Yi Tong’s family had moved in ten days ago at Fu Tingyun’s command and had already thoroughly cleaned the residence. They had also temporarily hired several honest and diligent women to help with the household chores. While Fu Tingyun and Third Sister were talking in the main room of the inner quarters, these women had already tidied up Third Sister’s and Fifth Sister’s trunks.

After their dusty journey, Third Sister and Fifth Sister asked Fu Tingyun about the next day’s schedule and then each retired to rest.

Having not properly spoken with her son all day, Third Sister called her son to talk; meanwhile, Fifth Sister asked those around her about Fifth Brother-in-law: “…Is he still accompanying Ninth Brother-in-law?”

Her maid quickly smiled and said: “He’s accompanying the Ninth Master in the hall, drinking tea with several officials—Advisor, Deputy Commissioner, and Assistant Commissioner!”

Hearing this, Fifth Sister slightly furrowed her brow.

Her maid, reading her expression, hesitantly said: “Should I find an excuse to call the Master back?”

Fifth Sister shook her head: “No need—the people of Lintong already say I dominate the Master…”

The personal maid grew cautious upon hearing this. Just then, a maidservant brought in hot water, and she quickly took it with a smile: “Then let me help Madam with washing up?”

Fifth Sister nodded slightly.

The maid sighed with relief and set about her work efficiently.

Fifth Sister rested her elbows on the kang table and fell into deep thought.

Those who attended Zhao Ling’s parents’ grave relocation included not only the Zhao family’s relatives and friends but also officials such as the Magistrate of Chang’an County, the Advisor of Shaanxi Provincial Administration Commission, the Deputy Commissioner of Shaanxi Surveillance Commission, and the Assistant Commissioner of Shaanxi Regional Military Commission. When her husband accompanied Zhao Ling and others learned that he was Zhao Ling’s brother-in-law, they immediately became enthusiastic toward him. Unfortunately, her husband was not good at social interactions, and after a few exchanges, those people realized he was just an honest man, merely a licentiate from Lintong County, and some even began to boss him around. Her husband was kind-hearted by nature and had originally intended to support Zhao Ling, so despite feeling wronged, he endured it all for Zhao Ling’s sake.

She felt pained watching this but had no way to change the situation, which made her secretly anxious.

Meanwhile, Zhao Ling was constantly surrounded by those people… Tomorrow they would still have to conduct the worship ceremony. Her husband had come forward for her sake; she couldn’t let him continue to suffer such indignities, could she?

Thinking of this, Fifth Sister couldn’t help but develop a headache.

Sharing Fifth Sister’s headache was the Magistrate of Chang’an County.

His civil position differed from Zhao Ling’s military career; even if Zhao Ling became the Commander of the Five Guards Command, it wouldn’t greatly impact their relationship. However, there are things in life where bad luck prevails over good fortune, and he didn’t want to offend Zhao Ling. He also thought that many prominent officials from throughout Shaanxi would attend the grave relocation ceremony for Zhao Ling’s parents. Since this was a funeral affair for the Zhao family, no banquet could be arranged. Those officials, after a day of exhaustion, especially in the cold winter, would all want to enjoy hot soup and hot food. If he prepared a sumptuous banquet at the county office and invited those important officials to rest there, he could surely establish one or two connections.

However, when he suggested that everyone rest at the county office, he was refused by Wu Xin, the Assistant Commissioner of Shaanxi Regional Military Commission.

Wu Xin was the person who had helped Zhao Ling with his household registration and had secured him a position as a company commander. Although he had done these things out of respect for the then-still-in-waiting Sixteenth Prince, and he had quickly been promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Shaanxi Regional Military Commission as one of the Emperor’s men, human desire knows no bounds. After sitting in the Assistant Commissioner position for several years, he had indirectly received news through various channels that Li Rujin, the Commander of Shaanxi Regional Military Commission, would be transferred to become the Guangdong Regional Commander after the New Year. He couldn’t help but think, “If only I could be promoted.”

It was like finding a pillow when feeling sleepy.

Suddenly, Zhao Ling wanted to relocate his parents’ graves to Chang’an County and establish his household there.

Wu Xin was overjoyed.

Although he had also come from the Emperor’s residence during the Crown Prince period, times had changed, and as an official serving outside the capital, he was far less favored by the Emperor than those who had become imperial confidants like Qin Feiyu. He had considered following the path of Qin Feiyu or even Lian Sheng, but Qin Feiyu had said that he now commanded the Tengji Guards and couldn’t interfere in court matters. As for Lian Sheng, Wu Xin hadn’t valued him much back then, so asking for his help now probably wouldn’t earn him any favors. Now that Zhao Ling was coming to Shaanxi on a private matter, and since Wu Xin had some past connection with him, approaching him wouldn’t arouse suspicion. It was a perfect opportunity to sound out Zhao Ling—He Xiulin had obtained the position of Commander of Yulin Garrison through Zhao Ling’s connections, and about eight or nine out of ten officials in the entire Shaanxi officialdom had heard about it. This was also why everyone wanted to join in when they heard that Zhao Ling’s family had business to attend to.

The Chang’an County Magistrate couldn’t help but curse Wu Xin’s ancestors to the eighteenth generation in his heart, especially since Wu Xin had spoken so righteously: “We’re here to pay respects to Uncle Zhao and Aunt Zhao. When we come to Chang’an County as guests someday, it won’t be too late to trouble the County Magistrate then.”

Hearing this, even those who had wanted to go felt too embarrassed to do so.

The Chang’an County Magistrate silently cursed: “Since when did Zhao Ling’s parents become your uncle and aunt! They say military officials are straightforward, but this Wu Xin doesn’t seem to have even a hint of straightforwardness about him.”

Wu Xin naturally didn’t know what the Chang’an County Magistrate was thinking. He smiled and leaned toward Zhao Ling, who was seated above him, saying: “Come to think of it, we haven’t seen each other for five or six years. This is a perfect opportunity for us brothers to have a good reunion.”

Zhao Ling was somewhat surprised by Wu Xin’s enthusiasm toward him.

But in official circles, everyone helps each other, and he wouldn’t reject such a gesture that could only add to his advantage.

He smiled imperceptibly and said: “If it hadn’t been for Brother Wu back then, my affairs wouldn’t have gone so smoothly.” He was referring to how Wu Xin had later arranged for Jin Yuanbao, Yang Yucheng, and others to be stationed at the Zhuanglang Garrison.

Wu Xin understood perfectly and smiled: “We’re brothers, what’s there to be polite about?”

The others noticed their familiarity in speech, and when Yi Tong directed the servants to prepare guest rooms for the officials and sent maids to ask for Zhao Ling’s instructions, the officials dispersed one by one. Wu Xin pulled Zhao Ling toward the study, and everyone assumed they were catching up on old times, without suspecting anything more.

Zhao Ling himself knew that he didn’t have such a deep relationship with Wu Xin, so when Wu Xin tactfully mentioned Li Rujin’s matter and said: “…If Brother Zhao could come to Shaanxi, that would be wonderful.” Half-seriously and half-jokingly, he added, “Based on our friendship, I could also bask in your glory.”

Li Rujin was going to take over from Uncle Mo Yi, whose uncle had been transferred to Beijing to serve as a Commander in the Five Guards Command. This was good news for the Mo family, which had produced two Regional Commanders.

Zhao Ling had heard about this from Mo Yi.

He just hadn’t expected Wu Xin to get the news so quickly.

He must have his network of connections in the capital.

Zhao Ling immediately understood Wu Xin’s implied meaning.

His instinct was to refuse. But then he thought of the Marquis of Xiping, far away in Lianzhou.

No one who had humiliated his beloved Fu Tingyun—whom he cherished like a delicate treasure—could enjoy glory and wealth afterward.

Although Feng Hu was dead, it wasn’t enough to quell his anger.

Suddenly, his thoughts shifted. He smiled and said: “To be honest with Brother Wu, who wouldn’t want such an opportunity? However, you should know my situation. Aside from my discord with the Feng family, there’s also some friction between the Marquis of Xiping and me because of the former Marquis of Yingchuan. If I actively sought this position, the Emperor might be displeased. I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you.” He continued, “But you, Brother Wu, are already an Assistant Commissioner of the second rank. If Commissioner Li leaves Shaanxi, your advancement would be a natural progression, especially since you once served the Emperor…”

At this point, he dragged out his last words, looking suggestively at Wu Xin while remaining silent for a moment.

Wu Xin’s heart skipped a beat, but he pretended to sigh helplessly, saying dejectedly: “I would like nothing more, but I lack someone to recommend me… You know that what the Emperor has most feared in recent years is regional military officials establishing connections with civil officials in the capital… As someone who has served the Emperor, I especially dare not overstep my boundaries.”

“That’s true,” Zhao Ling nodded slightly, showing understanding, then displayed a somewhat regretful expression as he picked up his teacup.

Seeing that Zhao Ling didn’t continue the conversation, Wu Xin grew anxious. Considering that after tonight, he might not have such an opportunity or atmosphere to discuss these matters with Zhao Ling again, his words became more urgent: “Brother Zhao, Brother Xiulin came to Shaanxi on business some days ago, and we brothers gathered. He spoke highly of you. I haven’t been active in the capital for a long time, and though willing, I’m unable to help with certain matters. I hope you can mediate for me. As for Feng San and the Marquis of Xiping, since the Marquis is a descendant of founding meritorious officials, I can’t make promises on that front, but regarding Feng San… I’ll help you vent your anger when I return. Just tell me what you have in mind.”

Zhao Ling smiled and said: “Brother Wu, you’re being too serious. Back then, I didn’t even hold a grudge against Feng Si, let alone his brother Feng San now.” However, his underlying message was that he wanted to find fault with the Marquis of Xiping.

Thinking of the Marquis of Xiping’s misdeeds, Wu Xin gritted his teeth and said: “As for the Marquis of Xiping, he’s already being pressured by He Fu. If I add a bit more straw to his burden, it will be enough to make him suffer. However, when the court convenes, Brother Zhao must support me. I don’t have He Fu’s confidence and can’t withstand the Grand Secretaries of the court!”

The conditions were thus negotiated.

Zhao Ling smiled faintly: “If the Marquis of Xiping asks, just say you’re acting on my behalf.”

Wu Xin was stunned.

Zhao Ling said calmly, “If he suffers a loss without knowing who caused it, how will he know where he went wrong? My pleasure would also be greatly diminished.”

As he spoke, his expression was very calm, and his tone gentle, but for some reason, Wu Xin sensed that Zhao Ling’s entire being emanated a powerful confidence that “everything is within my control.”

That was the Marquis of Xiping!

Where did he get such confidence?

Wu Xin thought of He Xiulin.

Suddenly his heart pounded like a drum.

Could it be that his opportunity had truly arrived… Even someone known for his coolness couldn’t help but show an expression of delight when tempted by the prospect of a first-rank position.

…

After staying in Chang’an County for seven days and handling his parents’ grave relocation matters, Zhao Ling prepared to return to the capital.

Before departing, he invited Fifth Sister: “…Ah Qin is unwell and needs to rest for a few days in Yangliu Lane before setting out. Fifth Sister, if you have no pressing matters, why not accompany Ah Qin to the capital? You sisters can spend more time together, and you can also see the customs and scenery of the capital. It would be a good opportunity to meet Manager Ye San of the Datong firm as well.”

He was trying to entice her to escort her ninth sister back to the capital!

Fifth Sister couldn’t help but laugh.

But when she thought about how Zhao Ling had, on the second day after they moved into the Chang’an County residence, requested that Fifth Brother-in-law sit in the seat of honor during breakfast, citing the principle of age hierarchy, she couldn’t refuse: “Sure! I’d love to meet Manager Ye San, who is famous throughout the Northwest…”