A leisurely life in the world of cultivation

Chapter 138 The Duke Protector of the Nation!
With just over two years until my ascension to the Spirit Realm, will the martial arts manuals from the mortal world still be of any use?
It is actually still useful.

Li Weizhou had consulted Situ Qingyue about this issue. What she meant was that even though most people in the spirit world would cultivate spiritual techniques after opening the Xuan Guan Yi Aperture, there would still be some who would choose physical cultivation, or rather, martial arts cultivation.

Moreover, any peerless martial art that can fully cultivate the body's energy channels contains an invaluable martial will.

Most importantly, even if it's not needed in the spirit world, it can be used on Earth...

"Ten Thousand Buddhas Revolving Fist," what a boastful tone!
It sounds much more impressive than the "Heavenly Fiend King Fist"...

Li Weizhou smiled and said, "Thank you for your kindness, General. Although I feel unworthy of it, I will accept it with a thick skin. It just so happens that not only do I like to practice boxing, but my wife does as well. As for the secret of the Hidden Divine Palace, I believe that the key to the Hidden Divine Palace lies in the soul."

"Spirit?"

Zhang Ponu's body trembled, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, putting Li Weizhou under considerable pressure. Li Weizhou nodded, saying, "Yes, it's within the soul. However..." He looked at Zhang Ponu regretfully, "The concept of the soul is not a myth. In reality, after leaping over the Dragon Gate and entering the Mysterious Pass, one can perceive divine sense. I imagine the General is familiar with this. After all, the Mysterious Pass captures the spiritual energy of heaven and earth precisely through divine sense."

Where does consciousness originate? It comes from the soul.

If the Great General remains at the seventh level, and the various acupoints in his sea of ​​consciousness are not tainted by impure spiritual energy, there is still a chance they will open. But now, the spiritual energy of the mortal realm is utterly chaotic…”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Ponu's expression changed repeatedly, his fists clenched tightly, and after a long while, he finally let out a long sigh.

Zhang Wanyi asked with concern, "Dad, are you alright?"

Zhang Ponu shook his head and said, "These predictions are almost identical to those of the Grand Master. It's a pity we were unlucky. However, we speculate that even if we were to remain at the seventh level, it might not be so easy to find the Hidden God Palace. Otherwise, it wouldn't be that only a handful of people throughout history have had this good fortune."

In this light, the great courage and decisiveness of the Minister of Works, Sili, truly puts us to shame.

Li Weizhou was also quite moved upon hearing this. Situ Qingyue had waited a total of thirteen years from the moment she opened the Xuan Guan acupoint to the moment she found the Hidden God Palace.

These past thirteen years, not just every year, but every day and every moment, have been the ultimate test of her aspirations for enlightenment.

Most people would absolutely not be able to endure such torment.

Based on this alone, Situ Qingyue's mental fortitude is terrifyingly strong.

That's life. Different choices lead to drastically different scenery and vastly different outcomes.

However, the one before them was no slouch either, being able to sit and discuss the Dao with the Grand Master, which showed he was also a first-rate expert in the world...

Zhang Wanyi asked softly, "Father, after finding the Hidden God Palace and ascending to the Spirit Realm, will I become a prominent figure?"

Zhang Ponu shook his head and said, "That's not it. It still requires countless efforts and going through countless hardships to climb higher step by step. Because, no matter what kind of cultivation it is, it requires countless resources, and resources don't fall from the sky. Therefore, the path of cultivation requires risking one's life no matter where you go, and the spirit world is even more dangerous."

Li Weizhou smiled and said, "Yes, no one can succeed easily. The General's journey has been legendary. In fact, even if he can't go to the Spirit Realm, he might still be a hero."

Zhang Ponu chuckled to himself. He wasn't so dejected as to need a junior to comfort him. He said to Li Weizhou, "Wait a moment."

After getting up and leaving, Zhang Wanyi looked at Li Weizhou and asked in a low voice, "Third Brother, can Aning open the Hidden God Palace?"

Li Weizhou was delighted to hear this, but he was also happy for Silang. In these days, once a woman has given her heart, she is truly loyal and always thinks of her man...

He waved his hand and said, "Wanyi, you shouldn't think so much. The Hidden God Palace is something you can only encounter by chance, and it can't be forced. If you only pursue martial arts in this life, it may not be a good thing. You should know that martial arts is only a part of life. Practicing martial arts to become stronger is for a better life. Don't put the cart before the horse."

I was lucky to have opened the Hidden God Palace. Even if I hadn't, I wouldn't feel the slightest bit disappointed, and I would still live a good life.

Look at you, you can be with your loved ones, both your parents are alive, no one dares to bully you, no one dares to disturb you, and you can even pursue the pinnacle of martial arts together, roaming the world together and upholding justice...

Such a life is wonderful no matter where you are, isn't it?

Zhang Wanyi nodded in understanding and said, "Third Brother, I understand, thank you."

The life that Li Weizhou depicted was actually what she longed for and aspired to.

Although she also loves martial arts, she doesn't have the ambition to become the best in the world. Just as Li Weizhou said, as long as she can be independent and strong, not be bullied by others, and be able to take charge of her own life, that's enough.

Li Weizhou smiled and said, "No need to thank me, we're family. I came in a hurry today and didn't prepare any gifts. Here are some candies, take them in and let your mother and sister-in-law have a taste. I'll have Silang come later and prepare some more generous gifts. Your situation is a bit special, but it's nothing. It's just that your family can vent their anger. Put yourself in their shoes, your father has been more open-minded and loving than anyone else. If you were my daughter, I would have broken Silang's legs."

"Third brother~"

Zhang Wanyi gave a soft scolding, her pretty face flushing, but she still accepted the candy. After hesitating for a moment, she said, "My father is fine, but my mother... might be unhappy about Aning and Zhao Yuanzhi..."

She suddenly realized that this third brother in front of her had a magical power that made girls confide in him.

Li Weizhou chuckled, “Serves him right! Does he think he can just keep enjoying all the good things? You’ve done a great job, so courageous, so trusting of him, and never giving up on following him. That kid has already accumulated a lot of good fortune. As for the rest, let him face it himself.”

Zhang Wanyi was overjoyed, feeling both shy and happy. She nodded and replied, "I understand, Third Brother." After a pause, she added, "Third Brother, you're such a good person."

Li Weizhou laughed heartily and said, "That's right."

As they were talking, Zhang Ponu walked in, holding a wooden box in his hand. He said to Li Weizhou, "It's been so many years since I've seen a young man like you. It's a pity that the Ascension Ceremony will be held in a few years, otherwise we could have more contact."

Yes, it's only been a few years, less than three years already.

After accepting the gift, Li Weizhou bowed in gratitude and asked, "Is the General also planning to forcibly open the Heavenly Gate?"

Zhang Ponu gave a bitter smile and said, "Although I'm not very confident, I'll still feel unsatisfied if I don't try. Fighting my way from the outer edge of the Spirit Circle to the central altar is extremely dangerous, but not impossible. We can fight our way through. The only real danger will come when you ascend to the Spirit Realm and we try to ascend to the Ascension Platform. When we force our way to the Spirit Realm, divine lightning will descend, and we won't be able to avoid it. That would be truly deadly. Not to mention me, even the Grand Master of Justice only has less than a 30% chance of success."

Li Weizhou thought for a moment and said, "General, you should reconsider. It's best not to attempt the trial this time. To be frank, defeat is inevitable. I have personally witnessed the venerable Elder Wei of Yuanjian Mountain; his martial arts are exceptional, perhaps second only to the Grand Master of Justice in this world. Yet, he still lost, utterly powerless to resist. Therefore, I believe that the chances of success in the mortal realm are too low. It would be better for me to go up there, strengthen myself for sixty years, and then exert my strength there. Perhaps in the next sixty years, I will have a better chance."

The Grand General isn't very old; his chances are much better than those old ghosts hidden in the sect's coffins.

Of course, he also had some selfish motives.

As long as the fourth brother's father-in-law is alive and well, the Li family's safety is the greatest guarantee...

Zhang Ponu: "..."

Zhang Wanyi quickly advised from the side, "Yes, Father, why are you in such a hurry this time?"

Li Weizhou said, "I suppose the General also knows that there is almost no second chance for the creation of the world. Once it fails, then..." He shook his head.

After taking a deep breath, Zhang Ponu looked at Li Weizhou with a somewhat profound gaze and said, "Sixty years... and you're already confident you can make a name for yourself in the Spirit Realm? Do you know that the Spirit Realm is more than a hundred times larger than the mortal realm? And the number of geniuses there is as numerous as carp crossing a river."

In the mortal realm, a Martial God is like an ant in the Spirit Realm. Even if we cultivate to the peak of Martial Godhood, without opening the Heavenly Purification Gate, we'll only become insignificant bystanders. You may have some extraordinary encounters and good fortune, but which of those with great destiny in the Spirit Realm lacks such opportunities? Opening only a Hidden God Palace won't give you a significant advantage.

The implication is: young people shouldn't be too arrogant.

Li Weizhou didn't care and smiled, saying, "I'm quite confident. As for whether it will succeed or not... it's all up to man to plan and up to fate. It's always better to be prepared than to act recklessly."

Looking at Li Weizhou's exceptionally handsome, youthful, and overly confident face, Zhang Ponu felt a mix of emotions.

Once upon a time, he was just as spirited and ambitious...

After thinking for a moment, he nodded and said, "Alright, I'll think about it some more. In any case, I appreciate your kindness."

Li Weizhou smiled and stood up, saying, "General, you're too kind. After all, we're all family. If we succeed after the Jiazi year, most of the Li family members who are able to advance will be promoted. Farewell."

"Wait a minute."

Zhang Ponu stopped Li Weizhou and said, "I heard from Wanyi that you're looking for a large house?"

Li Weizhou glanced at the silent Zhang Wanyi, then nodded and smiled, "That's true."

Zhang Ponu said, "These past few days, we've raided and confiscated the property of many families. Coincidentally, Shangguan has a large mansion in Jude Lane, which has been passed down from the Shangguan family. In recent years, they've built a garden there, which is quite luxurious. If you don't mind that place being considered unlucky, have someone pay five thousand taels of silver to the Ministry of Revenue and you can take it to live there."

Zhang Wanyi's eyes lit up, and after blinking, she whispered to Li Weizhou, "His family spent hundreds of thousands of taels of silver just on building their garden. The Shangguan family used to show off their garden all over the capital. Third Brother, shall I take you to see it?"

His face showed an expression that said he couldn't miss out on something good.

Zhang Ponu's lips twitched, unsure of what to say.

Li Weizhou said happily, "Alright, take the silver, find Silang and go to the Ministry of Revenue to pay the money, then go home and call everyone to come directly to Jude Lane to meet me."

After saying that, he took out a large bag of silver. Zhang Wanyi happily accepted it, took the silver, and went to find Li Changning.

Zhang Ponu stared intently at Li Weizhou's hand, and his pupils suddenly contracted the moment Li Weizhou pulled out such a large bag of silver.

Supernatural!
That's incredible power!

Li Weizhou, on the other hand, was relaxed and casual. He cupped his hands to Zhang Ponu and said with a smile, "General, Wanyi is innocent and charming, and our family likes her very much. This house is actually for their future use in the capital. General, farewell!"

Watching his figure drift away into the distance, Zhang Ponu let out a long breath.

Is this innate supernatural power, the appearance of an immortal?
That's all, that's all...

……

Yanfu Lane, Li Family.

Inside the guest room, Feng Biwu leaned lazily against the back of the chair, looking at Qi Erniang with disdain and said, "Don't just indulge in pleasure. At least recite the 'Xuan Guan Yi Qiao' (a phrase from a Chinese classic text)! I've given you these three days, and all you've done is enjoy yourself. You haven't done anything important at all."

Qi Erniang's fiery and alluring eyes darted around furtively before she said in a pitiful tone, "Oh dear, my good sister, you know perfectly well that my skills aren't very deep, and I'm still some distance from leaping over the dragon gate. It just so happens that Madam is in seclusion these two days, so please be accommodating to me..."

"Pooh!"

Feng Biwu's eyes held a hint of spring rain as she glanced disdainfully at the woman and spat, "Shameless! I'm older than you, how dare you call yourself 'elder sister'? Let me tell you, stop being so playful and only trying to please him. You're the only one below the Martial Grandmaster level in the family now, and you'll only be a hindrance when things get tough. Don't think everything's settled yet; there's still the most powerful one in the family who hasn't returned. If you want to truly establish yourself in the family, you'll be in trouble if Lord Situ doesn't give his approval."

Qi Erniang retorted, "The madam hasn't said anything, so how can she have the final say?"

Feng Biwu sat up straight and said seriously, "It's not about whether she says it or not, it's about whether we all say it or not. If you also get Lord Situ's approval, then any future family members joining the household will only count if we all give our approval and you give yours as well. This is a proposal that Li Lang put forward and has accepted."

In his words, it takes five hundred glances in a past life to earn a mere brush with someone in this one.

From holding hands to staying together, and then growing old together, that is the greatest blessing from heaven.

Becoming a family is not easy; fate and destiny are more important than anything else.

Since we've come together and are lovers who are willing to entrust our lives to each other, we should all cherish this destiny, especially him.

This statement really touched us, so you must understand that we are not just using our looks to please people.

"Let me remind you again, the lady is easy to talk to, but Lord Situ is not."

Qi Erniang was stunned for a while after hearing this before saying, "I really hadn't thought that much about it. I just thought that as long as he liked it, that would be fine..."

Feng Biwu said irritably, "So he just shovels all sorts of dirty and smelly things into the house, making it a complete mess, and you just let him do that?"

Qi Erniang chuckled softly, "He won't. If he really likes it that way, then so be it."

Feng Biwu laughed angrily, "What a scoundrel! Are you raising a husband or a son? Even if you truly love and care for him, you should guide him onto the right path. Even if we two aren't exactly good people, having two exceptional figures like Madam and Lord Situ is more than enough for him. Life is about family harmony, not indulging in debauchery and gambling. What kind of despicable thoughts are these?"

Qi Erniang leaned her face against the bedpost of the canopy bed, smiled and said, "Is that a wicked thought? As long as he's happy, I'm happy. If he likes it, I like it too. He can do whatever he wants..." After saying that, she let out a long sigh and said, "However, what you said makes sense. If he's willing to live a good life, then I'll be even more grateful. Don't worry, my sister has already sensed the key point. If it weren't for him suddenly getting interested and wanting to try something different..."

"Bah, bah, bah!"

Feng Biwu laughed and spat several times, telling her to shut up, and said with a laugh, "You're going to die! Look at you, so shameless! You can say anything!"

Qi Erniang laughed, "Don't think I don't know the tricks you and he play? You still have the nerve to laugh at me, you don't even..."

Before she could finish speaking, Xi Mei's voice came from the doorway: "Sister Feng, Second Aunt, Brother is back! He's calling you to pack your things and move to the new house together. It's a big house, hee hee!"

The two women immediately straightened up and hurriedly replied in unison, "Understood!"

In this family, the one person you absolutely cannot offend is actually this great-aunt.

Even Li Weizhou wouldn't let them down, let alone this little girl who was sold by her brother but still brought back her monthly allowance to support him...

They liked it very much and felt sorry for it.

...The western part of Shenjing.

Jude Lane.

Li Weizhou felt the place name was familiar, and when he heard Ningrong Street, he suddenly realized why it sounded so familiar.

Fortunately, after finding out the origin of Ningrong Street, I breathed a sigh of relief. It turned out that the neighborhood was once inhabited by the two prominent families of Ning and Rong, rather than by the two ducal mansions of Duke Ning and Duke Rong...

While I felt fortunate, I also felt a little disappointed.

Of course, he was eyeing the jade stone used to mend the heavens, not the likes of Bao-Dai, Ke-Qing, or Sister-in-law Feng...

He's definitely not that kind of person!

It was already dusk. Li Weizhou lit all the lanterns in and around the courtyard by himself. Then he heard a commotion outside and his whole family came over in a carriage.

The mansion, which had just survived a devastating disaster, was quiet for only two days before it became lively again.

Li Delong and his group obviously already knew the origin of the house, so they didn't ask any more questions. After meeting up with Li Weizhou who was waiting outside, the family stood in front of the grand gate, speechless for a moment.

At this moment, it felt as if the twilight of heaven and earth was slowly flowing along the eaves and roof tiles...

"Wow~~~"

As soon as the Li family entered the main gate, they were captivated by the sight before them.

This immediately allowed the entire family, who had been cooped up in the small two-courtyard house of Yanfufang for many days, to witness what a true aristocratic family in the capital was like.

The first thing that catches the eye is the straight screen wall, with layers of gray-blue cylindrical tiles on the top, the eaves tiles carved with auspicious cloud patterns, and the drip edges carved with lotus scrolls. The four corners are slightly upturned, like the hem of a garment being fluttered by the evening breeze.

The Sumeru pedestal of the screen wall is carved from a single piece of white marble. The scrolling grass pattern at the waist meanders and flows, and a small stone lion lies at each of the four corners, with an embroidered ball under its paw. Although it has been worn by time, the simple and honest look in its eyes is still clearly visible.

Li Huan and Li Rui were at the age of being mischievous, and how could they not be tempted by such a lifelike little lion? They immediately ran forward to ride it, only to be subdued by their two mothers...

Passing the screen wall, the neat and exquisite blue-gray terrazzo path, with the remnants of the setting sun and the glow of the night lamps and candlelight blending together, casts a slanting shadow, making the sparse shadows of plum branches carved on the stone even clearer.

Even the stone slabs on the road are carved with such exquisite details.

Li Weizhou sighed inwardly, thinking that when it comes to enjoyment, the beauty of the East far surpasses that of the West's ancestors...

After the whole family, especially the women, had enjoyed their stroll around, Zhang Wanyi, unusually, smiled and said, "The Shangguan family's house is alright, just elegant. But what they really have to do is build a garden a few years ago, which they claim is the most beautiful place in the capital. Why don't we go take a look?"

Everyone agreed, except for Zhao Yuanzhi, who stood expressionless to the side.

Li Weizhou patted the fourth brother's shoulder sympathetically and said with a smile, "Come on, let's go take a look together."

……

Being a corrupt official is really too profitable.

The vermilion gate with its gilded beast-head rings at the entrance to the garden was even more imposing than the main gate outside.

While Li Weizhou was still trying to recall what the Grand View Garden was like, Li Changning had already pushed open the gate. Everyone saw a Taihu stone screen, like an ink-black silhouette, stretching across their eyes. The natural holes in the stone revealed the swaying bamboo shadows behind it, like a traditional Chinese ink painting.

Even the evening breeze becomes much gentler here.

In comparison, Li Weizhou felt that his Shan royal palace on Earth was like a village...

Clearly, this garden, which has been meticulously maintained for several years, has increasingly impressed everyone.

For a moment, they were speechless, simply walking and admiring the scenery.

Li Weizhou carried a lantern and lit up the lanterns he found in the garden one by one.

Passing around the screen, a winding path suddenly appears, with white marble slabs meandering through a blue brick-paved passageway with begonia patterns. On both sides stand openwork stone lanterns. When lit, the candlelight inside the lanterns elongates the shadows of the geometric patterns on the blue bricks in the twilight, like flowing golden threads.

Seeing this scene, not only the women, but the men also found it pleasing to the eye.

Further on, in the center of the courtyard, there is a pool of clear water with water lilies floating on the surface. By the light of the lanterns, you can see koi swimming and playing among the lotus leaves. The bottom of the pool is covered with colorful pebbles, which reflect the shimmering light under the lamps.

The adults were too excited to talk, but Li Huan and Li Rui were eager to catch fish, only to be sternly suppressed by their mothers.

Continuing forward, a winding flat bridge spans the pond, its railings carved with lotus scroll patterns.

On the opposite bank, Taihu stones are piled up to form a mountain, and hidden among the mountains is a pavilion. Copper bells hang from the eaves of the pavilion, and they tinkle in the evening breeze, harmonizing with the babbling of the water by the pond.

Li Weizhou felt that if this world wasn't a supernatural world, then living with a beautiful woman in such an environment should be quite blissful.

After turning through the corridor, a small courtyard with lush bamboo groves is revealed behind the moon gate. The Xiangfei bamboo curtain is half-rolled up, revealing a rosewood antique display shelf inside. On the shelf are scattered official kiln celadon, ancient bronze tripods, and several scrolls of calligraphy and paintings.

On the rosewood table in the corner, incense smoke curls from the burner, and an unfinished poem lies on the table. I wonder if the person who wrote the poem is doing well at this moment...

Tsk, they probably went to the brothel.

Pushing open the carved lattice window, you can see banana leaves reflecting off the white walls and black tiles, with mottled green moss at the base of the wall.

It is truly a work of art, yet it appears as if created by nature itself.

Zhang Wanyi couldn't help but take credit, saying to Li Weizhou, "When Father sent people to raid the Shangguan family, he instructed them not to damage the furnishings in the mansion. Because I had told him before that Third Brother was looking for a house."

Zhao Yuanzhi sulked to the side, secretly annoyed that her grandfather, the old man Qi Wang, was useless!

Sure enough, Li Weizhou praised Zhang Wanyi, saying, "Wanyi, you are so kind. Please convey my thanks to the General."

Zhang Wanyi smiled faintly and glanced at Zhao Yuanzhi.

Sensing that Zhao Yuanzhi had reached her limit, Li Changning was in a real bind and hurriedly said, "Hey, there's a door ahead, let's go in and take a look."

The family chuckled and passed through the hanging flower gate.

The backyard was also a hidden gem, with wisteria vines hanging down in cascading spikes, their shadows falling on the blue brick ground like a splash of purple clouds.

In the distance, the covered walkway meanders, its walls covered with roses, petals occasionally drifting down in the wind, landing in the water tank beside the path, startling the red fish swimming inside.

Li Weizhou said to Cao Shi, "Auntie, go and set up the main room. After you're done, we'll all have dinner. We'll be living here for a long time to come, so you can stay and enjoy the view at your leisure."

Madam Cao waved her hands repeatedly and said, "This is the Earl's mansion, Sanlang, you should go and settle in. We can move over from the side courtyard when you all go to that damned spirit realm."

Before Li Weizhou could offer any further advice, Li Delong snapped, "Go now, go now!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Weizhou, Zhou Yueniang and the others suddenly turned around and looked towards the direction of the hanging flower gate. Then they saw the busy man Li Changping leading a group of palace servants in a hurry.

The head eunuch breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the Li family from afar, while Li Changping shouted in a shrill voice, "Third Prince, the Emperor has issued a decree! Quickly prepare the incense table and open the central gate to receive the Emperor's decree!"

……

"Fengtian Chengyun Emperor, the imperial edict said:

I, with my virtuous character, have ascended to the throne. I recall the passing of the late Emperor, when treacherous officials coveted the throne, and the nation teetered on the brink of collapse, the ancestral temples hanging precariously. At this critical juncture, I was fortunate that you stepped forward, risking your life. Amidst the palace turmoil, you protected me, and in the midst of swords and spears, you slew the rebellious prince. This is a monumental act of protecting the Emperor, a grace that has revived my life! Furthermore, you strategized and planned in the court, helping me ascend the throne, turning the tide, and rescuing the people from suffering. This merit of supporting my ascension is as high as the sun and moon, its blessings extending to all living beings!

Now, the Grand Master is hereby granted the title of Duke of Protector of the Nation, and bestowed with a certificate of merit and iron, which shall be hereditary without fail.

Furthermore, there is Li Changping, a loyal minister of the Li family, whose unwavering loyalty shines as bright as the sun and moon. His contributions to the nation are immense. He is hereby granted the title of Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) and appointed as a registrar of the Imperial Academy. It is hoped that you will forever cherish your loyalty and assist me in building a prosperous era, thus comforting the spirits of Heaven and our ancestors!
Admire this! "

The Li family was overjoyed!
In the blink of an eye, he went from being a Earl to a Duke!
Li Weizhou received the imperial decree, while Li Chang'an quickly took out silver and gave it to the eunuch who delivered it.

The eunuch who delivered the decree dared not accept it and declined several times. After examining the decree, Li Weizhou smiled and said, "Take it, this is a lucky money gift."

Only then did the eunuch dare to take over, his face beaming with smiles. "Your Excellency, the Emperor has repeatedly instructed me to convey a message: if you have any free time, please remember to visit the palace. The Emperor misses you dearly. The Empress Dowager has also said she truly wishes to see you. Oh, and there's also the young lady of the Duke's mansion; the Emperor personally calls her 'sister,' and misses her terribly. Please remember this, please remember it!"

Li Weizhou smiled and said, "Let's talk about it after the Emperor finishes his enthronement ceremony. He's not at ease right now."

The eunuch who delivered the imperial decree was deeply moved and showered him with compliments before taking his leave.

After the group left, Li Weizhou looked at the radiant Li Changping and laughed, "Brother, did you ask for this official position yourself?"

Li Changping retorted angrily, "What are you saying?! I'm not worthy?!"

Li Weizhou chuckled and said, "I mean, you declined such a small reward yourself, didn't you?"

Li Changping became smug again, shaking his head and saying, "That's right, as the saying goes, one should not be carried away by success. Lord Situ personally spoke with me, saying that His Majesty has further promoted me to Vice Minister of the Censorate, and asked for my opinion."

Li Chang'an exclaimed in surprise, "Brother, the Censor-in-Chief is a high-ranking official with great power and influence! How could you be so willing to decline such a position?"

Censors are officials who can criticize anyone, and the Vice Censor-in-Chief, who is second only to the Grand Censor, definitely deserves his high position and great power.

The position of clerk at the Imperial Academy was a dead-end job; it was prestigious but involved nothing of substance and had no real power.

Li Changping said, “I know that’s a high-ranking official position, but I told Lord Situ that I’ve always been good at studying and learning, and I’m not good at or willing to be a high-ranking official. I asked him for advice. After Lord Situ tested my knowledge, he recommended me for the position of clerk at the Imperial Academy.”

Li Delong, Cao Shi, and others didn't know what kind of official this was, but Feng Biwu, Qi Erniang, Zhao Yuanzhi, and Zhang Wanyi knew very well.

If one is truly devoted to learning and possesses true knowledge, one should aspire to be a Doctor of the Imperial Academy, or even a Teaching Assistant.

The Imperial Academy's clerks were responsible for managing the Imperial Academy's documents and books, similar to librarians. It was purely logistical work with minimal power, but the job was easy...

Therefore, the expressions on their faces were quite strange.

After Li Weizhou roughly explained the implications of the official position to Li Delong and others, Li Delong laughed instead of getting angry, and said happily, "Good, good, good! Eldest brother is wise, very wise! Lord Situ's idea is also good, it is truly for your benefit."

Li Weizhou agreed: "With the merit of Zichen Palace being the first to speak out against the rebellious king, the emperor's favor will never wane in this lifetime, and naturally no one will dare to underestimate my elder brother. In addition, with such noble character, rejecting high-ranking officials and power, and choosing a powerless minor official, tsk tsk, a model of Confucianism. I wonder how wonderful my elder brother's future will be!"

Cao and Luo were overjoyed and congratulated Li Weizhou: "So he's become a Duke? A Protector of the State? I've only ever heard of such a thing in plays before!"

Congratulations to Zhou Yueniang! You've become a Duchess of the State!

Zhou Yueniang smiled, thinking that if she didn't ascend to the Spirit Realm in two years, she might feel even more surprised.

Now that I know I'll be leaving in two years, I'm happy, but not ecstatic.

Guo looked at Ximei and smiled, "If your brother hadn't insisted on taking you with him, even to heaven, I reckon the emperor in the palace would have wanted to keep you in the palace as the empress."

Xi Mei pouted and said, "I'm not going, I want to go with my brother!"

Even if a little monkey becomes emperor, it's still just a monkey.

After patting his sister's hair, Li Weizhou urged everyone to go and choose their rooms. He told them to put away their bedding and blankets, and then come to the main room on the middle road for dinner. He said he had already arranged a large feast. Uncle, you should also go, as well as eldest brother and second brother. Choose your courtyard.

From now on, I won't have to worry about anyone hearing the slightest noise at night.

Li Delong and the others naturally felt the joy and went along.

Today is even happier than Chinese New Year!

After chasing away Li Changning and his two little nemesis, Li Weizhou and the three women, including Zhou Yueniang, laughed and said, "This place is only glamorous on the outside. When we get home, we'll tidy up our home in Qingzhou City properly. It may not look glamorous on the outside, but I guarantee it will be a hundred times more fun inside!"

This time when I go home, I'm getting a boiler, underfloor heating, carpets, a shower, and a toilet!

Then put on a full set of professional attire and play murder mystery games at home every day!

The women laughed as they went to choose rooms in the courtyard. The mansion was a five-tiered complex, with countless courtyards within courtyards; they no longer had to worry about poor soundproofing or having to bite the quilts...

……

(End of this chapter)