Golden Branch

"……and many more!"

Wang Lin was not really blinded by greed.

After the surprise, he began to think: How could I be promoted suddenly without any signs?

Wang Lin thought about it carefully and realized that he had not written a letter to Jiang in the past half month or even a month.

There didn't seem to be any major disturbances in the capital. Apart from the fact that the sage increasingly valued the King of Chu, there was nothing unusual.

The sage promoted the King of Chu, but it had little impact on the King of Qi.

The King of Qi himself has extremely high prestige. Although he cannot command the support of all people in the court, he still has many supporters.

Even though the King of Chu had the support of the saint, it would still be difficult for him to confront the King of Qi head-on.

The only major event is the Saint’s birthday this year. It is not a full birthday, but because the world was unified last year, it is the greatest blessing in the past hundred years.

Then some court officials submitted memorials, suggesting a general amnesty to share the joy with all the people.

The saint readily agreed, and on his birthday, he personally wrote an edict granting amnesty to the whole country and exempting taxes for three years.

"Could my promotion be related to this amnesty?"

Wang Lin didn't know that his promotion was a trap set by his ex-wife.

However, having served as an official for many years, Wang Lin had a basic sense of vigilance.

He also knows the truth that "blessings and misfortunes are interdependent."

Being promoted and returning to the capital may seem like a good thing, but it may also be fraught with danger.

But the temptation of "returning to Beijing" is too great.

More than ten years ago, he was ostracized and framed, and returned to his hometown in Yizhou in disgrace like a stray dog.

For countless days and nights, Wang Lin has been planning, just hoping to return to Beijing in glory.

For this goal, he even sacrificed the woman he loved most——

"Blessings often bring disasters, but this is my only chance to return to Beijing in years! I can't miss it!"

The most important point is that this is an appointment document issued by the Ministry of Personnel. Unless Wang Lin doesn't want to be an official in this life, he will jump into it even if he knows it is a trap.

"Perhaps, it's not a disaster, but a blessing?"

Wang Lin tried his best to comfort himself in this way, and began to consider many matters concerning leaving office and returning to Beijing.

First of all, Wang Lin had to deal with the wealth he had accumulated in Yizhou and Hedong over the years.

It was because I was not careful enough in Hedong that I left some traces, which allowed Lu Huaixin to get hold of me.

Although Lu Huaixin did not threaten too much and the Yi River Incident did not cause Wang Lin to suffer heavy losses, it was still a huge lesson and Wang Lin dared not be negligent again.

Secondly, although Wang Lin would not give full help to relatives such as Cui Zai and Xie Yanzhi, he would still treat them well.

The two were on the road and would arrive in Yizhou in a few days.

Even if Wang Lin was about to leave office, he had to make some arrangements for his relatives before leaving.

Third, Wang Lin also had to write letters to his relatives and friends in Beijing to find out more about the developments in the capital.

Especially the affairs of the Ministry of Works... He is about to become the Minister of Works. As the second in command, he needs to have a certain understanding of his own government office, colleagues, and subordinates.

Wang Lin listed several items in his mind, one by one.

It was not until he left the front yamen and returned to the backyard that the newly-accepted concubine came to serve him and shyly announced that she was pregnant that Wang Lin finally realized: Jiu Niang! She is still in the manor in Hedong!

Before, the Wang family moved back to the capital, but Wang Heng still stayed in Zhuangzi. It was not that Wang Lin ignored Wang Heng and let her fend for herself.

Instead, Wang Lin thought that he was in Yizhou, only a few dozen miles away from Hedong, and he could definitely take care of his daughter.

Letting Wang Heng continue to stay in Zhuangzi would actually make her feel more comfortable and secure than letting her follow Cui back to the capital.

Cui is really not a kind mother.

Mrs. Xie is not a loving grandmother either.

Although Wang Lin always took advantage of Wang Heng, he loved her in his heart.

Ajiu is his and Jiang's only daughter.

Jiang resented Wang Lin, and Wang Lin also had grievances against Jiang, and the couple seemed to have become enemies.

However, Wang Lin never forgot that Jiang was the woman he loved most.

Recalling the past, under the crabapple tree, petals were flying and the girl was stunningly beautiful. His heart was pounding and he secretly vowed to marry her and grow old with her.

Unfortunately, their love was too short to be with each other, and for the sake of his family's safety and family honor, Wang Lin had to give up Jiang.

Many times when Wang Lin woke up in dreams at midnight and recalled the past, he felt melancholy and lost, unable to let go.

As the only blood born to him by his beloved woman, Wang Lin must love him dearly.

On the premise of not harming his own and his family's interests, Wang Lin is willing to make plans for Wang Heng.

Wang Lin knew that Cui was vicious and his mother was unreliable, so he let Wang Heng stay in Hedong and live under his nose.

Therefore, this time, Wang Lin wanted to return to Beijing, so he could not let Wang Heng stay in Zhuangzi any longer.

"Another thing is that Ajiu is already thirteen years old, it's time for him to discuss marriage."

There are many powerful people in Beijing, and Ajiu's appearance... well, not bad, just a little fat.

But, you can lose weight.

Ajiu is the daughter of the most beautiful woman. Even if her appearance cannot compare to Jiang's stunning beauty, it is more delicate than that of an ordinary young noblewoman.

A daughter of the Wang family of Langya, the first female disciple of the famous scholar Shen Du... With these identities, although her appearance is a little worse, it is still a good thing.

Not to mention marrying into a well-matched aristocratic family, even marrying into the royal family and becoming a princess or a prince's consort would be enough for Ajiu.

Lou Yu, who is Ajiu's childhood sweetheart and also their senior and junior brothers, is a good candidate.

However, Lou Yu was adopted out and could not inherit the title of Duke of Anguo.

The Lou family army has nothing to do with Lou Yu.

Everything in Lou Yu’s future depends on himself.

Indeed, Lou Yu came from a prominent family and was a disciple of a famous scholar. His starting point was already an end point that countless people would find difficult to reach in their entire lives.

However, for the calculating Wang Lin, instead of waiting for a young man to slowly ascend to the pinnacle of power, it would be better to directly find a son-in-law who is already at the top!

"Lou Yu, just be a backup!"

After all, I grew up with Ajiu and we have been friends for many years, so I can’t completely deny him a chance!

……

Wang Lin listed all the things he needed to do and started to get busy.

Inventorying and handling Yizhou’s industries is the most important thing, so Wang Lin must do it himself.

Some of the properties happened to be in Hedong, and Wang Lin thought of his daughter, so he stopped by Wangjiazhuangzi.

"Son, please give your greetings to your father!"

Seeing her father whom she hadn't seen for several months, Wang Heng showed neither excitement nor resentment.

She is emotionally stable, polite and well-behaved. Apart from being a little overweight, she is every bit the lady of aristocratic family that meets the world's expectations.

Wang Lin was very dissatisfied.

In fact, when Wang Lin saw his daughter for the first time, he frowned: This child, why is she fat again!

The last time I saw her was during the Chinese New Year.

She was wearing thick winter clothes and a fur coat. The pure white fox fur was almost the same color as Wang Heng's skin.

It also makes Wang Heng look particularly "round and smooth".

At that time, Wang Lin could still comfort himself: Maybe it was because the winter clothes were too thick and the fox fur was too fluffy, so he looked fatter.

But now, in the height of June, after taking off her winter clothes and putting on a light summer dress, Wang Heng is still plump.

The face is small, about the size of a palm, but very fleshy.

Wang Lin glanced over and saw Wang Heng's double chin.

There are also chubby arms under the wide pink gauze sleeves, like lotus roots, one section after another, hidden under the sleeves, looming and full of flesh.

That is, the skirt is chest-length, without a belt, so the waist is not visible, otherwise... she looks so round and chubby, clearly still a child.

Where is there any trace of the budding, graceful and beautiful appearance of a young girl?

Seeing Wang Heng like this, Wang Lin, as her biological father, could not, no matter how thick the filter of family affection was, say against his conscience that she was outstanding in talent and beauty and worthy of the royal family!

Suddenly, there came a moment when Wang Lin no longer wanted to bring Wang Heng to Beijing.

It’s not that he doesn’t want this daughter anymore, but he wants Wang Heng to stay in Hedong first and lose weight, at least not to be so obese, and then it won’t be too late to bring her to the capital!

Wang Lin wanted to take Wang Heng away, not only because he felt sorry for her and wanted to take close care of her, but more importantly, he wanted to arrange a marriage for Wang Heng.

But... he is so fat that even his father Wang Lin is a little disgusted with him, let alone outsiders?

Although men often say that they should marry a virtuous woman, a woman's appearance is still very important.

As the saying goes, "A graceful lady is the dream of a gentleman", my own Ninth Lady can hardly be called "graceful".

The groundhog in Wang Lin screamed wildly.

He regretted that he should not have allowed his daughter to grow up wildly on the farm in the past few years.

Even though he was busy with official duties and even though he believed in Shen Du, a famous scholar, he should not have just given up.

My daughter has gained a lot of weight, and her appetite has probably been enlarged. If she wants to lose weight, it will probably take several months!

Wang Lin's plan was to leave with the gold, silver and other valuables after half a month.

Jiu Niang, this, this——

"Father, you don't look well. Could it be that you've been working too hard and are feeling unwell?"

Wang Heng sensed Wang Lin's disappointment, annoyance, frustration, and other emotions, and she couldn't help but feel curious—

What happened to the scumbag dad?

After not seeing each other for several months, he suddenly came to Zhuangzi, but when they met, he stared at her in a daze.

And this face, wow, white turns blue, blue turns red, red turns white, as if it was hit by a paint palette.

Wang Heng had a hunch that her father's strange appearance was most likely related to her.

"Me? I'm doing fine lately!"

I eat well, sleep well, and the teacher doesn’t even give up on homework. Oh, no, the teacher is “satisfied” with everything.

Did something happen in the capital?

Is there something wrong with my mother?

Wang Heng's mind was working rapidly, and she made all kinds of guesses.

Wang Heng's inquiry woke Wang Lin up.

His eyes were complicated, and he replied quietly: "Father is fine!"

Just a little depressed.

Alas, the plan was good, but my daughter was holding me back.

After a moment's silence, Wang Lin suddenly got straight to the point: "Ajiu, your father has received an appointment document from the Ministry of Personnel and will be going to Beijing to take up his post soon."

"Father got promoted?"

There was a gleam in Wang Heng's eyes. The little girl seemed very happy about her father's promotion.

She raised her small chin slightly, with a look of pride and satisfaction.

"It's not a big promotion, but I'm about to join the Ministry of Works as Left Vice Minister!"

Wang Lin spoke modestly, but he couldn't hide the pride on his face.

Ministry of Industry?

Wang Heng's pupils shrank slightly. This department was quite "wonderful".

If Wang Heng remembered correctly, the Ministry of Works' biggest project now was to repair the imperial mausoleum for the current emperor.

It is easy to go wrong when repairing the imperial tomb.

Water seepage!

Landslide!

Well, actually, as long as there is construction engineering, there will be accidents.

However, building an imperial mausoleum is different from building a city or a house.

Once a malfunction occurs in the imperial mausoleum, it can directly make the emperor furious.

The emperor was angry and laid down millions of corpses.

Even though people today are merciful and will not kill people at will, they will still hold the "ringleaders" accountable.

At this time, a perfect "scapegoat" is needed.

The Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works is very suitable to take the blame for the real culprit after something happens!

Wang Heng thought quickly and expanded her thoughts in the shortest possible time.

Wang Lin was promoted for no reason, which might have been the work of his mother.

Mother resented Wang Lin, but was also concerned about her daughter, so she had to endure and give in over the years.

This time, A'ma took the initiative to help Wang Lin seek an official position... There is only one reason, the "time" has come, A'ma doesn't want to endure it anymore!

So, the situation in Beijing is about to change?!

We can’t blame Wang Heng for “having wild thoughts”, nor can we blame her for over-interpreting the grudge between her parents.

If it was a normal promotion, or even if he wanted to help Wang Lin, he could have been transferred to the capital two or three years ago.

Even if it was the same Ministry of Works, at that time, transferring Wang Lin there was definitely giving him credit—

During that period, the Ministry of Industry's largest project was Chang'an New City.

Three years ago, the new city was completed and the capital was about to be moved, which was basically the fruit that had already grown on the tree.

By transferring people to the Ministry of Industry, you can reap the fruits directly.

That would be giving Wang Lin wealth and honor for nothing and helping him rise to prominence.

Jiang Shi chose not to make a move at that time, but when the new city was completed and the Ministry of Works began to build the imperial mausoleum with all its strength, she "sent" Wang Lin to the Ministry of Works...

It was hard for Wang Heng not to doubt Jiang's motives. Mother, she just wanted her father to "fill the hole"!

Wang Heng's heart was already in turmoil, but her face still looked innocent and soft.

When she heard "Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works", her already round eyes became even rounder, like a child who had received a surprise.

She had to consider the rules of her family, so she suppressed her excitement and bowed to Wang Lin to congratulate him, "Congratulations, father! You are so talented, and you finally get to show your talents."

"I wish my father a bright and prosperous future!"

Wang Heng spoke almost bluntly, without the eloquence and grace of a talented woman.

Wang Lin was very happy. He didn't care about his daughter's betrayal of her status as a disciple of a famous scholar. Instead, he continued to smile modestly: "Ajiu, don't show off! I'm just a minister!"

He is neither one of the Nine Ministers nor a Secretariat Secretary, and cannot be compared with our ancestors at all.

However, returning to Beijing and joining the Six Ministries was ultimately an important turning point in his official career. Although Wang Lin said "it's just a small thing", he was indeed proud and excited in his heart.

Wang Heng quickly flattered Wang Lin again, making him even happier.

After a long while, Wang Lin finally thought of the important matter: "Ajiu, my father is going back to Beijing. What are your plans? Do you want to go back with him?"

Wang Heng: ...Oh no, Father doesn’t want me to go to Beijing?

Otherwise, according to his patriarchal temperament of "father is the leader of his sons", he would not have asked Wang Heng "whether she wants it or not", but would have given the order directly.

how?

Father doesn't want to take her to Beijing?

Wang Heng had the sharpest intuition, and she sensed a sense of disdain from Wang Lin...