My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 115 Part 1

Chapter 115 Extra: Matters of the Big Family (1) 

The year after Huo Shu assumed the position of Chief Commander, the old emperor abdicated, and the new emperor ascended the throne, changing the reign era to Tianjin.

Huo Shu went to the capital for the enthronement ceremony, firstly to observe the rites and pay homage, and secondly, as a meritorious official of the new emperor's ascension, he was naturally due for rewards.

Although he had already been appointed Chief Commander of Tongzhou, at that time the new emperor was only the Crown Prince supervising the state affairs, and many things still couldn't be done too overtly. Lavishly rewarding his own people would inevitably attract criticism.

Huo Shu taking over Tongzhou was also justified by the lack of personnel in Tongzhou and his familiarity with the local situation, temporarily sending him there to be used for now.

The Chief Commander of the state garrison forces was a fourth-rank military officer. Assuming such a post would inevitably lead to discussion locally.

Now that the new emperor had ascended the throne and gained real power, his first action was naturally to promote his own people. As the saying goes, a new emperor brings a new set of ministers.

Huo Shu listened to a long list of rewards—he didn't know many of the officials, but he saw many proud and enthusiastic faces.

Among them, he clearly heard that Duan Chi was appointed as Infantry Commander, taking charge of the capital's infantry.

Henceforth, he would likely struggle within the capital.

This time, Huo Shu was legitimately appointed as Chief Commander of the Tongzhou Garrison Battalion. With his status confirmed, he was additionally rewarded with many things.

For those with great merit like them, the emperor personally announced the rewards before all civil and military officials. Those of lower ranks were handled by the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Personnel.

Most of those who went with Huo Shu to deliver supplies back then received rewards.

Those who desired fame and were willing to join the army got at least a Squad Leader position, while those uninterested simply declined.

They were either given land, property, or money as rewards, or obtained clerical positions in local prefectures or government offices.

Ge Liang still worked with Huo Shu and was rewarded with the position of Garrison Guard Chief, a seventh-rank military officer.

Ji Wenliang was appointed as a commander of one thousand soldiers. He was still young, and his future was promising.

Originally, Huo Shou could have been rewarded with at least a commander of one thousand soldiers, but he had no interest in joining the army. Instead, he wanted to engage in trade and revive the merchant routes they had previously opened.

Huo Shu didn't force him. Having the whole family buried in military affairs wasn't necessarily a good thing. If Huo Shou had his own aspirations, it was best to let him pursue them.

Now that he himself had entered the court, he certainly couldn't spare time for commerce anymore. But it would be a pity to let the foundation laid through previous business go to waste. Having someone manage it would be best.

By the time Huo Shu returned from the capital, it was already the fifth month.

Tongzhou had already regained most of its former glory. The newly appointed prefect, though young, was capable.

"Eh, it's strange that Sister-in-law didn't bring Xiao Taohe to meet us."

Arriving at the city gate, Ge Liang said with a laugh.

Huo Shu pulled on his horse's reins and said, "I sent them a message. Once the appointment and rewards were settled, we could move into the official residence. They've probably been moving these past two days."

Ge Liang stroked his chin: "I forgot about that. The Chief Commander's residence is no smaller than the Prefect's residence. I must find time to visit properly, just wonder if Brother Huo welcomes me or not."

Huo Shu looked at Ge Liang, these words were overly distant. Not to mention in Tongzhou, coming and going from his home was common, even in Yuchang it was like entering his own house.

"When have I ever chased you away."

Ge Liang laughed heartily: "With Brother Huo's word, I'll feel at ease coming and going."

"Let's go."

Huo Shu said, but Ge Liang replied: "Not today, I need to go home first."

Ge Liang had also been to the capital this time. Upon returning, he should go home first. Seeing this, Huo Shu didn't insist, but suddenly remembered something. He said: "I heard you are getting married?"

Ge Liang paused, a bit embarrassed as he scratched the back of his head.

"I'm not young anymore. Now that things have settled down, getting married will set my family's minds at ease."

A faint, almost teasing smile touched Huo Shu's lips. With a career established, starting a family was natural: "No wonder you're in such a hurry to go back."

Ge Liang was indeed in his twenties. For a man his age to be unmarried was considered late. But perhaps these years of struggle weren't in vain. Early in the year, while handling affairs locally, a County Magistrate took a liking to him and wanted to betroth his daughter to him.

Now, having returned from the capital with rewards, holding the wedding would undoubtedly be the icing on the cake.

Huo Shu clapped Ge Liang on the shoulder: "You have half a month off. Handle things properly."

Ge Liang beamed: "Thank you, Brother Huo!"

Watching the happily departing man with his belongings, Huo Shu couldn't help but think of Huo Shou. Now even Ge Liang had his path settled. Huo Shou wasn't much younger than Ge Liang.

The older Ge Liang was getting married, and the younger Ji Wenliang already had a child. Yet Huo Shou spent his days running around everywhere; who knew what he was busy with.

Huo Shu shook his head, tugged his horse's reins, and headed towards the Huo residence. Suddenly, he felt he had truly changed a lot.

If it were before, he would never have been so fussy as to care or think about these things. After all, even he himself had been unsettled, why would he bother with such trivial matters?

Probably these years of having a family, having Ji Taoyu, having Xiao Taohe, having the caring Ji family, his temperament had consequently softened a lot.

Falling into worldly life, he began to have some human touch.

"Father?"

Just as Huo Shu reached the large vermilion lacquered gate, he saw a small head peeking out from behind the heavy door, tentatively calling out.

The little fellow seemed to have heard the sounds of wheels and horses outside and specially came to the main gate to see the novelty.

Not expecting to come out, he saw his father whom he hadn't seen for almost two months.

The child's memory was both good and fleeting. Having not seen Huo Shu for many days, he felt somewhat unfamiliar with him now. He leaned against the vermilion door, gazing timidly at Huo Shu.

Huo Shu looked at the little guy at the door. Dressed in a peach-colored garment, probably from running and playing in the yard just now, his round little face was very flushed.

Originally fair-skinned, dressed like this he resembled a soft, glutinous little ger.

Unable to conceal the softness in his eyes, he waved to the little child: "Xiao Taohe, come to your father."

Hearing Huo Shu respond to him, the little guy immediately brightened up, happily running towards Huo Shu on his short legs.