Fang Er returned to the manor around eleven in the morning.
Thinking the manor hadn't had a celebration in a while, he instructed Su Feng to inform the villagers of a grand feast the following day.
Su Mu was tasked with going into the city to procure supplies, notifying Zui Xian Lou to close for the day and return to help, and to invite chefs from other restaurants as well.
By evening, cartloads of ingredients were delivered to the manor.
The imperial decree, having passed through all the relevant departments of the Directorate of the Imperial Household, was delivered to the Fang Family Manor that night.
After the imperial decree was officially read, the manor erupted in excitement. Those who had been wondering why the Marquis was suddenly hosting a banquet realized that he had been elevated to the rank of County Duke.
The villagers, who had been helping to unload the goods, rushed to congratulate Fang Er.
"Congratulations, Duke!"
"Best wishes, Duke!"
"When will the Duke give us a little duke to hold, Duke!"
"Hahaha, the Duke has been married for two months, perhaps his lady is already with child!"
With so many people talking, the conversation took a turn. The older women, in particular, were unrestrained and boisterous, causing Chai Yue to blush and retreat into her room.
"Alright, I appreciate everyone's good wishes. We will have a grand banquet tomorrow, so bring out your tables!"
Fang Er was delighted, not because of his promotion, but because of the villagers' enthusiasm.
The next morning, every household brought their tables out onto the manor's cement road.
In the four cardinal directions of the manor, ten large stoves were set up, each responsible for a section. The scene was as lively as the wedding day.
Duke of E!
Duke of Liang!
Duke of Zhao!
Duke of Yi!
Duke of Zou!
~~~~~~~~
Fang Er, who had just finished washing up, heard Su Feng loudly announcing the guests' titles from outside.
He quickly handed his handkerchief to Xiao Qing and went out to greet them.
"It is a great honor for this humble one to have several Dukes grace us with their presence. Please come in!"
Yuchi Jingde pointed at the endless banquet laid out in the manor and exclaimed in surprise, "My word, brother, you've really put on a show! It's almost as grand as your wedding!"
"Heh heh heh, there are many people at the manor, and it's difficult to leave anyone out. I thought we might as well have a good time together. It won't cost much anyway."
Fang Er led the guests into the courtyard.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, listen to him. Your manor must have six to seven thousand people now. With at least several hundred tables for the banquet, you say it won't cost much? You truly are a wealthy and influential young man now!"
Fang Xuanling's tone carried a hint of envy.
"Alright, Old Fang, the money of the Shenyang County Duke isn't blown in by the wind. Stop being jealous!"
Changsun Wuji said, patting him on the shoulder.
"So you're all making money with this kid and now you're all defending him?"
Old Fang raised an eyebrow.
"Heh heh, I wouldn't dare involve you in business, Sir. You hold the empire's money bag. What if someone less discerning accuses you of embezzlement later?"
Fang Er turned and smiled at Fang Xuanling.
"Alright, I concede you have a point, young man. You must bring out all your hidden treasures today, or I won't leave!"
Fang Xuanling was merely speaking his mind; he understood the implications far better than anyone.
"Envoy from Khitan has arrived!"
Just then, Su Feng's voice rang out from outside again.
"Hey! This bald fellow really knows how to curry favor! Kid, be careful."
Li Jing glanced towards the entrance, his words carrying a double meaning.
"Please rest assured, I know what I'm doing."
Smiling at Li Jing, Fang Er called out towards the entrance, "Please come in!"
Soon, Su Feng led in the bald, stout, and robust Khitan envoy.
"Yelu Yangwei pays his respects to the Shenyang County Duke and congratulates the Shenyang County Duke on his promotion. This small gift is a token of my esteem.
From now on, Khitan and you will be neighbors. I ask for your kind consideration!"
After bowing, Yelu Yangwei opened the wooden box he was carrying and presented it to Fang Er.
"Whoa!"
It was a bird!
"What is this thing?"
Fang Er asked, puzzled.
"Damn it! Brother, how about you give this to me? I'll pay a thousand guan!"
Upon seeing the bird, Yuchi Jingde's eyes turned green.
"Get lost! This is a golden eagle! A thousand taels? You're too stingy! Kid, I'll give you two thousand guan!"
Niu Jinda shoved Yuchi Jingde aside and leaned in, trying to grab the bird himself.
"Old Niu! I'll kill you!"
Yuchi Jingde, having been pushed, instantly became furious.
"Scram, scram, scram! Go fight somewhere else! Anzhi, I'll offer three thousand guan, how about that? You won't be keeping this thing anyway!"
Li Jing also came over to join the fun upon seeing the bird.
Fang Er was completely bewildered by their reactions.
"Why is this golden eagle so valuable?" he asked Yelu Yangwei, looking at him doubtfully.
"Where did this golden eagle come from? Is it very precious?"
Seeing that Fang Er didn't seem to recognize the golden eagle, Yelu Yangwei proudly began to enlighten him.
"Duke, this eagle is a treasure. When it grows up, it can tear apart wolves!
My king dispatched two thousand warriors who chased a great eagle for half a month before finding its nest.
To retrieve this creature, over a dozen warriors were pecked to death by the parent eagle.
It can be said that young golden eagles like this are things money cannot buy."
Fang Er looked at the little creature in the box, which had just sprouted its downy feathers. He hadn't realized it would be so formidable when grown.
"Can this thing be tamed?"
"Kid, you wouldn't understand. No matter what it is, if you raise it from a young age, there's a possibility of taming it!"
Fang Xuanling also desired it, but as a civil official, keeping such a fierce bird was somewhat undignified. He stood aside and explained to Yelu Yangwei on his behalf.
"Very well, I shall accept it. Please convey my thanks to the King of Khitan. When I go to Shenyang in a few days, I will certainly pay a visit!"
"Additionally, it is impolite not to reciprocate a gift. Please wait here for a moment."
Fang Er took the box and turned back into the house.
Xiao Qing was tidying the bedding and saw Fang Er enter with a box.
Afraid the little golden eagle would suffocate, Fang Er hadn't dared to close the box, so Xiao Qing saw the little golden eagle at once.
"Ah! Master, this bird is so cute!"
"It's a golden eagle gifted by the Khitans. Raise it well, and it should be able to guard the household in the future."
Handing the box to Xiao Qing, Fang Er walked to his study desk. Seizing the opportunity to turn, he took out two plates of small blue pills from his embrace, pushed them out, found an empty bottle, filled it, and left the room.
"Yelu Yangwei, is it? This is my token of appreciation. Eat one pill every day after you return. It will be very beneficial!"
"Thank you, Shenyang County Duke, for the reward. I shall take my leave now. Esteemed Dukes, farewell!"
With that, he took the bottle Fang Er handed him, turned, and left the Fang residence.
ps: Seven chapters! I can't go on, my hand is cramping. I'll write more tomorrow. My apologies to everyone!