At the morning court session that day, court officials gathered in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. The Minister of Works and the Vice Minister came forward one by one and reported in detail to Emperor Li Longze on the progress and details of the Taimiao renovation.
The memorial not only listed the completion status of various projects, but also attached exquisite drawings and detailed budgets, showing the Ministry of Works' great importance to this renovation.
Li Longze carefully read the memorial, a satisfied smile gradually appearing on his face. He looked up at the Minister of Works and nodded approvingly, "Your Excellency has devoted all your efforts to the renovation of the Imperial Ancestral Temple. I am deeply pleased."
Upon hearing this, the Minister of Works bowed hastily and said, "Your Majesty, you are too kind. This is our duty."
Li Longze waved his hand, signaling him not to be modest. He glanced at the court officials and finally landed on Xue Zhongfu.
Thinking of Xiao Gan's commotion yesterday, he couldn't help but feel curious. What was so special about this young man who was about to become his brother-in-law that made Xiao Gan so jealous?
"Master Xue." The emperor suddenly called out the name.
Xue Zhongfu was lost in thought, but upon hearing this, he snapped back to his senses, stepped forward, bowed, and replied, "Your Highness is here."
"I've heard that you've performed quite well in your role as Director of the Ministry of Works and have contributed significantly to the renovation of the Imperial Ancestral Temple," the emperor said slowly. "I'd like to hear your opinion on this renovation."
Xue Zhongfu's heart sank, knowing this was a test from the emperor. He took a deep breath and replied in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I believe this renovation of the Imperial Ancestral Temple is a monumental undertaking of profound significance. I have only contributed my humble contribution, and I cannot claim any credit for it. Throughout the renovation process, I have always kept in mind that the Imperial Ancestral Temple is a vital site for national worship, and I have strived for perfection in every detail. Now that the project is nearing completion, I believe we will live up to Your Majesty's expectations."
Li Longze listened to Xue Zhongfu's answer, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. He nodded, "Well, not bad. I'm very pleased that you have such insight and responsibility."
Xue Zhongfu quickly kowtowed in thanks: "I will do my best to live up to your expectations!"
When Xiao Gan heard the news that Xue Zhongfu was commended by the emperor at the court meeting, the fire of jealousy in his heart burned even more fiercely.
The Minister of Revenue stepped forward and respectfully reported, "Your Majesty, the Ministry of Revenue has fully accounted for the one million in tax silver sent by officials from Jiangnan. Once Your Majesty sets a date, it will be escorted to the border by the Imperial Guards to fund the repairs at Tongguan."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Gan's heart moved. He felt that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so he stepped forward and said loudly: "Your Majesty, I am willing to personally serve as the escort officer for the silver. I swear to ensure that the silver arrives safely at the border."
Upon hearing this, Li Longze was very pleased and approved the request immediately.
Xiao Gan saw the opportunity and took it, saying, "Your Majesty, Xue Zhushi is deeply favored by the Emperor, and the court is in need of talents right now. Why not order him to accompany me and share the responsibility of protecting the military pay and help Your Majesty solve the problem?"
Li Longze pondered for a moment and felt that this was quite reasonable. Xue Zhongfu and Li Shurou's wedding was still some time away, so having him work his way up to the Ministry of Works in Beijing was indeed a waste of talent.
It would be better to take this opportunity to let him go out and gain some experience, make some achievements, and add glory to his future marriage.
The emperor then declared, "Master Xue is steady, careful, and thorough in his work. I am very confident in your work. This time, I will appoint you as deputy commander of the military pay transport, and Earl Wuning as the chief commander. You two must work together to ensure the safe delivery of the military pay to the border."
"Set off in three days, without delay!"
Xue Zhongfu was slightly surprised when he heard this, but he quickly calmed down. He knew this was a sign of trust and a heavy responsibility placed on him by the emperor, as well as a rare opportunity for personal advancement. He bowed and accepted the order, his voice firm, "I will obey your command and do my utmost to live up to your majesty's high expectations."
Xiao Gan stood aside, a flicker of smugness crossing his face. He had finally found his chance to go out with Xue Zhongfu and cause him some trouble. He was secretly plotting how to humiliate Xue Zhongfu during this military pay transport, perhaps even putting him in an unjust position.
However, Xue Zhongfu did not take his thoughts seriously. He only had one thing in mind, which was how to ensure the safety of the military pay and complete the important task entrusted by the emperor.
After the court session, Xue Zhongfu had just walked out of the Hall of Supreme Harmony when he saw his younger brother Xue Jiyan walking towards him hurriedly with an indignant look on his face.
"Second brother!" Xue Jiyan grabbed Xue Zhongfu's sleeve, his tone filled with anger. "Why is Xiao Gan so aggressive? Yesterday he came to provoke you, and we chose to keep quiet. But today in the court, he asked you to help escort the military pay. Is there some conspiracy here?"
Xue Zhongfu gently patted the back of his brother's hand, signaling him to calm down. "Don't worry, third brother. Although Xiao Gan and I have some disagreements, this time the military pay is being escorted by the Emperor. I believe he wouldn't dare to play dirty. I just need to be careful and ensure the safe delivery of the pay."
Xue Jiyan heard this, and although his worries were not completely dispelled, he felt a little relieved when he saw his second brother so calm. He nodded and said, "Second brother is right, but I am still a little worried."
When the two brothers returned to the Marquis' Mansion, Nanny Zhao came forward and respectfully announced, "My two young masters, the old lady has prepared dinner in the Xiangyun Hall. Please go over and have your meal."
At this moment, Madam Hong Yingrong had already learned that Xue Zhongfu had been appointed deputy commander of the silver transport. She couldn't help but feel an inexplicable worry in her heart.
In the previous life, the heavy responsibility of transporting millions of silver coins to Longxi fell on the shoulders of Jiang Wenbai, the father of his future son-in-law Jiang Lun.
At that time, Jiang Wenbai held an important position in the official silver office, but he was held accountable and eventually sentenced to death because the military pay was robbed.
Jiang Lun was also implicated and stripped of his official title. He had no choice but to take his mother, Qiao, back to her hometown in the south and opened a private school to barely make a living.
Recalling these past events, Hong Yingrong couldn't help but feel a lingering fear.
At the beginning of this year, she had hinted to Mrs. Qiao many times that she hoped Mr. Jiang would resign from his official position and open a training ground to fulfill his long-cherished wish.
Fortunately, after the Spring Examination, Jiang Wenbai resigned from his official position and went to Shu City, thus avoiding the tragedy of his previous life from happening again.
However, what Hong Yingrong had not expected was that the task of transporting military pay now fell on her son Xue Zhongfu.
She knew full well that the border was full of bandits and that the journey to transport the silver was fraught with uncertainty and danger. Although she had warned Eunuch Chen Jin about this matter, and Chen Jin had taken it to heart and specially arranged for the Imperial Guards to escort the troops, Hong Yingrong still found it difficult to calm down.
At dinner time, the lights in Xiangyun Hall were brightly lit. The Xue brothers sat at the dining table and noticed that the old lady's expression was a little solemn.
They knew very well that the old lady was worried because Xue Zhongfu was about to set off to transport military pay.
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