Not far away, Hao Jianfeng, who appeared to be chatting and laughing with a group of friends, had been listening attentively since Fifth Master Fu entered the inn.

Before Fifth Master Fu’s words had even faded, Hao Jianfeng’s eyes brightened.

Quanhui was a woman’s private name.

Someone whom Fifth Master Fu would address this way had to be either his daughter or niece.

It could even possibly be Madam Zhao’s childhood name.

Thinking of this, he became slightly excited.

It seemed the rumors were true.

Fifth Master Fu might well be Madam Zhao’s biological father!

He glanced toward where Fifth Master Fu and Shen Rensi were standing, and saw Madam Shen step forward with a smile to pay her respects to Fifth Master Fu, saying gently: “Ninth sister said she has gone back, to spare the Fu family elders any awkwardness. She asked me to help arrange offerings and mourning couplets on her behalf!”

Fifth Master Fu was stunned, then raised his eyebrows, anger flashing in his eyes. His lips quivered, then pressed tightly together before he took a deep breath. His brow gradually relaxed, and he forced a somewhat stiff smile, saying: “How can one not return home to mourn when one’s grandmother passes away? As her elder sister, you should be advising her properly…”

It was already past noon, and most patrons who had finished their lunch at Yangguang Inn had already left. Some guests, like the third elder sister’s group, were saying goodbye to friends and relatives. Though it wasn’t exactly boisterous, there was still some noise. But when Fifth Master Fu spoke, the third elder sister suddenly felt that the voices around her seemed to disappear, creating an unusual silence against the backdrop of laughter and conversation nearby.

She raised her head in astonishment and saw that Hao Jianfeng and his companions, who had been talking, were now paying distracted attention to their group.

The third elder sister barely managed to suppress a frown.

Ninth sister, out of gratitude for being raised by them, had never complained about the Fu family, no matter what grievances she had suffered, let alone done anything to harm or embarrass them. But what about Fifth Uncle? He showed no consideration for his ninth sister, previously fearing loss of face if he acknowledged her, and now disregarding all propriety for the sake of his career. Regardless, the ninth sister’s husband was at least the Emperor’s favored minister, a second-rank military commander governing a region. In others’ eyes, the ninth sister and her husband were people from the Emperor’s former residence, and their marriage had been arranged by the Grand Empress Dowager herself. If his reckless behavior aroused suspicion and brought up past events, how would that benefit the ninth sister and her husband?

The ninth sister was being considerate of them, yet they showed no consideration for her.

And he was the ninth sister’s biological father!

Thinking of this, the third elder sister felt heartbroken for Fu Tingyun, with an inexplicable anger rising in her chest.

“Fifth Uncle’s words are mistaken!” she said somewhat impolitely. “Ninth sister does want to return, but in what capacity should she pay respects to Grandmother? If people in Huayin ask, how should the ninth sister respond? Without Fifth Uncle making a decision, the ninth sister has no proper status and indeed shouldn’t return. I’ve been worried about this too—the ninth sister asked me to arrange offerings and send mourning couplets for Grandmother, but under what name should they be sent? And how should the mourning couplets be signed?”

Hao Jianfeng’s eyes brightened as he listened.

With Grand Secretary Shen forced to retire, he was perhaps the most unfortunate one.

Even if he wanted to directly submit his card to associate with Qian Donglin or Chen Danting like those fourth or fifth-rank capital officials, Qian Donglin and Chen Danting, trying to anticipate the Emperor’s thoughts, probably wouldn’t dare accept. But if he were to just admit defeat, he couldn’t reconcile himself to it—he was only one step away from the cabinet!

He had to find a way to save himself, no matter what.

Since Shen Rensi could use Madam Zhao’s connections, why couldn’t he?

Shen Rensi had family ties, but he had mutual interests!

Things are accomplished by human effort, after all.

The thought flashed through his mind, and he already had a plan.

Hao Jianfeng turned around with a smile, stepped forward to the third elder sister’s husband’s side, and gave his shoulder an affectionate pat, saying: “I didn’t realize you and Official Fu were relatives!” As he spoke, he cupped his hands toward Official Fu and said: “Is Official Fu leaving the capital today? You should have said something. We could have seen you off!”

The third elder sister’s husband inwardly cursed his bad luck.

With Grand Secretary Shen’s downfall, Hao Jianfeng was now like a drifting weed, desperately seeking connections. He had brought up the topic several times, but fearing complications for Fu Tingyun, the third elder sister’s husband had always skillfully redirected the conversation, though Hao Jianfeng’s intentions remained transparent.

This time, having the Five Districts Command escort the third elder sister back to Huayin was Hao Jianfeng’s voluntary suggestion, offered so sincerely that he couldn’t refuse.

But the third elder sister’s husband understood Fifth Master Fu’s thoughts all too well.

In previous years, with Grand Secretary Yu’s support, his career had been relatively smooth, but the Emperor’s single comment had cut short his official path. Even if Grand Secretary Yu weren’t preoccupied with his troubles, even if he became Chief Grand Secretary, he probably wouldn’t dare promote him right away. Despite this, as long as he didn’t make mistakes, he could at least maintain his current position. Now that he was returning home for mourning, it would be impossible for him to be reinstated after three years. Fifth Master Fu might well understand this, but how could he just give up? Otherwise, he wouldn’t be thick-skinned enough to approach the ninth sister!

Now that the ninth sister wasn’t responding, Hao Jianfeng—the Vice Minister who, in place of the Minister of Personnel, oversaw the selection, promotion, evaluation, and governance of officials throughout the empire—had approached. No matter how strange this matter was, to Fifth Master Fu, who was like a drowning man, it was a life-saving raft that he would never let go of.

The ninth sister was likely to face troubles now!

The third elder sister’s husband quickly said: “We’ve already troubled Vice Minister Hao greatly with escorting my humble wife. How could we disturb you further?” As he spoke, he gave the third elder sister a meaningful glance.

The third elder sister understood and smiled as she curtseyed to Hao Jianfeng, saying: “We left in a hurry, and Madam Zhao was worried about my safety on the road. Knowing that Vice Minister Hao had arranged escorts for my return, she was finally at ease and only sent her maid to see me off. I haven’t properly thanked Vice Minister Hao yet. It’s getting late, and if we delay any longer, we won’t reach the post station by evening. I’ll have to call on you to express my gratitude when I return from Huayin.” Then she turned to Fifth Master Fu and said, “Fifth Uncle, since we’ve met, let’s travel together!”

She could only hint to Hao Jianfeng that they had already accepted his favor, and Fu Tingyun knew it too. When she returned from reporting the death, there would be an accounting for his kindness.

Hearing this, Hao Jianfeng perked up and smiled: “It was nothing, Vice Minister Shen and his wife are too kind…”

Fifth Master Fu, however, was burning with anxiety.

Having been in the Ministry of Personnel for four or five years, he was very clear about certain matters and was well aware of Hao Jianfeng’s capabilities. Although Fu Tingyun had connections, there were some behind-the-scenes operations that only hall officials like Hao Jianfeng knew how to manage. There were too many officials for the Emperor to remember each one. After a few years, when the Emperor’s attention had faded, if Hao Jianfeng were willing to speak up for him, he could completely arrange for him to be posted somewhere as a county magistrate or prefect. Though not as prestigious-sounding as a Lang Zhong in the Ministry of Personnel, it would be a genuine position as a local official, far better than being ordered around at the ministry.

Although he didn’t know why Hao Jianfeng had suddenly changed his attitude toward him, such an opportunity was fleeting—how could he let it slip away?

“The post station is only forty or so li from here,” Fifth Master Fu interjected. “There’s no rush.” As he spoke, he bowed to Hao Jianfeng and respectfully said: “Why is Vice Minister Hao also at Ten-Li Post? Have you had lunch yet? Allow me to be the host. Please, Vice Minister Hao, do me the honor!” He bowed again, full of sincerity.

To know both the enemy and oneself is to never be defeated in a hundred battles.

Having decided to use Madam Zhao’s connections, understanding the relationship between Madam Zhao, Official Fu, and Shen Rensi became crucial. He couldn’t afford to approach the wrong person and waste time; he was eager to speak with Qian Donglin and Chen Danting.

“I was just seeing off a friend, like Official Fu, and have just entered Yangguang Inn’s hall,” Hao Jianfeng smiled, appearing affable. “Official Fu probably hasn’t had lunch yet either? Why not join us?” He then introduced the people around him to Official Fu and pointed to Official Jiang with a smile: “He’s our guest of honor today!”

Fifth Master Fu couldn’t have asked for more and quickly smiled: “Then it would be discourteous to decline.” Yet he insisted on being the host.

Not one of them was naive; all could guess something of Hao Jianfeng’s change in attitude.

Who would want to spoil Hao Jianfeng’s plans?

Everyone smiled and enthusiastically invited Fifth Master Fu to join them for lunch.

Establishing a connection with Hao Jianfeng was the important thing; whether he could return to Huayin with the third elder sister had already been cast from Fifth Master Fu’s mind.

He smiled and entered the private room on the second floor with everyone.

The third elder sister stamped her foot in frustration, while her husband smiled bitterly and led the somewhat confused seventh elder sister’s husband to follow Hao Jianfeng’s group into the private room.

After several rounds of drinks, Hao Jianfeng was already reeking of alcohol, and Fifth Master Fu had accompanied them by drinking a belly full of tea, constantly visiting the latrine. Both men wanted to speak privately, but the third elder sister’s husband and the seventh elder sister’s husband kept offering drinks from left and right, preventing them from connecting.

Seeing that this wasn’t working, and noticing that Fifth Master Fu had gone to the latrine again, Hao Jianfeng pretended to be drunk and asked a waiter to bring a basin of water to wash his face. Then, while everyone was toasting the third elder sister’s husband and the seventh elder sister’s husband, he left the private room and ran right into Fifth Master Fu.

Fifth Master Fu felt this was heaven-sent opportunity and quickly stepped forward with a smile: “Why has Vice Minister Hao come out?”

“I drank too much and came out for some fresh air,” Hao Jianfeng said as he headed downstairs.

Fifth Master Fu immediately followed him.

Hao Jianfeng smiled and said: “Official Fu, you’ve found an unexpected path forward. With a daughter like Madam Zhao, after resting at home for a while and then returning to office, you probably won’t even look at our Ministry of Personnel anymore!”

So that was it!

Fifth Master Fu muttered inwardly.

So Hao Jianfeng’s sudden warmth toward him was because Grand Secretary Shen had returned to the countryside, leaving Hao Jianfeng without backing. Having heard from Shen Rensi that Fu Tingyun was his daughter, Hao Jianfeng wanted to use Fu Tingyun’s connections just like Shen Rensi had!

But he knew his situation all too well.

He still wanted to use Hao Jianfeng’s connections!

Thinking of this, he couldn’t help feeling some resentment.

If not for the Yu family, how could his relationship with Fu Tingyun have become so antagonistic?

Yet Fifth Master Fu couldn’t afford to complain.

Since Hao Jianfeng had brought the conversation to this point, if he didn’t give Hao Jianfeng some assurance, Hao Jianfeng would think he could be reinstated through Fu Tingyun’s help and naturally wouldn’t assist him. Then he would end up with nothing, like carrying water in a bamboo basket.

Thinking of this, he sighed rather helplessly, his face full of regret as he said: “You don’t understand. Because of the Yu family matters, my daughter is now full of grievances and even blames me, her father! It’s already good that she doesn’t hate me, how could she possibly help me!”

To have obtained what he wanted so easily.

Hao Jianfeng could barely hide his surprise, and an unusual light flashed in his eyes.

“Oh?” he responded with an expression of shock. “There’s such a matter?”