In the Years When I Was a Father-Chapter 49: Strict Father in Ancient Times (6)

“Master, an imperial edict has arrived! An edict from the capital!”
Hearing the servant’s shout, Qi Sheng raised an eyebrow. At this time…
“By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees…” The eunuch tasked with reading the edict raised his sharp voice, finishing the proclamation. Once Qi Sheng received the decree and rose, the eunuch personally congratulated him: “Congratulations, my lord!”
Qi Sheng cupped his hands in thanks and discreetly slipped some silver into the eunuch’s hand, which made Eunuch Li’s smile deepen noticeably.
When they arrived at the front hall, Qi Sheng instructed the servants to serve tea, then listened as Eunuch Li continued, “Some time ago, the corrupt officials of Ningzhou were running rampant, causing widespread grievance among the people. His Majesty has just dealt with the Ningzhou magistrate and his cohorts. Remembering your outstanding achievements over the past few years, His Majesty specially reserved the post of Ningzhou magistrate for you.”
Upon hearing this, Qi Sheng expressed heartfelt gratitude for the imperial favor, though he couldn’t help but mutter inwardly: Compared to Jizhou, Ningzhou was practically impoverished to the point of clanging pots. Even Pingzhou, before its recent prosperity, was more bustling than Ningzhou. Officially, it was a triple promotion, but life there might not be so easy.
Still, Qi Sheng was merely venting in his mind. A triple promotion — leaping directly from the fifth rank to the fourth — meant that he now held significant weight in the Emperor’s eyes.
Since Pingzhou was quite far from Ningzhou, Qi Sheng requested leave to first return to his hometown in Anzhou to pay respects to his ancestors. Before their departure, the Qi family busied themselves with farewells to friends and relatives.
When Wang Shi (Madam Wang) first heard about Qi Sheng’s promotion, she had been overjoyed, but thinking of her daughter married off to Yuping County, her joy dulled considerably. With the move to Ningzhou, who knew when they might see each other again?
“Mother, don’t cry. Father’s promotion is a good thing. If you cry so much, Father might get upset when he finds out,” the daughter comforted.
“If he dares!”
Wang Shi wiped her tears and stopped crying — right now, speaking to her daughter was more important.
“Has your mother-in-law been making things hard for you? Is your husband treating you well?”
Since moving into the magistrate’s official residence, mother and daughter had rarely met, although they still exchanged letters. Even though the Qi family was now prominent in Pingzhou, Wang Shi still worried deeply about her daughter’s life.
“Mother, rest assured. Mother-in-law treats me very well, and so does my husband. Ever since Father’s reputation has soared these past few years, even my father-in-law has been kinder to me. He often praises Father too.”
Speaking of this, Qi Mingshu (the daughter) couldn’t help but get a little excited. As Qi Sheng’s political achievements became more widely recognized, the gentry, scholars, and wealthy families of Pingzhou all came to admire him greatly. By extension, Qi Mingshu received extra respect and courtesy at social gatherings. Even her husband, who now deeply admired her father, treated her more gently and respectfully than before.
At this moment, Qi Mingshu truly experienced the satisfaction of having a powerful family background. Although she would miss her father dearly as he left for his new post, the Qi family’s rise was more than enough to outweigh her feelings of loss. Besides, with her husband aspiring to pass the imperial examinations, they might reunite in the capital someday.
The mother and daughter spoke at length. Seeing her daughter’s radiant face free of sadness, Wang Shi finally set her worries aside.
Since the parting would be indefinite, Liu Shi (another branch of the family) sought Wang Shi’s permission to take her son, Qi Xiu Li, to visit her maternal family.
After paying respects to the old master Liu, Liu Shi went with her mother to the backyard, leaving the men of the Liu family chatting in the front hall.
The old master Liu’s face was ruddy with pride and satisfaction, as if Qi Sheng were his own son. “Truly, my vision was sharp. My son-in-law has already risen to the rank of fourth-grade magistrate! It’s just a pity he can’t stay in Jizhou.”
Now in his later years, the old master felt he was truly reaping the rewards of good fortune. Thanks to Qi Sheng, the Liu family had risen from humble merchants to one of the top families in Yuanping County — truly ancestral blessings at work.
He couldn’t help but reflect: when he married off his daughter, he merely hoped for a bit of protection. Initially, he had considered marrying her into the household of Magistrate Lin, but upon learning that Lin already had several favored concubines and that Liu Shi, though beautiful, lacked cunning, he feared she might suffer or bring disaster upon the family. So he settled on Qi Sheng, who, although lower in rank at the time, was young, had a clean household, and seemed reliable.
Years ago, when Magistrate Lin was promoted and Qi Sheng was dispatched to the impoverished Yuping County, the old master regretted his choice. Now, seeing Qi Sheng’s rise, he changed his tune completely, praising his own foresight.
“Father, now that Eldest Sister is leaving with Brother-in-law to Ningzhou, what about our family?”
Currently, Liu Pingzhang (Liu Shi’s brother), now in his thirties, was the head of the Liu family. Thanks to Qi Sheng’s influence and the lucrative chili pepper trade, he had grown rich and capable. Although he managed most family affairs, he still consulted the old master for major decisions.
The old master laughed, “What’s there to worry about? We’re legitimate merchants, not lawbreakers. There’s nothing to fear! Besides, even if the son-in-law leaves Pingzhou, his influence remains. As long as he holds office, no one will dare to trouble us.”
Liu Pingzhang thought it over and agreed, setting aside his worries. He then instructed his wife to properly arrange a farewell banquet for his sister and nephew.
Meanwhile, in the backyard, Madam Liu hugged Liu Shi tightly, weeping, “My dear! Who knows when we’ll meet again after you leave!” The mother and daughter clung to each other, crying bitterly.
Madam Liu, who had been chatting earlier, tactfully stepped outside, leaving the mother and daughter to speak privately.
Once the tears had dried and emotions settled, Madam Liu resumed her questioning: “Has the master and madam of the Qi family treated you well? Have you suffered any grievances?”
Compared to Liu Pingzhang and the old master, who shamelessly called Qi Sheng son-in-law and brother-in-law, Madam Liu was more realistic. She knew her daughter, formally only a concubine in the Qi family, could never enjoy the same rights as the official wife.
Understanding that her mother was truly concerned for her, Liu Shi comforted, “Mother, don’t worry. The lady of the house is kind and never mistreats me. The master, perhaps because of his smooth career, has grown even more gentle and considerate. Li’er has now passed the county-level exam and holds a scholar’s title — my life is very good, truly.”
Hearing her grandson’s achievements, Madam Liu beamed, “Yes, yes! Our Li’er is truly promising. He passed the county exam at sixteen — surely he’ll pass the national exams soon too!”
The mother and daughter talked affectionately for a long time. Madam Liu finally pulled out a carefully prepared embroidered pouch, stuffing it into Liu Shi’s hand. “The mountains are high and the roads are long to Ningzhou. Keep this money close, just in case.”
Liu Shi tried to decline. “Mother, there’s no need. I’ve saved quite a bit these past few years, and the master has been generous with me too. Please keep this money for yourself.”
Old Madam Liu disagreed, saying, “What are you talking about? Your younger brother has now become the head of the Liu family. Those few in the back courtyard can’t stir up any major trouble. With your brother around, what is there to worry about? It’s you that I’m more concerned about…”
As if suddenly remembering something, she hurriedly asked, “Has your husband considered taking in any new concubines?”
Madam Liu thought for a moment and said, “Previously, there were indeed quite a few who tried to send women to the Master, but he refused them all. From the looks of it now, he doesn’t seem to have any intention of taking anyone new.”
After speaking, she added with a hint of happiness, “The Master has treated me very well these past few years. Even if there were newcomers, I believe he wouldn’t treat me poorly. You don’t need to worry about me.”
Only after hearing this did Old Madam Liu finally feel at ease. She carefully looked over her well-maintained daughter — her skin was delicate, her figure graceful — one could easily believe she was only in her early twenties. Knowing that the Master truly treated her daughter well, she was fully reassured. Nevertheless, she stuffed a pouch of money into Madam Liu’s hand and said, “You must take this money. Living so far away, I don’t know how well you’re really doing. Take more money with you — it will ease my mind.”
Mother and daughter, thinking about their imminent separation, couldn’t hold back their emotions and embraced each other, crying again.
Although Anzhou wasn’t very far away, and it was along the route that Qi Sheng would have to take to reach Ningzhou, it would not be right not to return and pay respects.
As they departed, many commoners from Pingzhou came to see them off, including Song Laosan’s family of five.
“Son, remember, Lord Qi is a great benefactor to our family — no, to all of Pingzhou. In the future, you must study harder and strive to earn a title. Become a good official like Lord Qi!”
The Song family’s eldest son had now started attending school. Compared to the days when they couldn’t even get enough to eat, their current life was worlds apart. At such a young age, he revered Qi Sheng almost like a deity. Seeing the Qi family’s convoy moving further and further away, he couldn’t hold back his tears and cried out loud.
His reaction wasn’t unusual. Among the many people seeing them off, quite a few wiped away tears as they watched the carriages grow smaller in the distance.
Seeing this, Qi Sheng, who originally intended to ride on horseback, was so overwhelmed by the crowd’s emotions that he quickly hid inside the carriage.
Now, Qi Xiuwen had completed three years at the Hanlin Academy, passed his evaluations with excellent marks, and had been assigned to a position in the Ministry of Rites. Taking advantage of Qi Sheng’s journey home to worship his ancestors, Qi Xiuwen also took leave to return to his hometown in Anzhou.
Qi Sheng was the youngest child, with an elder brother and an elder sister above him. When he was first assigned to Yuanping County, his elderly parents had moved with him and lived there for a few years. However, when he was reassigned to Yuping County, he sent them back home — firstly because Yuping was poor and they wouldn’t have enjoyed a good life there, and secondly because they were getting older and reluctant to leave their hometown.
It had been several years since Qi Sheng had seen his parents. Reuniting now, the family was naturally overwhelmed with joy.
Today, the Qi family was the most respected household in Qijia Village. Their grand blue-brick house with tile roofing and the prestigious archway marking the two scholars they had produced made the family elders proud to have the Qi family as their leading members.
Thanks to Qi Sheng’s influence, Qi Laoda had also secured a modest but stable position at the county office. Over the years, he had grown more polished in his ways. Seeing his outstanding younger brother return, he drank happily until his face was flushed red.
Qi Sheng, with his good temper, chatted cheerfully with everyone. It was only after the guests dispersed that he met privately with his eldest son.
“Father!” Qi Xiuwen knelt deeply before him, his long-suppressed longing bringing tears to his eyes.
Qi Sheng hurriedly pulled him up and, examining him closely, nodded with satisfaction. “Good. You’ve become even more steady these past few years.”
The father and son talked about matters of the court. Qi Sheng warned with concern, “The factions in the capital are complicated, and everyone there is an old fox with deep schemes. You must not act rashly. I would rather you remain in a minor position your whole life than see you become a pawn, used by others and discarded.”
Moved, Qi Xiuwen solemnly vowed, “I will be cautious in all matters and never act recklessly to bring trouble upon you, Father.”
Qi Sheng chuckled, “What nonsense. If you ever do get into trouble, I would hope that the merit I’ve accumulated over the years might be used to save you somewhat. But you are out there on your own, and what I worry about most is not being able to protect you.”
The two talked for a long time before Qi Xiuwen reluctantly left.
During this rare family reunion, aside from ancestor worship, Qi Sheng also took Wang Shi and their eldest son’s family to visit her maternal home. After so many years of accompanying him abroad, Wang Shi had not been back to visit her parents for a long time. Naturally, upon meeting again, she hugged Old Madam Wang and wept.
Since they didn’t know when they would return again, Qi Sheng let Wang Shi stay a few extra days with her family. Meanwhile, he did not go out to socialize. Instead, he stayed home reviewing his eldest grandson’s schoolwork, playing with his younger grandson, and enjoying the filial care of his eldest son.
Time during reunions always flew by too fast. After just a few days, Qi Sheng set off with his family to Ningzhou, and after bidding farewell to his father, Qi Xiuwen hurried back to the capital.
On the road, seeing her husband sitting silently, Madam Lin leaned over and gently comforted him, “Brother Wen, Father’s promotion is something to be happy about. Who knows, maybe in a few years, Father will enter the capital as an official.”
Qi Xiuwen grasped his wife’s hand and smiled, but in his heart, he fervently wished for their family to be reunited soon.
Ningzhou lay in the southwest, surrounded by tall mountains and swift rivers. If not for the poor economic conditions, it would actually be a wonderful place to live — the scenery was beautiful, and the climate nurturing. As Qi Sheng admired the landscapes along the way, he couldn’t help but praise it repeatedly.
After traveling across mountains and rivers, the Qi family finally entered Ningzhou’s territory.
“Master, it looks like it’s still early in the afternoon. Why are there so few travelers on the road?” Wang Shi lifted the curtain and peered outside.
Qi Sheng thought for a moment and said, “Madam, you may not know — in recent years, corrupt officials have run rampant across Ningzhou. The common people live in poverty, and many who can’t even fill their stomachs have been forced to become bandits and rob. If it weren’t for several major acts of ‘robbing the rich to help the poor’ that stirred enough attention, the court might still be in the dark.”
Wang Shi gasped and said worriedly, “There’s such a thing! Then… then Master, will we be safe here? What if we run into those fierce bandits on the road?”
Qi Sheng hurried to reassure her, “Madam, don’t worry. The Governor personally dispatched soldiers to escort us. With them around, the journey should be much safer.”
Seeing Qi Sheng so calm, Wang Shi finally eased her heart, though she still prayed silently that they would not encounter any trouble.