“We need to report the news to Master Yan,” Fu Tingyun smiled, “but it wouldn’t be appropriate for someone else to go. Tomorrow morning, I’ll personally visit Tanzhe Temple.”
The Third Brother-in-law said with remorse, “That’s the only way—if others went, Master Yan might not receive them.”
“We should see things through to the end!” Fu Tingyun smiled and said, “Should we also send someone to inform the Seventh Brother-in-law?”
“I’ve already sent a servant there,” the Third Brother-in-law said with some emotion. “These days, I’m grateful to him for running around on my behalf. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have known about many developments. He’s worked hard.”
The Third Sister pursed her lips in a smile and said: “Then you should thank him properly!”
“I should, I should,” the Third Brother-in-law nodded.
The Third Sister then discussed visiting Master Yan with Fu Tingyun: “Last time you said there was no hurry, and when I opened my trunk, you didn’t take anything. We can’t let you pay out of your pocket for helping us. This time, you absolutely cannot go to Tanzhe Temple behind our backs. If you’re not satisfied with what I have, just tell me directly. We’re sisters, not outsiders. Master Yan has helped us so much; no thanks would be too much.”
The Third Brother-in-law also looked at Fu Tingyun, appearing ready to send someone to make arrangements as soon as she spoke.
Fu Tingyun knew they were straightforward people, so she didn’t stand on ceremony. After thinking for a moment, she said: “Try to find a good quality Go set, preferably an antique from the previous dynasty. Master Yan is very fond of Go. If that’s not available, a rare book from the previous dynasty would work too.”
“Good!” The Third Brother-in-law nodded repeatedly and said, “I won’t stay for lunch then. Time waits for no one—let me take care of this matter first.”
Neither of them tried to keep the Third Brother-in-law. Fu Tingyun instructed Old Mrs. Zheng Three to prepare some steamed buns for the Third Brother-in-law, and had Zheng Three drive him to handle the matter.
The Third Brother-in-law didn’t refuse, and they both hurriedly left.
He had just left when the Seventh Brother-in-law arrived.
Upon hearing that the Third Brother-in-law had gone to prepare a gift for Master Yan, he stamped his foot: “I should have had one drink less!”
Only then did the sisters notice the faint smell of alcohol on him.
The Third Sister said: “It’s barely noon, who has the Seventh Brother-in-law been drinking with? Have you had lunch? Would you like the maids to prepare some sobering soup?”
The Seventh Brother-in-law looked somewhat embarrassed and smiled: “I’ve been frequently gathering information at the Ministry of Personnel, right? I didn’t know the Third Brother-in-law had already gone to the Ministry, and went again early this morning. The clerk who usually passes information to me only then told me that the Third Brother-in-law had secured the position of Left Secretary in the Ministry of Personnel. I was originally going to wait at the main gate for the Third Brother-in-law to ask what had happened, but that clerk insisted on treating me to a drink, saying things like ‘Now that you’ve connected with the Chief Grand Secretary, you don’t recognize old friends anymore.’ I thought it sounded strange, but considering how much he’d helped me, I had to give him face, so I went with him to a restaurant we frequently visit nearby…”
Fu Tingyun was startled upon hearing this and said: “Seventh Brother-in-law, you said the clerk mentioned you ‘connected with the Chief Grand Secretary.’ Could it be that Qian Donglin personally arranged the appointment for the Third Brother-in-law?”
“Exactly,” the Seventh Brother-in-law smiled. “From what the clerk said, Grand Secretary Qian came out of Qianqing Palace after expressing his gratitude to the Emperor, accompanied by Grand Secretary Shen. He first went to the Grand Secretariat, then came to the Ministry of Personnel in the afternoon. After meeting with several Vice Ministers and Directors, he asked to see the register of officials. The Director of the Bureau of Official Appointments didn’t dare to be negligent and immediately brought the register. Grand Secretary Qian directly turned to the Six Ministries section, pointed to the vacancy for Left Secretary in the Ministry of Personnel, and asked why it was vacant. With Grand Secretary Shen’s retirement, the Vice Ministers and Directors were already anxious. Hearing Grand Secretary Qian’s tone, they knew he wanted to arrange someone for the position. Without bothering with the usual recommendation procedures, they took a brush and asked Grand Secretary Qian who would be suitable. Grand Secretary Qian directly wrote down the Third Brother-in-law’s name and native place… That evening, the Third Brother-in-law’s appointment was arranged. By the time the Third Brother-in-law was filling out the register at the Bureau of Official Appointments this morning, the official announcement had already been posted… It happened so quickly that people could hardly believe it!”
Given Master Yan’s status, he certainly wouldn’t appear in person, but for newly appointed Chief Grand Secretary Qian Donglin to personally handle the Third Brother-in-law’s matter on his first day in office… Fu Tingyun still found it somewhat nerve-wracking.
“That clerk has been at the Ministry of Personnel for many years. He said that in his twenty-some years there, it was the first time he’d seen the Chief Grand Secretary personally intervene for a mere seventh-rank position. He asked me whose connections I had used, and told me not to pretend in front of him—even if the Third Brother-in-law were the Chief Grand Secretary’s favorite student, the Chief Grand Secretary would still avoid showing such obvious favoritism, appearing so determined to achieve his goal…”
Hearing this, the Third Sister’s heart immediately tightened: “Did you say anything?”
The Seventh Brother-in-law laughed with a “hmph” and said: “I may be foolish, but I know better than to speak of such things!”
The Third Sister’s face turned crimson, and she murmured: “Don’t blame me, Seventh Brother-in-law! I’m just worried and confused.”
The Seventh Brother-in-law naturally wouldn’t quibble with the Third Sister over such matters.
He said with infinite emotion, “Master Yan is truly formidable,” then, perking up, asked Fu Tingyun: “Ninth Sister, what does Master Yan look like?” His face showed such longing, like a child asking an adult for candy, that both Fu Tingyun and the Third Sister could barely suppress their laughter.
Meanwhile, at Penglai Pavilion, not far from Shi Family Alley, Yu Jingxiu was drinking with his Court of State Ceremonial colleague, Chen Zhongming.
“Brother Chen,” Yu Jingxiu’s manner was sincere and earnest, “The capital is neither too big nor too small. You and Grand Secretary Chen are both scholars from the capital, and you share the same surname—surely you must have some connection.”
However, Chen Zhongming was secretly grumbling.
I’m superior to you in both age and seniority, but just because you’re the son of a Grand Secretary, when there was a vacancy for Deputy Director of the Court of State Ceremonial, you squeezed me out, and I don’t know when I’ll have such an opportunity again… Now that Grand Secretary Yu has lost influence, you come seeking my help…
But a lean camel is still larger than a horse, and Grand Secretary Yu was still in office, so he dared not offend Yu Jingxiu.
His demeanor remained as familiar as before, tinged with respect, and he said suggestively: “Although we’re both from the capital, our families have gone beyond fifth-degree kinship, and Grand Secretary Chen surpasses me in both generation and examination rank. I know him, but he may not know me.” He laughed a few times.
Hearing this, Yu Jingxiu was elated, though his outward appearance remained warm and gentle. He smiled and said, “Near neighbors are better than distant relatives. Whether you know each other or not depends on frequent interaction.” He then put on a candid expression and said, “Brother Chen has been at the Court of State Ceremonial for some time. Don’t you want to move elsewhere? Now that Grand Secretary Chen is like a great tree, why should Brother Chen remain so inflexible? Recommending the worthy doesn’t avoid relatives or enemies, and Brother Chen’s character and abilities are widely recognized. If Brother Chen is uncomfortable speaking directly, I can have my father make a recommendation. What does Brother Chen think?”
“Then I thank you, Brother Yu.” Despite his dissatisfaction with Yu Jingxiu, if he could get Grand Secretary Yu’s recommendation, he might indeed secure a good position. Chen Zhongming was delighted and raised his cup to Yu Jingxiu, “I toast to Brother Yu.”
Yu Jingxiu drank heartily and said: “However, we still need Grand Secretary Chen to lend his support…”
“Of course, of course,” Chen Zhongming, being familiar with officialdom, naturally knew how to handle such matters.
But whom should he approach to speak with Chen Danting?
He pondered this as he drank another cup.
Seeing that the moment was right, Yu Jingxiu sighed admiringly: “How envious I am of Grand Secretary Chen and Grand Secretary Qian! How did they suddenly gain the Emperor’s favor without any forewarning…” He wanted to probe into Qian Donglin and Chen Danting’s backgrounds.
But before he could finish speaking, the door of the private room was pushed open with a “bang,” and Moyan entered with a panicked expression.
Yu Jingxiu frowned and said sternly: “What has happened? Why so flustered?” His gaze was sharp, clearly indicating that whatever the matter was, it should wait.
Moyan had no choice but to withdraw and wait outside the private room until the gathering dispersed, and then stepped forward: “Master, bad news! Chengxin just came to say that someone named Shen Rensi has secured the position of Left Secretary in the Ministry of Personnel…”
“What?” Yu Jingxiu was as if struck by lightning, his face instantly turning pale, his voice involuntarily rising: “When did this happen? Where did this information come from?”
“It’s already been publicly announced,” Yu Jingxiu’s reaction made Moyan feel somewhat afraid, and he silently regretted bringing this news. The master would have found out eventually. “Madam, Madam already knows, and has sent someone to ask the Old Master.”
Grand Secretary Yu had not yet returned from his office.
With his father losing the position of Chief Grand Secretary, and now the supposedly secure position of Left Secretary in the Ministry of Personnel also lost…
Yu Jingxiu momentarily felt dizzy.
Not caring that Chen Zhongming hadn’t gone far, he hurriedly walked toward the exit of the restaurant: “Prepare the carriage quickly. I need to go to Horse Guard Alley to find my father.”
Moyan didn’t dare hesitate for a moment and ran out of the restaurant.
As soon as Yu Jingxiu jumped into the carriage, it sped off toward Horse Guard Alley.
At the entrance of Horse Guard Alley, he met a servant who was about to report back to Madam Yu.
With an ashen face, Yu Jingxiu asked the servant: “What did the Old Master say?”
The servant quickly replied: “The Old Master just learned about it too. He’s having someone inquire about who this Shen Rensi is…”
Seeing that his father had no information, Yu Jingxiu’s expression worsened. He beckoned to the servant: “Come back to the manor with me.”
The servant promptly acknowledged and jumped onto the carriage shaft, following Yu Jingxiu back to Jiadao Street, and then accompanying him to see Madam Yu.
“It’s really like a leaking roof during continuous rain!” Madam Yu, having received the servant’s report, looked at her visibly agitated son and murmured, “Who knows where this Shen Rensi suddenly appeared from?”
Upon hearing this, Yu Jingxiu stood up: “I’ll go find someone to inquire about it.”
“Come back!” Madam Yu stopped Yu Jingxiu, “This matter is so strange, we should wait for your father to return before making any decisions.”
Yu Jingxiu raised an eyebrow, a flash of ruthlessness in his eyes. Just as he was about to say something, Madam Yu said: “Do you know more people, or does your father? She thought about how her son had sailed smoothly through life so far and, fearing he couldn’t handle this setback, stepped forward to take his hand, saying gently, “I feel very anxious. Please stay and keep me company.”
Yu Jingxiu hesitated for a long while, and seeing Madam Yu’s grip on his hand tightening, he could only nod.
Madam Yu sighed with relief and instructed the maids to cut watermelon, then sat with Yu Jingxiu on the couch.
Grand Secretary Yu returned.
Madam Yu and Yu Jingxiu hurried to greet him.