Chapter 261 Sharing the Light
Three days later, the imperial edicts appointing officials were sent to various residences.
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Pei Jinnian, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, loves the people like his own children, seeks justice for them, and possesses a heart full of patriotism. Therefore, he is promoted to Prefect of the Capital. It is hoped that he will be upright and honest in the future and uphold justice for the people!"
"Your subject, Pei Jinnian, accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude!"
Madam Lu personally stepped forward and handed the gold ingot to Eunuch Hong.
"Please have some tea, Father-in-law."
Eunuch Hong smiled and accepted the gold ingot. "Congratulations, Lord Pei! I won't bother you any longer. I still have a few imperial edicts to deliver."
Pei Jinnian stepped forward and said, "Please take care, Eunuch Hong."
Pei Qing stepped forward and said, "You should go to the Prince of Zhenbei's residence to thank the princess in person."
Pei Jinnian replied, "That's what I think too."
However, it seemed Pei Jinnian was late; the Pei family carriage arrived at the Prince's residence...
Many carriages were already parked in front of the Prince's Mansion.
After the servant announced the arrival, Pei Jinnian was ushered inside.
Qin Jinzhi was fishing in the pond in the mansion.
When Pei Jinnian approached, he saw that Qin Jinzhi was already surrounded by a number of people.
"Jin Nian greets the Princess."
Qin Jinzhi didn't turn around. "Sit."
After hearing this, Pei Jinnian also walked over to the group of people.
He didn't recognize the others, but he did recognize Lord Lang, who was currently enjoying great popularity.
Lang Qingfeng nodded to him, and Pei Jinnian returned the gesture.
After quite a while, the fishing rod in front of Qin Jinzhi finally made a move.
Qin Jinzhi immediately used her fishing rod to pull a large, fat fish out of the water.
She said with a smile, "You're in luck today. My little kitchen makes very delicious fish soup."
A middle-aged man who looked very refined had a fawning expression on his face that didn't belong to his usual demeanor.
"Your humble servant will certainly enjoy the delicious food that the princess personally caught today."
Qin Jinzhi laughed and said, "Lord Wu, then you'd better drink a few more bowls."
Wu Wenguang immediately said respectfully, "Thank you for your generous gift, Princess."
Qin Jinzhi turned around, and everyone stood up.
"Yunshan, Lord Lang's back isn't feeling too good. Go find him a soft cushion."
The old man beside Lang Qingfeng stepped forward respectfully, "Thank you for your concern, Princess."
Qin Jinzhi led everyone to her courtyard.
Pei Jinnian followed at the very back.
Can he achieve such a comprehensive approach, combining kindness and severity?
As soon as everyone entered the courtyard, Xue Huaiyi said at the gate, "Princess, the Xie family has arrived."
Qin Jinzhi raised an eyebrow. "Let them in."
The large crowd in the courtyard had all changed their official positions because of Qin Jinzhi's transfer.
The most excited of them all was Wu Wenguang.
The Imperial Secretary was transferred to the position of Minister of Personnel.
This was a chasm he could never cross before.
But the princess sat down with ease.
He understood that the princess valued his ability but lack of background, making him someone she could manipulate.
But if he has no ulterior motives, then this is like a favorable wind propelling me to great heights.
If he were to rely on himself, how many years would it take him to walk this path!
Moreover, he was fully aware of everything that had happened in the capital during this time.
This young princess is no ordinary person.
Furthermore, by supporting the Crown Prince, she was supporting the legitimate successor.
If the Crown Prince were to ascend the throne in the future, he would be a loyal minister, and his status would be significantly enhanced.
Princess Jinzhi was truly his benefactor!
As everyone took their seats, they began to sized each other up.
From this day forward, all the people in the courtyard will be considered the princess's people.
In the future, we can look out for each other and help each other, which will make things easier for us when dealing with matters in the court.
This is probably why the princess doesn't mind them meeting.
With this thought in mind, everyone began to exchange pleasantries.
After a while, Xue Huaiyi led the Xie family in.
Everyone turned to look, and saw Lang Qingfeng's father, Lang Xuan, quickly get up.
"Thank you, Grand Tutor!"
Grand Tutor Xie had been out of the court for decades, and apart from Lang Qingfeng's father, no one had ever seen him.
However, his name was always renowned in the State of Jin.
Qin Jinzhi looked up and saw a woman standing behind Grand Tutor Xie. Upon closer inspection, she realized it was Xie Yanqing, who had changed back into women's clothing.
"Xie Wenyu greets the Princess."
Qin Jinzhi stood up and took his arm as he bowed.
"Grand Tutor Xie, you flatter me."
Xie Wenyu's hair and beard were completely white, yet he showed no signs of weakness.
This person is very robust and energetic.
Xie Wenyu said calmly, "Thank you for your planning for my son, Princess. I should have brought my son to pay my respects to you today, but he got stuck on the way. So I came to thank you first. I will visit the Prince's residence after my son arrives in the capital."
Qin Jinzhi raised an eyebrow. "Do you need my help?"
He was immediately tripped up after being appointed.
They must have encountered numerous assassination attempts on their way to the capital.
The Xie family has a well-known reputation.
If he were to re-enter the court, he would certainly threaten the positions of many people.
With Qin Jinzhi unable to move, the Xie family, who had already withdrawn from the capital, became the target of public criticism.
Xie Wenyu smiled and said, "Princess, you don't need to worry. My son can handle this little matter himself."
The Xie family wants to return to the capital, but they can't even avoid the dangers on the way. What right do they have to be the emperor's allies?
Qin Jinzhi smiled and said, "In that case, please take a seat, Grand Tutor Xie."
Xie Wenyu raised her hand, "There is another matter that I, Xie, must apologize to the princess for. Yan Qing was ignorant of his place and offended the princess. It is my fault for not teaching him properly. I have come here today to apologize."
Xie Yanqing stepped forward. "Yanqing apologizes to the princess."
Qin Jinzhi smiled and said, "Grand Tutor Xie is too kind. I admire Miss Xie very much. We are all family here today, so Grand Tutor Xie doesn't need to be so reserved."
Xie Wenyu bowed and said, "In that case, I thank you, Princess."
After the two sat down, everyone was somewhat shocked.
The princess was even able to recruit Grand Tutor Xie into her ranks.
After Grand Tutor Xie took his seat, he looked at Pei Jinnian.
He laughed and said, "So you're Pei Qing's grandson?"
Pei Jinnian respectfully stood up and said, "Junior Pei Jinnian greets Elder Xie."
Xie Yanqing's expression remained calm, but a competitive glint appeared in his eyes.
After all, it was Pei Jinnian's grandfather who stole the position of Imperial Tutor from the Xie family back then.
Xie Wenyu waved her hand, "No need to be so formal. We are both guests of the princess. I haven't seen your grandfather for decades. How is his health?"
Pei Jinnian replied, "Grandfather is in good health, thank you for your concern."
Xie Wenyu nodded and stopped talking, as if they had just been having a casual conversation.
Before long, the small kitchen brought up the food and drinks.
As everyone drank and chatted merrily, Pei Jinnian walked over and said, "Princess, I am very grateful to you for planning the position of Prefect of the Capital. I will do my best to be a good official in the future."
Qin Jinzhi smiled at Pei Jinnian, "No need to thank me, I always have something to gain from everything."
Seeing Qin Jinzhi's effortless demeanor, Pei Jinnian secretly made up his mind.
For the first twenty years, his philosophy was that a gentleman should not engage in petty and despicable acts.
But this is the imperial court, a court filled with filth.
If he cannot blend in with the world, he, Pei Jinnian, will be the next one to be dragged into the mire.
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