89. How dare they! They even dare to defy the rules! Let's get rid of them!
"Yes, thank you for reminding me, Your Majesty. I am deeply grateful," Xie Wenling bowed solemnly and smoothly brought up the topic. "Your Majesty is so kind to me, and I am deeply ashamed that I have received such a great favor but have done nothing to repay it. I humbly request Your Majesty to allow me to do something practical to repay your kindness."
Wei Xiuming: ?
Something seems off. How did the initiative suddenly fall into this kid's hands?
He quickly changed the subject: "My dear minister, are you finding yourself too idle?"
"I dare not, I only..."
"But what?" Wei Xiuming interrupted, his smile fading. "You think the official position I've given you is unworthy of your talent?"
Xie Wenling showed no fear and slowly shook his head: "On the contrary, I am apprehensive and ashamed. I am afraid that I am not up to the job. I am willing to start from the sixth-rank clerk and work my way up step by step."
He wasn't really afraid of feeling guilty or unworthy.
On the contrary, he believed that a substantive sixth-rank official position was better than a nominal third-rank official position.
For him, gaining official rank and title was not difficult.
The latter means that he can only fawn over the emperor and beg for his favor for the rest of his life.
He cannot accept it.
He wants to pave his own path to success, rather than beg for help from others.
"Absurd! I just appointed you to the third rank, and you want to demote yourself by six ranks? If word gets out, people will think I'm mistreating my meritorious officials." Wei Xiuming's face didn't show anger, but his tone already carried a warning.
"minister……"
“Alright,” Wei Xiuming conceded first, “My dear minister, I know of your loyalty. How about this, after the court meeting, you can familiarize yourself with the affairs of the court. When the opportunity arises, I will naturally promote you.”
As for when the opportunity will come, that depends on his mood.
"Your Majesty, I dare to ask if..." Xie Wenling was not quite able to accept it.
“No.” Wei Xiuming interrupted decisively, “Minister Xie, you are new to the court, so it would be best if you learned to follow the rules first.”
Qu Zijin interjected at the opportune moment: "Your Majesty, Lord Xie is indeed diligent."
Wei Xiuming glanced at him: "Being overly diligent is overstepping one's bounds."
He then said to Xie Wenling, "My dear minister, do you know why all the officials in the court are watching you?"
"Please enlighten me, Your Majesty."
"It's all because of your impatience!" Wei Xiuming tapped the table. "How many third-rank officials have there been throughout history at the age of twenty? I bestowed upon you such an honor, and yet you want a transfer today, and a new post tomorrow..."
Xie Wenling roughly understood that the emperor would not back down.
Unlike Qu Zijin, he would fight for himself, but he wouldn't argue with the emperor, and he spoke more politely: "Thank you for your teachings, Your Majesty. I know I was wrong and will remember it in the future."
"It's good that you know you're wrong." Wei Xiuming's tone softened. He had just been thoroughly scolded by Qu Zijin and thought he was going to be scolded by Xie Wenling again. He didn't expect that this kid was quite tactful.
That's right, much more sensible than Qu Zijin.
So he promised, "Don't worry, how could I bear to let a talent like yours go to waste? It won't be long."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Your Majesty has worked diligently to govern the country and has brought blessings to the world. You are truly the greatest ruler in history." Xie Wenling was actually a little disappointed, but he still praised you without showing any emotion.
Wei Xiuming felt better.
What emperor wouldn't like such a virtuous minister who speaks so eloquently?
After exchanging a few more words, Xie Wenling got up to take his leave.
Just as he stepped out the door, he suddenly turned back: "Your Majesty..."
"Hmm?" Wei Xiuming, pleased by being stroked, looked at him with a smile.
"I have been working tirelessly day and night to serve one person, and I will always keep this in mind." He first expressed his loyalty.
Wei Xiuming nodded with a smile: "That's more like it. Young people need to be patient."
"Your Majesty, I would like to express my gratitude for your kindness and recognition. I will never forget it."
Wei Xiuming: ?!
Wei Xiuming: No, again?
Wei Xiuming could no longer laugh. Watching Xie Wenling turn and leave without a second thought, he felt a lump in his throat, making him feel suffocated.
This kid's methods are far more sophisticated than Qu Zijin's. He first opened the door and publicly thanked Qu Zijin for his kindness, which was tantamount to forcing Qu Zijin to give him an opportunity, and he had to do it quickly and well.
Otherwise, it would be considered breaking one's word and being ungrateful.
Although the people in the Imperial Study were his confidants, they would pretend not to hear if he forbade them to speak.
But don't forget, there's also Qu Zijin here.
He won't help cover it up.
This takes Qu Zijin's personality into account.
Wei Xiuming glared at Qu Zijin in annoyance, but unfortunately, the latter was oblivious and wouldn't apologize for it, only adding fuel to the fire: "Your Majesty, the best course of action now is to give Lord Xie a substantive post as soon as possible. Forgive my bluntness, but Your Majesty was indeed inappropriate just now, letting him waste his time in a nominal post is indeed a bit..."
"Shut up and get out," Wei Xiuming said expressionlessly.
This person! How dare they! Go against the grain!
Qu Zijin couldn't understand what was making him angry, so he silently took his leave.
-
Xie Wenling left the Imperial Study, intending to visit Jin Lanyue on the way.
But before he could take two steps, he heard footsteps behind him.
Turning my head, I saw it was Qu Zijin.
However, he had a cold face and was about to walk past him quickly, his whole being exuding "I don't want to talk to anyone".
"Grand Tutor Qu," Xie Wenling greeted him as if he hadn't understood at all, "what a coincidence."
Qu Zijin had no choice but to stop reluctantly: "Lord Xie, is there something you need?"
"Nothing," she said, but showed no intention of stopping the conversation. "What does Grand Tutor Qu want to do?"
"Back to Wenhua Hall, we'll be teaching riding and archery tomorrow. Let the students go home early to prepare," Qu Zijin said, changing the subject. "But Lord Xie..."
"What a coincidence, I'm also going to the Wenhua Hall, it's on my way."
"On the way?" Qu Zijin glanced at him but didn't say anything more.
The two walked for a while before Xie Wenling said leisurely, "I don't know what the future holds, but for now, I thank Grand Tutor Qu."
"No, don't thank me." Qu Zijin quickly took two steps to the side to create some distance.
Even someone as shrewd as Wei Xiuming was tricked by him. Now, when he heard him mention the word "thank you" again, Qu Zijin's first reaction was to be wary.
He's no match for these schemers when it comes to scheming; it's best to stay away.
"I am sincere," Xie Wenling said earnestly, but showed no reaction to his distance.
"Heh," Qu Zijin sneered, "Do you think I believe that?"
“It’s really hurtful,” Xie Wenling sighed, his eyes downcast and his brows furrowed, revealing a hint of melancholy at being let down. “I am truly grateful to Grand Tutor Qu for speaking up for me.”
“…You’re so pretentious.” Qu Zijin took two more steps outside.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
