Chapter 60: Job Transfer? Promotion
He Wenfang dared not.
But he was even more unwilling to lose face in front of his subordinates.
The middle-aged man was furious, his eyes filled with resentment, and he scattered the broken items on the table all over the floor.
"Do you think I wouldn't dare!"
How old is Yu Mingshu? How much worldly experience has she had? How much cunning does she possess? Where does she get the confidence to confront her superior?
He didn't know that cunning and shrewdness can be acted out.
The woman in front of him showed no sign of backing down, but simply met his gaze calmly, a faint smile playing on her lips.
Yu Mingshu stepped aside to make way for the door, tilted his head and said, "Please go ahead."
He Wenfang has been placed on a high platform, finding himself in a dilemma.
Their eyes met, neither of them spoke, nor did they intend to leave, and they remained locked in a stalemate.
At that moment, a woman's voice came from outside the door—
"Hey, what happened to the ground?"
The first thing Yang Leyi saw when she entered was the mess on the floor. She then looked up and surveyed the two men, who were clearly at each other's throats. Finally, her gaze settled on Xu Jie, who was huddled in the corner, visibly afraid to speak.
He Wenfang tried to take credit for him, but he didn't dare to utter a single word. He really is a coward.
Xu Jie wanted to go up to her, but before he could speak, he noticed the disdain in Yang Leyi's eyes and forcibly stopped the flattering words from his mouth, clenching his teeth.
He Wenfang instantly concealed the ruthlessness in his eyes, replacing it with a gentle, spring-like smile. "Secretary Yang, what brings you here? Does His Highness the Crown Prince have an order?"
Yang Leyi subtly avoided his gaze and looked at Yu Mingshu.
"His Highness wishes to see Yu the Proofreader."
He Wenfang's expression hardened.
Why would the Crown Prince summon Yu Mingshu at this critical juncture?
Yang Leyi said with a half-smile, "His Highness also asked me to pass on a message to He Xima and Xu Xiaoshu, telling them to take good care of themselves."
The two people whose names were called suddenly felt a chill run down their spines.
He Wenfang's expression turned grim. It was obvious that His Highness the Crown Prince already knew the whole story.
After Yang Leyi left the Bureau of Justice, he turned back to look at that obsequious face and could no longer feel any goodwill towards her.
He paced back and forth inside the door several times, then pointed at Xu Jie and angrily denounced him: "My reputation of half a lifetime has been completely ruined by you!"
Xu Jie's thin lips trembled, he dared not speak out in anger.
Looking at the mess on the ground, He Wenfang became more and more annoyed, picked up the pen holder and threw it at Xu Jie's head.
"Isn't the noise outside loud enough? Get out!"
Xu Jie's forehead was hit hard, and a bruise appeared instantly.
A layer of frost settled over his eyes as he coldly observed He Wenfang's exasperated face, and suddenly all his worries vanished.
"He Wenfang, don't you know why you helped me in the first place? Since you entered officialdom, you've been working in the Sijing Bureau, a lowly and insignificant department. Outsiders say you're aloof and have high moral character, but are you really content with this?"
The man, who was used to being humble and subservient, suddenly straightened his back and spoke arrogantly, leaving He Wenfang speechless.
He watched helplessly as Xu Jie walked in step by step, and threw the pen holder back onto the table.
"You tried to curry favor with the county princess and the vice minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices by doing me a favor, and now that you haven't gotten what you wanted, you want to take your anger out on me?" Xu Jie sneered. "He Wenfang, don't you know that there's never a sure thing in this world!"
He Wenfang's chest heaved violently. After a long while, his hand trembled as he pointed at Xu Jie's nose, "Get out, get out!"
This time, it was their turn to part on bad terms.
…
On the way from the Bureau of Scriptures to the Zhaohua Palace, Yu Mingshu and Yang Leyi remained silent.
She still remembered Yang Leyi's evaluation of He Wenfang on the day she started her job: "Ninth place in the imperial examination of the eleventh year of Fengle. He is a reclusive person, prefers quiet, and is not talkative. Unless it is urgent, you should not disturb him."
In retrospect, this advice was partly true and partly false.
It's true that he ranked ninth in the imperial examination; it's false that he's aloof and prefers quiet. It's true that he doesn't want to be disturbed unless necessary; it's false that he's not talkative.
Upon arriving at Zhaohua Hall, Yang Leyi stopped.
"Please come in, Secretary Yu. His Highness is waiting for you."
Inside the hall, Liang Yuanjun sat upright before the table.
She wore a gown for tomorrow's Thousand Autumns Banquet, a deep red satin woven with a dark pattern of golden dragons soaring through the clouds. The jade belt at her waist and the jade crown on her head were eye-catching embellishments. She was elegant and noble, with a touch of dashing charm that made her irresistible.
Yu Mingshu bowed to the Crown Prince, his gaze involuntarily falling on the manuscript in the prince's hand.
If she wasn't blind and mistaken, then it must be her fabricated rumor.
"No need for formalities, please sit down."
Liang Yuanjun chuckled and glanced at her, then put down the storybook. "It's a real pity that Yu Qing's talent is wasted on such third-rate storybooks instead of governing the country."
Yu Mingshu did not dare to deny it.
Since He Wenfang could not produce any evidence to prove that she wrote the story, he could only threaten her with words to make her withdraw the manuscript.
The Crown Prince, however, was different.
This crown prince, who is second only to the emperor, can find out with a flick of his finger when she met with the bookstore owner, what price they negotiated, and how many books she sold in total.
There's an old saying in Daliang...
Yu Mingshu immediately knelt down and sincerely begged for forgiveness: "I wrote this book in a fit of anger, to vent my anger. It is an insult to literature and an eyesore to Your Highness. I beg Your Highness to forgive me."
"I did not summon you here to interrogate you."
Liang Yuanjun stood up and stepped forward, reaching out to help her up.
"The Bureau of Justice is a place with tedious work, a bleak future, and so much shady interpersonal strife. For a top scholar like you to go there would be like a pearl being tarnished."
Yu Mingshu understood her implication and her eyes lit up: The Crown Prince wanted to transfer her to a different post?
The man before her smiled gently and had a maid pour her a cup of tea. "Minister Yu, if I were to ask you to leave the Bureau of Statutes and serve by my side, would you be willing?"
Yu Mingshu took the teacup, but before he could even taste it, he immediately placed the tea on a small table to the side and bowed to the Crown Prince as if flattered.
"It is my greatest honor to serve Your Highness."
Yu Mingshu initially thought the change was just a lateral transfer, but when the eunuch arrived at the Yu family with a beaming smile to deliver the imperial decree, he learned that the Crown Prince had directly promoted him to the rank of Right Spring Palace Attendant, a sixth-rank official.
The Right Spring Palace held a similar position in the Eastern Palace's small court as the Secretariat of the central government. The position of Crown Prince's Attendant served the Crown Prince, was in charge of edicts and memorials, and sometimes had to perform reception duties, leading officials to meet the Crown Prince.
In short, it's similar to the work done by Secretary Yang.
Upon hearing the imperial decree, Wu Qiuniang was overjoyed and tears welled up in her eyes. Her voice still held a hint of disbelief as she asked, "His Highness the Crown Prince has directly promoted my son to the sixth rank?"
The eunuch kindly told her, "His Highness said that Yu Sheren was the top scholar in the imperial examination of the twentieth year of Fengle, and this rank is rightfully his."
Wu Qiuniang thanked him repeatedly and slipped a money pouch into the eunuch's hand.
With the New Year approaching, Zhang Niangzi and Su Niangzi are making dumplings at the Yu family's house. Even Yuan Yi, a scholar who never lifts a finger, is sitting aside helping to prepare the filling at his mother's instruction.
After hearing about the Yu family's happy news, Yuan Yi felt a pang of melancholy.
Yu Mingshu received the recognition he deserved. As her instructor, he felt gratified, but also a sense of inexplicable loss lingered in his heart.
That was the justice he had been seeking but could not obtain.
Madam Zhang put down the dumplings she had just wrapped, wiped the flour off her fingers, and congratulated Wu Qiu Niang: "This is wonderful news! Ming Shu has gained the favor of His Highness the Crown Prince. Your family is sure to have a lively New Year this year!"
Wu Qiuniang could hardly hide the joy on her lips. She turned to Qingque and said, "This year, Sanlang passed the Mingfa examination and Mingshu was promoted. This is double happiness. We must add two more dishes to the New Year's Eve dinner."
Yu Mingshu came in from outside and called to Qingque, who was going to change the menu.
"Mother, don't be busy yet."
She sat down beside Wu Qiuniang and said slowly, "His Majesty plans to spend the New Year at the Tangquan Palace and has appointed many court officials to accompany him. His Highness the Crown Prince and I will also be going, so we will not be able to spend the New Year at home."
Yuan Yi paused in stirring the minced meat, but resumed his normal movements after a few moments.
As Wu Qiuniang calmed down, the thought of having one less person in her family this Spring Festival made her look disappointed.
"In that case, there's no need to make a big fuss about the New Year's Eve dinner; let's save it for the Lantern Festival."
…
Accompanying the emperor to the imperial palace for the Lunar New Year is equivalent to working overtime during the Spring Festival to accompany the boss on a team-building activity, without any compensation for the holiday.
The crown prince was also one of the servants accompanying the emperor on his travels, no different from most of the ministers.
While the emperor and his beloved concubine bathed together in the hot spring, the crown prince reviewed memorials in the warm pavilion of the imperial palace.
While the emperor and his beloved concubine strolled in the garden to admire the red plum blossoms in the snow, the crown prince received court officials in the warm pavilion.
While the emperor and his beloved concubine were winter hunting in the forest, the crown prince was in the warm pavilion calculating the expenses of the trip.
For several days in a row, Yu Mingshu listened to many important news about the court from beside the Crown Prince, and also heard the first piece of good news in the twenty-first year of Fengle.
The emperor lost to the Minister of Revenue in a heated debate and temporarily abandoned the idea of training a navy and building warships.
He Zheng is already on his way back to the capital.
Three days of heavy snow fell on Lishan Mountain, turning the world into a vast expanse of white. It wasn't until the afternoon of the seventh day that a few rays of sunlight finally pierced the roof tiles of the imperial palace.
After seeing off the last group of ministers, a maid came to the corridor and handed Yang Leyi a bowl of warm rice wine.
"Today, Consort Wei is again making a fuss about seeing the Second Prince and the Princess. Commander Gao told her that the Empress has stayed at Taiji Palace with the young prince and the princess and has not accompanied the Emperor on his journey. Consort Wei is still not giving up and is making a fuss about seeing His Majesty again."
Another maid chuckled, "His Majesty brought three beauties and a concubine with him this time. He probably doesn't remember summoning Lady Wei."
Yang Leyi took the bowl and warmed her hands, which were almost frozen. "Who knows what His Majesty is thinking? He doesn't want to see Lady Wei, but he insists on coming to the palace for the New Year. It must be tough on the palace servants who serve her."
Inside the warm pavilion, Yu Mingshu finished organizing the official documents and looked up to meet the gaze of Crown Prince Liang Yuanjun.
"The regulations for reforming the private school education and the imperial examination system still need to be reviewed by Master Yang. After we return to the city tomorrow, you will come with me to the Yang residence."
Yu Mingshu bowed his head and replied, "Yes."
The only advantage of working overtime at the palace was that she didn't have to wait until evening to get off work. After the Crown Prince finished his official duties for the day, he let her go back to rest.
Yu Mingshu walked along the corridor with several drafts in his hand. Before he had gone far, a maid in green hurriedly chased after him and handed him a beige rabbit fur cloak.
"Lord Yu, please wait! The snow has melted and the weather is cold these past two days. His Highness saw that you were dressed in thin clothes and bestowed upon you a winter coat. He also told you to take care of yourself and not to catch a cold."
The soft rabbit fur, after being scented and baked, has a light fragrance that is not as sweet as perfume. It even seems to have a calming and soothing effect.
Yu Mingshu was taken aback, bowed to the warm pavilion to express his gratitude, and put on an outer garment in front of the maid.
The two maids beside Yang Leyi turned their backs in unison and rolled their eyes at the red wall.
"Your Highness is going to the Yang family, yet you won't let Sister Leyi accompany you?"
"In the past, tasks such as receiving court officials and organizing official documents were all handled by Sister Yueyi. This Yu Mingshu has only been here for a few days, but she has already taken over all of Sister Yueyi's duties. I wonder what kind of bewitching potion she has given His Highness!"
Yang Leyi frowned as she heard the hostility in the two people's tone.
"We are all working for His Highness the Crown Prince, but my position in His Highness's eyes is different from that of Yu Sheren. I will pretend I didn't hear such divisive words today, and please don't spread rumors in the future."
The two maids exchanged a glance and reluctantly replied, "Yes."
…
On the morning of the eighth day, the Crown Prince's carriage returned to the city first.
The carriage stopped in front of the main gate of the Yang family mansion. Yang Congen and his wife were waiting on the steps. When the carriage curtain was lifted, they stepped forward to greet them.
Liang Yuanjun quickly stopped the old man from bowing, saying, "Teacher, there's no need for such formalities. It's freezing outside. Let's go inside and talk."
Yang Congen led the Crown Prince to the study, and Madam Yang accompanied them to the courtyard gate. Madam Yang still remembered Yu Mingshu's life-saving grace to the Yang family's beloved grandson, and along the way, she held her hand and told her interesting stories about Yang You.
Yang You has grown another year older and is showing signs of becoming a voracious reader. He won't go back to his bedroom to sleep unless he takes a stroll through his study every day and selects a book he likes.
Yu Mingshu initially thought it was just parents showing off their kids, using an exaggerated approach. That is, until she entered the study and found a little child lying on the floor reading a book…
Madam Yang coaxed and tricked young Yang You away, leaving Yu Mingshu standing beside the Crown Prince, dumbfounded.
Liang Yuanjun handed the draft reform proposal to Yang Congen. The old man squinted and examined it carefully. After a long while, he put down the document and glanced at the taciturn Yu Mingshu.
"These were all your ideas?"
Yu Mingshu humbly replied, "His Highness the Crown Prince has gained considerable insight from reading 'On the Cultivation of Talents.' He has discussed the merits and demerits of the Liang Dynasty's education and examination system with his students on several occasions. These proposals are mostly His Highness's ideas, so how could I dare to claim credit?"
Yang Congen chuckled for no apparent reason, shook his head, and took a sip of hot tea.
"This proposal covers all aspects of education testing, from teaching content to assessment format, from examination process to regulatory legislation. It can be said to be comprehensive and thorough."
Liang Yuanjun's brow relaxed, and a look of joy flashed in her eyes. However, Yang Congen's next words took a turn, and his tone suddenly became serious.
"But has Your Highness considered that the imperial examination system has only been established for a hundred years, and it is about to undergo a profound reform? What does this mean for those students who have studied hard for decades?"
Liang Yuanjun pursed her lips and remained silent, her gaze fixed on the table before her. After a long period of deep thought, she raised her head again.
"The imperial examination system has been in place for a century and has exposed many drawbacks. Now that I have noticed them, I cannot turn a blind eye."
Her words were filled with unprecedented certainty. She met Yang Congen's stern gaze directly and said in a deep voice, "Of course, I never thought that the reform could be accomplished overnight. Even if it is a protracted battle, I am determined to take the first step and wield the first sword."
Looking at her expression, Yang Congen seemed to see His Majesty as the Eleventh Prince many years ago.
The eleventh prince looked at him with the same unwavering determination and said, word by word: "Go to Northern Yan, and return only after conquering it."
"What ambition!" he exclaimed, finally relaxing his brow and revealing a slight smile. "In that case, Your Highness should carefully consider when to take the first step and how far that step should go."
The Crown Prince stayed at the Yang family's residence until evening before leaving. He left with a smile in his eyes, and anyone could tell that His Highness and Lord Yang had a very pleasant conversation.
After the others had left, Madam Yang came in with her grandson, glanced at the few scrolls on the table, and said, "We're all retired now, why bother making trouble for ourselves?"
Yang Congen slowly shook his head, "Half of your body is already in the ground, why make things difficult for yourself? Can't you do whatever you want?"
"Say such unlucky things again!" Madam Yang glared at him angrily, forcing the old man to lower his head and admit his mistake before her expression softened.
"I've noticed that the Crown Prince is exceptionally close to that Miss Yu. They ride in the same carriage together, and when they talk, there's no distinction between ruler and subject. Even today, when he came to visit, His Highness had to forgo the music and entertainment to have her accompany him. Do you think His Highness might..."
Yang Congen frowned and looked at her. Seeing that his wife was speechless for a long time, he couldn't help but ask, "What will happen?"
Seeing that he didn't understand at all, Madam Yang swallowed her doubts and said in an unfriendly tone, "Forget it, I can't explain it to you."
…
On the Lantern Festival, Yu Mingshu was finally able to return to Yongningfang and have a meal with his family.
Seeing that there were only four of them at the dinner table, she couldn't help but ask, "Why didn't you invite Mr. Yuan and Secretary Xie over? It would be more lively with more people."
Wu Qiuniang didn't speak, and her hand paused slightly as she picked up some food.
Jiang Ruan put down her chopsticks and said with a smile, "Elder sister, they are, after all, men from outside the family. You know, our family has a widowed mother-in-law who has been widowed for many years and an elder sister who is waiting to be married. It wouldn't sound good if word got out that we were always eating at the same table with men from outside the family."
Yu Mingshu frowned, looked up at her, and said in a cold tone, "If you don't gossip, this matter won't get out."
Jiang Ruan choked, almost unable to suppress her laughter. "Elder sister, you're wrong. Only the innocent can clear their names."
Yu Mingshu wanted to say something harsh, but when she turned to Yu Dan, she held back, considering her brother's harmonious marriage.
Wu Qiuniang and Yu Dan could tell that she was in a bad mood, so they quickly put some of her favorite dishes into her bowl.
Luo Yan ladled a bowl of soup and placed it in front of her daughter, saying softly, "This mutton soup has been simmering since noon, for two hours. It's fragrant but not greasy. Please try it, my dear."
Jiang Ruan took the soup ladle that Luo Yan had put down, slowly ladled out a bowl of mutton soup, and presented it to Yu Dan.
"For today's meal, my husband originally wanted to eat roasted lamb leg, but my mother-in-law said that my elder sister likes to drink lamb soup. Upon hearing this, my husband said that my elder sister works hard in the Eastern Palace and should be nourished, so he agreed to my elder sister's preference and asked the kitchen to make lamb soup instead..."
"The aroma of tea is so strong."
Upon hearing this, Yu Mingshu put down her bowl with a light touch, the bottom of the bowl hitting the table with a thud, drawing the attention of the whole family.
Tea? This is clearly soup, where is the tea?
Yu Mingshu stared straight at Yu Dan, her tone somewhat fierce: "Are we so poor that we can't even afford to eat? Do we have to be so biased when we eat together?"
Yu Dan shook his head repeatedly, swallowed the food in his mouth, and denied it outright: "Sister, I didn't mean that!"
Seeing that her husband was frightened by her, Jiang Ru'an's eyes showed even more annoyance. Just as she was about to say something, she saw Yu Mingshu turn to Xia Man and speak:
"You're fast, so go to Fengyang Tower in the East Market right now and ask the head chef to personally roast two of the biggest and tenderest lamb legs and send them over!"
After saying that, she looked at Jiang Ru'an and asked, "Is your wife satisfied?"
The little girl looked somewhat bewildered on her round face. Seeing this, Yu Dan quickly pressed her hand down, turned his head, and changed the subject with a smile.
"Sister, you spent the New Year with His Highness the Crown Prince at the palace. The food there must have been much better than at home, right? Tell us what the Tangquan Palace is like!"
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