Chapter 636: Chapter 638: The Appointment is Issued

「Shangjing」

In the imperial court, a Holy Decree issued early in the morning stunned everyone.

Ancient Wen Heng was unexpectedly appointed Inspector General of Yi Province, skipping the Secondary Third Rank entirely and landing firmly in a Standard Third Rank position.

All the officials in the imperial court had mixed feelings. They had all climbed the ladder one step at a time to reach their positions.

But Ancient Wen Heng had skipped ranks several times in a row.

"Is it really a good thing for this Ancient Wen Heng to keep skipping ranks like this?" The moment the Emperor left, people began to gossip.

"Mr. Yu, you certainly kept this under wraps. How could you not let a single whisper of such big news get out?" Several Chiefs of Staff gathered around Yu Ligao, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

Yu Ligao replied, "My fellow officials, that’s an interesting thing to say. Do you all go around broadcasting the internal affairs of your own ministries?"

"Besides, the Holy Emperor only instructed us to draft a list of vacant positions. We were merely following orders."

"In my opinion, Mr. Gu is the most suitable candidate for this Inspector General position."

"But no matter how you look at it, he shouldn’t have jumped directly to the Standard Third Rank," Chen Zishu said through gritted teeth. "For him to be promoted like this, in succession, is unfair to those officials who have toiled away in the provinces for many years."

Cao Xiangqian said with a smile, "This just proves the man is capable."

"Instead of standing here green with envy, you should think about why he was able to achieve this."

"We military generals all know that you get promoted based on military merit. My fellow civil servants, surely you know that if your political achievements are presentable and benefit the country and its people, that too is a wide-open path to success."

"Mr. Gu’s current good fortune is the result of his own hard work."

"They all say you civil servants are quick-witted. It’s impossible that you don’t understand such a simple principle, right?"

"Instead of standing around discussing a matter that’s already been decided, you’d be better off going back and thinking about how you can learn from Mr. Gu, do more practical things for the common people, and earn a promotion and title from the Holy Emperor yourselves."

"That’s easy for you to say," Zhou Shicong had long found this old codger disagreeable. And now here he was, lecturing them. ’As if a mere martial artist like him is even qualified.’

"You military generals only need some fighting skills and a single war to earn military merit."

"But governing a region is a real challenge. That Ancient Wen Heng just got lucky, happening to pick up the scraps behind General Zhou. Is he really worth all your praise?"

"Mr. Zhou, you just don’t get it. Mr. Cao has had his fill of the broth, so of course he has to say a few good words. Otherwise, they won’t include him the next time there are benefits to be had." There were always those who couldn’t stand to see others succeed, speaking sourly from within the crowd.

Cao Xiangqian wasn’t annoyed. Instead, he chuckled and said, "Everything you’ve said makes sense. I also think I’ve been quite lucky."

"I’ve been able to build a nest egg for my descendants, something you all can’t help but envy."

"But you all are just so narrow-minded. Since you’re so envious of the benefits he gained, why were you all shirking responsibility back then? Why did none of you want to take on that mess?"

"He earned his rewards through hard work and effort, yet here you all are, making sour remarks."

"You don’t think about putting in the effort, only about the rewards. I don’t know what you learned from all those years of study."

With that one statement, Cao Xiangqian offended more than half the court. The military generals standing near him instinctively formed a protective circle around him.

Although these civil servants were all for show and no substance, Cao Xiangqian was getting on in years. If he were to accidentally get bumped or hurt, it would be a huge loss of face for all the military generals.

Seeing their formation, the civil servants cursed inwardly, ’Barbarians.’

’A gentleman uses his words, not his fists.’ They had no desire to stoop to the level of these brutes.

Cao Xiangqian pushed aside a young general blocking him. "See? Doesn’t everything I say make sense? You scholars just aren’t straightforward enough. It’s so much more refreshing to just say what’s on your mind. You have to bottle it all up."

As he spoke, he pointed at Zhou Shicong, who was glaring at him. "What, are we having a staring contest? You think I’m afraid of you?"

"Mr. Cao, this is the imperial court, not some backwater village of yours. Don’t stand here swearing at people like a shrew."

Cao Xiangqian retorted, "Did I swear at anyone? What word did I say that was a swear?"

He then shot a smug grin at the civil servants across from him. "Don’t think you’re the only ones who can insult people without using profanity. I don’t believe I said anything out of line, did I?"

The civil servants: "..."

After this bout of pestering from Cao Xiangqian, no one was in the mood to discuss it further. In any case, the Holy Decree had been issued, and nothing could be changed.

Some, having come to terms with it, bypassed the circle of men and departed in silence.

「Shangshufang」

Hua Shunming sipped his hot tea. "Have all those people in the court left?"

Le San replied, "They have already left."

"Do they really think I don’t know they’re at it again with their petty squabbling? They lack ability themselves, yet they won’t allow others to get ahead."

Hua Shunming smiled. Over the past two years, his plans were beginning to show results.

Ancient Wen Heng was capable and courageous, so of course he had to make good use of him.

The positions those old ministers in the court had previously suggested were all sinecures, with no room for advancement.

’If I were a more fat-headed ruler, a talent like him might truly have been buried by these people.’

"Mr. Gu has met an enlightened ruler," Le San said, always knowing the right thing to say at the right time.

"Whether I am an enlightened ruler or not, that is for history to decide." Hua Shunming said humbly, but the pride in his eyes was unmistakable.

’Now, I can finally control the court. If I could get a few more capable ministers like Ancient Wen Heng, who have their own opinions and ideas, I might truly become a wise ruler for the ages.’

"General Zhou should be arriving soon, shouldn’t he?"

Le San answered, "The general taking over for him should have arrived by now. Barring any accidents, he should be back in the capital this month."

"But it’s only the beginning of the month," Hua Shunming murmured to himself.

"Holy Emperor, General Zhou is not like Mr. Gu and his family, who are burdened with household and children. He will be riding at full speed, so his journey will be much shorter."

Hua Shunming closed his eyes, and Le San dared not say another word, standing quietly by his side.

Housekeeper Fu dared not delay for a moment with the news of the court appointment. He immediately had someone ride at full speed to deliver it to Gaoling Village.

As soon as Ancient Wen Heng received the news, he immediately began to pack, preparing to return to the capital.

"It seems this Emperor really sees you as a pioneer ox, saving the worst positions for you."

Having been in this dynasty for so many years, Jin Qianqian had long since become familiar with its geography.

Yi Province now was not like it would be in later ages. Many small border states were restless, and with the high altitude and dense forests, even with abundant resources, the lives of the common people were not much better off.

On the surface, it looked like a promotion that skipped ranks, drawing the envy of others, but it could also be seen as the Emperor presenting Ancient Wen Heng with a major challenge.

"It doesn’t matter. I was already mentally prepared for it. It’s just that I have to make you and the children suffer by accompanying me there."

Ancient Wen Heng gave Jin Qianqian an apologetic bow. To climb to a high position quickly, one had to make sacrifices.

"You’re doing this for our little family," Jin Qianqian said, unconcerned. "The journey may be arduous, but we can also use it as a chance to get out, see the world, and experience the pristine scenery."

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