Chapter 1584 Extra: You're Shameless (Part 1)
"Sigh, we still need to find a way to bring Chu Wuhui down."
In the stillness of the night, candlelight leaked through the window and fell onto the water.
The dappled light and shadow swayed on the water's surface, and the moonlight illuminated half of Liao Qian's pale face. Anyone who suddenly heard such a shocking "secret" would be unable to remain calm. He stopped in his tracks, cold sweat pouring down his back, thinking of leaving before Liao Jia noticed.
Before he could even take any action, he met a pair of eyes. Liao Jia waved to him with a normal expression: "What are you standing outside for? Come in, it's quite cold outside, don't let my flowers get cold."
Liao Qian: "..."
He looked down at the fresh, vibrant peony in his arms, his lips twitching, wondering if what he had just heard was a hallucination.
Liao Qian braced himself and carried the things inside.
Liao Jia: "Such trivial matters can be handled by servants."
"Isn't my uncle's birthday coming up soon?"
Liao Jia chuckled and put down the chess manual, teasingly saying, "Since you know it's my birthday, are you planning to send these to get rid of me?"
Liao Qian looked away as soon as he saw him smile.
It's no wonder he reacted so strongly; he just hadn't gotten used to it after all these years. The moment his uncle smiled, he instinctively worried that the man was planning to assassinate someone—that aura of cunning and greed was palpable. Combined with what he'd just heard, his heart trembled.
"Of course, that's not all. But if we reveal the surprise now, we'll lose it on Uncle's birthday." Liao Qian put the bunch of peonies in his arms into a vase to keep them fresh so that his uncle could still wear them as decorations the next day. He had really put a lot of thought into Liao Jia's birthday celebration, even taking out half of his private savings to commission a unique pair of peonies from Si Nong Qing, Shen Zhi, which were white with various colors.
Liao Qian went to see it today.
The peony was still in bud, but the Minister of Agriculture said it should bloom on his birthday. The outermost petals shimmered with pearly light, a dazzling display of color; he wondered how magnificent it would be when in full bloom. Even someone as rough and unrefined as Liao Qian fell in love at first sight. He had countless times marveled at the effectiveness of the Minister of Agriculture's scholarly ways; all the officials in the court placed their orders for rare and precious plants with her, legally and legitimately making a fortune.
This peony, which cost half of my personal savings, is not cheap.
It was only through Liao Jia's influence that the Minister of Agriculture agreed to expedite the process.
Liao Qian put the flowers that Liao Jia had picked that day into his bag, intending to feed them to the fish later. Liao Jia usually consumed a lot of fresh flowers, always using the freshest ones to adorn her hair. She would pick them after washing up in the evening, either putting them in her bag and burying them in the back garden, or crushing them to feed the fish.
"How is your wife's health?"
Liao Qian said, "The doctor has seen me and I feel much better."
He had arranged the marriage under the guise of being Liao Jia's nephew. His wife came from an excellent family, and the couple never quarreled or had any conflicts after their marriage. Even though they didn't have much affection for each other at first, they developed a deep bond over the years. His wife respected her uncle Liao Jia very much, and sometimes she would even go to the Minister of Agriculture's garden to pick flowers herself. This time, she fell ill because she accidentally contracted an epidemic disease on her way back from picking flowers.
Liao Jia nodded: "That's good."
According to the usual procedure, after the uncle and nephew finished their daily conversation, Liao Qian could take his leave, but today he dawdled.
Liao Jia: "Is there anything else?"
Liao Qian said, "Uncle, what you just said..."
Liao Jia recalled what she had said, then smiled and said, "You mentioned that I wanted to bring down Chu Wuhui? What, do you lack confidence in your uncle? Are you worried that I can't take him down and that you'll be implicated?"
Liao Qian's heart trembled.
As the candlelight flickered, the uncle's smile grew even colder.
They're even more professional than those actors who specialize in playing treacherous officials in Peking Opera.
The Peking Opera actor was acting, but could his uncle be playing himself? Liao Qian opened and closed his mouth, stammering and unable to finish his sentence: "No, I just don't understand... why did my uncle and Chu Ling, who had a harmonious relationship for so many years, suddenly have a falling out..."
Liao Jia didn't continue to tease him.
"There's nothing wrong with it, just a couple of complaints."
Liao Qian: "Huh?"
Liao Jia said, "The emperor has always treated his subjects like cattle and horses, and this Chu Wuhui treats the Left and Right Ministers like mules. He either leaves to go on his New Year's holiday or finds himself to do some off-duty work, leaving all the work of the Ministry of Personnel to me and Lin Lingde..."
The key point is that they have a legitimate reason for doing this.
Isn't that infuriating?
Liao Qian: "..."
Is this why the uncle wanted to bring Chu Ling down?
Liao Qian, a nobody whose official rank barely scraped by enough to attend court, didn't really understand the grudges and rivalries among the founding fathers. Who would have the thought of overthrowing their superior just because they were treated like slaves? He certainly hadn't thought about it all these years.
wrong--
Liao Qian noticed a strange detail.
It's true that Chu Ling often travels outside, and as the Left Minister assisting the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, he is indeed very busy. However, since Juan Wang Lin Feng achieved the ideal of a scholar in the fourth year of Yanhuang and took office as the Right Minister, my uncle has not been so busy. At least he takes his holidays normally.
When there's pressure, the left and right servants share the burden together _(:з」∠)_
Its stress resistance has increased by more than one level.
Compared to the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Revenue and Ministry of Personnel at the end of the year, it was relatively easy.
Liao Qian's expression was too straightforward, and Liao Jia saw right through it: "I have gained a deeper understanding of the way of the scholar, and I am vaguely approaching the threshold of perfection. At this time, I need more time to calm down and comprehend it. Chu Wuhui's way of the scholar has reached perfection in one step, while I have not yet reached the shore... At this time, shouldn't he take good care of his colleagues?"
For example, staying in the Ministry of Personnel to work.
Liao Qian: "...Uncle has achieved a profound understanding?"
This news is nothing short of shocking.
The Ceremony for Completing the Path of the Scholar has always been notoriously difficult—a prime example being the unfortunate Minister of Personnel, Luan Xin, who hasn't even gathered enough participants for the ceremony yet. If the Ceremony for Completion is this hard, then advancing to the Supreme Realm must be even more challenging. And his uncle has actually made further progress, almost touching the threshold of the Supreme Realm? Liao Qian looked at Liao Jia with undisguised admiration…
It was as if they were worshipping a god.
Liao Jia nodded: "Mm."
Liao Qian bit his finger: "I see..."
With the Grand Secretary no longer in the Imperial Court, the Left and Right Vice Ministers are now in charge of the Ministry of Works. The Right Vice Minister, Lin Feng, belongs to the agricultural faction, and the various high-yield grain varieties being promoted in Kang Kingdom rely heavily on her. Her work focuses on this area, and she only helps the Left Vice Minister when she has spare energy. From this perspective, the Ministry of Works truly cannot do without his uncle, but his uncle's exceptional abilities are also crucial.
"Can't we discuss this with the lord?"
"I haven't had a chance to speak to the Lord yet..." Actually, he didn't know whether he should speak or not. He had a vague premonition that his path to perfection might not be so smooth. Liao Jia was still weighing the pros and cons.
Liao Qian offered an idea.
"Actually, there is someone who might be able to help my uncle."
Liao Jia became interested. This adopted nephew wasn't as clever as his mother, but at least he hadn't learned his father's meanness, ungratefulness, and wickedness; he was a typical example of someone without ambition. She never expected that he would one day offer her advice: "Tell me what you think."
Liao Qian said, "Find Luan Tianguan of the Ministry of Personnel."
To be precise, we need to find Luan Gongyi, the Minister of Personnel.
If his uncle could achieve perfection, Luan Xin would be the direct beneficiary—whether it's the erosion of willpower in peacetime or some other reason, the path of the scholar has never been completed to ninety-nine perfections. If Luan Xin wants to achieve perfection, he can only start with another condition.
Nine Ways of the Ultimate Scholar.
Nine and ninety-nine are not even in the same league.
If Uncle can succeed in this matter, how could Luan Tianguan not be happy?
If his uncle asks him for a favor, he'll probably agree, right?
Liao Qian was calculating rapidly, while Liao Jia remained silent. It wasn't that he thought Luan Xin wouldn't help, but rather, "The suggestion is good, but have you considered that this might be putting him in too much of a difficult position?"
In the Lord's words, don't take advantage of old-fashioned mobile phones.
Although Luan Xin's reaction time has improved slightly over the years, it hasn't been by much. The Ministry of Personnel already has a lot of work to do, and if he were to take on the additional duties of the Left Vice Minister, he worried that his chances in his old age would be wasted.
Liao Qian: "..."
He scratched his head: "Then I'll go ask Hou Chi?"
Cui Mi's abilities are still very useful.
Unfortunately, Cui Mi's enthusiasm for officialdom was far less than that of the other members of the Cui family. Cui Mi's abilities fluctuated after the change of reign title; he could never accurately predict the future, and each future seemed to be wildly changing. After enjoying a few years as an official in the royal court, he resigned and went to travel and enjoy life.
He wanted to see firsthand how the future would be shaped step by step.
Now he has made a name for himself in the martial arts world.
A top figure in elite circles.
In terms of reputation, he is far more famous than Cui Zhi was back then.
Liao Qian and Cui Mi have always maintained contact.
Liao Jia shook her head: "No need."
Liao Qian looked at him cautiously.
I don't know if we don't need to find Luan Tianguan or Cui Mi.
The next day, he attended court.
The court officials were locked in a bitter power struggle for their own interests, but Liao Jia stood firm amidst the storm, refusing to intervene or retaliate against anyone. After the court session ended, he quietly followed Luan Xin. Luan Xin was a beat behind and only then realized it was him, assuming Liao Jia had official business to discuss.
As a result, Liao Jia dropped a bombshell.
A hint of relief flashed in Luan Xin's eyes.
Such a hardworking and diligent colleague is truly a good colleague.
Other lazy bums are no match for his years of encouragement.
"Shaomei, please tell me if you need anything from me."
Liao Jia said, “I plan to take a two-year leave to focus on my seclusion and break through to the pinnacle. However, as you know, Wu Hui is busy with the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel these two years. Ling De is busy with the livelihood of the common people. Others are either not suitable in terms of status or their positions do not meet the Lord’s wishes. I am afraid that promoting them rashly will anger the Lord.”
Luan Xin nodded, understanding Liao Jia's meaning, and tentatively asked, "...Wouldn't two years be too long? How confident is Shao Mei?"
Liao Jia said, "Two years is already the limit."
He did want to take three or four years of leave, but wasn't he afraid that the emperor would misunderstand and think he was going to run away? He knew he wouldn't be able to get three or four years of leave approved, and he was also worried about letting Liao Qian and his sister struggle in the court—he was afraid that if he stayed away from the central government for too long, the two of them would be framed.
Liao Jia hadn't intentionally made enemies over the years, but as the saying goes, "He who walks by the river will eventually get wet." His long tenure in a high position naturally attracted resentment. Besides, even the best policies will offend some people's interests, and Liao Jia, as a key figure in this process, naturally attracted enemies. These enemies couldn't touch him, but they could easily target Liao Qian and his sister; how could he let that go unpunished?
Two years was the timeframe he set for himself.
If there's no breakthrough in two years, then we'll have to put it on hold.
"As for the chances of success, I'd say about 30%."
Luan Xin murmured, "Thirty percent is not low."
Recalling Chu Yao's meteoric rise to power, had it not been for the lord's selfless intervention, Chu Yao would have been certain death. Liao Jia, however, claimed a 30% chance of success, which was already extremely high. Besides this, Luan Xin still had a concern: "Is there any danger to his life?"
If there is a risk to his life, we cannot let Liao Jia run around recklessly.
It would be better to stay in the Phoenix Court and meditate in seclusion.
If something goes wrong, it will be easier for the Lord to intervene.
Liao Jia shook his head and said, "There probably isn't."
His scholarly ways of "taking what others like" were too immoral. Even if his life was in danger, it wouldn't be him, but those he implicated. This assurance completely put Luan Xin at ease.
"That's good."
Liao Jia took her annual leave after her birthday.
_(:з」∠)_
He wouldn't let go of any opportunity to make his colleagues bleed money on gifts.
After receiving the gifts and deducting costs, the remaining profits were divided equally among Liao Qian and his siblings. An extra amount of fine gifts were also sent to Liao Qian's wife, and red envelopes were given to her children. Since the other party had essentially taken care of everything for the birthday banquet, the appropriate rewards were naturally due.
Liao Qian asked, "When does Uncle plan to set off?"
Liao Jia: "Tomorrow."
He then turned to his niece, Liao Gong, who had come all the way to celebrate his birthday, and asked if she wanted to travel with him. While Liao Gong pondered, Liao Qian's wife looked tense, only relaxing her brows after Liao Gong politely declined. Upon hearing this, Liao Jia could only smile and let it go.
He teased the children under the siblings' knees.
They asked each person their age, full name, and nickname.
Even the youngest child can answer confidently and without any stage fright.
Despite never having met Liao Jia, he showed great liking for her.
Liao Jia also enjoyed this closeness.
He was particularly fond of one of the five-year-old girls.
Seeing this, Liao Gong's husband seized the opportunity to take advantage of the situation.
He offered to let the child accompany him.
He stroked the child's head and said, "This child has always admired his great-uncle. If he can stay by his side, it will be a blessing for the child."
Liao Jia hummed in agreement: "Alright."
Liao Qian's wife's expression clearly turned sour.
Liao Jia: "..."
Looking at the undercurrents beneath the surface between the two families, he sighed softly.
He was well aware of the conflict between the two families.
However, it's really not a good idea to get involved.
Liao Jia is not Liao Gong and Liao Qian's biological uncle. He is only taking care of the two children out of gratitude to Liao Gong and Liao Qian. He remains unmarried and has no intention of having any adopted children, and the wealth he has accumulated over many years in officialdom is still undecided about who will inherit it. Although Liao Jia has explicitly stated that he will give it to Liao Gong and Liao Qian, their partners do not share this view. Their concerns are perfectly understandable; they are worried that without the blood ties between the three, Liao Jia could easily change his attitude, leaving their patron vulnerable.
These little thoughts are also part of human nature.
Liao Jia had hinted to Liao Gong and his sister to keep them in check.
However, it will only work for a short time.
How can you so easily change an adult's mind?
Fortunately, no one acted rashly, so Liao Jia let it go.
The reason Liao Jia agreed to let Liao Gong's daughter come along was because the child most resembled her grandmother, and there was a faint resemblance to her benefactor, the female teacher, in her features. Liao Jia followed his own heart and left the child behind; as for whether this would increase the conflict between the two families, he didn't care.
He never forgot one thing—
The siblings share the blood of their benefactors and their enemies.
|ω`)
After finishing this, I'll write about IF lines.
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
