Feng Pengju nodded, "Alright, I have a few words to say to you, nephew. Come, come."
The three of them chatted and laughed as they entered the courtyard. New servants and maids hired for the household were kneeling on the ground.
Seeing these unfamiliar faces, Feng Pengju was filled with mixed emotions. He sighed.
Feng Xiaoyue understood immediately and hurriedly said to her father, "Father, you must be missing Third Uncle. I've already sent people to find him. I believe he will return, and he will still be the steward of the Feng family."
Hearing this, Feng Pengju's face broke into a smile, and he looked at Feng Xiaoyue with approval.
Feng Xiaoyue waved her hand, "Alright, you can all get up now."
She then looked at the two maids beside her, "Quickly prepare hot water for my father to wash his face and change his clothes."
The Feng residence instantly bustled with activity. Wang Xiaoyue's mood was as joyful as if she were about to take flight. She hummed a tune in the kitchen, directing everyone in preparing the dishes, engrossed in her tasks, already anticipating a reunion dinner with her father at noon.
Just then, a loud shout was heard from outside, "His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived."
Feng Xiaoyue heard this and quickly put down her work to welcome him. At the same time, Feng Pengju had changed into a brand-new brocade robe and strode out of the house. He no longer looked tired but carried an air of dignity and authority.
Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun had already entered the main gate. Seeing Feng Pengju emerge, Xiao Jingyun smiled and waved.
Feng Pengju quickened his steps, knelt on one knee, and said, "Your humble servant Feng Pengju pays his respects to His Highness the Crown Prince."
Xiao Jingyun laughed heartily, stepped forward, and held Feng Pengju's arm, helping him up.
"My dear minister, there's no need for such formality. I was eager to see you upon hearing of your return."
Then, Xiao Jingyun raised his hand towards Feng Xiaoyue and Fang Jun, who were kneeling behind, "Alright, you may both rise."
Feng Pengju stepped aside, "Your Highness, please come inside for some tea."
Xiao Jingyun smiled and nodded, holding Feng Pengju's hand. They entered the reception hall and took their seats as host and guest. Feng Xiaoyue personally served the tea and stood behind her father.
Fang Jun was also considered a guest and was naturally seated, but with the Crown Prince present and Feng Pengju being an elder, he could only sit in a lower position. Su Dan novel network.
Xiao Jingyun took a sip of tea, looked at Fang Jun, then at Feng Xiaoyue, and smiled, "My dear minister, your vindication this time is largely due to Xiaoyue's efforts. Of course, the key was that Fang Jun's grandfather, the Grand Chancellor Fang, found Gao Shuang's steward, Gao Xing. Otherwise, this matter would have remained hidden from me."
Feng Pengju naturally understood the Crown Prince's intention.
He smiled and nodded, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. When my wife returns, I will certainly go to the palace to personally thank His Majesty."
Xiao Jingyun waved his hand, "Ah, there's absolutely no need for such politeness. My father has repeatedly instructed me that upon your return, you must be entrusted with important responsibilities."
"Originally, I intended to reinstate you to your former position. However, my father said that a third-rank official cannot possibly compensate for the suffering you endured for these years at the border. Therefore, I wish to offer you the position of Prime Minister."
Hearing this, Feng Pengju was startled. The Prime Minister was a first-rank official. A direct promotion from third rank to first rank was a leap over multiple levels.
Not only was Feng Pengju surprised, but Feng Xiaoyue was also a little taken aback. After all, a promotion of even one rank was difficult, and she never expected her father to be promoted two ranks directly after returning from exile.
Fang Jun, standing beside them, was overjoyed. If Feng Xiaoyue's father became Prime Minister, then the woman he would marry would be the daughter of the Prime Minister. This meant he would be marrying the daughter of a Prime Minister, and his own marriage would be to the daughter of a Prime Minister – a truly perfect match.
Feng Pengju rose again, adjusted his robe, and knelt, "Thank you for Your Highness's high regard. Pengju will dedicate himself wholeheartedly and live up to your trust."
Xiao Jingyun stood up, "My dear minister, please rest well. I shall take my leave now."
Feng Xiaoyue repeatedly tried to persuade Crown Prince Xiao Jingyun to stay for a meal, but Xiao Jingyun cited busy official duties and departed.
After he left, Fang Jun immediately became excited and cupped his fist in greeting to Feng Pengju, "Uncle Feng, congratulations, congratulations! This is truly double happiness! Today, I wish to accompany you for a drink until we are both thoroughly intoxicated."
Feng Xiaoyue also excitedly spun around on the ground a few times, "Yes, yes! I'll go to the kitchen right away. The dishes will be ready soon."
While Feng Xiaoyue was busy in the kitchen, Xiao Jingyun had already entered the imperial palace and met his father.
As soon as they met, Xiao Jingyun spoke with impatience, "Father, good news, good news! Feng Pengju has returned."
Xiao An looked at him and said sternly, "You have been Crown Prince for ten years. After so long, why have you not learned to be composed?"
"The return of a mere Feng Pengju has you so overjoyed? Is this your depth of character?"
Being reprimanded by Xiao An, Xiao Jingyun quickly bowed.
"Father, your admonition is most fitting. This son will surely amend his ways in the future."
"Father, I have proposed appointing Feng Pengju as Prime Minister, and he has agreed."
Xiao An nodded with satisfaction, "Excellent. Feng Pengju had an excellent reputation when he was Minister of Revenue and will undoubtedly be competent."
"However, he has just returned. Let him rest for a few days and there is no need to rush his appointment."
"Everything will be as Your Majesty commands," Xiao Jingyun replied respectfully.
Xiao An raised his hand, "I have arranged nothing. The Prime Minister is your appointment. He will naturally be loyal to you from now on."
Upon hearing Xiao An's words, Xiao Jingyun suddenly understood that his father was helping him accumulate influence. A Prime Minister appointed by him would naturally assist him.
This was helping him gather loyal followers.
With this thought, Xiao Jingyun, filled with gratitude, bowed again to Xiao An, "This son shall go and make the arrangements now."
After he left, Xiao An looked at Bai Han beside him.
"Feng Pengju has finally returned."
Bai Han cupped his fist, "Indeed, Your Majesty. He must have suffered greatly during those years at the border."
Xiao An stood up and took a few steps, "By the way, a few days ago, you mentioned that Feng Xiaoyue, Feng Pengju's daughter, also played a significant role in his vindication."
"Replying to Your Majesty, Miss Xiaoyue made repeated efforts and did her utmost to rescue her father."
Xiao An stroked his beard thoughtfully, walking slowly as he spoke, "This afternoon, go to Feng Pengju's residence and deliver some gifts to him."
"Also, inform him that I intend to bestow a marriage, arranging for Xiaoyue to marry the Crown Prince."
Hearing this, Bai Han's heart sank.
Feng Xiaoyue's engagement to Fang Jun was widely known in Wannian City at the time. He wondered why His Majesty was suddenly enacting this.
"Your Majesty, this..." He wanted to remind His Majesty, but as soon as he opened his mouth, Xiao An stopped him, "What is wrong with marrying the Crown Prince? Jingyun currently has only two consorts. If Feng Xiaoyue marries in, she will at least be bestowed the title of noble consort once Jingyun ascends the throne."