Chapter 101: Six ministries vie for this talent...
The headmaster tried every trick in the book, both soft and hard, but the young woman surnamed Zhang easily evaded them all. He could only watch helplessly as she thrived in the Hanlin Academy, living a more and more wonderful life, completely at a loss.
The thought of not being able to fulfill Prime Minister Xu's request made the headmaster feel a chill run down his spine. He sighed deeply, paced around the room repeatedly, and sighed again.
However, soon, a minor official rushed in to report: "Your Excellency, Minister Ning of the Ministry of Rites has arrived."
"Huh?" Minister Ning?
Minister Ning is a pillar of the court! He could easily crush a nobody like her. The head of the academy was stunned for a moment before he came to his senses and rushed out to greet him, panting as he ran while adjusting his official hat.
Ning Yuanzhi had already arrived at the inner courtyard. As soon as the headmaster saw him, he put on a fawning face and quickened his pace to run over, beaming: "Good morning, Lord Ning! Do you have any instructions for your presence today?"
The Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Personnel are the departments that Hanlin Academy officials most want to be transferred to. Han Bingyue had previously entered the Ministry of Rites as the Vice Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial. If I could win the favor of Lord Ning and be transferred to the Ministry of Rites, it would truly be a stroke of good fortune, an incredible stroke of luck!
Ning Yuanzhi glanced at her, a surge of impatience rising within him. Hmph, Xu's lackey!
But since she would still be needed later, Ning Yuanzhi decided to be patient for the time being.
Ning Yuanzhi cut to the chase, stating her purpose directly: "I need to borrow someone from you. You won't disagree, will you?" Although her words were a question, her tone was firm, leaving no room for refusal.
Ning Yuanzhi looked around. Which room was Zhang Ting on duty in?
Borrow someone?
The Hanlin Academy has no shortage of people.
The headmaster bowed and smiled obsequiously: "Although the academy is short-staffed, as long as you, sir, give the word, even the most urgent matters will have to be postponed."
Xu Xiang is the same; he only asks her to do things but doesn't give her any benefits, so she still has to rely on herself to plan her own promotion.
The person we borrowed is truly lucky to have caught the eye of the Minister of Rites. Although it's called a loan now, everyone knows the real reason is that he'll be transferred next.
Furthermore, once she finds a new way out, she will definitely teach that Zhang a lesson!
Thinking this, the headmaster couldn't help but smile, as if his beautiful dream was about to come true.
Unexpectedly, just as she was immersed in her own fantasy, she heard her 'future superior' say, 'Then call Zhang Ting here. I'm taking her away.'
Who? Zhang Ting?
The headmaster's face turned pale instantly. The person Lord Ning had chosen was Zhang Ting?
How can this be allowed? With that young girl by your side, wouldn't she be able to gossip about you every day and tarnish your righteous reputation? How can you possibly go to the Ministry of Rites then?
Seeing the headmaster's unpleasant expression, Ning Yuanzhi felt a pang of anxiety, thinking that she was unwilling to release him. She thought to herself that Zhang Ting was indeed a hot commodity. Despite all the difficulties, she still solemnly promised, "If you have any concerns, you can tell me."
The headmaster dared not tell the truth, dared not refuse, and dared not agree, only stammering, "No, no."
He was seething with hatred in his heart. How could that young Zhang Ting, a newcomer, have won Minister Ning's favor and been borrowed by the Ministry of Rites?!
After more than twenty years of hard work and numerous achievements in the Hanlin Academy, I was still no match for a mere young girl!
On the other hand, the headmaster couldn't help but feel envious.
Since entering the Hanlin Academy, she has been cautious and prudent, constantly dreaming of one day being transferred to a powerful department and gaining the appreciation of a certain high-ranking official.
Such a good thing didn't happen to me.
That Zhang guy must have used some kind of evil magic!
It must be!!
But since the superior had given the order, even though the headmaster couldn't bear to see Zhang Ting in such a favorable position and was driven mad with jealousy, how could she refuse? Just as she was about to agree, two more people entered.
One was Zheng Zeyan, Minister of War, and the other was Zhou Ming, Minister of Justice. Although they came together, the atmosphere was very tense.
Upon seeing the Minister of Rites in the courtyard, the two vaguely realized something, exchanged a glance, snorted coldly, turned their heads away, and quickly walked over.
Before the head of the academy could reply to Ning Yuanzhi, he bowed to the two newly arrived ministers, smiling obsequiously, "This humble official greets Minister Zheng and Minister Zhou, good morning to both of you!"
She wondered to herself: Why are these two ladies here too? Isn't her position in the Hanlin Academy the one most despised by these two?
Minister of War Zheng Zeyan was short-tempered. He pushed aside the delicate Minister of Rites, squeezed in front of the Grand Secretary, put his hands on his hips, and arrogantly ordered: "Bring out your little compiler Zhang. I'm taking him away." Then he realized his words were inappropriate, "I need to transfer him to the Ministry of War."
Ning Yuanzhi was caught off guard by the push and staggered back a few steps, almost falling. He was initially surprised, but upon hearing this, he immediately became furious. "Zheng Feiyan, there is a first-come, first-served order in everything. This person was chosen by me first, so I should be the one to take him away!"
Zheng Zeyan couldn't stand being called "fat." She had a tall and sturdy figure, like a strong and agile female eagle, and was by no means a fat woman.
She turned around with her hands on her hips, standing in front of Ning Yuanzhi like an insurmountable mountain, her gaze looking down as if to say, 'Say it again, who's fat?'
Ning Yuanzhi fell silent instantly, shrank her neck, and even subconsciously took a step back.
While the two were discussing, Zhou Ming said sternly to the head of the academy, "Quickly bring Zhang Ting out. Ignore the Ministers of Rites and War; I'm taking him to the Ministry of Justice." Having spent so much time in the shadows, her face was pale, her eyes narrowed, and her expression was sinister. She coldly retorted to the head of the academy, "Do you understand?"
The headmaster trembled with fear at the imposing presence emanating from Zhou Ming, daring not to show the slightest disrespect. However, she glanced at Ning Yuanzhi and then at Zheng Zeyan, both high-ranking officials, and dared not offend either of them!
The headmaster could no longer muster the resentment he had felt earlier; all he felt was the predicament of being caught in a dilemma, and he even felt like crying. He was worried that he might end up offending the other two instead of pleasing the Minister of Rites.
Oh my god, what day is it today?!
Seeing that the headmaster was hesitant to act, Zhou Ming took a few steps forward to threaten her, but was held down by someone's shoulder and unable to move.
Zhou Ming turned her head and saw Zheng Zeyan staring at her with a look of utter contempt.
"..."
Even the dwarf Ning Yuanzhi jumped forward to rebuke her: "Minister Zhou of the Ministry of Justice, your actions are far too despicable. While I am debating with Minister Zheng, you are sneaking around in the rear. This is truly shameful!"
Zheng Zeyan nodded in agreement, a rare occurrence for him.
Zhou Ming: "..." What's so shameful about it? Which of you hasn't said the same thing before?
The headmaster breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the three of them locked in a stalemate.
“My lords, why don’t we come into the courtyard for a short rest and discuss this matter? I can also personally serve you tea,” she asked tentatively.
At this moment, Qiu Mu, the Minister of Works, rushed in, still panting, and said, "This man is very talented and fits the Ministry of Works perfectly. I should take him away!" He spoke with righteous indignation and boundless pride.
A cold sneer came from behind him, "Lord Qiu, when you were reviewing the essays for the palace examination, didn't you think Zhang Ting's writing was mediocre? You even marked it with a triangle. How come you're contradicting yourself today?" Liu Xin, the Minister of Revenue, slowly walked in.
The headmaster had performed the bowing ceremony repeatedly, and her back ached so badly that she couldn't straighten up at all that day.
She grimaced to herself, wondering what kind of calamity had descended upon her today? Five great deities had gathered at the Hanlin Academy! It had never been this lively before; she had begged them to come.
Qiu Mu gave an awkward laugh. Wasn't this to save face for Prime Minister Xu? But who would have thought that Prime Minister Xu's face was made of paper? It was easily punctured, and he was directly refuted by His Majesty. Thinking of the sharp questioning in the high hall of the court that day, she felt ashamed.
"That day... perhaps I didn't think it through, but Zhang Ting has already achieved the highest rank in the imperial examination, so this little mistake is insignificant."
Minister of War Zheng Zeyan waved his hand, "Since you're drawing triangles, how dare you come here to compete with us? Lord Qiu, you should go back to the Ministry of Works and look at your drawings."
Ning Yuanzhi sneered, "Lord Qiu, with your mind so crude, what talented person would dare to serve under you? You almost ruined someone's future if you weren't careful." This Qiu fellow is just like that headmaster, both are Xu's lackeys!
Liu Xin, the Minister of Revenue, passed by her with disdain in his eyes and said, "Lord Qiu, your actions are those of a petty person."
Qiu Mu was furious. Were they all targeting her? It was just a misdrawn symbol! Was it really that big of a deal? It's good to have a powerful backer; she just wanted to find someone to rely on.
This Ning woman, when the Grand Chancellor was alive, didn't she also shamelessly lag behind and beg for food? How dare she criticize her?
The man surnamed Zheng was the most sloppy in his work among the Six Ministries. He even said that those who do great things do not concern themselves with trivial matters. Every year, he was impeached by the censors for his crude handling of affairs and was deemed unfit to be the head of a ministry.
And that widow Liu from the Ministry of Revenue, she's so mean-spirited, she deserves to have her husband killed!
However, Qiu Mu dared not say these words aloud. She smiled, which was as pleasant as a spring breeze, and said, "My lords, these are all things of the past. There is no point in saying more. I will personally apologize to Lord Zhang later. The flood season is approaching, and the Ministry of Works is about to reinforce the dikes. We absolutely cannot do without Lord Zhang. I hope that you will give her to the Ministry of Works for the sake of the millions of people."
As Qiu Mu said this, Zhang Ting was truly wonderful, spanning ancient and modern times, and extremely skilled in engineering. Although his policy essay was only a few sentences long, it was praised by everyone. Otherwise, she would not have lowered herself to come here in person.
Everyone present frowned, secretly cursing Qiu Mu for his insidious nature, using the pretext of righteousness to blackmail them. When has the dam ever failed to be repaired?
Zhou Ming's sharp, knife-like gaze shot towards Qiu Mu. His face was solemn, and his words were firm and resolute: "Our Ministry of Justice has a backlog of cases. Zhang Ting is well-versed in the art of interrogation, familiar with legal principles, and adept at understanding people's hearts. Her ability to sort out cases is top-notch. Moreover, even before she entered officialdom, she was determined to love the people and had a reputation for virtue. The people below, suffering in dire straits, need her to uphold justice and relieve their suffering."
He spoke with righteous indignation, but Ning Yuanzhi scoffed.
With cases piling up, if the suffering people can only seek justice through Zhang Ting, it is clearly a dereliction of duty on your part as the head of the Ministry of Justice.
Ning Yuanzhi's gaze met Liu Xin's, both eyes filled with unwavering determination and a refusal to yield an inch.
"Isn't it just kidnapping people? Anyone can do that." Then Ning Yuanzhi earnestly said, "Our Ministry of Rites reveres antiquity. Ancestral temple sacrifices are related to the prosperity of the nation. If the Ministry of Rites loses Zhang Ting, it is a loss for the nation. Gentlemen, do not become traitors to the country!"
That's outrageous! That's outrageous!!
Liu Xin's lips twitched. She glanced at her colleagues who were still chattering away. Who were these people? Were they reincarnations of scoundrels from their past lives?
As the Minister of Revenue, she was upright and honest, and would never stoop to the level of these people and engage in such despicable acts.
"Our Ministry of Revenue also needs such talented and capable people to devise tax policies, increase taxes and reduce consumption. But since you all love this person, why not ask her to show up and choose her preferred place?" However, the Ministry of Revenue is determined to have this person, and she is not incapable of being even more shameless than these people.
However, all five ministers admire Zhang Ting's talent, and any one of them could lead to a meteoric rise in rank. So how will she choose?
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