Knowing that there was a grand court meeting today, Xiao Boqian would definitely not be next door at this time, so Wei Hanzhang did not rush to leave. Instead, he stayed to sort out the accounts with Jiang and discuss the guests to be invited.

The coming-of-age banquet held in the name of the second branch was not lively to begin with. Besides, she was Gu Yunran's ex-fiancée, and it was obvious that she had offended Qi Yuxiao. Therefore, many families who were not so close to her might not be willing to come, considering the opinions of Princess Changle and the Duke of Anguo's Mansion.

In this case, I am afraid that only close relatives will come to give gifts.

All the married girls of the Wei family who were in the capital were invited, as well as several close friends that Wei Hanzhang met after returning to the capital. Regardless of whether they came or not, an invitation had to be sent.

The others are just good friends of Wei Heng and Jiang.

"I originally regretted not being able to hold a grand coming-of-age party for my son, but now I think this is a good idea,"

Jiang smiled and said, "As the saying goes, 'a friend in need is a friend indeed'. You are in need now, too. Ranran, watch out for this coming-of-age banquet. Only those who are invited to come here are friends with true love."

Wei Hanzhang nodded slightly, "I saved that."

The close friends she made in the capital, as well as her aunts and cousins ​​who were married in the Wei Mansion, were not as friendly when they met each other normally as they were when they were willing to come and congratulate her on her coming-of-age ceremony after her engagement was broken off.

…………

Wei Heng's official position was the Imperial Counselor of the Secretariat, a fifth-rank official. He was a censor, responsible for advising and admonishing the emperor if there was anything wrong with his moral conduct. It was a position that could make him famous throughout history if he was not careful.

But in fact, His Majesty has not been in court for many years. Since His Royal Highness the Crown Prince took over as regent, he has treated his subjects with kindness and amiability, implemented benevolent policies towards the people, and all the policies he has implemented have been beneficial to the people's livelihood. The people are convinced and the country is at peace and prosperity.

Apart from causing his ministers to worry about his offspring, the prince's moral character was good and there was no need for the censors to advise or remonstrate with him.

Moreover, Wei Heng held a lowly official position. There were more than a dozen people holding the same position as him, and they could only attend the grand court meetings once every half a decade. Among all the civil and military officials in the court, he was indeed a marginal figure with neither real power nor reputation.

However, this marginal figure was kept by the chief eunuch after the court was dismissed.

Ning Hai bowed slightly and said with a smile: "Master Wei, His Highness invites you."

Wei Heng looked at his father and brothers around him and asked in surprise, "Did the father-in-law call me?"

Ning Hai nodded and said, "It can't be wrong. His Highness summons you to see him."

"What are you standing there for?" Wei Ping said, "His Highness has summoned you, why don't you go quickly?"

"Please come in, sir," Ning Hai extended his hand to lead the way, saying, "Don't keep Your Highness waiting for too long."

Wei Heng nodded hurriedly at his father and brother and followed Ning Hai.

Wei Ping, the crown prince Wei Huan, and the sixth son Wei Huai were left behind. The three of them stood there, all in silence for a long time.

Thinking about the fact that His Highness personally visited the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery’s residence yesterday, it was obvious that he was planning to promote the Wei family, so he summoned Wei Heng to go there today…

Prince Wei Huan said quietly, "I don't know when my second brother caught your attention."

………………

Xiao Junzhan was sitting in front of the imperial desk, reviewing memorials. Ning Hai quietly walked into the hall and said softly, "Your Highness, Lord Wei is waiting outside."

"Call him in." Xiao Junzhan paused and said, "Serve tea."

Ning Hai agreed and left. After a while, Wei Heng walked into the hall and bowed: "Your Highness, your greetings."

After Wei Heng thanked him, he took a seat as instructed, but only sat up half of his butt, looking very reserved.

The hall was extremely quiet, with only the majesty that the man in front of the imperial desk unconsciously emanated from him, making people dare not even breathe too loudly.

Ning Hai brought in tea. With one more person in the hall, Wei Heng felt a little more at ease.

Xiao Junzhan's gaze stayed on the memorial in his hand for a long time. He moved his wrist slightly, annotated a few words, and then looked up.

Looking at his future father-in-law, who had nothing in common with his Ran Ran, Xiao Junzhan's expression softened a little.

"I remember that Wei Qing was once sent out to serve as a local official for a few years and had quite a few achievements. Is this true?"

Wei Heng stood up, bowed, and said ashamedly: "I am ashamed to ask Your Highness to remember my humble contribution."

"Don't be too modest. I checked the files from the Ministry of Personnel yesterday. I know your achievements." Xiao Junzhan smiled faintly and said directly without any roundabout way, "I want to transfer you to the Ministry of Personnel as a minister. What do you think, Wei Qing?"

On the way here, Wei Heng thought about the various reasons why he was summoned in person by His Highness, and promotion was naturally among them, but he never expected that it would be this official position.

The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel is a fourth-rank official position, responsible for the assessment and appointment of the performance of officials from all over the country and even in the capital. It is a truly powerful official position. Compared with the fifth-rank Counselor, although he was only promoted one rank, they are incomparable.

Wei Heng was both surprised and confused, but his reaction was not slow. He said respectfully, "Thank you, Your Highness. I will definitely live up to your highness's responsibility."

Xiao Junzhan nodded and said, "I am not worried about Wei Qing's ability. I just hope you can gain experience in the Ministry of Personnel for a few years. When Xie Feng retires, I will count on you to succeed him as the Minister of State."

Wei Heng was so shocked by this "promise" that he couldn't help but look up, and just met Xiao Junzhan's drooping eyelids. He lowered his head in fear and replied, "I obey your order!"

"No need to be so polite," Xiao Junzhan called out, and then said lightly: "However, although state affairs are important, family affairs cannot be neglected. I hope that Wei Qing will not neglect family affairs while being busy with state affairs, so as not to make me uneasy."

"I dare not!" Although he said he dared not, Wei Heng became even more confused after hearing that.

Even if he was promoted, he would only be a small fourth-rank official. As for the position of Minister of Personnel, he didn't know when he would get it. Why would his family affairs make Your Highness so worried?

Xiao Junzhan didn't have his lover's permission, so he naturally wouldn't explain his doubts to him. He just picked up the teacup on the table and said, "In that case, you can leave."

After the dazed Wei Heng left, Ning Hai in the corner whispered, "Your Highness, the Yongchang Marquis and his son are still kneeling at the palace gate."

Xiao Junzhan did not respond, but asked: "Tell me, does he understand what I mean?"

...How could he judge that?

Ning Hai was in a dilemma, but said, "This...it's hard for me to say, but since Lord Wei has won your favor, I'm sure the Loyal and Brave Marquis will pay more attention to his son's opinion."

Xiao Junzhan thought the same. He nodded slightly, put down the last memorial, stood up, and said calmly: "Pass on my oral order. The Marquis of Yongchang will be fined one year's salary for not educating his son properly, and his son will not be allowed to enter the government within five years."

"Prepare the meal, and leave the palace in the afternoon."

Ning Hai bowed and agreed, and there was no need to ask where he was going after leaving the palace.

(End of this chapter)