Yang Zhao tapped the box on the table lightly with his fingers, thought for a moment, and asked Xia Ying, "How are the conditions in each hospital?"
"Ever since the incident at the government office, and after Mrs. Li brought the old lady's orders to beat up those children, the other courtyards are now gnashing their teeth in hatred towards our main courtyard."
"After Li Afu went to the old lady's courtyard and told her about the master's official position in front of her aunt, the news naturally spread to all the other courtyards. The other courtyards already hated the main courtyard, and when they heard that the master's official position was decided, they were as excited as fire."
"As for the clan leader, I heard that he sold all the old houses in the western suburbs, and even asked some of the female relatives who had ties to their natal families to go back and borrow a lot of money from them."
"The other courtyards were also very ruthless, openly and secretly exchanging everything they could."
"Especially in the Third Madam's courtyard. I heard that she forced her second daughter-in-law, who was from a merchant family, to return to her parents' home, threatening to divorce her and forcing her to empty her family of most of their wealth."
Thinking of the events in the West Courtyard, Xia Ying couldn't help but smile and said, "Third Madam probably has the most money right now. She was also the first one to secretly contact Lord Mu..."
Yang Zhao's lips curled slightly: "That's about it, let's start closing the net."
"yes."
Just a few days.
The complexions of the old ladies in each courtyard improved at a visible speed, and the atmosphere in the courtyard gradually became relaxed and cheerful.
"Master, it's done."
Chen went to the headman's house with a happy face. After dismissing the servants in the house, she excitedly told him: "The person we sent has returned and said that the matter has been completed. Dalang has been appointed as a fifth-rank Hanlin Academy attendant. Although Erlang is only an eighth-rank bookkeeper, it is also very good."
"Fifth rank?" Clan leader Shen frowned slightly: "The main courtyard just got a sixth rank, how come you..."
Chen knew her husband was overthinking it: "Don't overthink it, this is absolutely correct, look at this."
Chen carefully took out two documents from her bosom.
She happily handed it to Patriarch Shen and said, "Look at this. It's stamped with an official seal. There's no mistake. They said that as long as the Spring Examination is over, you can take this document to be officially appointed as an official."
When Patriarch Shen saw the document, he was really stunned.
However, he still carefully examined the official seal on the document for a long time before his eyes completely brightened; "This official seal looks genuine, and doesn't seem to be fake."
"Of course they can't be fake. These two pieces cost more than 100,000 silver coins! How could they be fake? I also asked someone to investigate Lord Mu, and he is indeed working in the Ministry of Personnel. Moreover, he has a very good relationship with Minister Lu, and the two of them often make appointments to go to restaurants for dinner and tea together." Chen was also cautious.
After hearing this, Patriarch Shen was completely relieved.
"Then you should keep this away. You must not make this known to anyone. Keep the people under you in check. Don't contact your parents' family for the time being. We can discuss everything after the Spring Examination."
"clear."
Chen was now full of confidence. She looked at Patriarch Shen and said, "Now that our family has two official positions, we don't have to worry about the mood of the main courtyard anymore. Master, please untie Wen'er's feet. He has been crying and making a fuss about going out these past few days. If he is really locked up for a month, he will probably go crazy."
Clan leader Shen thought for a moment and said, "No, the main courtyard is using the clan rules to make a fuss. As the clan leader, if I violate the clan rules and show favoritism, not to mention whether the main courtyard will come to make a fuss, the other clan members will also be dissatisfied."
Chen said angrily, "Do you really want to keep Wen-ge'er here for a month?"
Patriarch Shen frowned and finally said, "Let's wait and see after the Lantern Festival. It's only a few days away."
After hearing this, Chen's expression improved a little.
Only then did she feel like chatting about other things. "Oh, by the way, I just heard a servant tell me an interesting story. It's about Yang Zhao's half-brother. Ever since he was persuaded to return home by an imperial decree from Your Majesty, he's been clamoring to take part in this year's Spring Examination. He's said he's determined to gain a good reputation and support his sister!"
"The third son of the Zhenbei Marquis's family?"
"Yes, that's him."
"I remember the three sons of the Yang family. Except for the previous son who died in battle and was somewhat literary, the other two were a playboy and a fool." Clan leader Shen had never been an official in the court, but he had opened a clan school. The eldest son of the Yang family had studied in the Shen family school for a few years.
Patriarch Shen was still very impressed with the eldest son of the Yang family, because he was too smart and clever, had a strong memory, and learned things very quickly. If he had not finally chosen the path of a military general, the eldest son of the Yang family would definitely have a place in the court now.
What a pity...
Now the title of the Marquis of Zhenbei has fallen on the second son of the Yang family, a dandy man.
As for the third son, although he was raised by his stepmother, he was not as talented as his elder brother in all aspects, especially in academics. It was said that none of the clan schools or private academies in the capital would accept him.
"That's right. That Third Young Master Yang is a complete idiot. He's been following his merchant mother around since he was little, fighting cocks and walking dogs. He's not good at either literature or martial arts. He finally couldn't make it in the family school in the capital, so he had to run away to study at that academy in the remote countryside."
"I heard he'd been studying at that rural college for six or seven years, but hadn't earned any honors. It's said one student cheated in the provincial exam and had his score canceled, so he barely made it to the very bottom of the list, earning the title of Juren."
"With his limited ability, he actually dares to say that he wants to participate in this year's imperial examination and win fame. Isn't he afraid of being laughed at?" Chen said with a disdainful smile.
Upon hearing this, Patriarch Shen's eyes were filled with disdain. He stroked his beard and said, "It's like an ant trying to shake a tree. You don't know your own strength!"
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