Selection
“Recently, due to the matters concerning Zheng Qinglai and Tangxi Zhui, some positions have become vacant.” The Emperor leisurely rubbed his hands together and said lightly, his gaze sweeping over everyone present. “Today, everyone should freely discuss their thoughts. Speak your minds openly, don’t be restrained.”
The assembled officials secretly exchanged glances with each other, but none was first to speak.
“Cui Ya, you’ve been in the prime minister position for two or three years now.” The Emperor toyed with the green jade thumb ring in his hand, directly calling on someone. “You understand best what qualifications a dynasty’s prime minister requires. Who do you think in the court now has the ability to take on the position of Right Prime Minister?”
Cui Ya and Gu Wanchong exchanged a glance, then said, “Originally, this subject wished to have Zhang Dongqin Daren take on the role, but considering that Zhang Daren’s qualifications are still shallow, though he has ability, I fear he cannot command public support. His Highness the Crown Prince possesses both virtue and ability, so he could concurrently serve as Right Prime Minister.”
The Left and Right Prime Ministers had always been held by people from different factions. He might as well generously give it to Gu Jiuqing outright, to lay groundwork for later.
Before the Emperor’s suspicious gaze could turn toward him, Gu Jiuqing hastily cupped his hands. “This son’s qualifications cannot compare to Zhang Daren’s. This position would be more suitable for Zhang Daren.”
He had grown accustomed to hiding behind others while manipulating power. His only time stepping forward was when impeaching Tangxi Zhui, because that contained enormous benefits. If he himself were pushed into the prime minster position, it would likely lead to the Emperor’s wariness toward him.
Though Zhang Dongqin’s attitude was hard to read, he was a favored person before the Emperor—doing him this favor wouldn’t hurt.
They all understood in their hearts that the Emperor had his own thoughts about this position. His first choice was Zhang Dongqin. Over these years, this person had been smooth sailing with prosperous official fortune, clearly receiving the Emperor’s favor.
However, Cui Ya directly putting forth Gu Jiuqing actually made the Emperor hesitate for a moment.
With this hesitation, the Crown Prince faction couldn’t sit still. Jian Ji’an and Chen Sihong, Liu Yan and Xu Jiao, Princess Zhangping—all began speaking well of the Crown Prince one after another. Zhang Dongqin also declined, repeatedly saying his qualifications were insufficient and he feared he couldn’t bear this heavy responsibility.
The Emperor didn’t speak for a long while. When he opened his mouth, he called on Pei Yanci. “Pei Qing, what are your thoughts?”
(TL: 卿 (qing)= A court form of address used by the emperor)
Pei Yanci had no choice but to speak. “Your Majesty, having imperial princes serve as chancellor has existed since ancient times. If one were to serve, they could grasp court affairs in a short time, which would be of great benefit to future regency.
“There are only two princes of suitable age in the court. His Highness Prince Qi is excellent at warfare and combat, but having just entered the court, there are still quite a few immature aspects. His Highness the Crown Prince previously investigated and impeached Tangxi Zhui—this action received much love from the common people, and now His Highness the Crown Prince enjoys extremely high prestige among the people. His Highness just needs some tempering. I ask Your Majesty to give him this opportunity.”
“The Crown Prince is already supervising the state. Taking on the prime minister position as well, Zhen fears he’ll be too busy.” The Emperor said, “Chong’er just returned from the border. He should also learn to handle some affairs and gain experience.”
Gu Wanchong instinctively glanced at Pei Yanci, his heart a tumult of mixed feelings.
Seeing that Gu Wanchong seemed truly planning to accept, Cui Ya hurriedly said, “Your Majesty, isn’t this somewhat improper?”
As soon as the words left his mouth, he felt they were inappropriate and tried to remedy it. “His Highness is unfamiliar with government affairs. To so rashly take charge, I fear…”
“Zhen is not afraid, so what are you afraid of?” The Emperor’s sharp gaze swept toward him, successfully making Cui Ya close his mouth.
What was he afraid of? He was afraid the position of Grand Secretary of the Secretariat wouldn’t fall to him. Pei Yanci sneered coldly in his heart.
Sure enough, when it came to who would preside over the Secretariat, everyone voiced their opinions in a perfunctory manner. The Prince Qi faction couldn’t very well recommend Cui Ya, so the Grand Secretary position went to Zhang Dongqin to hold concurrently.
Cui Ya’s hopes came to nothing, and he’d made himself a mess.
Gu Wanchong would serve as Right Prime Minister, with rank above his, yet understanding nothing. And he was an imperial prince—if something went wrong in the future, how could the Emperor blame his own son? He himself would still be the one to bear responsibility.
Pei Yanci took the opportunity to have the Emperor shuffle around the positions of Eastern Palace people. Qin Xiong was promoted to Minister of Personnel, Xu Jiao became Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs and concurrently Crown Prince’s Junior Tutor. He even proposed giving Hu Minlai, who had never been favored by Gu Jiuqing, the position of Remonstrance Official.
As for the current Remonstrance Official Xue Mao, he was the cousin of the Xue family head. Pei Yanci promoted him two ranks and threw him into the Ministry of Justice.
In Gu Jiuqing’s view, the Ministry of Personnel remained firmly in his own hands, and Xu Jiao could also restrain Cui Ya and Gu Wanchong. The Xue family had also entered the Ministry of Justice. This proposal couldn’t be better.
Cui Ya was dissatisfied with them extending their reach into the Ministry of Justice and argued a few sentences, but was stopped by Gu Wanchong, which infuriated the little old man quite a bit.
Pei Yanci further proposed promoting Hu’er Lai to Crown Prince’s Retainer while concurrently serving as Vice Minister of Revenue.
Liu Yan had just begun to voice some objections when he heard Princess Zhangping waving her round fan, saying unhurriedly, “The Ministry of Revenue is where the lifeblood of the nation lies. Having a foreigner serve there is inevitably improper. Father Emperor, this daughter actually has a suitable candidate in mind.”
“Speak and let’s hear it.”
“Middle Counselor Xue Yun.” Princess Zhangping said with a charming laugh. “He is upright in character, honest and incorruptible. How suitable for the Ministry of Revenue.”
Gu Wanchong said, “Second Sister, I’ve heard you often go boating and enjoying spring scenery with this Third Master of the Xue family, and even invited him to stay at your mansion. Is this true?”
“It’s precisely because we’re close that I understand the character of the Xue family’s young men. We should give them more opportunities to advance.” Gu Yueqian held her fan before her lips. Her lips painted with bright red cosmetic showed through the hazy golden gauze, revealing a faint smile. “Fifth Brother is close with Prime Minister Cui, yet Prime Minister Cui doesn’t seem to consider Fifth Brother’s interests. On the contrary, Pei Daren appears to be loyally devoted to his master, always unable to forget his old master.”
Pei Yanci said, “His Highness the Crown Prince is the heir apparent. We naturally must protect the Gu family’s master. Should we protect outsiders instead?”
Nothing happens without profit. Princess Zhangping speaking for the Xue family—it was hard to say there wasn’t some understanding between them.
He suddenly felt his earlier vigorous persuasion of the Emperor regarding the Xue family was rather laughable.
The Xue family wanted both sides—truly insatiably greedy.
The informal discussion meeting ran from morning until evening. The atmosphere was harmonious, with everyone giving and taking. You don’t block my people from rising, I won’t pull your people down. Though there was no prior communication, the various factions tacitly reached consensus at this moment.
Poor old Cui Ya and Chen Sihong—their legs were trembling.
Who said civil officials didn’t need physical stamina? By evening, those people’s minds were still clear, their thoughts lucid—all thanks to their good physiques.
Before the end, Pei Yanci proposed adding an additional imperial examination this year.
Originally the imperial examinations were held once every three years. Last year’s examination had just passed, but this year’s situation was severe. The Emperor thought it over and decided to hold both civil and martial examinations together, to replenish the court with new talent.
Pei Yanci smiled faintly and agreed.
The Emperor suddenly remembered. “Pei Qing, earlier you said your Imperial Academy didn’t want to assist with coordinating the imperial examinations. Why is that?”
Pei Yanci and Chen Sihong exchanged glances. The latter quickly stepped forward and said, “If only the Ministry of Rites presides, I fear they’ll be too busy. Pei Daren had better not decline—help out together.”
The shares in the printing house were worth it.
“Pei Qing, this matter should still be handled by your Imperial Academy and the Ministry of Rites.” The Emperor made the decision. “Only with you handling it can Zhen be at ease.”
The earlier words were all fine, but this sentence revealed the Emperor’s deep trust in Pei Yanci.
Aside from the three Gu siblings, the other court officials’ expressions varied.
****
When Pei Yanci emerged from the palace, he happened to see Gu Wanchong by the carriage.
“Prince Qi, is there something?”
“Mm.” Gu Wanchong looked at the approaching person, whose height was similar to his own but considerably more slender.
A determined light burst forth in his dim eyes as he said, “I will support you.”
Pei Yanci looked up in surprise. “What do you mean?”
“Whether in the previous life or this lifetime, I’ve actually always been led along by my family. In the last life, my father and uncles instigated me. In this life, my maternal clan was arrested, forcing me to compete. Now I understand my own heart clearly.”
Gu Wanchong clenched his fists at his sides. “I am your subject. Whether in the previous life or this life, I will be loyal to you.”
Pei Yanci looked at him skeptically without showing it, then smiled. “This lord has received Prince Qi’s sincerity. In the future, I hope His Highness’s people will help more.”
“Good.” A rare smile appeared on Gu Wanchong’s face. “My people and I will work for you and assist you. Whether you want to help Gu Jiuqing ascend to power, or… yourself. Cui Ya, Huo Cun, those people in the Ministry of Works and Ministry of Justice—they will all fully support you.”
Pei Yanci didn’t know what madness had seized this person. Last time at the restaurant he was shouting about fighting and killing, and now this time he said he would wholeheartedly assist him.
Even a fool could tell something was amiss.
****
Returning to the Pei mansion, Pei Yanci knocked on Wang Lingche’s door and subtly revealed to him the matter of his impending promotion, as well as the fact that Gui Jingbo would soon be transferred to an external post.
“I understand.” Wang Lingche said one sentence, then closed the door again.
Not two days later, the court issued thirteen imperial edicts, all concerning the appointment of officials of the fifth rank and above.
Some were happy, some worried.
In Hongtu Restaurant, Qin Xiong, Chen Sihong, Sui Lu, Hu Minlai, Hu’er Lai, Xu Jiao… over twenty people all sat in the private room, offering congratulations to Gu Jiuqing at the head.
“This time we’ve won a great victory! So what if Gu Wanchong sits in the prime minister position? He’s still just a reckless brute with courage but no strategy. Our Highness holds the power of supervising the state. Anyone in the court with any sense should know whom to follow.”
“But we still must thank Pei Daren for his many recommendations before His Majesty!” Sui Lu said. Unable to advance in the Ministry of Rites, under Pei Yanci’s recommendation he was promoted to Vice Minister of Justice. “With Pei Daren here, our Highness will surely accomplish great things!”
“Yes, yes! If not for Pei Daren’s keen eye and his heart always thinking of us, where would we have the opportunity to advance?” Hu’er Lai’s smile showed his conspicuous white teeth.
“Thank you, Your Highness, for your promotion. Thank you, Pei Daren, for your recognition.” The officials raised their cups together, laughing.
Under the table, Gu Jiuqing grasped Pei Yanci’s hand. His gaze was tender, but the smile at the corner of his mouth turned cold.
Liu Yan and Xu Jiao echoed a few sentences along with them, but having had little contact with Pei Yanci, they were somewhat confused.
After sitting down, the two asked the people on their left and right. “You all seem to hold Pei Daren in high esteem. I recall our Imperial Academy Chancellor is not yet twenty, correct?”
“Heroes are not judged by their origins, the talented not by their age. Don’t underestimate our Pei Daren. As someone close to His Majesty, he hasn’t forgotten about us. Whenever there’s something good, he thinks of those working together with him.”
The two officials couldn’t help but be curious. “Oh? How so?”
Chen Sihong put his palm near his mouth and whispered, “This printing house is big business. Old friend, if you don’t invest, you’ll be missing out tremendously.”
“There’s such a good thing?”
“Young brother, that’s not being forthright—you have good business opportunities and don’t think of us first.” Xu Jiao said.
“Aren’t you here now? After the banquet, let’s call Pei Daren and discuss it properly.” Chen Sihong smiled. “Pei Daren is very reasonable.”
Xu Jiao and Liu Yan nodded with satisfaction.
Not far away, Pei Yanci watched this scene without showing any emotion, raising his wine cup to hide the cold smile at the corner of his mouth.
“Yanci, let’s drink a cup together.” Gu Jiuqing said.
“How can I let Your Highness pour wine?” Pei Yanci hurriedly tried to snatch the wine pot from his hand, taking the opportunity to try to free his other hand.
The hand at his wrist applied more force, gripping firmly and not allowing him to rise.
Pei Yanci looked at his consistently cold and stern expression, a bad premonition arising in his heart.
“Things have changed too quickly. Before, you were just a servant at this prince’s side. Now, you’ve already become a figure known to all in the court.”
“It’s all because of Your Highness’s promotion and His Majesty’s favor.” Pei Yanci tried to pull his hand free. “This subject toasts you.”
“Yes, this prince trusts you so much.” Gu Jiuqing drained his cup in one gulp, the force in his hand growing heavier. “Be straight with this prince—whose side are you really on?”