Chapter 228: Delivered to the Doorstep
Yi Tong and her family had moved in ten days prior under Fu Tingyun's orders, having already cleaned the residence thoroughly. They had also temporarily hired several honest, diligent women to assist with household chores. While Fu Tingyun and Third Sister conversed in the main room of the inner quarters, these women quickly arranged Third Sister and Fifth Sister’s luggage.
After the long and tiring journey, Third Sister and Fifth Sister inquired about the next day’s itinerary from Fu Tingyun before retiring to rest.
Having not spoken properly with her son all day, Third Sister called him over for a chat. Meanwhile, Fifth Sister asked her attendants about her husband: "...Is he still keeping Ninth Brother-in-law company?"
Her personal housekeeper promptly replied with a smile, "He’s currently in the main hall with Ninth Master, serving tea to several councilors, vice commissioners, and deputy magistrates!"
Hearing this, Fifth Sister frowned slightly.
Noticing her expression, the housekeeper hesitated before suggesting, "Shall we find an excuse to call the master back?"
Fifth Sister shook her head. "No need—people in Lintong already say I bully him with my influence..."
The housekeeper stiffened at her words. Just then, a maid brought in hot water, and she quickly took it with a smile. "Shall I assist you with washing up, madam?"
Fifth Sister gave a slight nod.
Relieved, the housekeeper busied herself efficiently.
But Fifth Sister remained seated by the kang table, lost in thought.
Aside from Zhao Ling’s relatives and friends, officials such as the magistrate of Chang’an County, councilors from the Shaanxi Provincial Administration, vice commissioners from the Provincial Surveillance Commission, and deputy magistrates from the Shaanxi Regional Military Commission had also come to attend the reburial of Zhao Ling’s parents. When her husband stayed by Zhao Ling’s side, others, upon learning they were brothers-in-law, immediately became more cordial toward him. Unfortunately, her husband was not skilled in socializing. After a few exchanges, those men realized he was merely an honest scholar from Lintong County—some even began ordering him around. Though kind-hearted and originally intending to support Zhao Ling, her husband felt wronged but endured it for Zhao Ling’s sake.
It pained her to see this, yet she could do nothing to change it, leaving her secretly anxious.
And Zhao Ling remained surrounded by those people... With the memorial ceremony tomorrow, if her husband continued suffering such treatment for her sake, how could she bear it?
The thought gave Fifth Sister a headache.
The magistrate of Chang’an County shared her sentiment.
As a civil official, he and Zhao Ling belonged to different systems—even if Zhao Ling rose to become a commander in the Five Armies Commandery, it wouldn’t affect him much. Still, it was better to avoid offending Zhao Ling. He had also anticipated that many prominent figures from across Shaanxi would attend the reburial. Since this was a funeral affair, no banquet could be hosted. Yet after a day’s labor in the cold winter, who wouldn’t crave a warm meal? He had planned to prepare a lavish feast at the county office and invite those dignitaries to rest there, hoping to forge a connection or two.
But when he proposed the idea, Wu Xin, the deputy magistrate of the Shaanxi Regional Military Commission, outright refused.Wu Xin was the one who had helped Zhao Ling with his household registration and secured him the position of Centurion back then. Although these favors were done out of deference to the Sixteenth Master, who was still in his princely residence at the time, Wu Xin himself was soon promoted to the position of vice commissioner of the Shaanxi Regional Military Commission as one of the emperor’s men. Yet human desires are boundless. After holding the vice commissioner post for several years, he vaguely learned through certain channels that Li Rujin, the commander of the Shaanxi Regional Military Commission, would soon be transferred to the position of Guangdong General Commander after the new year. Naturally, the thought crossed his mind: "If only I could get promoted too."
As the saying goes, just as one was longing for sleep, a pillow appeared.
Zhao Ling suddenly decided to move his parents’ graves to Chang’an County and establish his own household there.
Wu Xin was overjoyed.
Although he, too, had come from the emperor’s princely residence, times had changed, and as an outer court official, he couldn’t compare to those like Qin Feiyu, who had become the emperor’s close confidants and enjoyed his favor. He had initially considered seeking help from Qin Feiyu or even Liansheng, but Qin Feiyu had made it clear that since he was now in charge of the Tengji Guard, it would be inappropriate for him to interfere in court affairs. As for Liansheng, Wu Xin had never paid him much attention in the past, so asking for his help now might not yield any favors. Now that Zhao Ling was coming to Shaanxi for personal matters, and given their past connection, approaching him wouldn’t arouse suspicion. This was the perfect opportunity to sound Zhao Ling out—after all, He Xiulin had secured the position of commander of the Yulin Garrison through Zhao Ling’s connections, a fact known to nearly everyone in Shaanxi’s official circles. That was why so many had flocked to Zhao Ling’s family affairs, eager to join in the commotion.
The magistrate of Chang’an County silently cursed Wu Xin’s ancestors eighteen generations back, but Wu Xin spoke with such self-righteousness: "We are here to pay respects to Uncle and Aunt Zhao. When we visit Chang’an County another day, we’ll trouble the magistrate then."
Hearing this, even those who had initially wanted to join in felt too embarrassed to proceed.
The magistrate fumed inwardly: "Since when did Zhao Ling’s parents become your uncle and aunt?" It was said that military men were straightforward, but Wu Xin didn’t seem the least bit straightforward.
Wu Xin, of course, had no idea what the magistrate was thinking. Leaning forward with a smile, he said to Zhao Ling, who was seated above him, "Come to think of it, it’s been five or six years since we last met. This is a perfect chance for us brothers to catch up."
Zhao Ling was somewhat surprised by Wu Xin’s enthusiasm.
But in official circles, flattery was commonplace, and he had no reason to reject such a gesture.
He smiled faintly and said, "If it weren’t for Brother Wu back then, my affairs 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 the Zhuanglang Garrison.
Wu Xin understood perfectly and laughed. "Between brothers, there’s no need for formalities."
Those around them, seeing how familiar the two seemed, didn’t suspect anything when Yi Tong directed the maids to prepare the guest rooms for the officials and then had the maidservants ask Zhao Ling for further instructions. As the other officials dispersed, Wu Xin pulled Zhao Ling aside to his study, ostensibly to reminisce.
Zhao Ling, of course, knew full well that he and Wu Xin weren’t that close. So when Wu Xin subtly brought up the matter of Li Rujin and said, "...If only Brother Zhao were to come to Shaanxi, that would be ideal," Zhao Ling responded half-seriously, half-jokingly, "With our friendship, I might even benefit from your influence."Li Rujin was going to take over the position from Mo Yi's uncle, who had been transferred to the capital to serve as the commander of the Five Armies Commandery. For the Mo family, which had produced two commanders-in-chief, this was good news.
Zhao Ling had heard Mo Yi mention it.
He just hadn’t expected Wu Xin to get the news so quickly.
Clearly, Wu Xin had his own connections in the capital.
Zhao Ling immediately grasped the implication behind Wu Xin’s words.
His first instinct was to refuse. But then he thought of the Xiping Marquis, far away in Liangzhou.
No one who had humiliated someone he cherished—someone he held so dear he feared they might melt in his mouth or shatter in his hands—could continue to enjoy wealth and honor unscathed. Especially when that someone was Fu Tingyun.
Though Feng Hu was dead, it wasn’t enough to quell his anger.
Suddenly, an idea struck him. He smiled and said, "To be honest with you, Brother Wu, who wouldn’t want such an opportunity? But you’re aware of my situation. Not only do I have conflicts with the Feng family, but there’s also some tension between me and the Xiping Marquis due to past issues involving the Marquis Yingchuan. If I were to actively seek this, it might displease His Majesty. I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you." He then added, "On the other hand, Brother Wu, you’re already a second-rank official. If Li Rujin leaves Shaanxi, it would be natural for you to advance further. And given that you’ve served His Majesty before..." He trailed off, giving Wu Xin a meaningful look before falling silent.
Wu Xin’s heart skipped a beat, but he feigned resignation with a long sigh. "Of course I’d like that, but I lack someone to recommend me... You know how His Majesty has grown wary of military officers outside the capital forming ties with civil officials in the capital. Having served His Majesty, I dare not cross that line."
"That’s true," Zhao Ling nodded slightly, showing understanding, then adopted a somewhat regretful expression as he picked up his teacup.
Seeing Zhao Ling not continue the conversation, Wu Xin grew anxious. Knowing that after tonight, he might never have another chance or the right atmosphere to broach the topic again, his words became more urgent. "Brother Zhao, a few days ago, Xiulin came to Shaanxi on business, and we brothers had a chance to catch up. He spoke highly of you. I’ve been away from the capital for so long that even if I wanted to do something, I lack the means. I’d appreciate it if you could help me navigate this... As for Feng Laosan and the Xiping Marquis—well, the Xiping Marquis is a descendant of founding heroes, so I can’t make promises there. But Feng Laosan... I’ll make sure to settle that score for you as soon as I return. Just tell me what you’d like done."
Zhao Ling chuckled. "You flatter me, Brother Wu. Back then, I didn’t even bother with Feng Laosi. Now, I certainly won’t stoop to Feng Laosan’s level." The implication was clear—his real target was the Xiping Marquis.
Wu Xin, recalling the Xiping Marquis’s misdeeds, gritted his teeth. "With He Fu already pressuring the Xiping Marquis, a little extra straw from me would be enough to break his back. But when the court convenes, Brother Zhao, you’ll need to back me up. I don’t have He Fu’s clout to withstand the scrutiny of the grand secretaries!"
The terms were effectively settled.
Zhao Ling smiled faintly. "If the Xiping Marquis asks, just tell him it was at my request."
Wu Xin was taken aback.
Zhao Ling said coolly, "If he suffers a loss but doesn’t know who’s behind it, how will he learn his lesson? And where’s the fun in that for me?"When he said this, his expression was calm and his tone gentle, yet for some reason, Wu Xin could sense an overwhelming confidence radiating from Zhao Ling—a sense that everything was under his control.
That was the Xiping Marquis we're talking about!
Where did he get such certainty?
Wu Xin thought of He Xiulin.
Suddenly, his heart pounded like a drum.
Could his opportunity truly have arrived...? Even known for his composure, the temptation of a first-rank official position made it impossible to suppress his delighted expression.
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Zhao Ling stayed in Chang'an County for seven days to handle the relocation of his parents' graves before preparing to return to the capital.
Before his departure, he invited Fifth Sister:
"...A-Jun isn't feeling well and will rest at Willow Lane for a few days before traveling. If you have no pressing matters, Fifth Sister, why not accompany A-Jun to the capital? You sisters can spend more time together, and you can also see the sights of the capital—and meet Shopkeeper Ye San of the Datong Company while you're at it."
He was clearly trying to entice her into escorting their ninth sister back to the capital!
Fifth Sister couldn't help but laugh.
Yet remembering how Zhao Ling had insisted on seating her husband at the head of the table during breakfast the morning after they moved into the Chang'an County residence—citing seniority—she found it impossible to refuse:
"Very well! I’ve been meaning to meet the famed Shopkeeper Ye San of the northwest..."
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Finally returning to the capital... O(∩_∩)O~
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(End of Chapter)
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