When the eunuch sent by Su Wanwan arrived at the Yang family with gifts, the Yang family was busy packing their luggage to return to their hometown in Sichuan.
Madam Yu opened the central gate, set up an incense table, and respectfully invited the eunuch to take a seat and have tea.
"Your Majesty's kindness is deeply appreciated by this humble woman."
Madam Yu was respectful and polite, and a little overwhelmed by the honor: "It's just that our family will soon be setting off back to Sichuan, so I'm afraid we won't have the chance to go to the palace to express our gratitude."
During the days when she deliberately distanced herself from Empress Su, she actually felt very guilty.
I never expected that the Empress would forgive me and send me a gift.
Although she knew that someone had come to the front yard last night, she did not know who it was, nor did she know that Yang Zhen had brought a child back.
So when Empress Su sent someone to deliver gifts, he was still completely confused.
Seeing the bundles of books being carried out, and hearing the steward instructing the servants, "Be very careful with the master's books, don't let them get bumped or damaged. If the master asks about them when we get back to Sichuan, you'll be in big trouble!"
The official was puzzled: "Doesn't Grand Secretary Yang need to serve in the capital?"
Madam Yu sighed regretfully, "My husband has already submitted his resignation, and is just waiting to go home to serve his elders and fulfill his filial duties."
The official was somewhat surprised, "Why does Grand Secretary Yang suddenly want to resign?"
When he arrived, the Empress instructed him not to be arrogant when he went to the Yang family, but to express his gratitude properly.
The resignation of a Grand Secretary is no small matter.
Grand Secretary Yang is still young, only around fifty years old, and can work for at least another twenty years.
"Lord Liu said that my master still wants to prioritize filial piety. It just so happens that my master is also worried about the old man and has no choice but to resign," Madam Yu said tactfully.
The eunuch nodded solemnly, abandoning all pretense of politeness, and quickly returned to the palace to report.
When Lu Xingjian and Su Wanwan heard the news, their expressions changed.
If it weren't for the Yang family, Yan Ge'er would be alone outside, and even with bodyguards protecting him, something bad might still happen to him.
This Liu Jin really has no scruples when it comes to doing things!
When Liu Yu was forced to leave, Su Wanwan experienced health problems, and the matter was temporarily put on hold.
If we continue to tolerate his wrongdoings, the Great Liang Dynasty will truly have to change its surname to Liu!
Lu Xingjian suppressed his anger and simply comforted Su Wanwan: "Don't worry about these things for now. Take good care of yourself. I'll handle it."
Su Wanwan's eyes flickered. "Mm."
She has limited energy and can't afford to worry about anything else.
With her son by her side, enjoying the happiness of family life, she still cherishes the warm moments she has now.
Lu Xingjian would occasionally go out to run errands, but most of the time he spent with the mother and son.
Since learning that Lu Xingjian was his father, Yan Ge'er still felt some resistance and wariness, but he was slowly accepting it.
Qian Yong'an has a father.
But he wasn't as good-looking as his father.
...
The eighteenth day of the first lunar month is the day when the morning court session resumes.
Lu Xingjian made a rare trip to Fengtian Hall.
"I have heard that Minister Yang intends to resign to care for his seriously ill father?"
Yang Ting stepped forward to respond:
"Your Majesty, I respectfully request permission to return home to care for my father, Yang Chunyuan, who was the Assistant Surveillance Commissioner of Huguang Province. I have been away from home for ten years since I was reassigned. I should return home to serve him medicine. I humbly request permission from Your Majesty."
Lu Xingjian said calmly, “My dear minister, your filial piety is as clear as the sun and moon. However, the matter of your guidance is of great importance. I have just entrusted you with this task, how can you go far away from your side? You should focus on your duties and have the Imperial Medical Academy select physicians to travel there by imperial messenger.”
Liu Jin's face was extremely ugly.
The Emperor has publicly humiliated him!
Just as he was about to step forward and say something, Lu Xingjian added, "The position of Minister of Personnel is filled with many responsibilities and heavy burdens. It is inevitable that mistakes will occur if only one person holds the position."
"Do any of you ministers have a candidate to recommend?"
According to past practice, the Minister of Personnel was usually transferred from the Minister of War.
An official immediately stepped forward and said, "I hereby propose that Cao Yuan, the Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent and Minister of War, be appointed Minister of Personnel."
Liu Jin swept a cold glare over him.
I never expected the emperor to make such a big move at today's morning court session.
The position of Minister of War is far too important.
Cao Yuan was his man, and he wouldn't feel comfortable putting someone of his own in that position.
Cao Yuan also glanced at Liu Jin with a complicated expression.
The Minister of War is mainly in charge of military officers, wielding considerable power and reaping many benefits. There is really no need for him to go to the Ministry of Personnel and compete with Zhang Cai for power.
However, the emperor did not give him a chance to refuse.
"Since Minister Cao is unwilling, then let Minister Yang reluctantly take on the role of Minister of Personnel."
Grand Secretary Li Dongqian immediately stepped forward to second the motion: "Your Majesty is wise!"
Since Yang Ting stood by him through thick and thin, he was naturally willing to lend Yang Ting a hand.
Li Dongqian wielded considerable influence among civil officials; many officials would agree with his pronouncements.
Everyone was on edge because of Zhang Cai's insatiable greed, nepotism, and suppression of dissidents.
Furthermore, Zhang Cai is notorious; his stories of forcibly taking other men's wives and concubines have long been known throughout the country, and no one wants to be targeted by him one day.
On the contrary, Yang Ge Lao had maintained an excellent reputation and prestige throughout his many years in office.
Lu Xingjian added, "With Liu Yu resigning, the cabinet should add a new Grand Secretary."
His gaze swept over Zhang Cai, the Minister of Personnel.
Minister of War Cao Yuan immediately regretted his actions.
Entering the cabinet is the pinnacle of officialdom that every civil servant strives for throughout their life!
However, the opportunity to join the cabinet is not always available.
In this dynasty, there were many officials who entered the cabinet from the position of Minister of Personnel.
He shouldn't have remained silent and declined the position of Minister of Personnel.
Cao Yuan no longer hesitated and stepped forward to ask, "Your Majesty, I wish to be transferred to the Ministry of Personnel. I beg Your Majesty's permission."
Lu Xingjian smiled inwardly, but didn't show it on his face.
"What do you all think, my esteemed ministers?"
The group looked at each other in bewilderment.
Yang Ge Lao just became the Minister of Personnel, and you, Cao Yuan, are trying to snatch it away? Isn't that going too far?
The court quickly descended into chaos.
Writers can argue without using vulgar language, yet they can still hurl very dirty insults.
Lu Xingjian remained a bystander.
The final blow sealed the deal.
Cao Yuan was transferred from the position of Minister of War to Minister of Personnel, and at the same time entered the cabinet.
Yang Ting concurrently served as Minister of Personnel while holding the position of Grand Secretary of the Cabinet.
In this way, the Ministry of Personnel had five ministers.
The Grand Secretary was Li Dongqian, the Second Grand Secretary was Jiao Fang, the Grand Secretary was Yang Ting, and the newly appointed Grand Secretary was Cao Yuan.
However, the position of Minister of War became vacant.
Liu Jin's face was quite ugly, but Cao Yuan was happy, and his protests were completely ineffective.
His mind raced, and he immediately recommended that Hu Ruli, the current Vice Minister of War, be promoted to Minister of War.
Hu Ruli was originally the prefect of Datong. Because he bribed Liu Jin and was also a fellow townsman of Liu Jin, he was given an important position. In the past two years, he has risen rapidly and has been promoted to the position of Vice Minister of War. He also holds the position of Right Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate. He is currently clearing up the military farms in Xuanfu.
Lu Xingjian asked everyone to discuss the matter.
Those officials who had pledged allegiance to Liu Jin naturally seconded the motion.
Lu Xingjian roughly knew who were already Liu Jin's people.
He was very decisive and made the decision on the spot, appointing Hu Ruli as Minister of War.
Liu Jin was completely dumbfounded.
What was the Emperor's purpose in putting on this show at the morning court session?
This brings us back to the starting point.
It only meant that Yang Ting and Cao Yuan received two more salaries, which intensified the power struggle within the Ministry of Personnel.
The civil and military officials were also starting to feel uneasy.
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