Peasant Woman’s Decreed Life as a Wife

Chapter 2559: Chapter 2556: Promotion (End of Full Text)

As early winter approached.

Unlike previous years, it started snowing heavily right at the beginning of winter, causing temperatures to plummet rapidly. In the capital, the rich families were fine, but the commoners were having a tough time.

“Ah Yu, a message came from the palace. I need to go there. You should rest early.” Chu Heng was originally snuggling in bed with Ye Muyu, reluctant to get up. Finally, he had a day off and naturally was happy not to go to the yamen.

But then a message came from the palace.

Saying Emperor Xuanming had summoned him.

He had no choice but to get up, dress, and rush out.

Ye Muyu simply took some gifts and went to the Prince’s Mansion.

Entering the palace, Chu Heng noticed this time that Emperor Xuanming had summoned only him.

He kept his eyes focused, head lowered, as he was led into the Emperor’s bedchamber.

Seeing it was not the Imperial Study, Chu Heng’s heart tightened. Before he got closer, he heard several coughing sounds emanating from within.

He Dequan lowered his head slightly and softly reminded him, “The Emperor has been feeling under the weather lately, Minister Chu, please take good care of him.”

“Thank you for the reminder, Eunuch.” Chu Heng walked in, knelt, and paid his respects. For a long time, Emperor Xuanming, leaning against his bed, did not speak, but Chu Heng could clearly feel his gaze fixed on the top of his head.

Chu Heng remained as unmoving as a mountain, maintaining a strict demeanor, neither looking up nor uttering a word.

He had no idea how long he stayed like this.

Long enough for the incense in the hall to cling to his clothes, before Emperor Xuanming finally spoke, his voice betraying his exhaustion.

“Minister Chu, stand and speak.”

“Yes.” Chu Heng stood up and patted his official robes.

Looking up, he saw indeed, Emperor Xuanming seemed to have aged several years in an instant.

Emperor Xuanming looked at him coolly, but his eyes held deep emotions: “Minister Chu, take a look.”

With that, he threw several secret letters to Chu Heng.

Chu Heng took them, read them, and his brows furrowed. He then asked, “Your Majesty, by informing me of these things, are you expecting me to do something?”

“I want you to eliminate the forces in Jiangnan and purge the officials colluding with the People of Beirong in the Northern Region. Are you willing?” Emperor Xuanming’s face was an abnormal flush, his eyes blazing, almost speaking through clenched teeth: “Now Great Chu looks thriving on the surface, an era of prosperity is upon us, yet some dare to collude with the enemy and betray the country!”

Chu Heng was not surprised at all. Minister Qi Shang’s association with the People of Beirong was intended to obtain a large amount of money.

In fact, with the commercial exchanges between the two regions, conveying messages becomes much easier. If Minister Qi Shang becomes displeased at court, or if he seeks more benefits, choosing to work with the people in the Northern Region is not surprising.

After all, the current court reforms have employed talent, significantly reducing the power of the Minister of Personnel.

Minister Qi Shang was anxious, indeed.

Unfortunately, initially, he suggested Emperor Xuanming establish the Ministry of Commerce throughout the country, not for accumulating wealth but for centralizing power.

Otherwise, it wouldn’t have been this easy for Emperor Xuanming to find evidence against Minister Qi Shang.

“I will follow all of the Emperor’s orders.” Chu Heng pretended not to notice Emperor Xuanming’s probing.

After all, he had long prepared an exit plan. The Ministry of Commerce might seem controlled by the Emperor, but he could use it to protect his family.

Plus, he had other backup plans.

He had made this decision when he realized Emperor Xuanming couldn’t decide which prince to inherit the throne.

He certainly wasn’t willing to be involved in the Royal Family’s succession struggle.

“Good.” Emperor Xuanming said profoundly, “Aren’t you afraid I might send you away and you won’t return?”

Chu Heng first felt a rush of fear, then knelt down: “Your Majesty, I am your subject, I should fulfill my duty. How you use me, I have no right to question, I only need to serve well. I just hope the Emperor could take care of my family. I will devote myself wholeheartedly and will not rest until the end.”

“Such devotion.” Emperor Xuanming’s face flushed, and after a few violent coughs, he stared fiercely: “As long as I live, I will never allow those traitorous ministers to disrupt Great Chu’s Mountains and Rivers.”

“Starting today, I appoint you into the cabinet as the Right Minister, to assist in governing the Six Ministries.”

In the same year.

Emperor Xuanming wielded great power, dismissing ten officials at the Northern Region border, rivers of blood flowed.

The Jiangnan shipping industry firmly controlled by the Ministry of Commerce, under the Emperor’s command.

The Twentieth Year of Yuankang, Emperor Mingzong gravely ill, appointed the Fourth Prince Rong as the Crown Prince, teaching him personally.

With snow falling heavily.

Elder Zhong retired and returned home, Chu Heng was summoned to the palace, two hours later he stepped out, having ascended to the position of Left Chief Minister, beginning a life second only to the Emperor.

“Ah Heng?” Ye Muyu lifted the carriage curtain, waving at him: “Quick, get on the carriage, why are you standing there? Aren’t you cold?”

“Not cold.” Chu Heng strides forth and grasps her hand, whispering: “I was just thinking that I’ve finally fulfilled my promise to you.”

“So, I’m just waiting for you to retire and return home early like Elder Zhong, don’t end up worn out and full of illnesses.”

“Alright.” Chu Heng plants a kiss on her forehead, looking at the snow-covered capital, he seemingly saw many years into the future, a warm life with Ah Yu accompanying him.

Power is a good thing; at least, he no longer worries about any insignificant person daring to harm his family.

Chu Heng returned to the residence with Ye Muyu.

Seeing the elders and children of the family greeting them with smiles.

“Come in quickly, we’re quietly celebrating, this is a great event bringing honor to the family!”

“My father is amazing, I must strive hard too.”

“I’m still young, I just want to be pampered by my parents.”

“Son, you have a great grandfather, I’m truly envious of you, kid.”

The future Crown Prince, future Emperor is currently spitting milk bubbles, sound asleep.

“Ah Yu, let’s go, we’re home.” Chu Heng held her hand and walked inside, step by step.

Ye Muyu smiled radiantly: “Yes, our home.”

“I’m so lucky to meet you.”

“I’m so happy to have you with me.”

“Don’t forget when we meet, happiness always stays.”