Marrying Wives and Attaining Immortality in a Chaotic World

Chapter 358: Ambitions

After the court session ended, Xu Lian, Marquis Qin, and Qin Song returned to Marquis Qin’s residence. A large family banquet was held, with over ten tables set up.

Marquis Qin and Qin Song were in high spirits, their faces beaming with joy. As staunch supporters of the Fifth Prince, today’s rewards were just the beginning. They could already foresee that Marquis Qin’s household would soon enter a period of unprecedented prosperity.

Qin Song raised his cup to Xu Lian with a smile on his face. “Second Brother, congratulations on your promotion to Grand Minister of Agriculture. It won’t be long before you are given full control over an exclusive cultivation resource zone. By then, your status will rival that of Master Chi Sui. You’ll be known as an alchemist master, and you’ll become one of the most important figures in the empire.”

Xu Lian clinked his cup with Qin Song’s. “Now that His Highness has ascended the throne, it won’t be long before Elder Brother rises to even greater heights.”

The younger generation sitting at other tables looked at Xu Lian with newfound respect. In the past, Second Uncle or Second Lord had been nothing more than an unremarkable alchemist who struggled to make a name for himself. But things were different now. The position of Grand Minister of Agriculture came with the authority to manage an exclusive cultivation resource zone-a position that placed him firmly in the upper echelons of the imperial court.

Realizing this, the younger members of the family began to approach Xu Lian one by one to pay their respects and toast him. Such was the uncomplicated nature of these gatherings.

Just as the banquet was nearing its end, the gatekeeper entered from the palace with an imperial eunuch.

“Eunuch Wei has arrived.”

“Eunuch Wei, we are having a family banquet. Would you like to have a drink?”

Marquis Qin, Qin Song, Xu Lian, and the younger generation all stood up to greet him. This Eunuch Wei was a close associate of the new emperor, and they dared not show any disrespect. As the saying went, “It’s easy to meet the King of Hell, but hard to deal with his minions”. 

Any slight against Eunuch Wei might provoke him to speak ill of the Marquis of Qin’s household to the emperor. Such words might not bring down the household completely, but they would certainly cause a headache.

“No need for drinks,” Eunuch Wei said with a dismissive wave of his hand. He took out an imperial edict and turned to Xu Lian. “Grand Minister, take the imperial edict.”

Xu Lian clasped his hands and bowed deeply, remaining still. This was the highest form of etiquette for receiving an imperial edict. Kneeling was reserved for special occasions, such as the funeral rites of a deceased emperor or the coronation of a new emperor. At all other times, clasping hands and bowing deeply was the highest form of respect among cultivators.

Of course, Marquis Qin, Qin Song, and the younger generation couldn’t stand or sit idly, as it would be disrespectful to the imperial decree. One by one, they followed Xu Lian’s example, clasping their hands and bowing deeply.

Eunuch Wei unfolded the decree and began to read aloud: “By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor of the Qian Dynasty decrees: Qin Feng, Grand Minister of Agriculture and second son of the Marquis Qin House, has demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the Empire, diligent cultivation, and mastery of alchemy. He is considered worthy of great responsibility. Henceforth, he is appointed as the overseer of an exclusive cultivation resource zone, with full authority to oversee the refinement of Metamorphosis Elixir . This decree is hereby issued.”

Upon hearing the contents of the decree, Marquis Qin, Qin Song, and the younger generation were overjoyed. While they had anticipated that Qin Feng would eventually take charge of an exclusive cultivation resource zone, they hadn’t expected it to happen so soon.

Even Xu Lian was surprised. However, after some thought, he understood. The new emperor had just ascended the throne, and his position was still unstable. It was the perfect time to cultivate his own loyal “team”. Qin Feng, as a direct descendant of the Marquis Qin House and a prized disciple of Chi Sui, had impeccable credentials. Promoting him quickly made perfect sense.

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s trust. I will diligently fulfill my duties and ensure the successful refinement of Metamorphosis Elixir,” Xu Lian said as he accepted the decree with both hands.

Marquis Qin and Qin Song once again warmly invited Eunuch Wei to join them for drinks. After politely declining several times, Eunuch Wei finally relented and took a seat… and indulged in a few cups of wine.

As the wine flowed, Eunuch Wei became more talkative. Smiling at Xu Lian, he said, “Master Chi Sui has spoken highly of your alchemical skills, and Prince Rui also holds you in the highest regard. It’s only natural that His Majesty has great faith in you.”

Xu Lian was stunned for a moment. Chi Sui’s praise was understandable – over the years, Chi Sui had never stopped singing his praises as his prized disciple, expressing his complete satisfaction with his progress. What puzzled him, however, was why Prince Rui held him in such high esteem.

He had no significant interactions with Prince Rui. If there was any connection at all, it would be through Huangpu Shuyi. Could Huangpu Shuyi have said something to Prince Rui? Had he already learned about their relationship?

But shouldn’t Huangpu Shuyi hate him? Why would she speak well of him?

This left Xu Lian with a lot to think about.

Marquis Qin and Qin Song were also stunned, and they exchanged surprised glances at Xu Lian as if to say, “Impressive! You’ve quietly established a connection with Prince Rui without making a sound.”

Qin Song suddenly asked, “Eunuch Wei, our Feng’er has been appointed to supervise an exclusive cultivation resource zone. I wonder how things are going for Marquis Zhao’s household and Marquis Ning’s household?”

Although the households of Marquis Qin, Marquis Zhao, and Marquis Ning all supported the Fifth Prince, their relationships were complex. The households of Marquis Qin and Marquis Zhao were rivals, while the households of Marquis Qin and Marquis Ning had a long-standing friendship. As far as the Marquis Ning and Marquis Zhao households were concerned, their relationship was neither hostile nor particularly close – it was relatively neutral.

Marquis Wei replied, “Master Zhao Ming of the Marquis Zhao household has also been appointed as the supervisor of an exclusive cultivation resource zone. Lady Ning Meixue of Marquis Ning’s household, on the other hand, has been appointed as Master Qin Feng’s assistant.”

Qin Song expressed his disappointment. “My second brother’s alchemy skills have already surpassed Zhao Ming’s. It’s understandable for my second brother to be appointed as the overseer of an exclusive cultivation resource zone, but I didn’t expect Zhao Ming to be given the same position.”

Although Eunuch Wei was tipsy, he wasn’t completely drunk. Unsure how to respond, he simply chuckled and said, “After all, the Marquis Zhao household did support His Majesty. Moreover, Master Chi Sui has stated that Zhao Ming’s alchemical skills are commendable and that he is capable of refining the Metamorphosis Elixir . His Majesty’s decision to promote him reflects his own judgment,” 

Seeing that Qin Song was about to say something, Marquis Qin gave him a meaningful look. Qin Song quickly caught himself and fell silent. After all, it was inappropriate to question the decisions the emperor had already made, and spreading such doubts could lead to trouble.

Eunuch Wei seemed to realize that he had said too much and promptly rose with a smile to take his leave.

The three members of the Qin family escorted him all the way to the gate, watching as he departed.

“Father, Elder Brother, I have something to take care of. I’m going out for a while,” Xu Lian announced before disappearing into thin air.

“It’s so late, where could he be going? He’s never home these days,” Qin Song called out, only to realize that Xu Lian was already far away. He could do nothing but shake his head in resignation.

Marquis Qin, who was aware of Xu Lian’s relationship with Ning Meixue, interjected on his behalf. “Feng’er is not one of your grandchildren or younger relatives. He has his own affairs to attend to. Don’t always try to control him just because you’re his elder brother.”

Qin Song could only reply, “Yes.”

Xu Lian arrived at Ning Meixue’s estate outside the imperial city. As expected, he found Ning Meixue there as well.

Hearing the commotion, Ning Meixue emerged from the warm pavilion and ran toward Xu Lian with a smile, throwing her arms around him. “Junior Brother, the goal we’ve been dreaming of has finally come true!”

What else was there to wait for? Without hesitation, Xu Lian scooped her up and strode into the warm pavilion. In times of joy, spirits were high – it was time to celebrate properly.