Allure of a Country Maiden-Chapter 141 - 139 - First generation close, second generation acquaintance

Right as Shen Chengzong walked in the door, he announced loudly, "Brother, much joy to you! You’re bathed in wealth and honor!"

Upon hearing his words, Shen Chengyao furrowed his brows.

Eagerly grabbing Shen Chengyao’s hand, Mr. Shen asked, "What did the imperial edict say?"

"I didn’t pay full attention, but it seems because of the invention of the wheelbarrow, cement and the development of high-yield rice, the Emperor has granted me the title of Marquis Shengping, and my daughter Xiao’er the title of the Lady of Rui’an County."

Mr. Shen was delighted to hear this, a smile spreading across his face. Although he felt slightly indifferent toward his granddaughter also receiving a title, he wished his grandson would’ve been bestowed one. Nonetheless, he was still quite pleased.

They were the most fortunate household in their town to receive an imperial edict!

Mr. Shen was about to compliment Chengyao, but he looked up, and noticed his eldest son standing behind Chengyao with a gloomy and envious expression. Various emotions welled up inside him.

Since being a boy, Chengguang had always expressed his ambition to become a high-ranking official, who would’ve thought... Mr. Shen let out a quiet sigh and shook his head. It was the will of heaven! His favored eldest son and grandson were yet to become officials, while his underappreciated son achieved such honor by farming!

It truly was a case of the willow growing into the shade without being intended, and the flowers not blooming despite meticulous care!

Chengyao was also just lucky. Many people, even if they managed to boost rice yields sky-high, wouldn’t necessarily catch the Emperor’s attention, thanks to the vast distance between them and the Imperial Capital!

Even if someone tried to claim this merit, there would be no place for you to voice your grievances. In fact, it could even lead to trouble, it was uncertain! But Chengyao had encountered a noble, and not just any noble! First came the recommendation from Juxian Academy, then followed by such great merit, all faithfully communicated to the Emperor. All the credit was given to him!

How great would it be if such merit was bestowed upon his eldest son!

The problem now was that they had already split their households. This fortune only belonged to the third branch of the family. Mr. Shen unconsciously sighed, no longer in the mood for praise.

Seeing his father smiling, Chengyao was also pleased and thought he was about to receive praise, but the smile quickly faded as his father sighed looking at his eldest brother.

Chengyao followed his father’s gaze to his big brother, who didn’t exhibit the slightest bit of joy. It was as if Chengyao owed him hundreds of taels of silver. Suddenly, a chill went down Chengyao’s spine and his joy dampened.

"Is the golden plate only for silver? It’s only on the table," Mrs. Zhuang Lin asked, looking at the tray draped in bright yellow silk.

"Oh, yes, the Emperor also rewarded us with 100 taels of gold, a house in the Marquis Mansion, and 100 mu of fertile land."

Mrs. Zhuang Lin’s eyes widened upon hearing this. 100 taels of gold!!

mu of fertile land!!

The others also gazed at the tray, their eyes wide with hope, as if they could make it theirs simply by staring at it.

Chengzong placed a hand on Chengyao’s shoulder, a look of glee on his face. "Brother, I have never admitted that anyone is superior to me, but now, I admire you. Others have climbed the social ladder by achieving political success or contributing to the military. You’ve made it far just by farming! As brothers, we share in fortune and face obstacles together. Now that you’re rich, you can’t forget us. This silver, this fertile land, you must give us a share, so we too can feel the Emperor’s enormous grace!"

Everyone’s eyes blazed with anticipation upon hearing this, their gaze fixated on Chengyao.

"The things that the Emperor granted our family certainly can’t be given away. Moreover, we must keep everything that the Emperor has bestowed upon our family as heirlooms to be passed down from generation to generation. However, rest assured second uncle, once the harvest comes in from the fertile fields granted to us by the Emperor, we’ll definitely share some with you to taste it and experience the Emperor’s immense kindness. This goes for grandfather and everyone else too. Everyone will have a chance to taste it," Xiao’er said smiling.

"You’re wrong about this, third brother. You already have a lot of farmland, but you’re not willing to share. Greed makes no man rich! You enjoy your own delicacies while I eat bran and vegetables. If you’re not willing to share, be careful not to overeat and choke," Chengzong added a line in his heart.

"Second brother, do not speak if you cannot," Mr. Shen cut Chengzong off abruptly.

Then he turned to Chengyao and said, "Third son, a single tree does not make a forest. Brothers stick together, even when our bones are broken. As a father, I’m not asking you to divide your family’s assets among your brothers. Now, you have the means and capability. You should think about how to support your brothers. After all, when the whole family is strong, no one will dare to look down on you. You should find a way to let your brothers be like you, earning a half official position by farming or doing something else. Or you could see if can support your eldest brother along his way to get a government position. Your eldest brother, after studying for so many years, is at least a sub-candidate..."

Chengyao was overwhelmed, thinking these were impossible demands. Help his brother get an official position? Even though he was now a Marquis, he didn’t hold any actual power.

And how else could he help? His own position wasn’t earned on his own but through the help of his daughter. That was his only plan!

A little angered by his father’s request, Chengyao bluntly replied: "The only method I have is to have a good daughter, and then we will have everything! Silver, houses, farmland, titles. All these came from Xiao’er. The creation of the wheelbarrow, cement, and the high-yield rice were all Xiao’er’s ideas. I simply put in some effort."

Xiao’er wondered, why did Chengyao seem so shady?

Mr. Shen was stunned to silence.

"Impossible!" Chengguang didn’t believe it.

"If it wasn’t because of my daughter, why else do you think the Emperor would grant Xiao’er a title like Lady?" Mrs. Liu angrily retorted, fed up with their increasingly unreasonable demands.

Generally, the title of Lady is only granted to the daughters of Princes! Giving Xiao’er the title, displayed the Emperor’s clear insight, knowing that Xiao’er contributed to their success.

Mr. Shen found himself in a difficult position. He had a vague understanding that all these things were Xiao’er’s ideas, but no father would give all the credit to their young child. How could a father place his dignity? Chengyao was so frank about it, he didn’t know how to ask his granddaughter to help his sons.

A Grandparent and a grandchild are a generation apart. It would be impropriety to request a few years old granddaughter to assist her uncles, especially if it’s their own demand. If such news leaked, it would potentially tarnish their reputation. As officials, reputation is everything.

It’s even more apparent for those who obtain official positions through connections with others. Countless eyes are watching, waiting for an opportunity to bring you down and replace you with someone of their own.

If his sons were unable to do anything, he should look to his daughters for assistance. With a doted Lord brother, matrimonial matters should be given more thought. Only through this thought did Mr. Shen find some comfort.

Asking Chengyao to assist his sister in finding a good match. He was certain Chengyao would be obliging about this.

In truth, Mr. Shen knew many things in his heart, but...It is difficult to be parents. Each of our ten fingers is of different lengths.

"Third son, are you planning to move to the Imperial Capital?"