Chapter 603

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

At this moment, Qianqian had just finished breakfast and was strolling leisurely in the courtyard. Suddenly, she caught sight of An Wang approaching in official robes at a quick pace. Qianqian was overjoyed, her large eyes instantly brightening as she called out excitedly, "Father!"

Seeing his precious daughter running toward him from afar, a warm current surged in An Wang's heart unbidden, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curve upward, forming a doting smile.

Qianqian ran up, leapt up nimbly, and clung tightly to An Wang's sturdy, powerful arm, asking in a coquettish voice, "Father, you've come in such a hurry — is there some important matter to discuss?"

Looking at his innocent, lively, and adorable daughter before him, a tender affection welled up in An Wang's heart, but then he thought of how his carefully nurtured little Chinese cabbage would soon be uprooted by that "wild boar," and his mood instantly grew somewhat heavy; the brilliant smile on his face gradually faded.

After a moment of silence, An Wang finally spoke slowly: "Mm... after court today, this king specially went to find your Imperial Uncle to discuss matters.

After deep consideration, your Imperial Uncle has agreed that tomorrow this king may personally bring Ouyang Chengren into the palace for an audience.

At that time, he will examine him in person; if satisfied, he will have him enrolled into the Imperial Forest Army."

Hearing this, Qianqian's little face flushed red with excitement, her eyes flashing with joy.

She said to her father with wholehearted delight, "Father is truly so reliable! You are forever the best father who dotes on Qianqian the most!"

Clearly, regarding the post An Wang had arranged for Ouyang Chengren, Qianqian felt not the slightest dissatisfaction or disappointment; on the contrary, she was quite expectant.

In fact, An Wang's painstaking arrangement had its own deep meaning.

He smiled faintly and continued instructing: "Since it is so, this king has already dispatched Yue Yi with a letter to the Minister of Revenue, asking him to help handle household registration matters. In a while, have Yue Yi lead Ouyang Chengren to go complete the household registration procedures.

However, one point needs attention: try not to use his original given name, to avoid unnecessary trouble.

After all, that name is far too resounding, easily provoking associations. Better to give him a brand new name, and from now on let him step onto a brand new life journey."

Having said this, father and daughter walked into the house together with light steps. The two sat down by the table; Qianqian picked up the teapot, carefully poured tea into an exquisite porcelain cup, handed it to An Wang, and said softly, "Father's considerations are so thorough, truly admirable. Later, your daughter will go inform Ouyang Chengren of this matter."

An Wang had been frantic with worry all the way; now that he had finally returned to the residence, his whole person still felt somewhat cold in the limbs.

He took the teacup, sipped a mouthful of the warm, mellow tea, and felt a warm current instantly spread through his body, only then settling down slightly, but still not forgetting to admonish: "On this trip of yours, you must absolutely not make a scene; just inform him secretly. Then leave it to Yue Yi to guide him to the Ministry of Revenue. As for you... it's still best not to go along, to avoid damaging your reputation."

Qianqian nodded obediently in reply: "Your child understands Father's painstaking care; please rest assured, Father."

Seeing this, An Wang nodded in satisfaction, showing approval. When the tea in the cup was drunk up, he slowly stood up and said in a firm tone: "Since it is so, this king must go ahead first. After all, your mother has instructed since before this king went to court this morning that upon returning I must immediately inform her of the specific situation. She must be waiting anxiously right now!" With that, he stood up, preparing to leave.

Qianqian likewise rose to see him off, saying respectfully to An Wang, "Father, walk slowly."

Watching An Wang grow distant until he disappeared at the end of her sight, Qianqian only then had Hua Hua summon Yue Yi, and together they went to Ouyang Chengren's residence.

"What??? You actually only arranged an Imperial Forest Army position for him??"

An Wangfei cried out in alarm, her voice so loud it seemed it would burst through the roof.

She stared wide-eyed, looking at her husband — His Highness An Wang — in disbelief.

"You are the dignified An Wang! Our daughter is the incomparably noble Commandery Princess! Yet you merely arranged for Xiao Ren a post no different from a common soldier in the Imperial Forest Army — don't you worry that when they marry in the future, others will criticize and point fingers at Xiao Ren? This is really going too far!"

An Wangfei grew more furious the more she spoke, her chest heaving violently, as if she would explode at any moment.

Seeing his wife so agitated, An Wang hurried forward to placate her: "Don't rush, don't rush, Madam, listen to me. The matter is not as simple as you imagine..."

He took a deep breath and explained slowly: "In fact, this is the result of discussion between this king and Imperial Brother. Currently the post of Imperial Forest Army Commander happens to be vacant, but many people have coveted this position for a long time; if we rashly promote Ouyang Chengren, it will inevitably provoke much controversy and resentment.

Therefore, after deep consideration, this king and Imperial Brother decided to let him start from the bottom first, and promote him when the time is ripe."

An Wang paused, then continued: "One month from now there will be a promotion trial; at that time Ouyang Chengren will have the opportunity to display his abilities.

As long as he can stand out in this trial, he will naturally be able to ascend to the Commander position in a justified manner, making it truly deserved and convincing to all.

Moreover, when I mentioned this matter to Qianqian, Qianqian had no dissatisfaction. I thought to have her inform Ouyang Chengren, and by the way observe his attitude toward this matter. After all, one who would achieve great undertakings must first be able to endure tests!

Who knows whether he might, because I arranged such a post for him, think we look down on him, and thereby bear a grudge against us?

Taking this opportunity to observe whether he is truly someone who can work steadily and advance step by step."

After hearing this explanation, An Wangfei's anger indeed dissipated considerably, but her face still carried a hint of displeasure.

Seeing this, An Wang hurriedly added: "After all, Qianqian is the child we two have doted on since childhood! Unlike those other two daughters, Ai Jiao was watched growing up by us with our own eyes, and her elder brother Ai Chun is likewise exceptionally outstanding.

Furthermore, this Minister of War, though somewhat henpecked, comes from an upright family tradition, is honest and incorruptible, without a trace of greed.

Xin'er marrying into their family also puts us at ease.

As for Shuang'er's side, Qi Yu also grew up under our watch from childhood, and Qianqian and Xi Xi are as close as sisters.

So Shuang'er marrying Qi Yu likewise gives us no cause for worry. But this youngest daughter just had to find a man who is neither a native of Dachang, is many years older, has no proper position to speak of, and doesn't possess half a penny of family wealth.

To speak honestly, my heart has never been quite at ease; precisely because of this, I have repeatedly put him through all sorts of tests."

After hearing this detailed explanation, the lingering resentment in An Wangfei's heart finally dissipated completely without a trace.