Third Brother-in-law and Seventh Brother-in-law were sitting opposite each other, dejected. When they heard that Third Cousin and Fu Tingyun had arrived, both men stood up.
This was the Seventh Brother-in-law’s first time meeting Fu Tingyun. He glanced at her quickly, then lowered his gaze.
Fu Tingyun noticed that Seventh Brother-in-law’s eyes were alert, not seeming like someone overly cautious, which gave her more confidence about today’s matter.
Everyone sat down according to their status. Third Cousin explained Fu Tingyun’s intentions.
The Third Brother-in-law quickly rose to thank Fu Tingyun.
“We’re family, so let’s not stand on ceremony,” Fu Tingyun also stood up and said humorously, “Please be considerate of my current condition and don’t be so formal with me.”
Her words made everyone laugh.
The previously tense atmosphere became more cheerful.
Third Brother-in-law smiled and briefly said, “I was being too rigid,” which served as an apology. Then he went straight to the point: “I wonder what good ideas Ninth Sister-in-law has?”
Fu Tingyun thought for a moment and asked, “What position was Third Brother-in-law originally planning to pursue?”
The Third Brother-in-law was a decisive person. Since he and Seventh Brother-in-law were already at a loss, and Fu Tingyun claimed to have an idea, he thought it wouldn’t hurt to listen, as there might be unexpected gains. So he spoke frankly: “I was originally interested in becoming a Censor of the Censorate or a Secretary of the Court of State Ceremonial. The former allows one to inspect the realm on behalf of the Emperor and become acquainted with officials across the country, while the latter handles regional reports, providing insight into the conditions of people throughout the land.”
Fu Tingyun was somewhat surprised.
Both positions were only of the seventh deputy rank and were the kind that, although offering many learning opportunities, were quite demanding.
She hadn’t expected Third Brother-in-law to be such a determined person. She asked, “Has Third Brother-in-law never considered pursuing the Left Remonstrator position in the Ministry of Personnel?”
“I considered it when I first heard about the vacancy,” Third Brother-in-law admitted candidly, “But later, learning that many people had their eyes on it, I gave up. I felt that even if I managed to secure it through forceful means, I would inevitably offend many people and might not be able to hold the position securely. It wouldn’t be a good thing.”
Fu Tingyun silently nodded in approval.
Third Brother-in-law’s meticulous approach truly made him well-suited for an official career.
She thought for a moment, then said thoughtfully, “Before departing, Ninth Master mentioned that the Emperor has been on the throne for four or five years now, and it’s time to rectify the administration…”
As soon as Fu Tingyun’s words fell, both Third Brother-in-law and Seventh Brother-in-law’s eyes lit up, and they listened more attentively.
“Grand Secretary Yu is a Grand Academician of the Cabinet who also serves as Minister of Rites, and Yu Jingxiu is his son,” Fu Tingyun said. “If Yu Jingxiu obtains the position of Left Remonstrator in the Ministry of Personnel, wouldn’t father and son both hold power in court? I think there must be people unwilling to see such an outcome!”
“That’s right!” Seventh Brother-in-law exclaimed involuntarily. “We only saw the Yu family’s deep roots but forgot to consider the imperial intention.” He excitedly said to Third Brother-in-law, “Ninth Sister-in-law is correct. I think we should reconsider our plans.”
Third Brother-in-law’s face also showed delight, but he quickly composed himself.
After contemplating for quite a while, he said solemnly: “From what Ninth Sister-in-law says, it seems the rumors about Grand Secretary Shen’s retirement are true. If so, Marquis Mo, despite his prominence, is the least likely to become the Prime Minister of the Cabinet due to the Prince Zhuang affair. Grand Secretary Shen has managed the Cabinet for over a decade and is not easy to deal with. He might bring down Marquis Mo before he leaves. Even if he doesn’t, the Emperor might allow Grand Secretary Shen and Marquis Mo to harm each other. If so, the Cabinet will certainly undergo major restructuring. Grand Secretary Yu has been in the Cabinet for seven or eight years and is just reaching sixty years of age. Moreover, since he was appointed by the late Emperor, and the current Emperor is determined to make progress, he’s unlikely to use him. Yet such a senior official must still be appeased. In officialdom, what’s needed is tolerance and compromise… I fear that Yu Depu will get his wish!”
“If the Emperor decides to prioritize stability, he will rely heavily on Grand Secretary Yu. To avoid suspicion, the Left Remonstrator position in the Ministry of Personnel will certainly not be given to Yu Depu. But with Grand Secretary Yu newly appointed as Prime Minister and needing to manage the Cabinet, to balance the situation, this position will certainly be given away by Grand Secretary Yu as a favor… Whether it’s the former or latter scenario, our chances are slim.”
Fu Tingyun listened with her heart racing.
The Third Brother-in-law was truly remarkable. Based on just a few of her words, he had guessed most of the situation, coincidentally aligning with what Zhao Ling had mentioned.
Seventh Brother-in-law and Third Cousin firmly believed Third Brother-in-law’s conjecture, feeling that they had no chance of obtaining the Left Remonstrator position in the Ministry of Personnel.
For a moment, the room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Third Cousin, thinking that Fu Tingyun and Seventh Brother-in-law had come for their family’s sake, suppressed her disappointment and forced a smile: “My husband had no intention of pursuing that Left Remonstrator position in the Ministry of Personnel, so there’s no disappointment. Let’s raise our spirits and focus on planning for the Censor of the Censorate or Secretary of the Court of State Ceremonial!” She then turned to Fu Tingyun, who was seated below her, “You said you had an idea. What is it?”
Fu Tingyun, however, fixed her gaze on Third Brother-in-law and asked with shining eyes: “Does Third Brother-in-law think the same?”
Seventh Brother-in-law was startled.
Third Brother-in-law’s expression grew solemn, and he quickly said: “If Ninth Sister-in-law can help me secure that Left Remonstrator position in the Ministry of Personnel, I’m certainly willing to try.”
Fu Tingyun nodded in satisfaction to herself and said: “The brave prevail when paths cross. Everything is constantly changing. As Third Brother-in-law predicted before I came, Yu Jingxiu surpasses you in both connections and experience, making the Left Remonstrator position almost certain for him. But after learning the imperial intention, you now feel that whether Yu Jingxiu can obtain that position depends on whether Grand Secretary Yu can become Prime Minister. It seems incredibly difficult now, but there might be ways to overcome it when the time comes. However, if Third Brother-in-law lacks even the courage to try, then even if you secure that position, your timidity would leave you without the confidence to perform well. Then you wouldn’t be able to hold the position steady!”
Third Brother-in-law’s spirits lifted at her words, and he praised: “Ninth Sister-in-law has great insight!”
Seventh Brother-in-law also said: “Ninth Sister-in-law truly has a woman’s grace but a man’s determination.” His gaze toward her gained a new respect.
Fu Tingyun modestly responded with “You flatter me,” and then asked: “Have Third Brother-in-law and Seventh Brother-in-law heard of a person named Xu Dengyi?”
Third Brother-in-law’s eyes widened: “The Emperor’s advisor during his days as a prince?”
Seventh Brother-in-law added: “The strategist who helped the Emperor ‘clear the court’?”
Fu Tingyun nodded and smiled: “He has now become a monk at Tanzhe Temple, with the dharma name ‘Zhenghe.’ My husband has some private connections with him. I was wondering if we could ask for his help…”
Even someone as rational as Third Brother-in-law felt a surge of excitement at Fu Tingyun’s words: “If Master Xu would intervene, there would be no suspense!” Then his face showed some hesitation, “But his door isn’t easy to enter… It’s said that even Qin Feiyu, the Emperor’s favorite official with merit from supporting his ascension, was once turned away…”
Fu Tingyun smiled and said: “How will we know if we don’t try?”
Her words inspired Third Brother-in-law, who instructed Third Cousin: “Open all the trunks and let Ninth Sister-in-law help choose a suitable gift for Master Zhenghe.”
Third Cousin, seeing hope for her husband’s reinstatement, was already visibly delighted. Hearing his words, she cheerfully responded with a “Yes” and went to support Fu Tingyun: “Come with me to take a look. If nothing is suitable, I’ll go buy something right away.”
Sometimes, spending money doesn’t guarantee success.
Third Brother-in-law, fearing Fu Tingyun might feel burdened, said: “I came prepared to the capital this time. Besides, man proposes, but Heaven disposes. Ninth Sister-in-law, just treat this matter as your own and do your best. As for the rest, we’ll see what Heaven wills.”
Knowing when to strive and when to let go.
Fu Tingyun silently gave Third Brother-in-law a thumbs-up in her heart but also noticed Seventh Brother-in-law’s apparent silence.
She couldn’t help asking: “Seventh Brother-in-law, do you see any aspects I’ve overlooked?”
Third Brother-in-law and Third Cousin, hearing this, suddenly noticed Seventh Brother-in-law’s unusual behavior and also turned to look at him.
Seventh Brother-in-law hesitated briefly, then honestly said: “I was thinking about Master Zhenghe… Now that he has become a monk, he may not be willing to get involved in court affairs…”
This was precisely Fu Tingyun’s concern.
Unexpectedly, Third Brother-in-law waved his hand dismissively and said: “Seventh Brother-in-law is overthinking. Consider this: Master Xu was someone whose scholarly credentials were revoked by the late Emperor. In terms of merit for supporting the Emperor’s ascension, he would be first in line for rewards. How could the Emperor reward him? He voluntarily requested to become a monk, which gave the Emperor a way out. It preserved the host-guest relationship between him and the Emperor, saved the imperial family’s face, and allowed the Emperor to feel remorse toward him. To abandon fame, fortune, and worldly affairs so decisively shows the spirit of a gentleman and the bearing of a great scholar.” As he spoke, his expression revealed some admiration, “But to say he’s completely indifferent to worldly affairs would be a mistake—if he truly were disillusioned, there are many famous temples across the land. Why would he specifically choose to become a monk at Tanzhe Temple near the capital?” He looked toward Fu Tingyun, “Master Xu had his scholarly credentials revoked. Others from his time, like Liu Shutong, degraded themselves by working as exam substitutes. His ancestral home was in Datong, yet he traveled thousands of miles south to Huguang to become an advisor in the Emperor’s residence as a prince, helping him ascend the throne. To say he has no ambition or desire to achieve something, I simply don’t believe it! If he wants to contribute, he certainly wouldn’t easily give up…”
“Correct! Correct!” The Third Brother-in-law’s words were enlightening, dispelling all of Fu Tingyun’s concerns. “He has become a monk, but I still address him as ‘Master Xu’ according to my old habit, and he has never corrected me. This shows that Master Xu still cares about court affairs.”
Third Brother-in-law nodded approvingly and said: “People like Master Xu are usually of great wisdom and courage, persevering and not easily dissuaded!”
Seventh Brother-in-law scratched his head and said sheepishly: “After hearing Third Brother-in-law’s words, I realize I was worrying unnecessarily!”
“Not at all,” Fu Tingyun quickly said. “I also had such concerns, but was bold enough to try regardless. If Seventh Brother-in-law hadn’t asked, I would have had to keep these worries to myself. When I met Master Xu, I might have been deceived by appearances. Thanks to the Seventh Brother-in-law’s question, I’ll go to Tanzhe Temple with greater peace of mind. Even if Master Xu refuses, I now have a contingency plan. I must thank Seventh Brother-in-law for his attentiveness!” She then looked at Third Brother-in-law, “And I must thank Third Brother-in-law for his analysis and deduction.”
“You’re running around for my sake, yet you’re thanking me,” Third Brother-in-law laughed heartily. “We’re family, so let’s not stand on ceremony. Given how I’ve been anxious and sleepless about my reinstatement these days, Ninth Sister-in-law, please don’t be so formal with me.”
He had returned Fu Tingyun’s earlier words to her.
Everyone burst into laughter.
The atmosphere in the room was warm and joyful.