Chen Prefecture, Prefecture Prefecture
They had fallen without attacking to welcome the imperial court. After going through several disasters of war, every household had their doors closed. Soldiers stood at the entrance of the important streets, interrogating passersby. The cavalry that had split up into small groups were looking around vigilantly, inspecting everything.
There were many refugees and beggars in the city. Over the past two days, tens of thousands of people had fled to the city. Women were crying and crying, while children were huddled in their mothers' arms, crying and complaining about the cold and hunger.
"Catch the traitor."
A group of soldiers shouted out as a man with disheveled hair ran for his life. Seeing this man, the patrolling soldiers' eyes lit up as they whipped their horses and chased after him.
Such a scene happened in the city. Pei Zi Yun led a hundred cavalrymen into the city and was just about to speak when he heard the sound of a gong, "Listen up, all widows, orphans, and those over sixty years old who have fled to the city, please bring your identification card and go to the porridge stall to collect your food. You will also be sent back to your hometown."
Pei Zi Yun's eyes gleamed as he muttered to himself before speaking to someone, "Before I entered the city, I ordered for them to be suppressed. I even set up a porridge stall to distribute porridge. I didn't expect them to be demoted so quickly. Go and take a look."
One of the soldiers acknowledged and came back to report, "I've marked the porridge stall. The porridge isn't too thin, and there's no sand in it. It smells like mold!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Pei Zi Yun took a deep breath and glanced around before saying, "It's not bad to have such a standard. The local officials will send them back to their hometown for spring cultivation, and everything will be peaceful."
The group of people passed through the streets and saw a palace. This was the former residence of the Duke, and was huge. King Lu had renovated and expanded the palace, making it look majestic and luxurious.
Someone looked out and said, "True Sovereign, this is King Lu's palace. I didn't expect King Lu to enjoy himself so much. He renovated the Duke's Mansion and turned it into a palace. True Sovereign, you can enter it!"
"Nonsense. The original Duke's Mansion wasn't something I could live in. Now that King Lu has changed the palace, it's at least a palace. Do you think we can live in it? Send someone to seal it, and wait for the Imperial Court to deal with it. "Pei Zi Yun looked at the palace, not caring if this person was trying to sound him out or not.
"Yes, True Sovereign." Someone then replied, "There are still many palace maids and eunuchs in the palace who were recruited by King Lu. What should we do with them?"
Pei Zi Yun thought for some time, "The palace maids are all innocent people. Those who have families can be sent home. Those who don't have families can stay in the palace with the eunuchs. They might be of use to the Imperial Court."
"Let's go to the governor's mansion."
"Yes!"
After settling all these matters, Pei Zi Yun went to stay at the Governor's Hall. Actually, the Governor's Hall wasn't small by any means. Pei Zi Yun had just settled down when Gao Guang asked to see him.
Gao Guangyi walked into the hall and saw Pei Zi Yun drinking tea. He was flipping through a book in his hands. Gao Guangyi hurriedly stepped forward to pay his respects. Pei Zi Yun waved his hands, "Rise, what are you here for?"
Gao Guang took a look and said, "True Sovereign, pass down the order to investigate Li Cheng's case. With the cooperation of the officials and the Records Department, we've already found some clues. These are the clues that we've found."
As he spoke, he handed over the booklet.
"Oh?" Pei Zi Yun smiled, "You did it so quickly?"
He received the booklet and looked through it. Several places that Li Cheng had passed by had been recorded. There were already people following the trail.
'With the power of the Imperial Court, many things can be hidden, but there are still traces left behind.' Pei Zi Yun thought to himself. The power of the Imperial Court was immense. It was time for him to make use of this power.
Gao Guang stood by the side and looked as though he had something to say. Pei Zi Yun looked at him and asked, "What else is there?"
Gao Guang took a step forward and smiled, "Congratulations True Sovereign, congratulations True Sovereign. The Imperial Court has bestowed a third rank life upon the old madam, and bestowed a third rank life upon you. I'm sure the Imperial Edict will arrive soon."
Hearing these words, Pei Zi Yun was overjoyed. He stood up and listened attentively. He then clasped his hands and said, "This is the grace of the Imperial Court and the Emperor."
Gao Guang raised his head and glanced at Pei Zi Yun. Seeing that Pei Zi Yun was beaming with joy, he then retreated. Pei Zi Yun's smile faded as he tossed the booklet aside and laughed, "No wonder. I'm a True Sovereign. There's no way I can be promoted, and I don't have any children. Hence, it's unavoidable for me to bestow gifts upon my parents."
"However, this is a good thing. I've received the Pei family's flesh and blood. Even if I don't talk about karma, which is based on the teachings of Buddhism, I still have my morals. I have to repay them."
"Father Pei bestowed a third rank life upon me. That's a rare grace. At the very least, I'll be able to live in peace for the next few hundred years."
"Mother Pei has a third rank life and can be bestowed with the title of Lady. Bestowing a title to a woman is different from other titles. Once bestowed, it will automatically be bestowed upon her after she dies. There's no need to bestow another title."
"My parents' karma is more than sufficient, and I've been spared a lot of trouble." Pei Zi Yun stood up and walked to the window. He pushed it open and noticed that it was still raining outside. The branches in the garden were already starting to sprout.
"Another year of spring has arrived." Pei Zi Yun spoke softly, as if he had thought of something, "As for the blind Daoist, you've lost King Lu's protection, and have revealed your tracks. I'd like to see how long you have to live."
Snail Village, Pei Mansion
The Pei Mansion was in a state of chaos. A banquet had been arranged within the mansion, and a tent had been erected outside. They had even invited a troupe of performers. Dozens of people of the Pei clan woke up before the rooster crowed. The men were busy with their own affairs, while the women were helping to serve the dishes. The chefs were slaughtering fish and chickens, cooking meat and making meatballs.
"They've really gained face. The Pei family is getting more and more prosperous by the day. Many people are envious of them." An old man stood amongst the crowd, watching the commotion. He looked at the serving maids and servants walking in and out of the mansion, as well as the bailiffs from the county. He sighed.
"The Pei family has really accumulated good fortune." Another person spoke out.
The sound of firecrackers crackling could be heard as the village chief squeezed through the crowd. He grabbed a servant and asked, "Where's the Matriarch?"
"The Matriarch is currently dressing up, and will be out soon." The servant replied. Before he could even finish speaking, Pei Qian Shi walked out in her seventh ranked robes. Beside her was Su Ye 'er, who was also beautiful and dignified. The younger one was Liao Qing Ye, who had already turned into a young lady.
Pei Qian Shi had been living a luxurious life for many years. Accompanied by the serving maids, she looked extremely graceful and poised.
The sacrificial table for the Imperial Edict had already been laid out. As soon as the Matriarch walked out, the bailiffs and constables led the villagers away.
"Step back, step back." The bailiffs had long whips in their hands as they lashed out one by one. The sound of the whips was crisp and clear. The whips were only two to three inches away from the faces of the villagers. This was because it was a festive occasion, and they couldn't allow any bloodshed to spoil the atmosphere.
The magistrate of Ping Shou County had arrived long ago. He led the bailiffs to maintain order and order. He shouted out, "Flaming thousand sounds, you commoners are not allowed to cause a ruckus. Whoever dares to offend the Imperial Envoy and the Matriarch, I will make sure you suffer!"
The commoners were still afraid of the magistrate, and took several steps back in fear. As he spoke, firecrackers were lit, and someone shouted, "The magistrate has arrived!"
"The magistrate has arrived!"
As soon as the announcement was made, a large number of bailiffs rushed in. The crowd looked on and said, "This is incredible. Pei Zi Yun being a High Scholar was already a glorious achievement. Who would've thought that the Governor would send someone to congratulate him. How envious."
"Lower your voice, if you disturb the magistrate, we will be in trouble."
"Why would the magistrate find trouble with us over such a joyous occasion?"
A bailiff overheard them and glared at them, "If the magistrate doesn't find trouble with you, I will. Whoever dares to speak out of turn, I will arrest you."
"The Imperial Envoy has arrived, all unrelated personnel are to leave!" Someone shouted out, causing all unrelated personnel to leave. They then saw Yin Lu carrying the Imperial Edict wrapped in yellow silk as he walked up to the table. Behind him, someone was carrying a golden plate. On the plate was a set of Third Ranked Imperial Edict. Pei Qian Shi had already been taught the proper etiquette. She then bowed, "Your subject Pei Qian Shi respectfully greets the Emperor!"
"Greetings to the Emperor!" Yin Lu read out loud, "The Edict states: You Pei Qian Shi is the mother of True Lord Qi Ning. You are filial, diligent and thrifty. You are chaste and graceful. I hereby confer you the title of Third Ranked Imperial Lady. Hereby!"
Pei Qian Shi was already mentally prepared for this, but still sobbed, "Your subject Pei Qian Shi thanks the Emperor!"
In the blink of an eye, the woman in front of him had become a Third Ranked Imperial Lady. Yin Lu's face was full of smiles as he replied politely, "My wife, please wait a moment. There's another edict."
He paused before continuing, "The Edict states: You are the father of True Lord Qi Ning. You are able to cultivate and cultivate. You are a Third Ranked Imperial Advisor. Hereby!"
This Edict wasn't enough. There was a third one, which was read out loud, "The Edict states: I rule the world with literature, and subdue the rebels with military might. Since True Lord Qi Ning is skilled in both literature and martial arts, he is the pillar of the Imperial Court and the backbone of the country. How can I not bestow him a favor. You shall cultivate Golden Island and bestow it to Pei Qian. Hereby!"
These three Edicts conferred upon Pei Zi Yun the title of Third Ranked Imperial Lady, and bestowed upon Pei Zi Yun the title of Third Ranked Imperial Lady.
When everyone heard the Edict, they sucked in a breath of cold air. The Pei family's ancestral tombs were really emitting green smoke.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Pei Qian Shi's tears flowed down her cheeks as she wiped them away and kowtowed in gratitude.
Chen Prefecture, Prefecture, Governor's Mansion
Unknowingly, spring had arrived in the first year of Qi Tai's reign. The lake was turning green, and the willows were blooming green. Pei Zi Yun was speaking to someone, "Go to the study room and bring me the ancient maps."
He then turned to Gao Guang and said, "You can also share these relief and land reclamation matters with me. Don't send me any more official documents in the future."
"How to patrol the river defenses, how to provide relief, let the local officials handle it according to their own authority. If they can't handle it, write a report to me. The Governor is about to arrive."
"If there's anything else, you're the Imperial Envoy after all. Just handle it."
Gao Guang was secretly in awe of Pei Zi Yun's ability to keep a low profile. He then acknowledged and retreated. Pei Zi Yun laughed coldly and stood up. Just as he was about to leave, he paused and looked up into the sky.
"Ai, an Edict of Grace?"
Pei Zi Yun's eyes flashed and he stood up. With a single thought, a ray of light flashed and his Primordial Spirit fell into the Underworld. As far as his eyes could see, there was only darkness. Although he said that it was night, how could he see?
It was just that this time was different. His Primordial Spirit was burning brightly, and was filled with an imposing aura. Wherever he went, he would avoid it. Before long, he had arrived at the Pei family's ancestral hall.
The building was huge, and was surrounded by a white mist. As he descended, Pei Zi Yun's father sensed something and looked up, "Ai, who's that?"
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