Uncle from a poor family - Chapter 740: Paying back for what you have done

Xu Qiong had never expected that he was just doing "routine work" to propose that his concubine's brother, Zhang Luan, who was also his adopted brother-in-law, be granted a title, but he would be personally met by Tan Ji, the actual head of the Imperial Household Department.

Xu Qiong was receiving the distinguished guest at his residence. After he had inquired about the matter in detail, he spoke frankly, "It is only natural for Laizhan to be conferred a title, but it would be best if he could start as an earl. If Your Majesty insists on conferring Laizhan a title of marquis, that is fine, but I am afraid that his entry into the cabinet will have to be..."

Tan Ji said quickly: "Your Majesty attaches more importance to Zhang Guozhang's entry into the cabinet."

At this moment, Qin Ji felt that there was nothing to hide in front of Xu Qiong.

The emperor treats Xu Qiong as one of his own, so do I still have to hide him?

Isn't this artificially creating difficulty?

But what he didn't know was that, in fact, even if Xu Qiong spoke for Zhang Luan again, he did not quite agree with Zhang Luan joining the cabinet.

No matter what, Xu Qiong was also a Hanlin Academy graduate and one of the best in the academy. He was also a supporter of the Hanlin Academy's system of selecting people to join the cabinet, and believed that Zhang Luan's entry into the cabinet would break the rules... and Xu Qiong himself had his own selfish motives, he also wanted to join the cabinet.

Xu Qiong asked: "Does this matter have to be discussed at the court meeting? Lai Zhan's illness has not yet recovered, and he cannot go to fight for it in person. How should we move forward?"

Qin Ji asked tentatively: "Minister Xu, you see, you can propose at the court meeting that the cabinet should increase the number of cabinet ministers on the grounds that it is currently short of manpower, and then put forward Zhang Guozhang as the candidate, and then find some people to agree..."

Xu Qiong interrupted Tan Ji and said, "Your Majesty has the final say on important matters in the court. Since Your Majesty has approved Zhang Laizhan's appointment to the cabinet, why must he propose it in this way? Wouldn't it be more authoritative if an imperial decree came down?"

Xu Qiong almost said, you are harming me!

I am obviously from the Hanlin Academy and I know the rules best, and there are many people who follow my lead behind the scenes.

I have blatantly violated the rules, which is a great offense to the whole world. How can I stand in the court in the future?Qin Ji was stunned for a moment, then asked, "Minister Xu, you don't support Zhang Guozhang's joining the cabinet, right?"

How could Xu Qiong dare to contradict the emperor? He immediately explained: "The cabinet is short of people now, and there is nothing wrong with finding a suitable scholar to join the cabinet... Although Zhan is not a Jinshi, he is also a minister in the imperial court. If Your Majesty promotes him on the grounds of his outstanding ability and his assistance in Your Majesty's ascension to the throne, the ministers in the court will not say anything. But if a minister proposes it, wouldn't it be a bad idea..."

"So this is what you are worried about."

It seems that you, Xu Qiong, are not the kind of person who just moves forward without hesitation.

You are hiding behind the scenes. You want to help Zhang Luan, but you are afraid of being blamed. You are a typical person who wants everything. How can such a good thing be possible in the world?Don't you know that even your position as the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel is criticized? Many people believe that it was the special channels opened up by Li Zisheng and Zhang Luan that allowed you to be promoted to this position?Do you really think you are so upright that you would eagerly support the original order and maintain your non-existent good reputation?Tan Ji said: "Then who do you think is more suitable to recommend Zhang Guozhang to join the cabinet, besides His Majesty and you?"

"Why not ask someone from the cabinet?"

Xu Qiong tentatively proposed a candidate, "Lord Liu, Lord Xu, or any scholar from the Hanlin Academy will do!"

Qin Ji said bluntly, "Zhang Guozhang was not included in the list of candidates for the cabinet submitted by the cabinet and the Hanlin Academy before."

Xu Qiong asked in surprise: "Your Majesty has clearly stated at the court meeting that he intends to promote Lai Zhan to the cabinet. Under this premise, Lai Zhan is not on the list? This..."

Tan Ji sighed helplessly.

I thought to myself, I have the same idea as you, that group of people is too disrespectful to His Majesty.

If that Zhang Guofu is really on the list of candidates, Your Majesty only needs to mention it clearly at the court meeting, and everything will be settled smoothly, right?Do I need to come look for you?Tan Ji said, "Minister Xu, you have already spoken up about the matter of conferring a title on the Zhang family. You should also take the lead in advocating that Zhang Guozhang join the cabinet."

"Ah."

This time, Xu Qiong no longer cared about his identity and face, and nodded directly to show his agreement.

For nothing else.

If I still hold on and refuse to give in, then I will be the same as those pedantic people in the court. How can I gain the trust of Lai Zhan and His Majesty, or even skip the inherent rules and continue to be promoted to a high position?

"I need to find someone to discuss this matter and see how to proceed." Xu Qiong explained patiently, "I also need to use the people I know in the Hanlin Academy to smooth over the relationship and find someone who can co-sign the petition and work together."

"Can you find it?"

Tan Ji asked with concern.

"understood."

Qin Ji nodded first, then asked, "Do you need to keep it a secret for your friends? But... if you just secretly sign your name in support and don't make it public, I'm afraid it will be hard to convince people."

Xu Qiong said: "Laizhan is the academician appointed by the late emperor. He is nominally in charge of the affairs of the Hanlin Academy. It is reasonable to recommend him to join the cabinet! With this as an excuse, perhaps we can really contact a group of people to work for Your Majesty!"

……

The lanterns are on.

Zhang Luan was about to go out, his destination was the Jiaofangsi, to accept a banquet hosted by Pang Qing, the chief steward of Lizi Province.

Although he had repeatedly told himself that he must not drink alcohol, must not get close to women, and must not overwork himself... in the end, he must not touch anything related to alcohol, sex, money, or power, but he was still looking forward to his appointment at the Jiaofangsi.

Just as he was waiting for the servants to prepare the carriage for his journey, Shen Lu came to visit.

"Laizhan, this time His Majesty intends to have you join the cabinet, and has told Lord Xu about it... Lord Xu has already found 40 or 50 people in the court, and they have jointly signed to recommend you to join the cabinet."

Shen Lu said with a smile.

In his opinion, this trip was simply to seek credit.

Look at how much we have done for you while you were recuperating at home.When you become a cabinet minister, with great power and influence, won't you repay us well?

Shen Lu was speechless when he heard this, but he seemed to have gotten used to it. He advised: "Laizhan, calm down first. Regardless of the impression people in the court have of you, just talk about those who recommended you. What... benefits do you plan to give to them when you return?"

"What do you mean?"

Zhang Luan stared in astonishment, "They recommended me in order to get benefits from me? What they meant was that they all planned to follow me and become my followers in the court?"

Shen Lu said helplessly: "Laizhan, you don't know how much the people in the court dislike you now! It was His Majesty's intention to find so many court officials to recommend you at one time, but do you know how much energy Mr. Xu spent on this? How much favor did he use? If you don't give them any benefits, why would they help you in the future?"

“It’s definitely different!”

Shen Lu said, "More than half of the people who are helping you this time are in the Hanlin Academy or are officials from the Hanlin Academy. They were all gathered together through Mr. Xu's relationship. As long as you enter the cabinet, they will definitely follow your lead."

"Oh."

Zhang Luan said thoughtfully, "What benefits do they want?" Shen Lu smiled and said, "As long as you appreciate it... Let's put it this way, Mr. Xu means that we don't need to promise them too much. First, we need to ensure that the scores in the next three years can be pushed up appropriately. As for the selection of officials, especially those involving frontier officials, you should come forward to help speak for them..."

Zhang Luan asked in astonishment, "The three-year examination... isn't that the Ministry of Personnel's business? Whether it's the imperial examination or the imperial examination, it's not something I can get involved in."

"After you enter the cabinet, isn't this your business?"

Shen Lu reminded him, "Now it is said that Liu Ge Lao will retire soon. After you join the cabinet, won't you be the second assistant? According to the rules, you came from the Ministry of Revenue, and you are responsible for the annual examinations of the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Works and other government offices. Is it difficult for you to say hello to the Ministry of Personnel?"

Zhang Luan said helplessly: "The Minister of Personnel is Wang Shu, a rather old-fashioned man. I don't have much friendship with him."

"Oh!"

Zhang Luan suddenly realized, "I understand... those who are planning to support me now are all those who are frustrated and hope to get on my boat and seek benefits."

Shen Lu asked, "Do you have to be so blunt?"

"I'm not very smart."

"You are really too modest."

Shen Lu looked embarrassed and said, "In that case, I will tell you the list in detail. You have to write down the names of these people. It doesn't matter if you can't remember them for the time being, as long as you can tell who is who later."

Zhang Luan asked, "Why don't you make a list for me?"

“They are all afraid of trouble.”

Zhang Luan frowned and said, "You mean...someone is still watching?"

“There are quite a few people waiting and watching.”

Shen Lu replied.

Zhang Luan asked in confusion, "As a relative of mine, I am not a Jinshi. Even if I enter the cabinet, do I really have such a strong appeal that others can join me? Why do I... not believe it?"

"hehe."

Zhang Luan said helplessly, "What kind of people are in this court? Are they all just trying to curry favor with the powerful? It seems that some people are really hopeless!"

Shen Lu quickly reminded: "Laizhan, they are trying to get close to you, why do you have such a big complaint? The world is full of people who are seeking profit. Isn't it human nature to seek good fortune and avoid danger in many cases? When you first came to the capital, didn't you also rely on Li Yintai to rise to power? Don't say those unpleasant words in front of others, it will make people think that you look down on them."

"I know I know."

Shen Lu said: "Then I will give you the list first... I guess in the next two days, the court will decide on your joining the cabinet. You also need to plan carefully about Li Yintai's affairs. Many people have high expectations of you..."

"Ah."

Zhang Luan nodded and said, "Well, I will go to the event tonight... If you don't come, I might have arrived by now."

"Where...to go?"

Zhang Luan flicked his sleeves and said, "Ruxue, I'd better not tell you. Do you have to get involved in this kind of thing? But then again, sometimes you still have to listen to Yanling more... These things are arranged by him."

……

……

Within the Jiaofang Division.

Pang Qing set up a table in the quiet attic in the backyard.

When Zhang Luan arrived with heavy steps, he even needed someone's help to barely go up the stairs. After going up the stairs, he was panting, and his forehead was covered with beads of sweat.

Pang Qing hurried forward to help, but Zhang Luan stopped him with his hand, then he pulled a stool over and sat down.

"I'll just take it easy."

Pang Qing looked at it speechless for a while.

I thought to myself, your body is really weak!

Are you so tired after going up to the second floor?"Mr. Zhang, I was negligent. I should have visited you in person... I really shouldn't have invited you here." Pang Qing said in a tone of admitting his mistake.

Zhang Luan sat there for a long time before he stood up again.

"Yes Yes Yes!"

Pang Qing said hurriedly, "I heard from the Second Young Master that you really should rest more."

Originally, Pang Qing had some doubts as to whether Zhang Luan was faking illness.

When I saw Zhang Luan's haggard appearance, I finally understood that it was impossible to pretend to be so convincing.

"The tea is cold. I'll have someone bring some new tea."

Pang Qing greeted.

Zhang Luan raised his hand to stop them: "Don't serve any tea, wine, or meat dishes! Give me a full bowl of porridge and a plate of refreshing kimchi. It must be clean and not problematic to eat."

Pang Qing got a headache when he heard this.

If I tell others, they will think that I, Pang Bingkun, am so unreliable that I use this to get rid of the father-in-law of the Ming Dynasty?"Forgive me, Bingkun."

Zhang Luan said with a bitter face, "Well, I was craving for lunch, so I asked someone to prepare some roast duck for me. As a result, my stomach was rumbling all afternoon. I can't eat anything oily tonight to avoid making my condition worse. My son is not here, so I have to be careful."

Pang Qing said, "Okay, I'll go to the kitchen and make arrangements for you myself... I'll pass the message on right away."

"well."

(End of this chapter)