else"

Seeing him in a daze, Lord Wei assumed he was so overjoyed that he didn't know how to react. He gently tugged at his sleeve, cleared his throat, and said with a smile, "Your Highness, the Crown Prince, is currently in charge of the Ministry of War, but it is not easy to find a suitable deputy general for a military position. Once the general leaves, he will become a formidable general. General, may I have a word with you in private?" As he spoke, he gestured invitingly.

Where would I have it? You sleep like a little pig, not even waking up during a thunderstorm

Khan Wu Tiande

King Zhou was extremely warm towards him. Upon seeing him arrive, he showed no airs of a prince, jumping down from the grand master's chair, joyfully rushing over to take his hand, and said to the eunuch, "Eunuch Wei, this is Wu Baihu"

How is it? Is it that you can't fall asleep at night without holding me?

Xiao Ding's expression was peculiar, and he thought to himself: "We are about to elope together, yet she still fears the gossip of others. This woman's thoughts are truly inscrutable."

Wei Jinzong? A good name, hehe... uh?!

Speechless