Chapter 79. He's become a fourth-rank official! ...
Lin Yan practically shuffled into the house, her face still flushed, and the corners of her mouth involuntarily turned up, looking like a cat that had just stolen a bunch of dried fish and was returning home with a full haul.
He had just rounded the screen wall when he almost bumped into his mother, Wen Yun.
Wen Yun was startled, clutching her chest. Upon seeing it was him, her eyebrows immediately furrowed: "You silly child, you're back now, but why are you sneaking around like a thief? Why is your face so red? Did you catch a cold?"
As she spoke, she reached out to touch his forehead.
Lin Yan quickly shrank back, her eyes darting around: "It's nothing, Mother, it's just that we were rushing on the way, and it was hot, yes, hot."
Wen Yun looked him over with some skepticism, but seeing that he had no other symptoms besides a red face, she relaxed and began to say, "It's good that you're back. Your father and Mo'er are waiting for you, and Ke'er is here too. They're just waiting for you to start eating. You must have had a long journey. Look how thin you are. You must not have eaten well while you were away..."
Lin Yan felt that his mother was spoiling him too much; they had only been apart for a few days, and she already said he had lost weight.
Lin Yan responded to his mother's concern with 'uh-huh' sounds as he was led towards the dining room.
The dining room was brightly lit and filled with the aroma of food.
Lin Chengji was sitting calmly with a teacup in his hand, while Lin Mo and Wen Ke were huddled together talking in hushed tones. When they saw them come in, they both looked up.
"Brother!" Lin Mo's eyes lit up, and he immediately jumped over. "You're finally back! Was Qingyuan County fun? Did you resolve the matter? Were those bandits scary?"
Lin Yan was overwhelmed by his sister's barrage of questions and quickly raised his hand: "Stop, stop, stop! Your brother just walked in and hasn't even caught his breath yet. Can I have a drink of water first?"
Lin Chengji put down his teacup, coughed, and adopted the demeanor of a family head: "Alright, Mo'er, let your brother sit down and eat first. We can talk while we eat."
The family then sat down around the dining table.
The meal was lavish, clearly prepared specially to welcome Lin Yan back, and consisted entirely of his favorite dishes.
Lin Yan had been traveling all day and had only managed to eat a few bites at the post station. Now, smelling the aroma of home-cooked food, his stomach immediately started growling. He didn't care about his image anymore, picked up his bowl and shoveled down several mouthfuls of rice, then grabbed several bites of braised bamboo shoots, eating until his cheeks were bulging.
"Eat slowly, no one's going to take it from you." Wen Yun felt both sorry for him and amused, and quickly ladled him a bowl of chicken soup. "Have a sip of soup to soothe your palate first."
Lin Yan took the soup bowl, blew on it twice, and took a big gulp. The warm soup soothed him, and he closed his eyes in comfort.
Home is still the best.
Lin Mo ate her rice bowl while her big eyes blinked at him, clearly eager to find out about Qingyuan County.
Lin Yan had no choice but to eat while recounting the things he could about Qingyuan County.
"Actually, they were just a group of people who couldn't survive. They were forced to hide in the mountains because the heavy snow blocked the mountain pass. The magistrate of Zou County was kind and didn't want to resort to force, so they came to me for help." Lin Yan swallowed the food in his mouth. "I went to see it. The place is really remote and the road is extremely difficult to travel. No wonder the supplies can't get in."
"And then what happened? Did they believe you?" Lin Mo pressed.
"At first, they naturally didn't believe me, fearing I was just trying to trick them into coming down the mountain so I could arrest them." Lin Yan sighed as he recalled the scene. "Fortunately, His Majesty was wise and gave me an imperial edict and a blank imperial decree in advance. I showed them the decree and promised to forgive their past transgressions and distribute the supplies immediately. Only then did they believe me and agree to come down the mountain."
He spoke casually, but everyone at the table knew that Lin Yan had definitely suffered a lot.
Lin Chengji nodded thoughtfully: "Your Majesty's considerations are thorough. Imperial edicts and blank decrees are indeed powerful tools for stabilizing people's hearts. You handled this matter properly, which not only preserved the dignity of the court but also saved the lives of the people. Your merits are immeasurable."
Wen Yun was more concerned about Lin Yan's health: "Is he alright? Are you hurt?" As she spoke, she looked her son up and down.
"It's nothing, Mom, I'm fine, not a single hair has fallen." Lin Yan quickly assured her, "It's just that the mountain climb was exhausting."
Wen Yun was finally relieved and put another chicken leg on his plate: "It's good that you're alright. Eat more and replenish your strength."
Wen Ke, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke, his tone filled with admiration: "Cousin Yan's trip can be described as a benevolent act, which not only demonstrates the law of the court but also shows a heart of comfort. It is truly admirable."
Lin Yan was a little embarrassed by the praise and scratched his head: "Cousin Ke, you flatter me. It's just my duty to do my job." He quickly changed the subject, "By the way, Cousin Ke, how did the imperial examination go? You were still in Luozhou at that time, and no one was there to take care of you. We were all worried that it would affect your performance."
Mentioning the imperial examination, Wen Ke's expression immediately became more reserved. He put down his chopsticks and sat up straighter: "Thank you for your concern, cousin. Everything went relatively smoothly. When answering the questions, I followed your previous advice to be practical and avoid being frivolous. However, there are many experts in the examination hall, so it is hard to predict the outcome."
Wen Ke spoke modestly, but his eyes revealed nervousness and anticipation.
The results of the imperial examinations in Chongqing are announced on the fifth day of the third lunar month. It's only late February now, so we still have to wait quite a few more days.
Lin Yan swallowed the chicken leg meat in his mouth and comforted him, "Cousin, there's no need to worry too much. You have a solid foundation and are willing to work hard. As long as you perform at your usual level, there will be no problem. Nowadays, when the court selects officials, His Majesty values practical talents and dislikes those flowery but empty articles. You are on the right track."
Lin Chengji nodded in agreement: "Yan'er is right. Ke'er, I have read your article. It is substantial and well-reasoned. As long as there are no major mistakes, your chances of passing the exam are very high. Just wait patiently and don't be too anxious."
Wen Yun smiled and put a piece of fish on Wen Ke's plate: "That's right, the exam is over, there's no use thinking about it so much. Let's eat, look how nervous you all are, it's not like the sky is going to fall."
Lin Mo chimed in with a grin, "That's right, that's right! Cousin Ke will definitely pass the imperial examination! Then our family will have another scholar who has passed the highest level of the imperial examination!"
The family chatted and laughed, and the atmosphere relaxed again.
As everyone comforted him, Wen Ke's tense expression eased considerably, and he said in a low voice, "Thank you for your kind words, Uncle, Aunt, and cousins."
The meal lasted a long time, until the dishes were piled up and everyone was quite full before the table was cleared away.
Lin Yan touched her round belly, feeling sleepy and yawning repeatedly.
Seeing this, Wen Yun quickly urged him to go back and rest: "Go and rest, hot water has been prepared for you, take a good bath to relax."
Lin Yan was indeed so tired that his eyelids were drooping. He hadn't had a proper rest on the way back from Qingyuan County. Now that he relaxed, a wave of fatigue washed over him.
He returned to his yard in a daze, took a nice hot bath, and fell asleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow.
I slept very soundly, without even having a dream.
Lin Yan's biological clock woke her up precisely the next morning.
Although my body still feels a little sore, my spirits have mostly recovered.
Remembering that he had to attend court today, Lin Yan tried to do a somersault... but he couldn't get up properly. His back ached so much that he grimaced, so he had no choice but to obediently get up.
After washing up and changing his clothes, Lin Yan put on his familiar scarlet official robe. As he tidied his clothes in front of the bronze mirror, he saw a young man in the mirror whose eyes still showed some weariness, but whose handsome features were still undeniable. Lin Yan was momentarily dazed.
However, it felt like a long time had passed since I left Beijing, even though it had only been a little over a month.
After getting ready, Lin Yan quickly ate some breakfast and then went out with his father, Lin Chengji, taking a carriage to the palace.
The carriage wheels rolled over the slightly damp stone slabs in the early morning.
Lin Chengji looked at his son and suddenly said, "I forgot to ask you yesterday, His Majesty... was there something important he wanted to tell you while waiting for you outside the city?"
Lin Yan's heart skipped a beat, but he pretended to be calm: "It's nothing important. His Majesty was just being considerate and asked a few questions about the situation in Qingyuan County. Seeing that I was exhausted, he told me to go home and rest first."
He dared not tell the truth. Was he going to tell his father that His Majesty not only personally came ten miles away to wait for him, but they also hugged and kissed, and that his son had even taken the initiative to kiss him?
He was afraid his father would have a heart attack on the spot.
Lin Chengji said "Oh," seemingly believing him, and didn't ask any more questions.
Lin Yan secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Upon arriving at the palace gate, they disembarked and slowly proceeded with the procession of civil and military officials waiting to attend court.
In the dim morning light, the vermilion palace walls stood majestic and solemn. The familiar scenery gave Lin Yan a strange sense of belonging, as if "the working class has finally returned to work."
Officials lined up outside the Taiyi Hall according to their rank, and as the bells and drums sounded, they filed in.
Lin Yan stood in the line of Hanlin Academy officials with his eyes lowered, and could feel many eyes, both open and hidden, falling on him.
He handled this mission with great fanfare, first punishing corruption in Luozhou, then offering amnesty to Qingyuan County; it was hard for him not to attract attention.
Xiao Che remained dignified and composed on the dragon throne, listening to the reports from various officials and occasionally asking questions, his answers concise and to the point.
Everything seemed the same as always.
After all the government reports were completed, the hall fell silent for a while.
Xiao Che glanced down and said calmly, "Lin Yan, a Hanlin Academician."
Lin Yan's spirits lifted, and he immediately stepped forward, bowing respectfully: "Your subject is here."
"You handled the matters of Luozhou and Qingyuan County quite well." Xiao Che's voice was calm, revealing little emotion. "You punished corruption, reassured the people, and prevented any implicating others or unrest. You handled the situation with appropriate discretion."
"Your Majesty, I am unworthy of such praise. It was all thanks to Your Majesty's strategic planning. I was merely following orders," Lin Yan quickly said modestly, though she was secretly pleased to have been praised by her boyfriend in public.
Xiao Che's next sentence was: "Those who have rendered meritorious service should be rewarded."
He glanced sideways at Li Defu, who was standing beside him.
Li Defu immediately stepped forward, unfolded the bright yellow imperial edict that he had prepared beforehand, and his sharp and clear voice instantly resounded throughout the hall.
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Lin Yan, a Hanlin Academician, is of exceptional talent and profound character. He has repeatedly served with loyalty and diligence, effectively assisting in government affairs. Previously, when investigating the case in Luozhou, he upheld justice and fairness, bringing peace to the region and the people. Subsequently, he went to Qingyuan to pacify the region, spreading benevolence and virtue, transforming the stubborn and guiding the virtuous. His achievements are exemplary and his contributions to the nation are invaluable. He is hereby promoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, granted the rank of Fourth Grade, and is hereby granted this imperial edict. May you continue to be loyal and devoted, striving to fulfill your strategic aspirations and live up to the Emperor's trust in you. This decree is hereby issued—"
This was an imperial edict that Xiao Che revised once again after Lin Yan finished dealing with the Qingyuan matter.
After the imperial edict was read, the entire Taiyi Hall fell silent.
Almost all the officials were stunned, their eyes fixed on Lin Yan, filled with shock, disbelief, and a mix of emotions.
Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue! A fourth-rank official!
How old is Lin Yan? How long has he been in the court?
Although they knew Lin Yan was enjoying great favor with the emperor, and although they knew he had just made a great contribution, it still made people envious.
Lin Yan was also stunned. He looked up at Xiao Che on the throne, his eyes wide and his mouth slightly open, completely stunned by the surprise.
No, Xiao Che didn't tell him about this yesterday either.
[Vice Minister of Revenue? Fourth Rank? Me?]
[A kiss yesterday and a promotion today? Isn't this a quid pro quo?]
As Xiao Che listened to the whispered words in his ear and looked at Lin Yan's stunned expression, a fleeting smile crossed his eyes, but his face remained dignified: "Minister Lin, why don't you thank me?"
Lin Yan jolted awake, quickly suppressing the turmoil in his heart, and bowed deeply, saying, "Your subject Lin Yan accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude. Long live the Emperor!"
Even after receiving the heavy imperial edict from Li Defu, which symbolized his status as a fourth-rank vice minister, Lin Yan still felt a little unreal.
He's become a fourth-rank official.
Before Lin Yan could even process this huge surprise, Li Defu produced another imperial edict.
"Major General Lin Chengji of the Ministry of Works, receive the decree."
Lin Chengji was clearly not expecting that he would be involved. He was stunned for a moment before quickly stepping forward and kneeling down: "Your subject is here."
"The imperial edict reads: Lin Chengji, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, is known for his loyalty, diligence, and long service to the country. He has made outstanding contributions and, in the previous investigation of the Chen Boyuan case, he also performed his duties with great care. Therefore, he is hereby promoted to the position of Grand Master of Works in the Ministry of Works, and granted the rank of Fourth Grade. This is hereby decreed."
This imperial decree also caused quite a stir.
Master Craftsman! This is an extremely important and powerful position in the Ministry of Works, in charge of the construction of palaces, ancestral temples, mausoleums, and other civil engineering projects. Only senior officers can be qualified for this position.
The chief craftsman appointed by the late emperor was a relative of the late emperor's favorite concubine. He was not very capable, had a big temper, and loved to give orders recklessly. Xiao Che had long disliked him, but had never taken action against him. Now, with Lin Chengji's meritorious service, it was a good opportunity to remove that useless fellow from his position and replace him with the truly knowledgeable Lin Chengji.
Lin Chengji was both surprised and delighted, and quickly kowtowed to express his gratitude: "Your subject Lin Chengji accepts the imperial decree and thanks you! Long live the Emperor!"
The Lin family father and son were promoted together.
This was an extremely rare occurrence in the entire history of the Dayu Dynasty.
Countless gazes were fixed on the Lin family father and son, filled with envy, jealousy, curiosity, and flattery... a variety of looks that almost overwhelmed them.
Lin Yan held the imperial edict and exchanged a glance with his father. They both saw great joy and a hint of bewilderment in each other's eyes.
He got promoted just like that?
After the court session ended, Lin Yan and Lin Chengji were almost surrounded by enthusiastic colleagues.
Congratulations, Vice Minister Lin!
Congratulations, Master Lin!
"Lord Lin is truly a young man of great talent, with a future that is limitless!"
"Lord Lin has been deeply involved in the Ministry of Works for many years and should have been promoted long ago. Today is truly a double celebration!"
Congratulations and compliments were heard incessantly.
Lin Yan wore a polite smile and returned each greeting, but in his mind he was calculating wildly.
A fourth-rank official! How much was his annual salary again? What about his official land? And all the subsidies?
While dealing with his colleagues, Lin Yan was mentally calculating his next move.
You wouldn't believe it until you did the math; your income level has increased several times over.
Lin Yan's mind grew increasingly pleased with herself, her smile almost reaching her ears. She barely managed to suppress it, striving to maintain a calm and composed expression.
This morning at the imperial court, the Lin family father and son were promoted together, instantly making the Lin family the most sought-after new elites in the capital.
Although many people are envious, jealous, and resentful, they have to admit that it's true.
Lin Chengji has worked diligently in the Ministry of Works for many years; his qualifications and abilities speak for themselves, and promotion is only a matter of time.
Lin Yan is another story altogether. Although he rose through the ranks quickly, he made one real achievement after another. His actions, such as punishing corruption in Luozhou and granting amnesty in Qingyuan, were all outstanding. He won the emperor's favor because he was capable.
For a long time, officials in the capital were vying for their sons' success, and vice versa, all trying to climb to better positions.
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Author's Note: Congratulations to Lord Lin on his promotion! [Sprinkling flowers]
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