HLnovel Chapter 649
Chapter 649
Meng Qingyuan said as he burned the paper money.
At this point, Meng Qingyuan probably understood his father's good intentions. Back then, he was just a bookworm who knew nothing. If he had known this news, he probably would have been devastated.
Things are different now. After serving in the Southern Garrison for more than half a year, Meng Qingyuan's vision, knowledge, and temperament are far superior to what they were before. Although he is extremely heartbroken, he will not be discouraged.
Two days passed in the blink of an eye, and soon it was the day of Meng Ji's funeral. On this day, Meng Qingyuan and his mother, as well as Meng Ji's wife and eldest son, all wore mourning clothes and had faces full of grief.
At this point, Meng Ji's wife and legitimate son would no longer care about the existence of Meng Qingyuan and his mother. In fact, they had always known about the existence of Meng Qingyuan and his mother, but they had simply turned a blind eye to it. After all, Meng Ji was an excellent husband and father.
Moreover, before Meng Ji left, he told them that after his death, both official positions and titles would belong to his legitimate son. Meng Qingyuan would not compete for them and had no right to compete for them. Therefore, the mother and son did not regard Meng Qingyuan and his mother as enemies, but rather felt a sense of sympathy for each other.
"You must be the younger sister Wenxuan mentioned. I know you've suffered so much these past years. Sometimes I've even thought of asking Wenxuan to bring you into his household, but he's never mentioned you to me, so I haven't felt comfortable asking."
Madam Meng took Meng Qingyuan's mother's hand and wiped away her tears.
"This humble concubine greets elder sister. I am already very grateful that elder sister does not find me unworthy, and I dare not have any other desires."
Meng Qingyuan's mother bowed to Madam Meng.
At this moment, Jiajing arrived with his civil and military officials. The two officials, along with the eldest sons of Meng Qingyuan and Meng Ji, came before Jiajing.
"I pay my respects to Your Majesty."
Upon hearing this, Jiajing waved his hand.
"You are all Wenxuan's family members, right? No need for formalities. I am sorry for you. Wenxuan died far from home for the sake of my Great Ming. All I can do is avenge him, destroy the Yarkand Khanate, capture Said Khan alive, and bring back Wenxuan's remains."
Jiajing said with a sorrowful expression.
"Your Majesty is too kind. Wenxuan's lifelong pursuit has been to serve the Ming Dynasty and be loyal to Your Majesty. Now, he can be said to have achieved his goal."
In this formal setting, Madam Meng spoke with great propriety.
"You've all suffered. This must be Qingyuan, right? I know you."
Jiajing looked at Meng Qingyuan and said.
Upon hearing this, Meng Qingyuan felt flattered and overwhelmed. He never expected that the emperor would pay attention to such an insignificant person as him.
"It was His Majesty who instructed me to make proper arrangements for your future."
Zhou Chu explained from the side.
Upon hearing this, Meng Qingyuan and his mother suddenly realized what was going on.
Jiajing's words were partly addressed to the Meng family, and partly to the civil and military officials behind him.
Jiajing wanted everyone to understand that those who were loyal to the Ming Dynasty would have their families properly taken care of, even if they were just illegitimate children.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."
Meng Qingyuan's mother wiped away her tears and said.
Jiajing then looked at Meng Ji's eldest son, who was standing to the side.
"You're Meng Qingyan, right?"
Jiajing then looked at Meng Ji's eldest son, who was standing to the side.
"This humble subject is Meng Qingyan, paying respects to Your Majesty."
Meng Qingyan bowed again.
Meng Qingyan was a few months younger than Meng Qingyuan, but as the legitimate son, Meng Qingyan was of much higher status than Meng Qingyuan.
"Meng Qingyan, receive your appointment."
Jiajing said loudly.
Upon hearing this, Meng Qingyan, his wife, and even Meng Qingyuan and his mother all knelt down.
"Meng Wenxuan died a martyr for his country. I am moved by his loyalty and hereby bestow upon his son, Meng Qingyan, the title of Marquis of Loyalty, granting him the待遇 (treatment/benefits) of a third-rank official..."
When Jiajing began to bestow honors upon Meng Qingyan, these words reached the ears of the civil and military officials behind him, especially those officials from the Ministry of War. They all deeply regretted not having been more determined to fight for it back then.
They and Meng Ji competed for the mission to the Western Regions, but they were still afraid of death. After all, they were living well now and no one wanted to die. So when Meng Ji firmly fought for it, he was chosen by Wang Xian.
Seeing Meng Qingyan's treatment and rewards, they were all extremely envious. Such a title and treatment were something they would probably never achieve in their lifetime, let alone their descendants.
The Emperor Jiajing bestowed upon Meng Qingyan a very generous reward, and even the entire Meng family received countless riches as gifts.
"Thank you Lord for your grace."
Meng Qingyan led the way by kowtowing.
Meng Qingyuan, standing behind Meng Qingyan, felt envious but not jealous upon hearing Meng Qingyan's reward, because he knew very well that his father had always been thinking of him; otherwise, he would not have been able to enter the Southern Garrison Command.
What Meng Qingyuan cared about was whether Meng Jizai cared about him and his mother, not the money or titles.
Jiajing had been watching Meng Qingyuan's expression, and seeing his appearance, he nodded in satisfaction.
"Let's promote Qingyuan to a hundred households later."
Jiajing turned to Zhou Chu and said.
"According to the order."
Zhou Chu bowed and said.
Upon hearing this, Meng Qingyuan was momentarily dazed. Having spent the past six months in the Southern Garrison, he knew very well how difficult it was for a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard to be promoted. The Southern Garrison was relatively peaceful, with colleagues living in harmony. Meng Qingyuan had heard from his colleagues that the competition in the Northern Garrison was incredibly fierce, with many people resorting to any means to climb the ranks. It was extremely difficult for an ordinary Embroidered Uniform Guard to become a Captain, and the competition was even more intense as one moved from Captain to Centurion.
He never imagined that he would become a centurion without doing anything.
It wasn't until Meng Qingyuan's mother tugged at him that Meng Qingyuan came to his senses.
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."
Meng Qingyuan kowtowed.
"Get up, everyone. It's time to bury Wenxuan."
When Jiajing got to this point, his expression couldn't help but show some sadness.
Upon hearing this, the Meng family members all stood up and knelt down in front of the dug-up grave. Madam Meng and Meng Qingyuan's mother kept crying, and Meng Qingyuan and Meng Qingyan beside them also wept uncontrollably.
Soon, a coffin made of Phoebe zhennan wood was carried over. As soon as the coffin was brought over, Madam Meng and Meng Qingyuan's mother immediately lay down on it and began to weep bitterly.
"Wenxuan, it's me. Open your eyes and look at me."