Chapter 238: Analysis (Bonus Update Seeking Pink Tickets)
Third Older Cousin's Husband and Seventh Sister's Husband were sitting opposite each other in dismay when they heard that Third Sister and Fu Tingyun had arrived. Both men stood up immediately.
This was Seventh Sister's Husband's first time meeting Fu Tingyun. He glanced at her swiftly before lowering his gaze.
Fu Tingyun noticed that Seventh Sister's Husband had lively eyes and didn’t seem like a rigidly cautious person, which gave her more confidence about today’s matter.
Everyone took their seats according to precedence, and Third Sister explained Fu Tingyun’s purpose for coming.
Third Older Cousin's Husband quickly stood up to thank Fu Tingyun.
"Family shouldn’t speak like strangers," Fu Tingyun also rose, replying humorously, "Please, given my current condition, don’t stand on ceremony with me."
Her words made everyone laugh.
The originally tense atmosphere lightened considerably.
Third Older Cousin's Husband smiled and briefly apologized, saying, "I was being too pedantic," before getting straight to the point: "Does Ninth Sister have any good ideas?"
Fu Tingyun thought for a moment and asked, "Which position were you originally aiming for, Third Older Cousin's Husband?"
Third Older Cousin's Husband was decisive by nature. Since he and Seventh Sister's Husband were at a loss, he figured it wouldn’t hurt to hear Fu Tingyun’s suggestion—there might be unexpected gains. Thus, he answered frankly, "I originally had my eye on either the position of Censor of the Censorate or Recorder of the Office of Transmission. The former allows one to inspect the realm on behalf of the Emperor and become acquainted with officials across the land, while the latter handles reports from all regions, providing insight into the people’s conditions."
Fu Tingyun was surprised.
Both positions were only seventh-rank and involved hard work, though they offered valuable experience.
She hadn’t expected Third Older Cousin's Husband to be so determined. She asked, "Did you never consider striving for the Left Supervising Secretary of the Ministry of Personnel?"
"I thought about it when I first heard the position was vacant," Third Older Cousin's Husband admitted. "But after learning how many people were vying for it, I gave up. Even if I managed to secure it by force, I’d inevitably offend many people and might not hold onto it for long. It didn’t seem worth the trouble."
Fu Tingyun nodded inwardly.
Third Older Cousin's Husband’s meticulous approach truly made him well-suited for an official career.
After a moment of contemplation, she said thoughtfully, "Before Ninth Master left, he mentioned that the Emperor has been on the throne for four or five years now—it’s about time to reform the bureaucracy..."
As soon as Fu Tingyun finished speaking, both Third Older Cousin's Husband and Seventh Sister's Husband brightened, listening even more intently.
"Grand Secretary Yu is a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet concurrently serving as Minister of Rites, and Yu Jingxiu is his son," Fu Tingyun continued. "If Yu Jingxiu secures the position of Left Supervising Secretary of the Ministry of Personnel, wouldn’t that mean father and son would serve in court together, each wielding significant power? I’m certain there are those who wouldn’t want to see such an outcome!"
"Exactly!" Seventh Sister's Husband couldn’t help exclaiming. "We only saw the Yu Family’s deep-rooted influence but failed to consider the Emperor’s intentions." Excitedly, he turned to Third Older Cousin's Husband. "Ninth Sister is right. I think we need to rethink our strategy."
Third Older Cousin's Husband also looked pleased, but he quickly regained his composure.After pondering for a while, he said solemnly, "From Ninth Sister's words, it seems the rumors about Grand Secretary Shen retiring are true. If so, Mo Yingbo, currently the most prominent figure due to his connection with Prince Zhuang, would ironically be the least likely candidate for Chief Grand Secretary. Grand Secretary Shen has managed the Grand Secretariat for over a decade and isn't someone to be trifled with. Before leaving, he might very well bring Mo Yingbo down. Even if he doesn't, His Majesty might let them both suffer heavy losses. In that case, the Grand Secretariat would inevitably undergo major adjustments. Grand Secretary Yu has been in the Grand Secretariat for seven or eight years and is now at the age of sixty. Moreover, as an appointee of the late emperor, His Majesty, who seeks vigorous reforms, is unlikely to retain him. Yet such a senior official must still be appeased. In officialdom, compromise and concession are essential... I fear Yu De Pu might just get his wish!
"If His Majesty prioritizes stability, he will likely rely on Grand Secretary Yu. To avoid suspicion, the position of Left Supervising Secretary of the Ministry of Personnel certainly won't go to Yu De Pu. But as Grand Secretary Yu takes the helm of the Grand Secretariat, he will need to balance the situation, and this appointment might be given as a favor to someone else... Whether the former or the latter scenario unfolds, our chances are slim."
Fu Tingyun's heart pounded with trepidation.
Third Older Cousin's Husband was truly remarkable. With just a few words from her, he had deduced most of the situation, aligning perfectly with some of Zhao Ling's insights.
Meanwhile, Seventh Sister's Husband and Third Sister fully believed Third Older Cousin's Husband's speculations, convinced that the position of Left Supervising Secretary was beyond their reach.
For a moment, the room fell so silent one could hear a pin drop.
Third Sister, thinking of Fu Tingyun and Seventh Sister's Husband coming for their sake, forced a smile despite her disappointment. "My husband never truly desired the Left Supervising Secretary position, so this isn't a loss. Let's rally our spirits and focus on securing either the Censor of the Censorate or the Recorder of the Office of Transmission!" She then turned to Fu Tingyun, seated beside her. "You mentioned having an idea—what is it?"
But Fu Tingyun fixed her gaze on Third Older Cousin's Husband, her eyes blazing. "Do you think the same way, Third Older Cousin's Husband?"
Seventh Sister's Husband was taken aback.
Third Older Cousin's Husband's expression grew grave, but he quickly replied, "If Ninth Sister can help me secure the Left Supervising Secretary position, I’m willing to try."
Fu Tingyun nodded inwardly in satisfaction. "Victory favors the bold. Everything is ever-changing. Just as you predicted before I arrived, Yu Jingxiu surpasses you in both connections and seniority, making him the clear favorite for the Left Remonstrance Official position. Yet after discerning His Majesty's intentions, you now believe whether Yu Jingxiu gets the position hinges on whether Grand Secretary Yu becomes Chief Grand Secretary. What seems insurmountable now may not be so later. But if you lack even the courage to try, even if you somehow secure the position, hesitation will undermine your confidence and effectiveness. In the end, you wouldn’t be able to hold onto it!"
Third Older Cousin's Husband's spirits lifted at her words, and he praised, "Ninth Sister, what remarkable insight!"
Seventh Sister's Husband also said, "Ninth Sister, you truly rival any man." His gaze toward her carried newfound respect.Fu Tingyun modestly replied, "You flatter me," then asked, "Have Third Older Cousin's Husband and Seventh Sister's Husband heard of Zhao Zhao Tingyi?"
Third Older Cousin's Husband widened his eyes: "The advisor who served His Majesty when he was still a prince?"
Seventh Sister's Husband also said, "The military strategist who helped His Majesty 'Purge the Emperor's Entourage'?"
Fu Tingyun nodded with a smile. "He's now a monk at Tanzhe Temple under the Dharma name 'Master Zhenghe.' My husband has some personal connections with him. I was wondering if we could ask for his help..."
Even someone as rational as Third Older Cousin's Husband grew excited upon hearing this: "If Mr. Zhao is willing to intervene, what uncertainty could remain?" Yet he then showed hesitation. "But his door isn't easy to enter... I've heard even Qin Feiyu, a favored minister of the emperor with 'Merit from supporting the emperor,' was once turned away..."
Fu Tingyun smiled. "How will we know if we don't try?"
These words stirred Third Older Cousin's Husband's boldness, and he instructed Third Sister, "Open all the chests and let Ninth Younger Sister help pick something suitable as a gift for Master Zhenghe."
Seeing hope for her husband's reinstatement, Third Sister was already beaming with joy. She cheerfully responded, "Yes," and went to assist Fu Tingyun. "Come with me to take a look. If nothing is suitable, I'll go out and buy something."
Sometimes, spending money doesn't guarantee success.
Third Older Cousin's Husband, not wanting Fu Tingyun to feel burdened, said, "I came prepared for this trip to the capital. Besides, man proposes, but Heaven disposes. Ninth Younger Sister, just treat this as your own matter and do your best. The rest is up to fate."
Able to take things up and put them down.
Fu Tingyun silently gave Third Older Cousin's Husband a thumbs-up in her heart but also noticed Seventh Sister's Husband's unusual silence.
She couldn't help but ask, "Seventh Sister's Husband, do you think there's anything I haven't considered thoroughly enough?"
Only then did Third Older Cousin's Husband and Third Sister notice Seventh Sister's Husband's odd demeanor and turned to look at him.
Seventh Sister's Husband hesitated briefly before speaking candidly, "I was thinking about Master Zhenghe... Now that he's become a monk, he might not be willing to meddle in court affairs..."
This was precisely Fu Tingyun's concern.
But Third Older Cousin's Husband waved his hand dismissively. "Seventh Brother-in-law, you're overthinking it. Consider this: Mr. Zhao had his scholarly honors revoked by the previous emperor. As for 'Merit from supporting the emperor,' if rewards were given based on merit, he would be first in line. How could the emperor reward him? By requesting to become a monk, he gave the emperor a way out—preserving their master-advisor relationship, saving the imperial family's dignity, and making the emperor feel indebted to him. To renounce wealth and worldly pleasures so decisively shows the demeanor of a true gentleman and a scholar of noble character." His expression showed admiration. "But to say he has completely severed ties with the mortal world would be wrong. If he were truly disillusioned, there are many renowned temples—why would he specifically choose Tanzhe Temple near the capital?" He then looked at Fu Tingyun. "After Mr. Zhao was stripped of his honors, others like Liu Shutong, who shared his fate, wallowed in degradation and took up surrogate examination services. But he, originally from Datong, traveled all the way south to Huguang to serve as an advisor in His Majesty's princely residence, helping him ascend the throne. If you say he had no ambitions or aspirations, I absolutely refuse to believe it! Since he still desires to achieve something, he wouldn't easily give up...""Exactly! Exactly!" Third Older Cousin's Husband's words were so profound that they dispelled all of Fu Tingyun's concerns. "He has left the secular world, yet I still refer to him as 'Mr. Zhao' out of habit, and he has never corrected me. This shows that Mr. Zhao still cares deeply about worldly affairs in his heart."
Third Older Cousin's Husband nodded approvingly and said, "Someone like Mr. Zhao is usually wise and courageous, with unyielding perseverance. How could he give up so easily!"
Seventh Sister's Husband scratched his head sheepishly and said, "After hearing Third Older Cousin's Husband's words, I realize I was worrying unnecessarily!"
"Not at all, not at all," Fu Tingyun quickly replied. "I originally had the same concerns, but I was just relying on my boldness to try anyway. If Seventh Sister's Husband hadn't asked, I would have kept these worries to myself, and when I met Mr. Zhao, I might have been misled by appearances. Because of Seventh Sister's Husband's question, I feel much more at ease about going to Tanzhe Temple now. Even if Mr. Zhao refuses, I have a strategy prepared. I should really thank Seventh Sister's Husband for his thoughtfulness!" She then turned to Third Older Cousin's Husband, "And I must also thank Third Older Cousin's Husband for your analysis and reasoning."
"You're running around for my sake, yet you're thanking me," Third Older Cousin's Husband laughed heartily upon hearing this. "We're family—no need for formalities between us. Ninth Younger Sister, seeing how I've been tossing and turning over this reinstatement matter, don't stand on ceremony with me."
He threw Fu Tingyun's words right back at her.
Everyone burst into laughter.
The atmosphere in the room was warm and joyful.
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Calling for pink votes, hoping to stay in the top three...(>_
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