Chapter 117 Funiang

Chapter 117 Funiang

The Left Vice Censor-in-Chief belonged to the Censorate, a position of the fourth rank.

Its main duty was to supervise and impeach corruption, malfeasance, and factionalism among officials at both the central and local levels.

Since ancient times, remonstrating officials were exempt from punishment; the emperor could even be subjected to some sarcastic remarks from those with backbone.

Of course, at times, the emperor might dispatch them as Imperial Inspectors, representing the emperor on inspection tours of the regions, wielding authority above local officials.

In effect, they served as the emperor's eyes and ears—a classic example of a low in rank but high in power kind of job.

Cheng Ge thought about it and figured this job wasn't too bad; the pay was probably better than his last gig.

Oh well, better than being jobless. He'd just coast along for now.

"Your Majesty's grace is boundless; your servant will gladly lay down his life," Cheng Ge hurriedly knelt in gratitude.

The emperor waved his hand dismissively. "Rise."

Cheng Ge stood up, standing to one side, still a little excited inside.

Being promoted and about to marry—wasn't this his time to shine, reaching the peak of life?

"I've also heard about your father. He's a rare loyal and upright man.

I intend to make him the magistrate of Lingxian County. Do you have any objections?" the emperor asked slowly.

Cheng Ge was stunned—holy crap! He hadn't gotten the promotion himself, but his old man was about to become a squeaky-clean official.

Tsk... but it was still acceptable. Either way was fine with him.

He immediately knelt again in thanks. "Your Majesty is wise. Your servant and my father will give it our all to repay Your Majesty's favor."

The emperor looked down at Cheng Ge and waved his hand. "Now get out of here. Heal up first."

Cheng Ge took his leave, feeling like a million bucks, beaming from ear to ear.

He leaned sideways against a pillar, one hand tucked behind his back, the other lightly resting on the pillar, brow furrowed in deep thought.

Cheng Ge was convinced that with this calm posture and melancholic expression, he must be drop-dead gorgeous.

He imagined the girl he was waiting for would see him like this and be unable to resist—she'd be head over heels and swear she'd only marry him.

At that thought, Cheng Ge almost burst out laughing. He subtly wiggled his foot that had gone a little numb.

A thousand thoughts raced through his mind. He started wondering what kind of girl the emperor would set him up with.

Surely she'd be good-looking, right? Cui Ji's courtyard had been full of stunning beauties.

Even if he wasn't as favored as Cui Ji, he didn't ask for much!

Even if she wasn't as gorgeous as Sister Rongrong, at least he deserved a sweet, demure girl from a nice family.

In his mind, he pictured a graceful, gentle girl with delicate features—with curved brows and two cute dimples when she smiled, shyly walking toward him.

Just as Cheng Ge was drifting off in this fantasy, he heard a familiar voice. "Master Cheng?"

Cheng Ge looked up and abruptly locked eyes with Fu Quan.

Cheng Ge instantly broke into a grin. This was the guy bringing him his bride. "Hey, Eunuch Fu."

Fu Quan smiled warmly. "Master Cheng sure is lucky, now that His Majesty thinks well of you."

Cheng Ge waved his hand. "Oh, it's nothing. It's my job to help His Majesty out."

Fu Quan nodded, then turned and signaled to the attendants behind him.

Understanding the cue, the attendants stepped forward, each holding an exquisite wooden box.

"His Majesty sent these as gifts, hoping Master Cheng recovers quickly. Once you're better, keep serving His Majesty," Fu Quan said with a smile.

Cheng Ge knelt to thank His Majesty, then carefully stood up.

His eyes couldn't help but dart behind Fu Quan, as if searching for something.

Noticing this, Fu Quan asked, "Master Cheng, is there something you're looking for?"

Cheng Ge quickly looked away, a little embarrassed. "Eunuch Fu... uh... isn't there something you forgot?"

Fu Quan paused, then laughed in realization. "Silly me, nearly forgot about that!"

Cheng Ge's face reddened as he nodded bashfully.

Fu Quan smiled and turned, beckoning toward someone in the distance. "Funiang, come here."

Cheng Ge's heart raced. He straightened up, quickly brushed back his stray hair, and his heart pounded even harder.

He struggled to keep his cool, clenching his fist against the pillar, a slight smile curving his lips.

Funiang... what a nice name, so gentle and domestic. He already loved it.

His breathing quickened as his eyes locked on the spot where Funiang was supposed to appear.

My wife!! My gorgeous wife!!!

One second... two seconds... three seconds... The people stepped aside, and Funiang was standing in front of Cheng Ge.

"Your servant greets Master Cheng."

Cheng Ge stared at her, feeling like a bucket of ice water had been poured on him. His smile instantly froze.

He looked at Fu Quan in disbelief. "Is this... right?" It wasn't what he'd imagined at all.

Before him stood a woman who looked nearly fifty, with silver threads at her temples.

Fine wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, a somewhat plump figure, with straight shoulders and back.

Her hair was combed immaculately, pinned into a simple bun, and she wore a hollow silver bracelet on her hand.

Seeing Cheng Ge silent and pale, Funiang asked with concern, "Master Cheng, are you unwell?"

Cheng Ge stared at Funiang for a full two minutes, his mind churning like a storm then gradually calming.

Fine... she did look gentle, kind, and reasonable. That dog emperor didn't lie to me after all.

Fu Quan's gaze shifted between the two, and finally he spoke with a smile, "Master Cheng, you'll be in for a treat from now on. Funiang's cooking is among the best in the palace.

Especially her pastries—even the late emperor praised them."

Cheng Ge's brows furrowed as he nodded half-heartedly, "Oh... then let's go."

Funiang was perceptive and naturally sensed Cheng Ge's discontent, though she had no idea about the reason.

Still, she wasn't too concerned. It takes time for a master and servant to get used to each other; as long as she served with dedication, she was sure to win her master's favor.

She quickly took the bestowed gifts and, with head lowered, hurriedly followed Cheng Ge.

Back at the imperial prison, Cheng Ge's face still showed clear disappointment. He lay on his side on the daybed, silent.

This made everyone else anxious, fearing the emperor had given him a hard time again in the palace, and they grew deeply worried.

However, a person's mood can change as fast as summer weather.

That evening, when Funiang brought Cheng Ge a midnight snack, the situation took a dramatic turn.

"Nanny Fu, this is so delicious! What is it made of?" he asked.

Funiang replied with a smile, "Young master, this is lotus flower pastry. It's made from flour, lard, lotus seed paste, and so on.

Then it's shaped and colored to resemble a lotus flower."

Cheng Ge took bite after bite, eating with relish, utterly delighted.

At that moment, he had completely forgotten about any thoughts of a wife or husband; his only concern was chowing down.