Chapter 382: Chapter 382: Promoted Again_1

Just when he was about to die, Marquis Xu saved him.

At that time, he was just an ordinary soldier, and the Marquis was the Chief Commander of the camp. Their statuses were vastly different.

But after knowing the reason for his punishment was disobeying orders during the operation and delaying the process, the Marquis let him go.

Not only did the Marquis save him, but he also invited him to the Chief Commander’s tent and served him wine.

That day, the Marquis said a lot to him.

He said: You held firm under the blazing sun, unyielding and firm, a model of manliness. It would be a supreme waste if a mistake popped you off. Your life should be used on the battlefield, defending our nation.

He said: There will always be evil in the military camps, everyday life, and ordinary homes. What matters is not how to avoid this evil, but how to defend the virtue in our hearts.

He said: You and I are the same. Despite our different statures currently, both of us are risking our lives to serve our nation. The reason we hold our weapons is because we all have the same belief, that the elders, women, and children of our nation lie behind us. If we were to fall, they will fall with us.

…

That day, he was taken aback by the joviality of the highly respected Marquis, from his hearty laughter to his unfamiliarity.

The Marquis was usually stern and honorable, but in private, he was free-spirited and unrestrained.

Such a heroic figure was also, like ordinary elders, humble and friendly.

That was his only intimate encounter with the Marquis. To Marquis, it may not have been a significant event, but it left a lasting impact on him.

When Zheng Zhongye was captured, Wei Mingting felt a connection with his words. Yet, he had understood them long before Zheng did, a realization made possible because of Marquis.

Later, the Marquis was defeated in war and lost three northeastern cities. He was even accused of betraying and colluding with the enemy, resulting in defeat.

He sincerely believed this was slander. Such a man would never commit such acts of betrayal.

However, the Marquis could not return to the Capital City with his dignity intact, as he died on the way home…

Subsequently, the house of Marquis Xu was obliterated, with those who had close ties with him either assassinated or demoted…

We Mingting’s memory soon wandered back to the moment when the worn-out wineskin in his hand was the same one the Marquis had served him wine with.

Wei Mingting then stood up, took a jug of thyme wine from the cabinet behind him, poured it into the wineskin, and began to drink.

After half a jug of wine, in a haze, he remembered the terrific snowy night when that man handed the infant to him.

“You must remember, once this is revealed, you will commit a grave offense punishable by death by your entire household,” the man said.

Looking at the child hesitated before taking her into his arms.

“I owe you a favor that I need to repay.” He said to the man.

Wei Mingting closed his eyes, remembering the child Jinyi…

So many years had passed… some things were bound to happen…

###

The next day, the imperial edict arrived. Wei Mingting was officially promoted to the Guard Commander of the Taizhou prefecture’s Anti-Japanese Army, decorated as the General of Martial Virtue, and recognized as the fifth-rank.

He was also conferred many treasures of gold and silver.

Upon receiving the edict, Wei Mingting did not show great joy–Now, the palace attendant who passed on the imperial decree could understand. After all, Wei was still mourning the loss of his son.

This decree was actually approved ten days ago but only delivered to Taizhou prefecture today.

After comforting Wei Mingting with a few kind words and expressing congratulations, the palace attendant left for the post station.

News of Wei Mingting’s promotion quickly spread throughout the residence; joy was evident amongst everyone within the residence.

Previously acting as a substitute, it was not until the decree arrived, that Wei Mingting’s position had officially been confirmed.

It must have been said that Zheng Zhongye was indeed bad; however, his actions provided a great opportunity for Wei Mingting’s promotion.

Otherwise, it was uncertain how many more years it would take for Wei Mingting to receive such an opportunity and ascend to the position of Guard Commander.

Madam Yun immediately ran to burn incense in front of the family shrine, thanking the ancestors for their blessing.

Next, she instructed the servants, “Don’t show too much joy in front of the master. Since Jinyi just left, his mood hasn’t settled yet, so it is not suitable to celebrate excessively.”

Madam Yun knows Wei Mingting well and understands that he values his family more than his official position. Therefore, they cannot revel in this promotion.

Inside the Wangmei Garden, Wei Qingwan also heard the news.

A wave of joy distinctly washed her face.

From this day onwards, the Military Prefecture was no longer a Military Prefecture but a General Residence.

The jump from a Colonel to a General is something that many people can never achieve in their lifetime.

At the same time, this meant a significant change in her status as the lady of the Wei Family.

The first thing that Wei Qingwan thought of was that the status gap between her and Qi Zhen had shrunk, making it much easier for Qi Zhen to marry her.

“Young miss, this is really great!” Cuihe celebrated with joy on behalf of both Wei Qingwan and herself.

“Yes.” Wei Qingwan’s face was radiant with expectation and longing.

“Now, we only need to wait for Young master to forgive the master and bring you back to the residence, and everything will move in a good direction!” Cuihe added.

“Yes.” Wei Qingwan thought the same.

As long as Wei Qingruo did not intrude, her return to the residence would not be far away. Then she could be with Qi Zhen forever…

When Wei Qingwan thought of Qi Zhen, she involuntarily blushed and broke into a whisp of a smile.

As long as she could be with Qi Zhen, she would not back down, regardless of whether Wei Qingruo or someone else stood in her way.

Within the Tingsong Garden,

When Wei Ruo heard about Wei Mingting’s promotion, the first thing she thought of was Xu Zhengyong’s situation.

With Wei Mingting’s official appointment, Brother Xiaoyong’s promotion should not be far off either.

It was uncertain whether Brother Xiaoyong could secure the position of Deputy Guard Commander as smoothly. Wei Mingting’s promotion to Guard Commander was almost a foregone conclusion, as there was no one more qualified than him.

But it was still difficult for Xiaoyong to get promoted three times over at once.

“Meimei, let’s go to the Four Treasure House.” Wei Ruo said to Xiumei.

“Like the young miss, I can’t wait to find out about Brother Xiaoyong’s promotion.” Xiumei said.

Wei Ruo said, “No matter how many levels Brother Xiaoyong gets promoted, it is a joyous occasion. Let’s celebrate for Brother Xiaoyong.”

Xiumei nodded fervently, “Yes! We should celebrate!”

Both servant and mistress thought alike and quickly prepared before heading out the door.