Chapter 132

Chapter 132: When You Are Happy, I Am Happy

Huo Zheng said softly: “Father-in-law’s audience with His Majesty is a good sign. When he returns, it will surely be with good news.”

Hearing him speak with such certainty, Mu Kai Ji followed along to comfort Mother and Sister. Madam Mu and Chun Zhi relaxed a little.

But Mu Qing Shan stayed in the palace much longer than anyone expected. The kitchen had set out supper, night had fully fallen, and he still had not come back. Seeing Mother-in-law and Chun Zhi truly worried, Huo Zheng stood and said: “Since Father-in-law has not yet returned, I will go to the palace and take a look.”

Madam Mu, Chun Zhi, and Mu Kai Ji rose together to see him out. They had only reached the main gate when they saw the blue-cloth carriage they had used to return to the capital rolling down the street and stopping before the house. The coachman halted the horses, jumped down to set a stool, and lifted the curtain. Wearing a red official robe and hat, Mu Qing Shan stepped out of the carriage.

“Father,” Mu Kai Ji blurted, stunned.

“Qing Shan,” Madam Mu paused, then moved forward to meet him.

Freshly dressed, Mu Qing Shan got down, steadied Madam Mu with one hand, and said in a solemn voice: “This audience with His Majesty restored my post as Vice Minister of Revenue. He also asked me to act as Minister, and all our residence and property have been returned.”

Madam Mu could not hold back her tears as she said: “Wonderful, wonderful, our Mu family has finally come through hardship to sweetness.”

Mu Kai Ji cupped his hands and said: “Congratulations, Father, and congratulations, Mother.”

Not only had Mu Qing Shan been reinstated and had all property returned, he was also acting as Minister. It was a true return to office and a step higher than before. Minister Zhang had long wished to retire and had not found a proper successor; now that the Emperor asked Mu Qing Shan to act as Minister, the seat would very likely fall to him. This was even better than Huo Zheng had hoped.

Huo Zheng and Chun Zhi stepped forward together, one saying, “Congratulations, Father-in-law and Mother-in-law,” and the other saying, “Congratulations, Father and Mother.” They spoke in unison.

Supporting Madam Mu, Mu Qing Shan turned to Huo Zheng and said: “My return to the capital is thanks to the Prince.”

Huo Zheng replied: “We are all one family. Father-in-law, there is no need to be so polite.”

They went inside and sat down in the flower hall to eat. After eleven years, the four members of the Mu family could finally dine together again, and now there was also Prince Chang’an as a son-in-law.

Even though Huo Zheng had said they were one family and Father-in-law need not stand on ceremony, Mu Qing Shan still poured a cup himself and offered it to Huo Zheng. Rising, Huo Zheng spoke from the heart, saying he truly believed the Prosper-the-People Edict that Mu Qing Shan had once championed would benefit the common people. Feeling as if he had met a kindred spirit across generations, Mu Qing Shan raised his cup with him, and they drained it together.

Madam Mu reminded them that Mu Qing Shan had not drunk in years and that his health was not strong, urging him to drink less. Smiling, Mu Qing Shan said: “I am happy today. Let me have a few more cups with the Prince.” But Huo Zheng said: “Father-in-law, my capacity is poor. I can only drink this much.” Mu Qing Shan did not believe it, yet since Prince Chang’an said so, they changed wine for tea.

Chun Zhi could not help glancing at Huo Zheng, thinking: [When has your drinking ever been this weak? He is clearly afraid Father-in-law will drink too much and harm his health.]

Sitting beside Madam Mu, Chun Zhi picked out dishes she thought were good and set them on her mother’s plate. Madam Mu felt her daughter was thoughtful to the extreme; a smile touched her lips and tears shimmered in her eyes as she said: “Zhi’er, eat.”

With tea in place of wine, Huo Zheng and Mu Qing Shan talked with Father-in-law and Elder Brother about the recent situation in the capital. The State Treasury was in deficit, so the Ministry of Revenue was no easy post these days. For Mu Qing Shan to return and be restored as Vice Minister of Revenue while acting as Minister would surely stir jealousy among many at court. There was also Mu Kai Ji to consider. He had just sat this year’s major round of the Imperial Examinations, and the next round would be three years later.

Huo Zheng said: “Elder Brother-in-law, if you are willing, you can first work with me and then take the Imperial Examinations again in three years.” Mu Kai Ji did not agree at once. Mu Qing Shan said: “If Ji’er follows the Prince, His Majesty will judge that I have taken the Prince’s side. That may not be proper.” Though Mu Qing Shan had become Prince Chang’an’s father-in-law and people would assume he stood with the Prince, having Mu Kai Ji work under Huo Zheng right now would make that judgment a certainty. Mu Kai Ji smiled and said: “I just returned to the capital. I want to walk around and look about. I do not want to be bound too early. I accept the Prince’s kindness in my heart.” Huo Zheng also smiled: “You spent many years on the Northern Frontier. Now that you are back, you should relax. It was my oversight.”

The Mu father and son did not want to tie themselves to Prince Chang’an too soon, and Huo Zheng understood. After all, Mu Qing Shan had long been a solitary official who did not take sides with any prince. If he stood with Prince Chang’an only because his daughter married him, the Emperor would not be pleased.

After a pleasant meal, the family sat in the courtyard to admire the moon and chat. Mu Qing Shan said: “Our residence and property have been returned. Tomorrow we can move back.” Huo Zheng said: “The Mu residence has stood empty for many years and fallen into disrepair. It needs repairs and a thorough cleaning before anyone can live there. I have already transferred this house to Chun Zhi’s name. Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, and Elder Brother can stay here in peace. There is no need to rush back to the Mu residence.” Even before the Mu family returned, Huo Zheng had thought of this and put the deed under Chun Zhi’s name. He did not insist on making the Mu father and son serve him; he only wished them to benefit the people.

Chun Zhi said: “Since Father and Mother have already moved in here, do not hurry to move out. We can repair and clean the Mu residence first, then move back when it is ready.” Madam Mu said: “We will listen to Zhi’er.” Mu Qing Shan and Mu Kai Ji had no objection.

As night grew late, Chun Zhi and Huo Zheng rose to take their leave. “Zhi’er,” Madam Mu called, reluctant to part after so many years. Chun Zhi said: “I cannot bear to leave you either, Mother, but the child is young and needs me at night.” Hearing this, Madam Mu nodded quickly and said: “The child is most important. Go on back. We will be in the capital from now on. There will be plenty of time to be together.” Chun Zhi said: “Yes, the days ahead are long.”

Mu Kai Ji saw Huo Zheng and Chun Zhi to the gate. Night had fully fallen. Chun Zhi turned and said: “You need not see us farther. Brother, go and rest early.” Mu Kai Ji answered, “All right,” and stood at the door watching as Huo Zheng helped Chun Zhi into the carriage. They entered the carriage, and the coachman drove them back to Song Manor.

On the way back, Chun Zhi held Huo Zheng’s hand, gently kneading his palm as she asked: “Father is upright by nature and does not want our family to rely on you. Will you think he is ungrateful?” Huo Zheng looked into her eyes and said in a low voice: “No.” He added: “It is good that Father-in-law’s upright nature has not changed. If his years on the Northern Frontier had worn away his backbone, I would feel it a pity.” “Huo Zheng,” Chun Zhi murmured. “Chun Zhi,” he said as he drew her into his arms and asked softly: “After seeing your parents and older brother, are you happy?” Leaning against him, Chun Zhi said: “Of course I am.” Huo Zheng’s lips curved slightly as he said: “If you are happy, then I am happy.”