Su Rong and Zhou Gu had spent half a day at the Ministry of Rites, and Su Rong was very satisfied, finally understanding why her father had insisted on not letting Old Minister Zhang retire — the old minister truly had the ability to arrange everything so properly, without any oversight.
On the carriage back to the Palace, she leaned against the wall of the carriage and played with Zhou Gu’s hand, "Do you think it might be too much of a promotion to let Jiang Zhu take over Old Minister Zhang’s position next year?"
Jiang Zhu is currently a fourth-grade official, but the Chief of Staff for the Ministry of Rites is a high third-grade.
"In just half a year, Jiang Zhu may not be ready to take over this position. It would be better to transfer Ye Guiyan from the Ye Xiang Residence to serve as the Chief of Staff," Zhou Gu said. "The eldest son of the Ye Xiang Residence would be more suitable."
Su Rong slapped her forehead, "Right, I had completely forgotten about Ye Guiyan. He indeed fits better. If Jiang Zhu were promoted, reaching a high third-grade in just half a year, so young, without enough seniority, it really wouldn’t be appropriate."
Even though Jiang Zhu was her own man, his rapid promotion could easily lead to dissatisfaction among other officials, whereas Ye Guixue would not cause this issue.
The two of them chatted about governmental matters all the way back to the Royal Palace.
After they had left, Minister of Rites Zhang Lixin sent someone to deliver a message to Sun Chunwang at the Ministry of Revenue. He also felt deeply moved by the Princess’s way of employing people under her command.
His granddaughter had failed the Imperial Examination, and although he was disappointed, he had expected it and did not blame her too harshly. However, seeing the three ladies gifted with an official position by the Princess, treated with equality, naturally, he felt envious. He only hoped his granddaughter would pass next year.
But next year’s examination would probably be more competitive than this year’s. This year, the women’s gracious examination opportunity came suddenly, many people were unprepared and hesitant to participate, but next year would be different. With the precedent of Nangong Ya and the other two being given significant attention, next year’s examination would probably see fierce competition.
Not only the women’s gracious examination but also the men’s Imperial Examination, with Nangong Che and other scholars being heavily utilized by the Princess. Next year, even more scholars will participate in the Imperial Examination.
It could already be predicted how intense next year’s competition would be; even with another year of preparation, whether his granddaughter could pass was still a big question.
Now was a good time, the Princess had made a special promotion, although it was only a ninth-grade position, she had still entered the court.
The Zhang Family’s younger generation was weak, which is why he, at his age, was still stubbornly holding on to his position in the government. His only thought was for the younger generation to grow up. But now, he could no longer hold on, his physical health wouldn’t allow it. This year, only one member of the Sun Family had placed in the second-class rankings, with the rest failing. Alone late at night, he felt quite helpless. Unexpectedly, the Princess seemed to have understood the predicament of the Sun Family and made the special promotion of his granddaughter, for which he was profoundly grateful.
In his life, he had served Nanchu—though not to the point of complete exhaustion, he certainly hadn’t committed any treasonous acts. Whether it was the previous Kings or the Princess, they trusted and sympathized with his old age and hardships. Now, everything seemed worthwhile.
After he retired, it would be good to properly guide his descendants to nurture more talented individuals within the Zhang Family.
When Sun Chunwang received Zhang Lixin’s message, he was shocked, somewhat incredulous. He asked the messenger, "Are you sure there’s no mistake? Did your master really say that?"
"Replying to the official, it is absolutely true. I wouldn’t miscommunicate such a matter."
Sun Chunwang was somewhat excited, "I really hadn’t expected that amid her busy schedule, the Princess would still think of my granddaughter. Relying on her small amount of learning from reading a few books this year, she merely wanted to try out, even though she didn’t have the ability to make the list. But to think the Princess would remember her and grant her a position out of turn, this is truly an imperial favor. I must go and express my gratitude."
After he finished speaking, he asked the messenger, "Is the Princess still at the Ministry of Rites?"
"She has already returned to the Palace."
"The old servant will enter the palace at once." Sun Chunwang immediately entered the palace.
The news that the Princess had exceptionally promoted two failed female candidates to the Ministry of Rites spread quickly across the court and country. Although it was only a ninth-grade post, it was still a rare occurrence.
After the initial shock, everyone considered the two women. Though they had no notable achievements, one was the granddaughter of the old Minister of Rites and the other the granddaughter of the old Minister of Revenue. Both were highly respected ministers who had served the state with dedication, especially since the Princess had returned to court. These two elderly ministers had worked hardest, thus it seemed justified that they received this favor.
Zhang Xiyun was overjoyed. Before she could go to Sun Keyi, Sun Keyi came to her instead, and upon seeing her, excitedly said, "Xiyun, I want to thank you."
Zhang Xiyun quickly shook her head, "No, not me, if you want to thank someone, it should be the Princess."
"Of course I should thank the Princess. My grandfather has already entered the palace to thank her on my behalf." Sun Keyi said, "If it had not been for Grandfather Zhang mentioning that the Ministry of Rites was short of two people, I would not have had the chance to be appointed an official in the Ministry of Rites together with you. Especially since the Princess personally said that we were close as kerchiefs, I still owe you thanks."
Zhang Xiyun took her hand, "If you put it that way, we shouldn’t mention thanks at all."
She moved closer to Sun Keyi, whispering, "I have been on tenterhooks these past days, fearing that the Princess would dislike me because of Master Feng’s incident. I didn’t expect my grandfather’s influence would prevail, and that the Princess, rather than holding my earlier rash actions against me, appointed me to office. The Princess is truly kind."
"Yes, the Princess is truly kind, and once we join the court, we must work hard," said Sun Keyi.
"Yes."
"We must continue studying," added Sun Keyi. "Initially, when Cui Yanjin first entered the court, it was said he was both serving and studying. We should learn from him; we have read too little. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have failed the Imperial Examination."
"Right."
The two had been close as kerchiefs since childhood and were now encouraging each other. They were not frivolous or arrogant due to acquiring office through their grandfathers’ influence, but rather were greatly motivated.
When Zhang Lixin returned to his residence and saw his granddaughter’s attitude, as well as her oath to serve well and not forsake her studies, he was very reassured.
Although the Zhang Family had few descendants and several had failed the examination, the Princess had specifically chosen Xiyun, not just because she was a woman. Xiyun had lively and uplifting qualities and a good character. Of course, if being bold and having a good eye were considered advantages, then she indeed had many. It appeared the Princess had investigated her thoroughly from a young age, possibly due to Master Feng.
He nodded, advising her, "Be more prudent in the future. Ask and learn more. Upon entering the Ministry of Rites, do not act superior or arrogant because I am your grandfather. You are only ninth grade—if measured by official rank, you won’t even see me at the Ministry of Rites. Therefore, you must navigate the way of officialdom yourself. Speak up at home if there are issues, but do not seek me out at the Ministry of Rites without good reason."
Zhang Xiyun nodded, "Grandfather, rest assured, I will diligently take on the dirty and tiring jobs and will definitely not abuse your influence to bully others or behave recklessly."
Zhang Lixin nodded, "Alright, be smart about everything."
Zhang Xiyun nodded again. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞
Meanwhile, Sun Chunwang too was advising Sun Keyi, rearranging her schedule and daily studies, also grateful that the Zhang Family did not overly prioritize male over female. In the whole court and military, only he and Zhang Lixin had treated their grandsons and granddaughters equally for so many years. As a result, in the whole Capital City, only these two women, although they had failed the Imperial Examination, had shown they were not lacking in literature and arts, hence they were exceptionally appointed by the Princess after the Jeweled Grove Banquet.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
