Upon hearing this, a glint flashed in An Congfeng's eyes, and suddenly, a hint of relief appeared.
In any case, his father left him 30% of the family fortune, so he didn't have to live on a meager salary like Liu Xun.
Moreover, his father promised to leave him 30% of the profits, and he only needed to give a few thousand taels to his half-brothers, instead of having to give up 40% as before.
Actually, it's not that hard to accept.
Whether it was Liu Xun or his half-brothers, they all seemed to be in a worse situation than him.
Thinking about it this way, An Congfeng suddenly felt a little schadenfreude, and his bleeding heart didn't seem so painful anymore.
“Father, I suspect that Grand Secretary Liu is deliberately retaliating against Madam Liu and Liu Xun.”
"Put aside the suspicion, he was just retaliating, but so what? From the emperor to the common people, who doesn't praise his noble character? Who dares to speak out for Liu Xun and his mother?"
Although his own son was in a miserable state, at least he had his own father to protect him. If he had been saddled with someone like Liu An, he might have lost not only his family fortune but also his life.
“Father, I understand.”
An Congfeng took a deep breath, temporarily suppressing his resentment.
Seeing that someone is even worse off than me, I suddenly realized that this bit of frustration isn't such a big deal after all.
Although he lost his family fortune, at least he survived.
Just as the An family father and son had said, Liu Xun was indeed terribly wronged by the Liu family.
Because of heatstroke, Liu Xun was feeling unwell and had no choice but to take leave to recuperate.
While recuperating, he secretly discussed with Madam Liu how to extract as much value as possible from Liu An.
Unexpectedly, just a few days later, his son, Liu Xun, a high-ranking official of the third rank, was dismissed from his post.
"How is this possible?" Liu Xun murmured in disbelief after receiving the imperial decree. "How could I be dismissed from office?"
Having served as an official for many years, he was not exactly diligent and conscientious, but rather just going through the motions.
Moreover, he has a father who is a Grand Secretary, so barring any unforeseen circumstances, he can live a worry-free life.
"That's right," Madam Liu said, also flustered. "Father-in-law, is there a wrong decree? My son was dedicated to his duties, how did he end up being dismissed from office?"
“Madam,” Xiao Yuanzi shook her whisk, her sharp voice ringing out, “This matter was personally ordered by His Majesty, so there is no way it could be wrong. Instead of asking me, you should ask Lord Liu what exactly he did.”
Upon hearing this, Liu Xun's expression changed slightly, and he quickly bowed, "Could Eunuch Yuan offer some guidance?"
As he spoke, he slipped two silver notes into her hand.
Without making a sound, Eunuch Yuan put the silver note into his sleeve, then uttered two words, "Imperial Examination."
After saying that, he waved and led his men away.
Upon hearing this, Liu Xun, who was already shocked and furious, collapsed to the ground, covered in sweat.
"Mother, go quickly to find Father, only he can save his son."
"Xun'er," Madam Liu said anxiously, "what exactly happened? Has someone really gotten hold of something against you?"
"Mother, don't ask so many questions. Hurry up and find Father. If he doesn't help, I really have no way to survive."
He wasn't stupid; since the emperor had ordered his dismissal, it meant there was sufficient evidence.
But Liu Xun really didn't understand. He had done it very discreetly, and all the people who knew about it were silenced for angering them. How come he was discovered today?
He is usually very careful, but how come this one stain was caught by someone?
"I'll go find someone right away," Madam Liu said, her mind in turmoil, but she didn't forget to comfort her son. "You continue to rest in bed, I will definitely get your father to save you."
How can a minister, a high-ranking official of the third rank, be dismissed from office so easily?
Madam Liu suspected that someone was plotting against her son.
Liu An, the villain: I've wanted to deal with you for a long time, but I haven't had the chance.
Upon learning that Liu Xun had been dismissed from office, Liu An couldn't help but curl the corners of his mouth, "After waiting for so many years, I can finally settle the score properly."
Thinking of this, Liu An felt that even the gloomy weather had become more pleasant.
Liu An, who had been busy with matters of the inner quarters, never expected that the Huang brothers would secretly cause such a big incident.
In the afternoon, the Emperor personally saw him off. Liu Xianhou, on behalf of his mother, offered a proposal to reform the imperial examination system and abolish the distinction based on family background. He presented his reasons in a clear and logical manner, which caused an uproar throughout the hall.
After offering his advice, he also mentioned that he had an unresolved karmic debt with Grand Secretary An and wanted to take people back to settle it.
“Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable,” Li Fuzai said, unable to sit still. “Lord An is a veteran of three reigns, and the court cannot do without him.”
"Anqing, what should be done about this?"
"Your Majesty, this old minister is old and frail, and feels as if his end is near. It would be my good fortune to have a chance to be with the immortals in my lifetime. As for important matters of state, I am truly powerless to do so."
"My dear minister, you have worked hard for the Great Zhou for many years. It is only right that you rest for a few days," he said, looking at Huang Chuan. "Lord Liuxian, I entrust the backbone of the Great Zhou to you. You must take good care of it for me."
"Your Majesty, I accept the decree. Please rest assured."
In just a few words, the matter was settled, and amidst the discussions among the court officials, the group gradually disappeared into the distance.
Just as when they arrived, they left with the same turmoil, but this turmoil was no longer relevant to them.
After Huang Chuan left, Ji Xuan immediately set about reforming the imperial examination system. Although there were many obstacles, he had money, people, and power, and after many twists and turns, he still proceeded in an orderly manner according to the plan.
On the way, Liu An was very depressed.
After An Ge Lao arrived, he found that his status had plummeted and he was even being subtly excluded.
Liu An: How did things turn out like this?
Completely unprepared, I was tricked. Should I say that this is truly a wolf cub I raised?
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, and he couldn't help but call his four brothers over, asking, "Who came up with this idea?"
Deliberately trying to annoy him?
Knowing full well that he and An Qingyun didn't get along, he still brought him along.
A blatant act of revenge.
Why are you being so petty about something that was just a little unfair?
“Uncle Liu,” Jiang Chao smiled, “aren’t you especially happy to have someone keep you company?”
Happy my foot!
That old geezer stares at me with ill intent every day; I wonder what wicked scheme he's plotting.
"Nonsense! Grand Secretary An is an important minister of the court. Why don't you keep him here to shine in the court? What are you doing bringing him back to the manor?"
If An Qingyun, that old fox, hadn't noticed all the things he'd been up to in the capital, he'd cut off his own head and use it as a stool.
This time, they really offended someone to death. An Qingyun hasn't settled the score yet, but he hasn't found an opportunity. He's definitely secretly plotting something.
With such an enemy watching him every day, he can't even sleep peacefully.
"Please don't be so bored, old man."
"Deliberately picking a fight?"
“Of course not,” Huang Lao Er laughed gleefully, “this is just retribution.”
If he had just been a little more considerate and not acted so arrogantly, they wouldn't have gone to such extremes.
"Huang Shu, are your bones itching?"
"Uncle Liu, please accept my condolences. Things have come to this, so please accept reality."
As he spoke, a smile crept into Huang Xiaosan's eyes.
After holding it in for so long, I can finally vent.
Seeing Liu An so angry made him feel relieved.
The four of them all looked on with amusement, which made Liu An's teeth ache.
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