158. Just One Step Away
Wei Xiuming's gentle expression remained unchanged: "It's normal to be like this when you first leave home. You'll get used to it after a while. If the manor lacks anything, just have the steward go to the Imperial Household Department and they will make sure it's all provided."
Dou Shichen wanted to say something more, but his attendant quietly tugged at his sleeve. He pouted, his eyes reddening, but he dared not utter another word.
Wei Xiuming didn't look at him again, but turned to Xie Wenling in his seat and said gently, "These children are young and have been under your care all along. I will have to trouble you to take care of them in the future."
Xie Wenling quickly stood up and agreed, and Wei Xiuming then looked away, picked up his wine glass and took a sip.
Wei Xiuming's actions left the princes and ministers somewhat unsure of what to do.
Because his attitude is always the same.
He praised those who took credit or boasted about themselves equally.
He also offered gentle guidance to those who concealed their talents or performed inappropriately, appearing exceptionally tolerant.
In summary, he seems to like and approve of every single one of them.
This makes it very difficult for people to take sides.
The princes, in particular, exchanged glances, their eyes filled with wariness and suspicion.
Wei Xiuming ignored these comments, paused, looked around at everyone present, especially the princes and nobles with their various expressions, and slowly spoke, his voice clearly resounding throughout the room: "Minister Xie is young and promising, calm and capable, and has shared many of my burdens. Now the affairs of the Six Ministries are complicated, and the Prime Minister is getting old. I often feel that I need someone in the prime of life, with both talent and virtue, to assist me in managing the affairs."
Upon hearing this, the princes all reacted with different expressions.
Several princes who intended to befriend Xie Wenling immediately showed delight and agreement, echoing his sentiments.
People like Dou Shichen were forced to come, and their eyes were filled with dissatisfaction and resentment.
Of course, some were simply there to watch the spectacle.
Wei Xiuming took in everyone's reactions, said no more, and directly announced the decree: "Xie Wenling, hear the decree."
Xie Wenling immediately stood up: "Your subject respectfully listens to Your Majesty's decree."
"I hereby promote Xie Wenling to Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and grant him the title of Grand Tutor, to assist the Chancellor in handling government affairs. I hope you will work diligently and live up to my expectations."
The decree was issued, and the entire audience was astonished!
Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel!
Second rank!
He's just one step away from becoming prime minister!
In addition to the honorary title of Taibao...
The former Grand Tutor was a first-rank official, one of the Three Dukes (Grand Preceptor and Grand Tutor), who assisted the emperor.
Although things are different now—the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers have been replaced, the Grand Tutor has become the position of instructing the princes, and the Grand Preceptor and Grand Protector have become honorary titles—their prestige remains undeniable.
Especially when it overlaps with the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel!
Your Majesty intends to push Xie Wenling to the core of power and make him a true pillar of the empire!
"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great favor! I will do my utmost to repay your trust!" Xie Wenling kowtowed to accept the decree, his voice still steady, without the slightest excitement.
Wei Xiuming nodded in satisfaction: "Rise."
Xie Wenling stood up and returned to his seat.
Countless gazes instantly focused on him, some filled with envy, some with jealousy, some with flattery, and some with apprehension.
The little girl couldn't understand the complicated official titles, but seeing the surprised expressions of the adults around her and the gazes directed at Brother Xie, she vaguely knew that Brother Xie seemed to have become a very high-ranking official!
She proudly puffed out her small chest.
Sitting in the corner, Bai Qingzhong looked at Xie Wenling's calm and composed figure with eyes full of awe.
Such a person is worlds apart from him.
Qu Zijin looked at Xie Wenling, feeling a mix of emotions, but also joy for him.
Wei Xiuming raised his cup: "My lords, let us drink this cup together."
The melodious singing and dancing in the hall continued, but beneath this tranquility, the thoughts of everyone present were already churning, especially those of the prime minister sitting in the head row.
The old prime minister was over sixty years old this year. His white hair was carefully tied up with a jade hairpin, and his cloudy eyes were full of fear.
His hand holding the wine glass was trembling slightly, and his gaze was fixed on Xie Wenling.
The position of Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel may seem like merely assisting the Prime Minister in managing affairs, but everyone knows that given Xie Wenling's age and Wei Xiuming's trust, this step would lead him directly to the position of Prime Minister.
He was filled with a strong sense of crisis.
At his age, he should be retiring to his hometown and enjoying the company of his grandchildren.
But once a person has been tainted by power, it is very difficult for them to let go.
He would never allow anyone to threaten his position.
At this moment, his gaze toward Xie Wenling even carried a murderous intent.
This guy has gotten to this point at such a young age; if we don't come up with a solution soon...
He dared not think any further.
Unlike the old prime minister's gloomy expression, the Marquis of Beiding's face was full of an undisguised smile.
He held his wine glass, and when his gaze fell on Xie Wenling, his eyes were full of satisfaction.
Xie Wenling was his cousin, and they had always had a harmonious relationship. He had always thought highly of him.
Seeing that Xie Wenling was given such an important position at such a young age, Marquis Beiding's interest in drinking increased even more.
Officials nearby crowded around to offer their congratulations, and the Marquis of Beiding waved his hand with a smile, but his tone couldn't hide his pride: "Lord Xie is now able to gain His Majesty's trust because he himself is capable..."
His words conveyed both recognition and closeness to Xie Wenling.
The Duke of Anguo, sitting in the corner, had an exceptionally somber expression.
He knew very well that Xie Wenling disliked him and the Duke of Anguo's mansion.
Now that Xie Wenling is rising in rank, Duke Anguo feels like he has a thorn in his side.
A newly rich man who dislikes himself but wields real power—the Anguo Duke's mansion is unlikely to have an easy time from now on.
He sighed softly, downed the wine in his glass in one gulp, and felt a bitter taste in his throat.
The singing and dancing in the hall gradually stopped, and Wei Xiuming looked tired: "It's getting late, let's end the banquet here today."
Everyone quickly rose and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, we respectfully see you off!"
After Wei Xiuming's figure disappeared behind the hall, the people inside slowly dispersed.
The officials gathered in twos and threes, some looking at the princes, others congratulating Xie Wenling.
In an instant, Xie Wenling's location became the focus of the entire venue, surrounded by layers upon layers of people.
Marquis Beiding held the little dumpling's hand and slowly walked towards the crowd.
The little boy looked at Xie Wenling, who was surrounded by people, and asked, "Daddy, did Brother Xie become a very high-ranking official?"
Marquis Beiding smiled and ruffled her hair: "Yes, your brother Xie will have to do even more for His Majesty in the future."
"Wow, Brother Xie is so amazing! Yue'er wants to be as amazing as Brother Xie when she grows up!"
Marquis Beiding never suppressed her, but instead praised her, saying, "Our Yue'er is so capable, she will definitely become an extraordinary person in the future."
"Yes! Brother Xie is amazing, and Yue'er is amazing too!"
As they spoke, the two had already reached the periphery of the crowd.
Xie Wenling was talking with several officials when he caught sight of the little boy. He immediately nodded slightly in their direction, then pushed through the crowd and strode over.
Seeing this, the surrounding officials tactfully stepped back, giving them some space.
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A note from the author:
To explain the imperial court system, it was a combination of settings from several dynasties, including the Three Departments and Six Ministries system, the Prime Minister, and the retention of the Three Dukes titles.
The Three Departments and Six Ministries system was created to divide the power of the prime minister. Currently, we are in the process of transitioning between the prime minister system and the Three Departments and Six Ministries system.
This is not historically accurate and has no reference value.
However, this setting isn't really important (feeling guilty), since it's not a political intrigue story, and the plot involving the previous dynasty and power struggles is basically zero, just like the nameless prince before, it's not important... Even if you completely forget this setting, it will hardly affect your viewing experience...
Thank you for your understanding.
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