Chapter 243

Third Brother-in-law and Seventh Brother-in-law were sitting across from each other in dismay. When they heard that Third Cousin and Fu Tingjun had arrived, both stood up.

Seventh Brother-in-law was meeting Fu Tingjun for the first time. He stole a quick glance at her, then lowered his eyelids.

Fu Tingjun noticed that Seventh Brother-in-law had lively eyes and did not seem to be a stiff or overly cautious person. She felt more confident about today's matter.

Everyone took their seats according to rank, and Third Cousin explained the purpose of Fu Tingjun's visit.

Third Brother-in-law quickly stood up to thank Fu Tingjun.

"Within the family, we don't stand on ceremony," Fu Tingjun had no choice but to rise as well, saying humorously, "Please, consider my current condition and don't be so formal with me."

Her words drew laughter from everyone.

The originally somewhat restrained atmosphere became cheerful.

Third Brother-in-law smiled and briefly said, "I was being too rigid," as a form of apology, then got down to business: "I wonder what good idea Ninth Sister has?"

Fu Tingjun thought for a moment and asked, "Which post was Third Brother-in-law originally planning to pursue?"

Third Brother-in-law was also a decisive man. Feeling that since he and Seventh Brother-in-law were already at their wit's end, and Fu Tingjun said she had an idea, there was no harm in listening—perhaps it might yield unexpected gains. So he spoke frankly: "I originally favored the position of Censor in the Censorate or the position of Secretary in the Office of Transmission. The former allows one to tour the realm on behalf of the Emperor and get to know officials from various regions; the latter handles dispatches from various prefectures and allows one to understand the conditions of the people across the land."

Fu Tingjun was somewhat surprised.

Both positions were only rank 7b, and while they offered opportunities to learn a great deal, they were also very demanding posts.

She had not expected Third Brother-in-law to be such a persevering person. She said, "Did Third Brother-in-law never consider vying for the position of Left Supervising Secretary in the Ministry of Personnel?"

"I considered it when I first heard the position was vacant," Third Brother-in-law admitted candidly, "but later I learned that many people had their eyes on it, so I gave up. I felt that even if I managed to obtain it by force, I would inevitably offend many people and might not be able to hold the position securely. It wouldn't be a good thing."

Fu Tingjun nodded inwardly.

Third Brother-in-law was so meticulous in his actions—he was indeed well-suited for an official career.

She thought for a moment and said thoughtfully: "Before Ninth Master left, he once said that His Majesty has been on the throne for four or five years now, and it's time to rectify official governance..."

The moment Fu Tingjun finished speaking, both Third Brother-in-law and Seventh Brother-in-law's eyes lit up, and they listened even more attentively.

"Grand Secretary Yu is a Grand Secretariat academician who concurrently holds the post of Minister of Rites, and Yu Jingxiu is his son," Fu Tingjun said. "If Yu Jingxiu were to obtain the position of Left Supervising Secretary in the Ministry of Personnel, wouldn't father and son be serving in the same court, each wielding power? I think there must be people who would not want to see such an outcome!"

"Exactly!" Seventh Brother-in-law said involuntarily. "We only saw the depth of the Yu family's foundation but forgot to consider His Majesty's intentions." He said excitedly to Third Brother-in-law, "Ninth Sister is right. I think we need to make new plans."

Third Brother-in-law also showed a pleased expression, but soon he calmed down.

After pondering for a long while, he said in a grave tone: "From what Ninth Sister says, it seems the rumor that Grand Secretary Shen is about to retire is true. If so, Mo Yingbo, who is currently most prominent, would actually be the least likely to become Grand Secretary due to his connection with Prince Zhuang. Grand Secretary Shen has managed the Grand Secretariat for over a decade and is not someone easy to deal with. He might even pull Mo Yingbo down before he leaves. Even if he doesn't, His Majesty might let Mo Yingbo and Grand Secretary Shen destroy each other. In that case, the Grand Secretariat is bound to undergo a major reshuffle. And Grand Secretary Yu has been in the Grand Secretariat for seven or eight years, is exactly at the age of sixty, and was a minister employed by the late Emperor. Since His Majesty is determined to forge ahead with reforms, he would not use him. But such a veteran minister cannot simply be ignored. In officialdom, what is needed is forbearance and compromise... I'm afraid that Yu Depu will get what he wants!"

"If His Majesty decides to prioritize stability, he will heavily rely on Grand Secretary Yu. To avoid suspicion, the position of Left Supervising Secretary in the Ministry of Personnel would certainly not be given to Yu Depu. But since Grand Secretary Yu has just become Grand Secretary and needs to take charge of the Grand Secretariat, in order to balance the situation, this post would certainly be given away by Grand Secretary Yu as a favor... Whether it's the former or the latter, our chances of success are slim."

Fu Tingjun's heart pounded with alarm.

Third Brother-in-law was truly remarkable—with just a few words from her, he had guessed most of the situation, and his deductions even coincided with some things Zhao Ling had said.

Seventh Brother-in-law and Third Cousin, however, were deeply convinced by Third Brother-in-law's speculation, feeling that the position of Left Supervising Secretary in the Ministry of Personnel was utterly beyond their reach.

For a moment, the room was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.

Third Cousin, thinking that Fu Tingjun and Seventh Brother-in-law had both come for their family's sake, forced a smile despite her disappointment: "My husband never intended to pursue the position of Left Supervising Secretary in the Ministry of Personnel anyway, so it's not much of a disappointment. Let us instead rally our spirits and properly plan for the position of Censor in the Censorate or Secretary in the Office of Transmission!" Having said this, she turned to look at Fu Tingjun, who was seated below her. "You said you had an idea—what is it?"

Fu Tingjun, however, stared at Third Brother-in-law with a piercing gaze and asked, "Do you think so too, Third Brother-in-law?"

Seventh Brother-in-law was taken aback.

Third Brother-in-law's expression turned grave, and he quickly replied, "If Ninth Sister can help me secure the position of Left Supervising Secretary in the Ministry of Personnel, I would naturally be willing to give it a try."

Fu Tingjun nodded with satisfaction inwardly and said, "In a narrow encounter, the brave one wins. Everything is ever-changing. As Third Brother-in-law predicted before I came, Yu Jingxiu surpasses you in both connections and seniority, and the position of Left Supervising Secretary is practically his for the taking. But once you learned of the imperial intent, you realized that whether Yu Jingxiu can obtain that position depends on whether Grand Secretary Yu can become the Senior Grand Secretary. What seems fraught with difficulties now may not be insurmountable by then. But if Third Brother-in-law lacks even the courage to try, even if you secure the post, you would be timid and hesitant, lacking confidence in your work, and thus perform poorly. In the end, even a secure position would become unstable!"

Hearing this, Third Brother-in-law's spirits lifted, and he praised, "Ninth Sister has remarkable insight!"

Seventh Brother-in-law also said, "Ninth Sister truly rivals men in capability." His gaze toward her carried a new measure of respect.

Fu Tingjun humbly said, "You flatter me," then continued, "I wonder if Third Brother-in-law and Seventh Brother-in-law have ever heard of a man named Yao Jiong, styled Yao Tingyi?"

Third Brother-in-law's eyes widened: "The advisor from the Emperor's Former Residence?"

Seventh Brother-in-law also said, "The strategist who helped the Emperor 'purge the court of evil'?"

Fu Tingjun nodded and smiled, "He has since become a monk at Tanzhe Temple, with the Dharma name 'Zhenghe.' My husband has some personal acquaintance with him. I was thinking whether we might entrust him..."

Even a rational man like Third Brother-in-law felt his heart surge with excitement upon hearing this: "If Teacher Yao would step forward, what doubt could remain!" But then his expression showed some hesitation, "It's just that his door is not so easy to enter... It's said that even Qin Feiyu, a favored minister of the Emperor with merit of following the dragon, was once turned away at his door..."

Fu Tingjun smiled, "If we don't try, how will we know whether it can be done?"

These words stirred Third Brother-in-law's bold spirit, and he instructed Third Cousin: "Open all the trunks and let Ninth Sister help pick something suitable to present to Master Zhenghe as a greeting gift."

Third Cousin, seeing hope for her husband's reinstatement, was already beaming with joy. She cheerfully acknowledged with a "Yes" and went to support Fu Tingjun: "Come with me to take a look. If none are suitable, I'll go to the market to buy something right away."

Sometimes, spending money doesn't necessarily get things done.

Fearing Fu Tingjun might feel burdened, Third Brother-in-law said, "I came to the capital well prepared this time. Besides, man proposes, God disposes. Ninth Sister, just treat this as your own matter and act freely. As for the rest, leave it to fate."

Able to take things up and let them go.

Fu Tingjun silently gave Third Brother-in-law a thumbs-up in her heart, but she also noticed that Seventh Brother-in-law seemed rather quiet.

She couldn't help asking, "Seventh Brother-in-law, is there anything I might have overlooked?"

Hearing this, Third Brother-in-law and Third Cousin also sensed Seventh Brother-in-law's unusual silence and turned their gazes toward him.

Seventh Brother-in-law hesitated briefly, then said candidly, "I was thinking about Master Zhenghe... He has already become a monk; he may not be willing to involve himself in matters of the court..."

This was precisely Fu Tingjun's concern as well.

But Third Brother-in-law waved his hand grandly and said, "Seventh Brother-in-law worries too much. Think about it—Teacher Yao was stripped of his scholarly title by the late Emperor. When it came to merit of following the dragon, if rewards were to be distributed according to merit, he would rank first. How could the Emperor reward him? His request to become a monk was precisely giving the Emperor a way to save face. It preserved the bond between sovereign and subject, protected the imperial dignity, and also made the Emperor feel indebted to him. Wealth and glory, the splendor of the mortal world—to sever and abandon them at a moment's notice is the mark of a true gentleman and a scholar of national stature." As he spoke, a hint of admiration showed in his expression. "But to say he has completely cut himself off from worldly affairs would be mistaken—if he were truly disheartened, there are countless famous temples across the land; why must he choose Tanzhe Temple on the outskirts of the capital?" He then looked toward Fu Tingjun, "Teacher Yao was stripped of his scholarly title. Men of his generation like Liu Shutong sank into depravity and took up work as examination proxies. But Yao, whose ancestral home was Datong, traveled a thousand li south to Huguang and became an advisor at the Emperor's Former Residence, helping the Emperor ascend the throne. If anyone tells me he has no grand designs in his heart and no desire to accomplish great things, I refuse to believe it! Since he wishes to accomplish something, he would certainly not give up easily..."

"Exactly! Exactly!" Third Brother-in-law's words were resounding and dispelled all of Fu Tingjun's concerns. "He has become a monk, yet I still address him as 'Teacher Yao' out of old habit, and he has never corrected me. This shows that Teacher Yao still holds concerns for the affairs of the court."

Third brother-in-law nodded appreciatively and said, "Someone like Teacher Yao is usually exceptionally wise and brave, resolute and unyielding—how could he give up so easily!"

Seventh brother-in-law scratched his head and said sheepishly, "After hearing what third brother-in-law has said, I realize I was worrying unnecessarily!"

"Not at all, not at all," Fu Tingjun quickly interjected. "I actually had the same concern in my heart. I was merely relying on my boldness, determined to go and try regardless. If not for seventh brother-in-law's question, I would have had to bury this concern in my heart, and upon meeting Teacher Yao, I would most likely have been deceived by appearances. Because of seventh brother-in-law's question, I now feel much more at ease about going to Tanzhe Temple. Even if Teacher Yao refuses, I will have a plan in place. In that regard, I must thank seventh brother-in-law for his attentiveness!" She then looked at third brother-in-law, "And I must also thank third brother-in-law for helping analyze and deduce."

"You are the one running around on my behalf, yet you thank me instead," third brother-in-law said with a hearty laugh. "We are family, so there's no need for such formalities. Ninth sister, seeing how I've been tossing and turning at night, anxious about my reinstatement these past days, please don't stand on ceremony with me."

He returned Fu Tingjun's words back to her.

Everyone burst into laughter.

The atmosphere in the room was warm and joyful.