Chapter 102 A brawl breaks out in the courtyard; the Minister refuses...
Should Zhang Ting choose for herself?
The remaining four officials exchanged glances, inwardly cursing the person in charge of the money for being cunning and treacherous, and wondering what tricks they had up their sleeves to coerce or entice people.
But the headmaster, who was cowering in the back and trembling with fear, thought this was a brilliant move. She couldn't afford to offend any of the five officials, so why not throw the hot potato to Zhang Ting and put this young girl in a dilemma, forcing her to offend her superiors?
Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!
This way, he could both extricate himself from the situation and trick Zhang the thief—a perfect two-birds-with-one-stone strategy.
The head of the academy immediately stepped forward, smiling and bowing to the Minister of Revenue, saying, "Your Excellency is absolutely right. I will go and invite Zhang Xiuzhuan here immediately."
"That treacherous minister's lackey has no sense of propriety!" Minister of Rites Ning Yuanzhi frowned and called out to her, "Go back..." but was interrupted by the Minister of Revenue.
Liu Xin squinted: "Lord Ning, didn't you say that without Zhang Ting, the Ministry of Rites would suffer a loss for the country and its people? And you even portrayed us all as criminals." She chuckled twice, turned to her colleague, and said, "Why are you in such a hurry now?"
The Minister of War, swayed by her words, chimed in, "Yes, if the Ministry of Rites truly needed Zhang Ting that much, she certainly wouldn't go anywhere else. What are you afraid of?"
Ning Yuanzhi was filled with resentment. She glared around angrily. This courtyard was full of her enemies. They had all kept quiet and acted as if they didn't care for a while, but when she came to ask for her people, they all swarmed to her. What a bunch of bastards!
Pooh!
When the Dean arrived at Wenyuan Pavilion, Zhang Ting was discussing the layout of the next chapter with Li Chongmao.
Upon seeing the Dean arrive, some people bowed to her, saying, "Good morning, Dean." The others, upon hearing this, also stopped what they were doing and bowed in greeting.
The headmaster was completely focused on the evil thoughts that were forming in his mind, and he couldn't see his other subordinates. He even forgot to do any pretense of civility.
She walked straight toward Zhang Ting, rubbing her hands together with a wicked grin.
“Our compiler Zhang is indeed a promising young man. Come with me today!”
Seeing the headmaster's malicious expression, Zhang Ting narrowed his eyes, wondering what mischief she was up to now.
He then lowered his eyes and replied humbly, "Since I entered the Hanlin Academy, I have been dull-witted and have only benefited from the support of my colleagues and superiors. I cannot be considered a young and promising person."
Seeing that she didn't respond, the headmaster glanced at everyone in the room, all of whom were looking at Zhang Ting with admiration. He realized that this attempt to sow discord had not only failed, but had also given this Zhang fellow another opportunity to put on a show. He gritted his teeth and said, "You are the most humble of all."
Zhang Ting was gentle and polite, with the demeanor of a true gentleman. "May I ask what important matter you, Headmaster, have for me?"
Although the head of the academy was defeated, he quickly put on a sinister smile again. "You'll find out when you get there. You're an official of the Hanlin Academy. Would I harm you?" Just wait and see how you anger the other four ministers. You'll regret it!
"This humble official dares not."
The headmaster snorted coldly, turned around, and led his men out.
As she reached the door, she suddenly remembered something, turned back and smiled at the remaining people inside, "I have seen how hard you have all worked these past few days. I will have some tea and snacks brought in later to offer you some comfort." She spoke like a kind and considerate superior who cared for her subordinates.
"Thank you for your kindness, Headmaster!" everyone said in unison.
The academy head nodded in satisfaction, basking in the good image he had projected to the outside world.
Little did they know that after she left, everyone gathered together, their expressions full of disdain.
"What trick is this corrupt official planning to pull by summoning Zhang Xiaoxiu now?"
Someone scoffed, "It's not a good thing in the end. How long has Xiao Zhang been at the Hanlin Academy? How many times has this happened already?"
Another reader slammed his fist on the table in anger, “Taking my money to treat me to tea and snacks, ha! How shameless!” How much is a reader’s annual salary at the Hanlin Academy? He even embezzles these few coins! She cursed the corrupt official for having a hole in his ass!
The attendant rolled up his sleeves, glaring angrily, "Bah! Shameless, corrupt official!" He would frequently find opportunities to deduct their salaries and pocket the money, but because of his powerful backing, they could only endure it.
Looking at his colleagues, each one furious and with a sullen expression, Li Chongmao felt a sense of bewilderment and confusion.
Even if someone suffered injustice at the hands of their superiors in the past, no one ever spoke out about it in public, let alone everyone denounced it together.
When did this situation begin? It seems to have started after Zhang Xianzhi entered the Hanlin Academy?
Li Chongmao had just conceived the idea when he immediately rejected it. How could his nephew Zhang be involved in this matter? It must be a coincidence.
...
"My lords, I have brought Zhang Xiuzhuan with me!"
The headmaster ran over, panting, his face beaming with smiles, like crumpled rice paper, each fold filled with flattery and ingratiation.
The five ministers were getting impatient, and seeing her fawning smile, they were quite displeased. Some just nodded perfunctorily, while others ignored her completely.
Upon seeing Zhang Ting behind the academy head, the five people smiled again, their eyes filled with intoxication, as if even the stone slabs she stepped on were bathed in a soft, dazzling halo.
Speaking of which, they have a nephew/grandson who is about to get married. Wouldn't it be wonderful to match such a talented person with them?
Liu Xin, the Minister of Revenue, took the lead and pulled the person over. At this moment, he had completely lost the sharp edge he had when confronting his colleagues, and smiled like a kind old grandmother, "Indeed, a beautiful and intelligent child."
"I've heard he's a rare genius who passed all three levels of the imperial examinations with top honors, and is extremely skilled in mathematics. Would you like to join my Ministry of Revenue and show your talents?"
Zhang Ting bowed deeply, opened his mouth, and said, "This humble official..." Before he could finish bowing, he was pulled up. Liu Xin asked at the opportune moment, "Good boy, are you married? I have a nephew at home who is handsome and talented, and is a perfect match for you." To be able to marry the Minister, a promotion is just around the corner.
The other two ministers were furious: Liu was indeed up to no good, and he had said everything they wanted to say!
Only the Minister of War silently withdrew. She had no sons to marry into her family, and thinking this, she felt quite lonely.
Zhou Ming, the Minister of Justice, bit her lip in distress. She had a young son who was handsome and sensible, but unfortunately he had only gotten married last year... She clapped her hands, feeling very conflicted.
The youngest son's wife is mediocre and a parasite with only a title. Zhou Ming glanced at the handsome Zhang Ting and was extremely tempted. Why not... let him marry again?
The ministers in the courtyard were arguing heatedly, all wanting to marry their juniors to Zhang Ting. She herself couldn't get a word in edgewise. In the end, it even escalated to the point where the central figure of the conversation was squeezed out of the crowd, leaving only a few ministers glaring at each other and cursing. Their old and new grudges almost led to a physical fight.
Zhang Ting was pushed by someone and staggered back a few steps before regaining her balance by holding onto the railing.
"Your fat body is making me dizzy, Shuoyan! If you eat less at each meal, you'll be bringing glory to the court."
Zheng Zeyan glared angrily, grabbed Ning Yuanzhi by the collar, and said, "Ning Donggua, did you not poop today, so you're spewing filth from your mouth? This official is handsome and fit, attracting the admiration of thousands of young men. If you continue to talk nonsense like this, I'll throw you out!" As he spoke, he lifted her up and swung her around in the air.
A sudden feeling of weightlessness washed over her, startling Ning Yuanzhi so much that she quickly grabbed her hand, afraid of being thrown off. She also felt incredibly ashamed, her face flushing with anger. She was over forty years old, and as the head of the Ministry of Rites, she had been mocked like this! Tomorrow she would definitely report this to the Emperor and have this shrew removed from her post!
Fearing he would be caught in the crossfire, the Minister of Works quietly retreated, distancing himself from the battlefield.
Ning Yuanzhi, Ning Yuanzhi, why did you provoke that martial woman? With all that muscle, she could kill you with a single punch.
Seeing this, the Minister of Revenue moved aside as well, her old bones easily broken. She accidentally bumped into the Minister of Works. They exchanged a glance, seeing contempt in each other's eyes, and the veins on their necks bulged instantly; a fight was about to break out.
"Who are you glaring at, you traitor? Last time His Majesty was furious and rebuked the Ministry of Revenue, don't think I don't know it was you who did it!"
"Lord Liu, why are you being so aggressive? If your eyesight is failing, then retire to your hometown with His Majesty. Don't waste your colleagues' time. Not everyone is as bored as you. Look, you've caused Lord Ning and Lord Zheng to fight. You're getting old and your mind isn't working properly anymore, yet you're still offering these ridiculous opinions!"
"And what am I doing? His Majesty is a wise and decisive emperor. Do you think I can make decisions for him? What do you take His Majesty for, Lord Liu?"
Liu Xin was so angry that she couldn't speak. Her hand trembled as she pointed at Qiu Mu, and then she angrily flung her sleeves. She felt ashamed to serve in the same court as this person!
"You traitorous enemy, your words are sweet and your heart is treacherous, deceiving the emperor and endangering the fate of the nation. Aren't you afraid of having no descendants and being condemned by thousands!"
Hearing Liu Xin curse her for being childless and without descendants, Qiu Mu flew into a rage, rolled up her sleeves, and rushed over, shouting, "Damn it, you old hag Liu, you're so depraved and mean-spirited! No wonder you've cursed your husband to death and are all alone now!"
Liu Xin was heartbroken over the death of his wife and immediately flew into a rage, slapping Qiu Mu across the face. The two exchanged blows, occasionally hurling vulgar insults at each other.
It's a complete mess, a total disaster!
The once upright, arrogant, and aloof ministers disregarded etiquette, fighting and brawling like shrewish women in the marketplace, insulting each other's parents. The head of the academy had never seen such a scene before. He trembled and shrank behind a red-lacquered pillar, wanting to cry but having no tears.
The head of the Hanlin Academy had already foreseen the scene of the censors impeaching her tomorrow. The head of the Hanlin Academy had failed to discipline his subordinates, which led to the five ministers fighting each other, disgracing the court... Damn it, she only wanted to make the Zhang fellow offend his superiors, but she didn't expect to be implicated herself!
Seeing the situation escalating, Zhang Ting felt ashamed and secretly thought to herself: How can even the five ministers be so unreliable?
She couldn't help but worry about her career, and with a sigh, she stepped forward, saying, "Gentlemen, please hear me out."
The scene was chaotic and extremely noisy; some colleagues even leaned out of their windows to watch the commotion. The five ministers were locked in a fierce battle, their eyes bloodshot, their ears and eyes filled only with the ugly faces and disgusting sounds of their colleagues.
Zhang Ting waited for half the night, but no one paid any attention to her.
"..."
She took a deep breath, repeatedly telling herself to calm down, and shouted loudly, "My lords, please hear me out!"
A few moments later, no one paid any attention to her words.
"..."
The five women became increasingly violent, each strike aimed at the enemy with ruthless force. Their colleagues from the Hanlin Academy, who had come out to watch the spectacle, were eager to stir things up and cheered them on.
Zhang Ting heard the enthusiastic applause of her colleagues. She found the scene before her absurd and surreal, and in her anger, she laughed softly, clapping her hands. Good heavens, this dynasty hasn't been destroyed by them yet? They're too powerful.
The next moment, she took another deep breath and said in a series of words: "This humble official has no interest in the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of War, or the Ministry of Justice. Thank you all for your kind consideration!"
The sound was extremely soft, yet it instantly silenced the previously noisy scene. The five people who were wrestling together were like fighting cocks who had been doused with cold water, and they stopped fighting in disbelief.
Inside the courtyard, everyone's eyes were focused on one person.
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