nycdaug Chapter 11 Fetching Water from Bamboo Basket
Chapter 11 Fetching Water from Bamboo Basket
As they waited anxiously, dawn finally broke. Just as Shangguan Chengfeng was about to head out to the yamen to take up his post, the second steward rushed in in a panic, reporting, "Master, an imperial envoy has arrived, requesting that you go to receive the imperial decree!"
"What? An angel has come?!" Shangguan Chengfeng was taken aback. Why would an angel come? But then he couldn't help but feel happy. Could it be that they came to announce his succession to the title?
Haha! That's wonderful! He's going to be a proper marquis!
Thinking about it this way, his mood immediately improved. He happily instructed the steward to set up an incense table in the front yard, and then loudly told his wife, "Hurry up, have the children and mother change into brand new clothes. We'll go to the front yard together to receive the imperial decree in a little while!"
The family of over ten people, all dressed in brand-new clothes, arrived at the entrance of the reception room in the front courtyard, surrounded by servants. The steward had already set up an incense table there, eagerly awaiting the exciting moment when the imperial edict would be read aloud.
Subconsciously, the masters and servants of the Marquis's mansion all believed that this imperial edict was a great blessing for the eldest branch of the family. However, what happened next stunned everyone, and they could hardly believe their ears and eyes.
The angel unfurled the imperial edict and loudly proclaimed: "...The title of Marquis of Changning is revoked, and the Marquis of Changning's residence is to be revoked ten days from now. This is the imperial decree!"
Before he could finish speaking, Shangguan Chengfeng's vision went black, and he barely managed to stay upright and not faint. However, the old lady couldn't hold on and collapsed to the ground on the spot.
Cao couldn't hold back any longer and immediately screamed, "Mother, what's wrong with you?!"
The voice was shrill and piercing, drawing a stern glare and a rebuke from the angel: "Lord Shangguan, what kind of behavior is this? Could it be that your matriarch and wife have a problem with His Majesty?!"
These words immediately terrified Shangguan Chengfeng. He hurriedly pulled out a large red envelope with trembling hands and gave it to the angel, saying with a fawning smile, "No, no! My mother is just weak and hasn't been feeling well these past few days, which is why she fainted."
The angel squeezed the red envelope, his expression softening slightly: "That's good, otherwise, it would be a terrible sin!" After saying that, he gave him a meaningful look, flicked his whisk, and led his group away.
Shangguan Chengfeng immediately collapsed to the ground, his whole body dazed and his face ashen.
It's all over, the title of Marquis is completely out of his reach!
Cao Shi sat down on the ground without hesitation, pounding her fists on the ground and wailing, "Oh dear, heavens! Everything was fine, how could the title be gone? Heavens, this is unfair!"
Shangguan Chengfeng suddenly snapped out of his daze, nimbly got to his feet, and kicked his wife hard: "You stupid woman, are you trying to kill the whole family like this?!"
If the emperor finds out what Cao said, his position as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel will be over. He might even be accused of deceiving the emperor, have his property confiscated, and be exiled.
The kick landed squarely on Cao's chest, making her see stars. Her wailing stopped abruptly; her husband's vicious expression sent shivers down her spine.
"If you don't want to die, shut your mouth and don't spout nonsense!" Shangguan Chengfeng looked at his wife with disgust, threw down these words, and strode away. He had important things to do and didn't have time to deal with this stupid woman!
Now that the Marquis's title is gone, we must be careful with the family's property and money; we absolutely cannot let my second brother's wife take it away!