Chapter 233

Yitong's family had moved in ten days prior at Fu Tingjun's command, and had long since cleaned the residence thoroughly. They had also temporarily hired several honest, hardworking women to help with household chores. While Fu Tingjun and Third Cousin conversed in the main hall of the inner quarters, these women had already finished organizing the trunks and baggage of Third Cousin and Fifth Cousin.

Having traveled a long and dusty journey, Third Cousin and Fifth Cousin asked Fu Tingjun about the next day's schedule, then each retired to rest.

Having not had a proper chance to speak with her son all day, Third Cousin summoned him for a conversation. Fifth Cousin, meanwhile, inquired of those around her about her husband: "...Is he still accompanying Ninth Brother-in-law?"

Her personal nanny quickly smiled and replied, "He's right now in the main hall with the Ninth Uncle-in-law, drinking tea with several Councilor Gentlemen, Vice Commissioner Gentlemen, and Assistant Magistrate Gentlemen!"

Fifth Cousin's brows furrowed slightly upon hearing this.

Her personal nanny, reading her expression, hesitated and said, "Perhaps... we could find an excuse to call the Master back?"

Fifth Cousin shook her head: "No need—people in Lintong already say I use my family's influence to control the Master..."

The nanny grew cautious at these words. Just then, a maidservant brought in hot water, and she quickly took it with a smile: "Then shall I attend to the Madam's washing?"

Fifth Cousin nodded slightly.

The nanny sighed with relief and set about her work with nimble efficiency.

Fifth Cousin, however, propped her elbow on the kang table and sank into thought.

Attending the relocation of Zhao Ling's parents' graves were not only the Zhao family's relatives and friends, but also officials such as the Chang'an County Magistrate, the Shaanxi Provincial Administration Commissioner, the Shaanxi Surveillance Vice Commissioner, and the Shaanxi Regional Military Assistant Commissioner. Her husband, staying close to Zhao Ling's side, found that others immediately warmed to him upon learning he was Zhao Ling's brother-in-law. Unfortunately, her husband was not skilled at socializing. After a few exchanges, those people could tell he was an honest man and merely a xiucai from Lintong County, and some even began ordering him about. Her husband was kind-natured by disposition—he had originally wanted to lend Zhao Ling support and encouragement. Though he felt aggrieved inside, for Zhao Ling's sake, he endured it all one by one.

She watched with a pained heart but could not change the situation, and found herself growing secretly anxious.

And Zhao Ling, meanwhile, remained surrounded by those people the entire time... Tomorrow there would still be the memorial ceremony. Her husband had stepped forward for her sake—she could hardly let him continue enduring such humiliation, could she?

At this thought, Fifth Cousin could not help but feel a headache coming on.

The Chang'an County Magistrate was suffering from a headache just like Fifth Cousin.

He and Zhao Ling walked entirely different paths—one civil, one military. Even if Zhao Ling rose to become Commander-in-Chief of the Five Armies Supervisory Office, it would have little bearing on him. Yet some things worked in mysterious ways—bad omens proved true while good ones did not—and he had no wish to offend Zhao Ling. He also reasoned that many prominent figures from across Shaanxi would surely attend the grave relocation ceremony for Zhao Ling's parents. Since this was a mourning event for the Zhao family, no banquet could be arranged. After a full day of travel, in the dead of winter, who wouldn't want a hot bowl of soup and a warm meal? If he prepared a lavish feast at the county office and invited those attending the ceremony to rest there, he might just forge a connection or two.

But who would have thought—when he proposed that everyone rest at the county office, he was refused by Wu Xin, the Assistant Magistrate of the Shaanxi Regional Military Commission.

Wu Xin was the very man who had helped Zhao Ling with his household registration and secured him the position of centurion commander. Though he had done these things out of deference to Sixteenth Master, who was then still at his Former Residence, and had been quickly promoted to Assistant Magistrate of the Shaanxi Regional Military Commission as one of the Emperor's men. But human desire knows no bounds. After several years in the Assistant Magistrate position, he learned through certain channels that Li Rujin, the Shaanxi Regional Military Commissioner, would soon be transferred to serve as Guangdong Regional Commander after the new year. Naturally, the thought arose: "If only I could be promoted as well."

It was like a drowsy man finding a pillow.

Zhao Ling had suddenly decided to relocate his parents' graves to Chang'an County and establish his own household there.

Wu Xin was overjoyed.

Though he too had come from the Emperor's Former Residence, times had changed, and as an external official, how could he compare to those like Qin Feiyu who served as close attendants to the Son of Heaven and enjoyed His favor? He had thought of seeking help through Qin Feiyu or even Liansheng, but Qin Feiyu had said that he now commanded the Tengji Guard and could not easily meddle in court affairs. As for Liansheng—Wu Xin had never paid him much regard in the past, and going to beg him now would likely not win his favor. Now that Zhao Ling was coming to Shaanxi, and this was a private matter, and Wu Xin had some past connection with him, approaching him would not arouse suspicion. This was the perfect opportunity to sound out Zhao Ling's intentions—He Xiulin had obtained the position of Yulin Guard Commander through his connection with Zhao Ling, and nearly all of officialdom in Shaanxi had heard of it. This was precisely why everyone wanted to come and join the festivities upon learning that something had happened in Zhao Ling's family.

The Chang'an County Magistrate inwardly cursed Wu Xin's ancestors for eighteen generations, yet Wu Xin spoke with perfect righteousness: "We are here to pay our respects to Uncle Zhao and Aunt Zhao. When we come to Chang'an County as guests another day, we can trouble the County Magistrate then."

The others, upon hearing this, even those who had wanted to go found it awkward to do so.

The Chang'an County Magistrate cursed inwardly: "Since when did Zhao Ling's parents become your uncle and aunt! They say military officers are straightforward, but this Wu Xin doesn't show the slightest hint of that."

Wu Xin naturally had no idea what the Chang'an County Magistrate was thinking. Smiling, he leaned toward Zhao Ling, who sat in the seat of honor above him, and said with a laugh, "Come to think of it, we haven't seen each other in five or six years. Since we have this opportunity, let's take the chance for us brothers to properly catch up."

Zhao Ling was somewhat surprised by Wu Xin's warmth toward him.

But in officialdom, everyone helps lift the sedan chair—such gestures of adding flowers to brocade were not something he would reject.

He smiled without revealing his thoughts and said, "If not for you, Brother Wu, my affairs back then 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 Zhuanglang Guard.

Wu Xin understood perfectly well and laughed, "We're brothers—no need for such formalities."

The people nearby, seeing how familiar they seemed with each other, and after Yitong directed the maids to prepare the guest rooms for the officials and sent servants to ask Zhao Ling for instructions, watched as the other officials dispersed one by one while Wu Xin pulled Zhao Ling toward the study. They all assumed the two were simply catching up and didn't think much of it.

Zhao Ling himself knew full well that his friendship with Wu Xin wasn't that deep. So when Wu Xin tactfully brought up the matter of Li Rujin and said, "...If you, Brother Zhao, were to come to Shaanxi, that would be wonderful," he replied half-seriously, half-jokingly, "Given the friendship between us, I, your elder brother, could bask in your reflected glory."

Li Rujin was going to take over the post of Mo Yi's uncle, who had been transferred to the capital to serve as Commander of the Five Armies Supervisory Office. For the Mo family, which already had two regional commanders, this was good news.

Zhao Ling had heard about this from Mo Yi.

He just hadn't expected Wu Xin to receive the news so quickly.

He must have his own network of connections in the capital.

Zhao Ling immediately understood Wu Xin's implication.

His instinct was to refuse. But then his thoughts turned to the Marquis of Xiping, far away in Liangzhou.

No one could humiliate his beloved and then continue to enjoy wealth and honor in peace—especially when the one humiliated was Fu Tingjun, whom he cherished so dearly he feared she'd melt in his mouth or break in his hands.

Though Feng Hu was dead, it wasn't enough to quell his anger.

Suddenly, his mind shifted. He smiled and said, "To be honest with you, Brother Wu, who wouldn't want such an opportunity? But you should know my situation. Setting aside my discord with the Feng family, even the Marquis of Xiping and I have some friction because of the late Marquis of Yingchuan. If I were to actively seek this post, I fear His Majesty would be displeased. I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you, Brother Wu." He added, "But you, Brother Wu, are already a Vice Commissioner of the second rank. If Lord Li leaves Shaanxi, your advancement would be a natural next step. And you're someone who has served His Majesty personally..." At this, he drew out his words and looked at Wu Xin meaningfully, falling silent for a long moment.

Wu Xin's heart skipped a beat, but he feigned helplessness and let out a long, melancholy sigh. "How I wish it were so, but I lack someone to recommend me... You know, His Majesty's greatest suspicion these years has been of military officers stationed outside the capital forging ties with civil officials in the capital... As someone who has served His Majesty personally, I dare not step even an inch out of line."

"That's true." Zhao Ling nodded slightly, showing understanding, then wore a hint of regret as he picked up his teacup.

Seeing that Zhao Ling hadn't continued along his line of conversation, Wu Xin began to grow anxious. Moreover, after tonight, he might never have such an opportunity or atmosphere to speak with Zhao Ling like this again. His words became more urgent: "Brother Zhao, Brother Xiulin came to Shaanxi on business some days ago, and we brothers gathered. We spoke of you, and he was full of praise. I haven't been active in the capital for a long time—there are things I'd like to do but lack the means. I'd ask you to help smooth things over on my behalf—As for Feng Laosan and the Marquis of Xiping, the Marquis is a descendant of a founding meritorious official, so I can't make promises about him. But as for Feng Laosan... I'll take care of settling that score for you as soon as I return. Whatever plans you have, just tell me directly."

Zhao Ling laughed at this and said, "Brother Wu, you're being too serious. I didn't even bother with Feng Laosi back then, so I certainly won't lower myself to Feng Laosan's level now." The implication was that he was looking to pick a fight with the Marquis of Xiping instead.

Wu Xin thought of all the Marquis of Xiping's misdeeds, gritted his teeth, and said, "As for the Marquis of Xiping, He Fu is already putting pressure on him. I just need to add a little straw to break the camel's back. But when the court convenes for deliberation, you'll need to back me up, Brother Zhao. I don't have He Fu's confidence to stand against those grand secretaries in the court!"

The deal was thus struck.

Zhao Ling smiled faintly: "If the Marquis of Xiping asks, just tell him it was done at my request."

Wu Xin was stunned.

Zhao Ling said calmly, "If he suffers a loss but doesn't know who caused it, how would he ever understand where he went wrong? And my enjoyment would be greatly diminished."

When he said this, his expression was calm and his tone gentle, yet somehow Wu Xin could sense an overwhelming confidence radiating from Zhao Ling, as if everything was firmly within his grasp.

That was the Marquis of Xiping, after all!

Where did he get such certainty?

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 composure couldn't help but reveal a delighted expression at the temptation of a first-rank official position.

...

Zhao Ling stayed in Chang'an County for seven days, handling the relocation of his parents' graves before preparing to return to the capital.

Before departing, he invited his fifth cousin: "...A-jun is feeling unwell and will rest a few days at Willow Lane before setting off. Fifth Sister, if you have nothing pressing, why not accompany A-jun to the capital? You sisters can spend more time together, and Fifth Sister can also experience the customs and culture of the capital—and meet Shopkeeper Ye San of Datong Hao while you're at it."

He was trying to entice her into escorting his ninth sister back to the capital!

His fifth cousin couldn't help but laugh.

But recalling how Zhao Ling had seated her husband at the head of the table on the morning of their first day at the Chang'an County residence, citing the proper order of seniority, she found she couldn't refuse: "Alright! I'd love to meet the famous Shopkeeper Ye San of the northwest..."