Yan Zilian was very efficient in his work. The next day, he instructed the censors to draft a memorial in which he dug up an old case several years ago in which Wen Weixi used old cotton to fill his winter clothes. He accused the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Personnel of shielding Wen Weixi. Such a serious case of corruption and malpractice was not reflected in the assessment results.

A war of words broke out again in the court, but since the case had been concluded that year and Wen Weixi had been punished, there was no way to refute it. However, despite such a serious dereliction of duty, Wen Weixi was promoted instead of demoted after the assessment by the Ministry of War and the review by the Ministry of Personnel. Naturally, the eunuchs' party and Wen Youchi's faction felt that they were at a loss for words.

Yan Zilian seized on this point and ordered the censors to impeach Wen Youchi for favoritism and bending the law, and to impeach the Ministry of Personnel for unfair assessment.

The war of words triggered by the imperial examination plan was one after another, and this time was the most intense because it finally involved the Shangshu.

With the evidence conclusive, Wen Weixi had to be re-examined. However, because he had been demoted and fined for the winter clothing case, he was no longer punished. Instead, several officials from the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Personnel were implicated and made scapegoats for Wen Youchi.

Then, less than a month later, news suddenly came out that Wen Youchi's father had passed away in his hometown. His father had been bedridden for many years and passed away quietly in his sleep. There was nothing unusual about it, but it was a huge blow to the Wen family.

Confucius said: "Those who are filial and respectful to their elders but like to offend their superiors are rare. Those who do not like to offend their superiors but like to make trouble have never existed." Therefore, those who are filial must be loyal to the emperor. Since the Han Dynasty, the world has been ruled by filial piety. For thousands of years, officials of all dynasties have to return to their hometowns to observe mourning for their parents for three years. This is called "Dingyou".

If the country encounters a national crisis and the emperor is in an important position and cannot leave, he can "take away the favor" and order the officials to remain in their original positions. The emperor is the father, and being loyal to the emperor is also being filial to the father.

But now the country is peaceful, and Wen Youchi's reputation has been damaged because of his son. Even if Emperor Zhaowu wants to seize his favor, it is not logical or justifiable.

Wen You had no choice but to write a letter to the emperor to report the matter and return home immediately. Concubine Wen and Xie Zhongren could only watch Wen You leave Beijing.

After Wen You left, the position of Minister of War was supposed to be temporarily taken by the Left Vice Minister, but this person was implicated in the Wen Weixi incident and was suspected of dereliction of duty. Although Xie Zhongren strongly recommended him, the nomination of officials was the responsibility of the Ministry of Personnel, and then it would be discussed by the inner cabinet, and finally the emperor would decide. This matter was another dispute, and in the end, the inner cabinet had the upper hand with reason and evidence, and the Right Vice Minister Feng Can temporarily took over the position of Minister of War.

This battle was a complete victory, as it not only drove Wen Youchi away, but also promoted officials from the aristocratic faction to important positions.

After Yan Sikong learned about it, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Once Wen Youtiao left, Concubine Wen Gui would lose her strongest supporter, and there shouldn't be any trouble for a while. If she could wait until the Second Prince left the capital to be established as a fiefdom, her succession to the throne would be almost certain. However, she still couldn't take Xie Zhongren lightly. This bastard had killed Chen Yi's mother, and she was already in a difficult situation. He was determined not to let Chen Yi ascend the throne smoothly.

After all this ordeal, the Ministry of Personnel was trembling with fear, and the eunuchs' party became much more obedient. They also had to examine themselves. If one or two more Wen Weixis appeared, they would be afraid that they would not be able to protect themselves.

The imperial examination was still going on as planned, and the court was much calmer. There were more officials from the aristocratic families who were dismissed than those from the imperial court, but Wen Youchi was defeated by several officials, so both sides suffered losses. As time went by, the assessment of local officials and officials of the third rank and below was coming to an end, and it would soon be the turn of officials of the second rank and above.

——

Yan Sikong was extremely busy throughout the summer. He frequently heard bad news, but he also frequently heard good news. For example, Shen Hexuan's assessment result was "competent" and he was about to be promoted. Yan Zilian decided to promote him to the position of Supervisor of the Censorate and to inspect Hanzhong.

The official career path of a Shujishi usually involves spending a few years in the Hanlin Academy, then being sent to the local area for experience, and then returning to the capital to work. They can then be gradually promoted according to their political performance. Yan Sikong is one of the very few exceptions who rose to the top quickly, and Shen Hexuan's career path was very stable. Yan Zilian let him inspect a prosperous place like Hanzhong, which showed that he was very caring towards him.

In addition, Yan Sikong felt that Yan Zilian also intended to send Shen Hexuan away, fearing that the dispute over the throne would arise again and Shen Hexuan would recklessly charge into the formation with his body.

Shen Hexuan will be away for at least two years and at most five years, and he will not be able to return to Beijing. Because of his personality, he has few friends in the court. Before leaving, Yan Sikong invited him to drink, and he rarely agreed.

Shen Hexuan was reluctant to go to the restaurant. Yan Sikong knew that he was really poor and that it would not work even if he treated him. So Yan Sikong suggested bringing two jugs of good wine to his house, and Shen Hexuan readily agreed.

Shen Hexuan's mansion was even older than his, and was far away from the imperial city. It would probably take him nearly an hour to walk to the yamen every day. Even so, he was always the first to arrive and the last to leave.

Yan Sikong came to visit as promised, and seeing Shen Hexuan's happy face, he knew that Shen Hexuan, a man who rarely showed his likes and dislikes, was really happy today.

"Brother Shen, congratulations." Yan Sikong bowed and said, "When he returns from his inspection tour in Hanzhong, he will surely be promoted."

Shen Hexuan returned the gift and said with a smile: "Whether it is a high promotion or not, the emperor will know clearly, but being able to do something practical is what makes me most happy. Brother Xian, please."

The two of them walked into the mansion. A gentle and beautiful woman, holding a baby, stood under the eaves and bowed to Yan Sikong from a distance: "Lord Yan."

"Thank you for your courtesy, sister-in-law." Yan Sikong bowed quickly and walked up to tease Shen Hexuan's son.

Several people entered the house talking and laughing. During the conversation, Yan Sikong learned that Shen Hexuan and his wife were childhood sweethearts. Not only was she gentle and virtuous, she was also a famous talented woman in the local area. The two of them were in harmony and supported each other, which made people very jealous.

The lady prepared a meal herself, and the two of them chatted about state affairs, drank a few glasses, and their relationship became much closer.

Talking about the things that have happened since the beginning of spring, Shen Hexuan sighed with emotion: "The court seems calm, but in fact there are undercurrents. First, the crown prince was imprisoned and Concubine Hui hanged herself. Then came the imperial examination plan, which dismissed a large number of officials. This year has just passed halfway, and I don't know how much turmoil the remaining half will cause."

"As the general trend goes, there will be more storms in the future. Fortunately, Minister Wen has returned to his hometown to take care of Ding You. The prince may be able to have a few years of peace and stability."

"I hope so." Shen Hexuan poured a glass of wine for Yan Sikong, "After I leave Beijing, it will all be up to you, brother Xian, to take care of the prince. The prince lost his mother at a young age and is still very dependent on others. Now, I'm afraid you are the one he trusts the most."

Yan Sikong nodded: "Brother Shen, don't worry. When Brother Shen returns to the capital, on the day when the crown prince ascends the throne, you and I will work together to assist the crown prince and revive our Great Sheng."

"good!"

They both drank a glass of wine.

Shen Hexuan obviously couldn't drink much and his face was flushed. He had a gentle and elegant appearance, and at this moment he had a bit of the demeanor of a scholar, so Yan Sikong teased him a few times.

Shen Hexuan smiled and shook his head: "I am a conservative and reserved person. I know that I can't compare to your romantic and unrestrained brother."

Yan Sikong smiled meaningfully and said, "Brother Shen has a straightforward character, which is like a double-edged sword."

"'Straight and steep'." Shen Hexuan savored the two words carefully, "'Straight and steep', hahaha, these two words are good, well said, I am like that steep cliff." He raised the cup and said proudly, "The cliff is thousands of feet high, and without desire, one is strong, that is character."

Yan Sikong raised his cup and said sincerely: "Brother Shen is truly a man of great character. I will never be able to match him in my lifetime. I salute you for your character." He finished speaking and drank the wine in the cup in one gulp.

Shen Hexuan smiled at Yan Sikong and said, "Brother Xian, you know that I really disliked you at first."

Yan Sikong nodded with a smile.

"Even now, I don't agree with some of your words and actions, but you are indeed a rare talent. You are more suitable for being an official than me. Even the teacher has begun to rely on you, and the prince also trusts and relies on you."

"Brother Shen, you are too kind." Yan Sikong smiled faintly, "I am just a mortal, and after tossing around in this world for a long time, I have figured out some ways to survive. Brother Shen is an extraordinary person, and he will definitely achieve extraordinary achievements."

"Hahaha, look at you, you are such a silver tongue." Shen Hexuan drank too much and acted out of turn. He pointed at Yan Sikong and said, "I disliked this most about you at first."

Yan Sikong also laughed: "Everyone likes this about me, except Brother Shen. Doesn't this further prove how extraordinary Brother Shen is?"

Shen Hexuan laughed so hard that he fell backwards, and stammered, "You're right, everyone likes this about you. There were so many Jinshi in the same period, but in the end, you are my only friend..." When he finished speaking, his tone was somewhat lonely.

"I am truly honored to be accepted as a friend by Brother Shen." Yan Sikong poured wine for the two of them.

Shen Hexuan waved his hands: "You are now much higher in rank than me, and you are also a future imperial consort, yet you are still so humble. I admire you, I admire you."

Yan Sikong smiled and said, "I really respect Brother Shen."

A hint of emotion flashed across Shen Hexuan's slightly tipsy eyes.

The two of them drank a lot in a daze.

Somehow, they talked about Shen Hexuan's son. Yan Sikong said with emotion: "Brother Shen is leaving, leaving behind my sister-in-law and my little nephew. My sister-in-law will have to work hard."

Shen Hexuan's eyes showed reluctance: "To be honest, I am most worried about them. There is only one old man in the mansion, and my salary is meager. Even though I have been an official for many years, I still wronged them and their son."

"If Brother Shen doesn't mind, I will take good care of my sister-in-law and nephew on his behalf. If my sister-in-law and nephew encounter any inconvenience in the future, I will treat it as my own business and do my best."

Shen Hexuan's eyes sparkled: "Is this... true?"

Yan Sikong smiled and said, "Brother Shen is on a tour of inspection and is serving the country with his life. I am taking care of Brother Shen's family affairs. In public, I am doing my best for the court. In private, Brother Shen has taken me in as a close friend, so I should return the favor."

Shen Hexuan grabbed Yan Sikong's hand and said with emotion: "Sikong, thank you."

Yan Sikong also held his hand and said solemnly: "I hope Brother Shen will not let down the emperor's expectations and the teacher's kindness. I will wait for you to return to the capital and help the wise master together to create a prosperous and peaceful era!"

Shen Hexuan is an important character in the later plot. The two will be lifelong friends and enemies.