The Little Lucky Girl.

Along the way, Eunuch Fu'an sat in his magnificent carriage, musing on the scene he would encounter with Su Zhiyuan. He knew Su Zhiyuan was upright and honest, indifferent to the maneuvers of officialdom, and wondered how he would react to this promotion. Meanwhile, back in Yun'an County, the Su family was immersed in joy and bustle, completely unaware of the impending decree. They were still discussing how to govern Yun'an and benefit the people, but little did they know that a sudden event from the imperial palace was about to disrupt this tranquility and open a new chapter in the Su family's destiny. In this turbulent officialdom, the Su family was about to face new opportunities and challenges, all of which were slowly unfolding within the chessboard of Emperor Fengyuan.

Eunuch Fu'an's carriage finally entered Yun'an County. The ruts on the cement road made a slight rumbling sound, like the drumbeat of fate approaching. Su Zhiyuan was handling business at the government office!

Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside the door, the sound of horse hooves and shouts shattering the silence. Eunuch Fu'an, whisk in hand, strode into the Yun'an County government office. Su Zhiyuan hurried out to greet him, his heart filled with doubt but still polite.

Eunuch Fu'an stood in the main hall of the county government office, which was decorated with carved beams and painted rafters but still simple and solemn. He cleared his throat, unfolded the bright yellow imperial edict, and read aloud in a shrill voice: "By the will of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Su Zhiyuan is an upright official, has made outstanding achievements in governing Yun'an, cares about the people, and is both virtuous and talented. He is now specially promoted to the position of prefect of Hongzhou Prefecture, and will go to Hongzhou Prefecture to take up his post immediately. I hope he can remain loyal and make great achievements in the court. This is my decree!" After reading the imperial edict, Eunuch Fu'an raised his eyes slightly and looked at Su Zhiyuan, with a hint of inquiry and scrutiny in his eyes.

Su Zhiyuan, his expression calm, stepped forward, respectfully accepted the imperial edict with both hands, and declared aloud, "Your servant, Su Zhiyuan, accepts the imperial edict and expresses gratitude. Long live the emperor!" His voice was steady and powerful, echoing throughout the hall. Seeing this, Eunuch Fu'an smiled a seemingly benevolent smile and said, "Sir Su, this promotion is a testament to the emperor's great appreciation of you. You will surely rise to a high position in the future." Su Zhiyuan bowed slightly and humbly responded, "Your Excellency is most gracious. I have only fulfilled my duty as an official, and I owe everything to the emperor's grace. You have traveled so hard, please enter the inner hall and rest." Eunuch Fu'an waved his hand, "I must return to the capital to report. Sir Su, please hurry and prepare for your trip to Hongzhou Prefecture. Don't miss your journey." With that, Eunuch Fu'an, accompanied by his attendants, turned and left. Su Zhiyuan looked at the receding figure of Eunuch Fu'an, frowned slightly, and secretly wondered what kind of deep meaning was hidden behind this sudden promotion!

Su Zhiyuan's face didn't express excessive joy at this promotion. He knew full well that behind this apparent favor lay complex political strife. Meanwhile, various factions within the court were closely watching the Su family's every move, with jealous individuals secretly plotting and allies considering new collaborations.

Eunuch Fu'an did not come to Sujia Village because he was in a hurry to return to Beijing to report!

After waiting for eunuch Fu'an to leave, Su Zhiyuan turned to his son Su Wenbo beside him and whispered, "Wenbo, your father will now do some handover matters with you. Your father has been managing Yun'an for many years. Although many affairs have regulations, I still need to entrust you with them in detail." Su Wenbo nodded seriously and followed Su Zhiyuan into the study.

Su Zhiyuan sat at his desk, his fingers gently tracing the scrolls and official documents on the table. He slowly began to explain to Su Wenbo the various matters concerning Yun'an County, including people's livelihood, taxation, water conservancy, public security, and education. He paused periodically to patiently answer his son's questions. After the handover, Su Zhiyuan looked at his son, his eyes filled with expectation and trust. "Wenbo, the people of Yun'an are now in your care. You must uphold justice and care for their livelihood."

Afterwards, Su Zhiyuan brought his wife Xiao back to Sujia Village and went directly to the main courtyard of Old Man Su and Old Wang. "Dad, Mom, I'm back!"

"Zhiyuan is back! Come in and sit down!"

"Dad, Mom, I have something to tell you two. Please calm down first!"

Old Wang rolled her eyes at him. "I've been through a lot! Could it be that the Emperor has stripped you of your position?"

"Mom, look at what you said! Am I that bad?"

"I see you haven't been promoted in all these years!"

"That's because I don't want to get promoted! I want to be closer to home so I can take care of you two elders. But this time, I have to get promoted even if I don't want to!"

"What? You got a promotion?"

"Yeah! I'm leaving tomorrow!"

"Where did it rise?" Old Man Su asked curiously!

"Prefect of Hongzhou Prefecture"

"Wow, he jumped several levels! From the fourth rank!"

"Yes dad!"

When Old Man Su heard this, the wrinkles on his face instantly relaxed, his eyes flashed with excitement, and he said repeatedly: "Great, great, this is the honor of our family. Zhiyuan, you must do a good job in your position in the provincial capital this time, and don't let the emperor down." Wang's face also showed joy, her eyes full of pride in her son.

However, Su Zhiyuan only managed a forced smile. Once the two elders calmed down, he said with a wry smile, "Dad, Mom, I don't have any lofty ambitions. I simply wish to guard this small home, live a peaceful life with my wife and children. The ever-changing world of officialdom worries me." Upon hearing this, Old Man Su's face darkened slightly, and he said sternly, "Zhiyuan, this is the Emperor's order, and it's an opportunity for our family. How can you be so downhearted? I know you don't enjoy scheming, but now that you're in the officialdom, you must shoulder your responsibilities." Su Zhiyuan lowered his head and remained silent, a mixture of emotions welling up in his heart. He knew that from this moment on, he would bid farewell to the ordinary life he had always desired and enter the uncertain and dangerous world of the capital. The fate of the Su family would rise and fall with him in this turbulent world.

Seeing Su Zhiyuan keep his head down and remain silent, Old Man Su felt a little sorry for him and softened his tone a little: "Zhiyuan, Dad knows you value friendship and loyalty and can't bear to leave your family. But this position of prefect of Hongzhou Prefecture can benefit more people and is also a good opportunity for you to realize your ambitions." Su Zhiyuan raised his head slightly, looked at his father, and said softly: "Dad, I understand what you mean, and I will do my best. But the officialdom is full of intrigue, and I am afraid that if I am not careful, it will bring trouble to my family."

Old Mrs. Wang on the side took Su Zhiyuan's hand and said, "Son, you can go without worry. Your father and I are at home, Wenbo is in Yun'an, and there is Guaibao, the princess who was personally appointed by the emperor. Nothing will happen to you. You are out there, so take care of yourself and don't overwork yourself." Su Zhiyuan felt his mother's warm hand, a warm current surged in his heart, and he nodded.

At this time, Xiao, who had been standing silently beside Su Zhiyuan, said, "Husband, my parents-in-law are right. You care about the people of the world and will definitely make a career in Hongzhou Prefecture. I will take care of everything at home in the rear, so you don't have to worry." Su Zhiyuan looked at his wife's determined eyes and felt a little more comforted.

"Daughter-in-law! You don't have to stay at home to take care of us. You and Zhiyuan can go to Hongzhou Prefecture to take care of him! How can a husband and wife be separated? If they are separated for too long, the love between husband and wife will fade!" said Old Wang!

"I know, mother!"

"That's right! Go back to your own yard and rest up early! Pack up so you can set off for the capital tomorrow!"

"Yes, mother! We'll go back now!" Su Zhiyuan and Xiao returned to their own yard!

Su Qing was refining medicine in her own courtyard pharmacy when she heard Dongmei come to report that Second Master Su Zhiyuan had been promoted. She was delighted at first, then she put down the herbs in her hands, hurriedly stood up, and walked through the winding corridors, heading straight for Su Zhiyuan's courtyard. Along the way, the breeze gently ruffled her hair, but she didn't bother to tidy it, her heart filled with concern and curiosity about her father.

Entering the yard, Su Qing saw Su Zhiyuan standing under the old tree in the courtyard with his hands behind his back, as if in deep thought. She called out softly, "Daddy." Su Zhiyuan turned around with a loving smile on his face, "My daughter is here." Su Qing took a few quick steps and came to Su Zhiyuan. She looked up at her father carefully and said, "Daddy, I heard that you got promoted. This is a great joy. I see that you seem worried. What's the reason?" Su Zhiyuan sighed slightly, pulled Su Qing to sit on a stone bench nearby, and slowly said, "My daughter, the road of officialdom is full of twists and turns. Your father has no intention of getting involved too deeply. Now that you have been promoted, although it seems glorious, there may be many troubles and dangers. "Su Qing held Su Zhiyuan's hand and said firmly: "Dad, you have always been fair and kind. No matter what you encounter, you will be able to deal with it properly. Your daughter believes in you." Su Zhiyuan looked at his daughter with relief: "My daughter, this time your father is going to Hongzhou Prefecture to take up a post, and you will have to work hard at home." Su Qing shook her head: "Dad, don't worry, your daughter will take care of grandpa and grandma, and will also take care of household affairs!" The father and daughter talked for a long time under the tree. The sunlight shone through the gaps in the leaves, mottled, as if adding a touch of tranquility and warmth to their conversation.

At night, Su Zhiyuan paced alone in his room, gazing out the window at the familiar courtyard, his mind racing. He knew the road ahead to Hongzhou Prefecture was fraught with obstacles, but for the sake of his family, for the sake of the Su family, he had no choice but to leave.

The next morning, Su Zhiyuan bid farewell to his family and set off for Hongzhou Prefecture. As the carriage slowly moved forward, he gazed at the receding Sujia Village and vowed to remain true to his principles amidst the chaotic world of officialdom, protecting the Su family and upholding justice for the people. Along the way, he pondered the various situations Hongzhou Prefecture might face and how to respond to the impending challenges of officialdom. His fate, amidst the clatter of wheels, sailed towards an unknown distance.