"It's more than a misunderstanding. If that eunuch goes back to the palace and reports you, you'll be in deep trouble."
"Thank you very much, Brother Hu. If it weren't for your mediation today, I would have offended the Emperor to the core."
Nangong Zeyue initially had a reckless attitude, but when she realized she had misunderstood, she couldn't help but feel a little scared.
His disregard for imperial authority was enough to cause him serious trouble.
Hu Qing waved his hand, "We're like family, no need to be polite. Quickly see what official position the Emperor has appointed for you?"
"I am just a commoner, neither good at literature nor martial arts, I really can't figure out what the Emperor is thinking."
Nangong Zeyue cherishes freedom; becoming an official in the imperial court is not what he desires.
All he wanted was a wife, children, and a warm bed, just like he does now.
He manages the inn every day, and goes back to talk to Yue Niang in the evening, occasionally having a drink with her.
If one day I could win the heart of the Moon Goddess and live a harmonious life with her, growing old together under the moon and amidst the flowers, that life would be like that of a fairy tale. Just thinking about it is wonderful.
The emperor's word was law, and he could not refuse. If he were charged with disobeying the imperial decree, he would truly be forced to wander the world.
Since we won't question his crimes, we can tolerate whatever he does.
Urged by Hu Qing, Nangong Zeyue slowly opened the bright yellow brocade.
"What's this?"
A sheet of Xuan paper fell out from the brocade.
Hu Qing quickly caught it with both hands, and upon closer inspection, read, "Letter of Appointment."
"Don't look at this, the imperial edict is more important."
Hu Qing stared wide-eyed at the unfolded brocade.
By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:
Nangong Zeyue is virtuous and kind, kind and simple, generous and helpful to the people, and commendable in her righteousness. She has made great contributions to the country and is hereby appointed as the Director of the Court of State Ceremonial.
So be it.
Looking at the flowing calligraphy on the brocade, Nangong Zeyue looked up and asked Hu Qing, "What does Your Majesty mean by this? What virtue or ability do I possess that would make him treat me like this?"
After pondering for a moment, Hu Qing said, "Could it be that the Emperor has learned of Brother Nangong's past acts of robbing the rich to help the poor, and has specially rewarded you?"
Hu Qing and Nangong Zeyue had a very good relationship, and they spent time together in one room during the period when the restaurant was open.
The two men drank and chatted happily that night, discussing their life aspirations and inevitably mentioning their past exploits of robbing the rich to help the poor.
Nangong Zeyue shook her head, "You're kidding me, that's impossible. I only got the title of master thief because of that incident, it's not something glorious, how could I let the Emperor know?"
“After the emperor ascended the throne, even the purchase of official positions was abolished. My disgraceful act is not worthy of being granted an official position.”
Nangong Zeyue glanced down as she spoke, "What the hell is the Director of the Court of State Ceremonies?"
Nangong Zeyue knew that the Honglu Temple was responsible for receiving foreign dignitaries and envoys, but he was not very familiar with the official titles within it.
Hu Qing unfolded the appointment letter in his hand and looked at it, saying: "Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rank 9."
"Brother Nangong, you've already surpassed the ninth rank so early in your official career. You'll be in charge of welcoming foreign dignitaries in the future. The Emperor's grace is truly boundless!"
Nangong Zeyue thought to herself, "What a load of rubbish! He's just a gofer, nobody cares about him."
Nangong Zeyue looked at the imperial edict and appointment letter over and over again.
"Oh no, in my haste I forgot to ask that damned eunuch when I'm going to take up my post?"
Hu Qing said, "As far as I know, the new emperor dislikes procrastination and appoints ministers who are required to report to the local authorities within three days."
Nangong Zeyue let out a wail and leaned back, looking utterly dejected.
"Three days is too rushed. Take the inn matter for example; handing over the account books will take a day, and then there will be some details to explain, which will take at least another day."
There are still things to discuss at the grain shop, which will take another day, and I also need to inform my uncles and fellow disciples, which will also take another day. Three days in total! Isn't this going to kill me?
Hu Qing helped Nangong Zeyue roll up the imperial edict and put it in his arms.
Then he said seriously, "Brother Nangong, you're overthinking it. Just leave the inn to me. The grain shop has a manager, so there's nothing to worry about. You just need to give the owner a heads-up."
Nangong Zeyue sat in the hall for a long time before accepting reality.
The waiters all congratulated him.
Only Hu Qing smiled and patted his shoulder jokingly, saying, "It would be my great honor if you, the Grand Master of Ceremonies, could remember to visit the restaurant for a drink sometime."
"Since Brother Hu is thinking of me, I will naturally come to bother you often."
Seeing that noon was approaching, Nangong Zeyue handed the account book to Hu Qing and recommended one of his quick-witted waiters to take over the inn's affairs before leaving the restaurant.
After leaving Juxian Pavilion, Nangong Zeyue hesitated for a moment before heading towards the Su residence.
Su Jin had just returned home when Nangong Zeyue arrived looking sullen.
Before Su Jin could even ask a question, Nangong Zeyue took out the imperial edict.
"Su Jin, you've been an official in the court for some time now. Can you help me see if this so-called Diankeshi (a lowly or sinecure) job is a sinecure?"
At this moment, Nangong Zeyue wished that the Honglu Temple would neither have much nor little need for him, and that they would treat him as if he were invisible.
However, things didn't go as planned. Su Jin shook his head after reading it, "Brother Nangong's ambition is not here, so I won't congratulate you. The job of the Director of Foreign Affairs is quite complicated. When it's quiet, it's really quiet, but once an envoy from outside arrives, you can be so busy that you can't go home all night."
"Ah Jin, it's not that I'm being cynical, but I felt something was off from the start. Is His Majesty worried that I'm too idle?"
Su Jin thought for a moment and said, "Brother Nangong, there's no need to rush. After all, you're going to serve as an official in the court. Besides, there haven't been any visits from foreign vassals recently, and the Court of State Ceremonial doesn't have much to do."
After having lunch at the Su residence, Nangong Zeyue returned to the Jiang residence to wait for Jiang Shuyue to come home.
Until the last wisp of cloud on the horizon was shrouded in gray.
Nangong Zeyue finally saw the figure who had been busy all day.
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