Qiliyuan
When Fu Huaiying first heard this, she didn't understand what it meant. It was not until five days later, when she was preparing to enter the palace to take up an official position and she didn't see Fu Huairou outside the door, that she remembered what Lin Yan'an said that day.
She waved, and Da Hu immediately came over, "What's wrong, girl?"
"Go and ask around. Why hasn't Fu Huairou come out yet at this hour? She's going to the palace to be appointed an official today. She can't have gotten up late. She must have something else to do."
Dahu nodded and went in quickly.
Not long after, Da Hu ran out of the mansion and leaned close to her ear, "Miss Fu is crying in the front yard. Although I have good hearing, I was far away and only heard a little. It seems that because someone in the court said something, His Majesty personally withdrew the young lady's name."
Fu Huaiying lowered her eyes, feeling extremely happy. She knew that this was done by Lin Yan'an to vent her anger.
After getting into the carriage, Da Hu sat and drove, looking at the empty gate of the palace, and couldn't help complaining, "The young lady is entering the palace today, and it's okay if there's no one to accompany her, but there's not even anyone to see her off."
Fu Huaiying was in a good mood. She lifted the carriage curtain, sat behind Dahu, and said with a smile, "You forgot, no one knew I had a letter of recommendation in my hand, so naturally they didn't know I was entering the palace today. Besides, Fu Huairou's name was withdrawn, so they definitely can't be free right now. They've been busy for the past two days."
"General Wen will naturally run around and plead for Miss Fu, but no one will help him."
Fu Huaiying raised an eyebrow, "Do you know the inside story?"
Da Hu covered her mouth immediately. She said something casually, forgetting that the girl was unaware. "Girl, I let it slip. What should I do? Can you pretend you didn't hear it?"
Fu Huaiying knocked her head. "How could I not know who did it? Besides, I wish Fu Huairou could never be a court lady in her life. How could I blame him? Tell me, how did your master do it?"
Da Hu had no choice but to confess the truth, "My master holds a grudge against Miss Fu for the slap she gave you at the palace gate. When she left the palace the day before yesterday, she met the Grand Secretary and told him about it. The Grand Secretary comes from a noble family and hates those who are domineering and mean. Furthermore, Master Fu had impeached the Grand Secretary in court before, so the Grand Secretary brought up the matter during court this morning."
"The flood in the south has already put His Majesty in a bad mood. When he heard about this, he immediately crossed out Miss Fu's name. Miss Fu was embarrassed and didn't plead for mercy. The master didn't let me tell Miss Fu, so please just pretend you don't know, okay?"
Fu Huaiying chuckled, "Silly boy, if your master really didn't want me to know, he wouldn't have told you everything. He's using you to tell me. I'll definitely thank him later."
Fu Huaiying got off the carriage and saw Lin Yan'an and Xu Shubai waiting for her at the palace gate. She immediately stepped forward and saluted, "Taifu Xu, Young Marquis, I'm sorry, something happened at the palace and kept you waiting."
Xu Shubai smiled and shook his head. "It's okay. We just arrived too. Let's go and talk while we walk."
"yes."
"By the way, give me the letter and I will hand it to His Majesty personally."
Fu Huaiying took out the letter of recommendation from her sleeve and handed it to him with both hands. "Huaiying was able to enter the officialdom thanks to the letter from the Grand Tutor. I can't express my gratitude enough. From now on, no matter how big or small the matter is, I will serve you at your command."
Xu Shubai saw her intelligence and ambition the moment he saw her. "You're the top of the list. Even without this letter from me, you'll have left an impression on His Majesty. He might even make an exception. Since you've thanked me today, I have to remind you a few words."
Fu Huaiying nodded respectfully and took two steps behind him.
"You are very clever, but don't be too clever or too smooth in front of His Majesty. In the court, don't take sides. His Majesty has been on the throne for many years, and nothing can be hidden from him. He can see through anyone at a glance."
"I will remember Taifu's teachings."
Female officials were selected every three years, with only ten selected each time. Among these ten, only three could get letters of recommendation. In fact, less than three of them could enter officialdom in three years, so the emperor attached great importance to it.
But when he saw that Fu Huaiying was accompanied by Xu Shubai, he couldn't help but be a little surprised.
"Teacher, why did you come here in person?"
Xu Shubai bowed. "This child has no one to take charge of her family. I'm worried she doesn't understand the rules of the palace, so I wanted to accompany her."
Emperor Huanyu looked at the woman kneeling below with dignity and a bit of favor in his heart. "Get up."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"I heard that you have never been to a college?"
"Yes, I lost my mother when I was young and fell ill, which is why I missed the time to enter the academy."
Who is the Emperor of the Universe? Fu Huaiying didn't take his words seriously. There was no delay. It would be in time to enter the academy after he recovered. It was just that his parents didn't take it seriously.
He had heard of Wen Shuangye's domineering reputation before, but he didn't expect that her daughter also inherited the same reputation. It was a pity that Fu Huaiying had no mother to make decisions for her, and she didn't know what kind of life she was leading in the mansion.
"I've read your policy essays and they're quite good. Even without the teacher's recommendation, I would have kept you. However, you've never been to an academy. How can you be so knowledgeable? Are you gifted?"
Fu Huaiying knelt down again. "I dare not lie. It is true that I have never been to an academy, nor am I naturally gifted. However, my grandfather taught me a few things when I was young, and told me to be diligent and hardworking in the future, just like he was when he was young. Therefore, I have kept it in mind for many years and dare not forget it."
Emperor Huanyu lowered his eyes. Fu Huaiying's words brought back memories for him, and his eyes softened as he looked at Fu Huaiying. "Since you are so diligent, you are probably not afraid of hardship or fatigue. Join the Qili Garden."
Fu Huaiying looked up in disbelief. She knew that the Grand Tutor was deeply loved by the Emperor, but she had never expected that by following him, she would be able to enter the Qili Garden.
Qiliyuan was established by the recent dynasty. It is in charge of all affairs within the palace, including the harem and the former dynasty, and is also in charge of internal and external memorials. Although the highest rank in Qiliyuan is only fourth grade, they are indeed close ministers of the emperor and have real power.
Xu Shubai gently pushed her, and she finally reacted and immediately knelt down and kowtowed, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your appreciation. I will work diligently in the future and live up to your expectations."
Emperor Huanyu nodded and said, "Go back and have a good rest. You will enter the palace in a few days."
Xu Shubai took her out of the hall. Fu Huaiying was still dizzy and couldn't believe that such a big piece of pie had fallen on her head.
"What? Are you stupid?"
Fu Huaiying nodded, "I...I...am a little excited..."
Her voice trembled slightly, and she shut up, suppressing her turbulent emotions. "Master... that's Qiliyuan... I... by the way... the letter of recommendation hasn't been..."
Xu Shubai laughed. "The recommendation letter isn't important. In fact, I had already entered the palace when the rankings were announced a few days ago. They said they wanted a recommendation letter, but in fact, they just wanted a recommendation. Didn't you notice that we are the only ones in the palace today?"
After he said that, Fu Huaiying remembered that there were only three of them in the hall just now, "What about the other candidates?"
"You're the only one this year. The Grand Secretary didn't recommend anyone, so it's just you and your elder sister. However, that scoundrel used some tricks, so this year it's just you. Plus, the Qiliyuan is also in charge of palace affairs, so now there's only one woman holding the seal, and we're short of a female official. So you've come at a great time."
"Then I have to thank the Grand Tutor for recommending me."
Lin Yanan saw them from a distance and ran over immediately, "How is it? How is it?"
Fu Huaiying and Xu Shubai exchanged a glance, both unable to suppress their laughter. Xu Shubai raised his hand and patted his shoulder. "Do you still need to ask when I'm here to help? I'll be leaving first. You two can chat slowly."
Lin Yanan looked at her expectantly. Fu Huaiying smiled and said, "Your Majesty arranged for me to enter the Qili Garden."
Lin Yan'an's eyes lit up, "As expected of Sister Huaiying, she can even enter Qili Garden! Let's go to Fangding Tower! Let's celebrate!"
Fu Huaiying did not refuse. After all, he had asked for the letter on her behalf and asked the Grand Tutor to accompany her. He even solved the problem for her with Fu Huairou. Even if he asked her to kill or set fire, she would do it, let alone just a meal.
"Okay, but today, it's my treat."
Lin Yanan blinked, "Then wouldn't I be completely useless?"
"I can't finish it, so you can help me use some."
After leaving the palace, Fu Huaiying didn't see Da Hu. She turned to look at Lin Yan'an, "Where's Da Hu?"
"I told her to go back and not disturb us."
At the same time, Wen Chuyan waited in Fu Huaiying's courtyard for a long time. There were not many people in her courtyard. Apart from two cleaners and two cooks, there was only Yue Wan. He wanted to ask Yue Wan, but he didn't see her. Maybe she had gone out.
Wen Chuyan was a little anxious, but there was nothing he could do. He could only sit in the yard and wait. It was not until dark that he saw Fu Huaiying come in.
When Fu Huaiying saw him, she was also a little surprised. When he came forward, she subconsciously took a step back and lowered her eyes. "General, what brings you here?"
Seeing her so cold, Wen Chuyan felt a little uncomfortable, but he still explained his purpose, "Huairou has been expelled by His Majesty, so one of you two must enter the palace. I have asked Master, and we will enter the palace together tomorrow. His Majesty will definitely make an exception..."
Fu Huaiying shook her head, "No need to trouble you, General."
Wen Chuyan's eyes were lonely, and he reached out to pull her. "I know you are angry, but you can't joke about your future. Come with me to the palace tomorrow. After I am appointed as an official, you can beat me or scold me as you like."
Fu Huaiying stepped back, avoiding his hand, and looked up at him. "I said, no need. I have already entered the palace today. Yan An asked the Grand Tutor for me, so there is no need to trouble you, General."
Wen Chuyan's eyebrows twitched. It was Lin Yan'an again, "Huaiying... aren't you and the young marquis too close... You don't even know what he's up to..."
Fu Huaiying closed her eyes, unable to bear it any longer. "Brother, just because I don't tell you something doesn't mean I don't know it. Every time Fu Huairou makes things difficult for me, you rush to comfort me. Every time Mother makes things difficult for me, you speak up for me. Over the years, in this family, you're the only one who treats me well, so I will respect you."
She paused, then continued, "But you and I are not siblings. Apart from superficial efforts, you haven't truly done anything for me. I don't blame you for this, and I have no right to blame you. However, I don't need others using the name of elders to lecture me repeatedly. Don't promise things you can't keep, and don't try to stop me from seeking another path."
It was the first time Wen Chuyan heard her speak so harshly, and he was speechless for a moment, "...I...Huaiying, brother is really doing this for your own good..."
"I really don't need it. You said there should be strict rules between men and women, and asked me to have less contact with Lin Yan'an, but I've never crossed the line with him. It's you, brother, who's too close to me. You're worried he might have ulterior motives, but I only see him running around for me and thinking about me. I have eyes, and I can tell who truly cares for me and who's just talking."
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