Мin Jiа sаid сoldly, "If it's truе, wе'll sераrate. If it's falsе, аren't yоu planning tо tаkе аn ехternal рosting? If the Cheng family dоеsn't agrеe, I'll gо tо mу fаther аnd brоthеr аnd lеavе with you."
She hаd сalсulated that thе Cheng fаmily would nеvеr аllоw hеr tо sеek helр frоm her mаtеrnаl relаtives. Сhеng Jing was a Grаnd Sеcrеtary, while thе Min family mеrеlу had а large number оf mеmbеrs and mоrе оffiсiаls thаn the Сhеng familу. For thе Cheng fаmily tо аbаndon thеir оwn аnd sеek help frоm the Min family would bе too humiliating.
Сheng Xu wаs verу surрrised аnd stared at Min Jia for a long time without speaking.
Min Jia's expression grew even colder.
Cheng Xu smiled self-mockingly.
Did Min Jia want to accompany him on his external posting because she found the Cheng family too chaotic and didn't want to get involved in their mess?
Suddenly, he felt that Min Jia was also pitiable.
Arranged marriages by parental order and matchmaker's words. Of course, children's marriages had to be decided by their parents. Min Jia was merely obeying her parents' orders, committing no fault of her own, yet she had inadvertently fallen into the quagmire of their family. And he was the one who had created this quagmire.
What fault did she have?
Cheng Xu's mood gradually calmed.
He told Min Jia what had happened back then, including how he had almost humiliated Zhou Shaojin: "...Cheng Lu claimed that he and Miss Zhou were childhood sweethearts, mutually affectionate, and that his mother also liked Miss Zhou—that was just him glorifying himself! Miss Zhou had a father above and an elder sister below. The Cheng family of Jinling wasn't some common household. Even if he was favored by elders for his youthful intelligence, he couldn't freely come and go in the inner courtyard, let alone have any interactions with Miss Zhou.
"As for Miss Zhou and Uncle Chi's marriage, it was my grandmother who decided it—Miss Zhou's handwriting was excellent. She once helped my grandmother copy sutras and accompanied her to worship at Putuo Temple, earning my grandmother's deep affection. However, at that time, the family hadn't yet branched off, and Uncle Chi was much older than Miss Zhou, so no one had considered this possibility. Later, when we came to the capital and everyone gathered again, someone suggested to my grandmother that the sixth young lady of the Fang family's second branch be married to Uncle Chi. That sixth young lady of the Fang family was only about fifteen or sixteen at the time, just a year or two older than Miss Zhou. It was then that my grandmother remembered Miss Zhou and personally arranged for Uncle Chi to marry her. How could it be as Cheng Lu said, that Uncle Chi schemed to marry Miss Zhou? If there had been the slightest reluctance or unwillingness in their marriage, Miss Zhou's father, Lord Zhou, was a scholar who had passed both imperial examinations and was already serving as the prefect of Baoding. Even if the Cheng family agreed, the Zhou family would not have consented."
Min Jia stared at Cheng Xu in astonishment.
Was A-Xuan involved in this as well?
She thought of Fang Xuan's dissatisfaction with her husband.
It seemed things hadn't been like this at first, but over time, Fang Xuan's relationship with her younger brother grew increasingly tense.
Could it be because although her younger brother was reputed to be immensely talented, he had failed the recent imperial examination, while Cheng Chi's reputation grew increasingly illustrious after he impeached Qu Yuan, and his official rank kept rising?
Since all parties involved were in the capital, a little inquiry would reveal the truth. Min Jia felt this matter was ninety percent likely true.
She felt a headache coming on.
Cheng Xu had not denied that Madam Yuan had broken off Zhou Shaojin and Cheng Yi's engagement because of him, nor had he denied that Madam Yuan had found a way to send Cheng Lu away to study for his sake, and he had not even denied that he liked Zhou Shaojin.
After a long silence, Min Jia whispered, "Then I'll go speak with my brother and ask him to help you seek an opportunity for an external posting by putting in a good word with Vice Minister of Personnel Wang Jian, Lord Wang."Although Wang Jian was not the Minister of Personnel, he managed the ministry's specific affairs. He likely knew better than even the Minister of Personnel which positions were open for maneuvering and which had already been internally decided.
If Cheng Xu were truly to be posted outside the capital, he and Min Jia would truly be relying on each other for survival!
Cheng Xu said, "Thank you!"
His expression was unprecedentedly sincere and calm.
Min Jia smiled and nodded, then left the study and went to Madam Yuan, saying, "My husband is determined to be posted outside the capital. When I brought him tea, he was writing a letter to my brother, asking him to put in a few words with Lord Wang. I couldn't stop him. I plan to invite Grandmother over to persuade him. I'd like to get a token from you, Mother, to take a sedan chair over there."
Upon hearing this, Madam Yuan was furious and said, "What kind of wife runs back to her family at the slightest trouble? If he doesn't take the Junior Scholar Candidate exam, can't you persuade him a little? As the saying goes, a good wife brings half the fortune. You come from a respectable family after all—can't you properly advise Jiashan? If he doesn't make something of himself, do you think you'll have a good life?"
But as long as they remained entangled with Madam Yuan, even if Cheng Xu were to become a minister and enter the cabinet, they still wouldn't have a good life.
Min Jia muttered to herself inwardly, but her expression remained respectful as she said, "That's exactly why I stopped my husband and wanted to seek out Grandmother!"
Madam Yuan was left speechless.
Min Jia's expression grew even more respectful as she said, "Mother, this matter should be dealt with sooner rather than later. Delaying it may lead to complications!"
Madam Yuan had no choice but to wave her hand dismissively and say, "Go quickly and come back soon!"
Min Jia acknowledged and hurriedly made her way to Chaoyang Gate.
When Old Madam Guo heard the maids and servants announce the visit, she said to Zhou Shaojin, who was playing with Yun Ge'er beside her, "She just returned from Hongluo Temple yesterday, and Madam Min is visiting today. Could it be that your sister-in-law said something inappropriate again?"
Zhou Shaojin comforted her with a smile, saying, "We'll only know after meeting her!"
Old Madam Guo nodded and invited Min Jia in.
Min Jia dared not mention Cheng Lu's matter, only saying that Cheng Xu was determined to leave the capital and even planned to write to the Min family. She had no choice but to seek the old madam's help, asking her to persuade Cheng Jing to let Cheng Xu be posted outside the capital: "...At this point, forcing him will only make things worse. It's better to take a step back. Once my husband understands what's good for him, we can find a way for him to enter the Office of Transmission or, like Uncle Chi, serve in the Military Affairs Office. Whichever path he takes, he must be willing to walk it himself. Forcing things not only yields no sweet results but may even lead to trouble."
Old Madam Guo had also been troubled by this matter lately.
With only a few days left, Cheng Xu remained unwilling to participate in the Junior Scholar Candidate selection. They couldn't force him to take the exam, could they? Even if they forced him in, if he didn't put his heart into writing the essay and failed, it would all be for nothing!
"So it seems," Old Madam Guo said disappointedly, "he has already made up his mind?"
"Yes!" Min Jia advised, "For others, failing the Junior Scholar Candidate exam means half their career is over, but for a family like ours, Father can remain in the cabinet for at least another ten years. And after ten years, won't there still be Uncle Chi? What does it matter if he spends some time posted outside the capital?"
That was true.
With connections in the court, it's easier to be an official.
Old Madam Guo had more confidence in Cheng Chi than in Cheng Jing.
Min Jia's words pleased Old Madam Guo.However, Old Madam Guo still pondered and said, "This matter is of great importance. We must discuss it with his second uncle, his father, and his uncle."
This was only natural.
Min Jia thought for a moment and whispered, "If my husband is assigned to a provincial post, and since my father-in-law and mother-in-law are still in good health, I would like to accompany him to take care of his daily needs."
Old Madam Guo was surprised but inwardly pleased.
As an elder, how could the small rifts between the young couple escape her notice?
Since Madam Min married into the family, there had been no sign of pregnancy. By accompanying Jiashan to his provincial post and staying away from Madam Yuan, who was somewhat critical and harsh toward her daughter-in-law, perhaps she would soon be able to hold a great-grandchild, and the relationship between Madam Min and Jiashan might also improve.
Old Madam Guo smiled and nodded, not hiding her relief.
Min Jia breathed a sigh of relief.
With the child as an excuse, even if Madam Yuan wanted to keep her here, the elders in the family would speak up—Cheng Xu had already escaped, so why should she stay here to endure such treatment!
It would be better if everyone left together.
After all, there were still many days ahead, and who knew what kind of people and events they would encounter.
With a relaxed expression, she returned to Apricot Grove Lane, changed her clothes, and went to Cheng Xu’s study.
Seeing her demeanor, Cheng Xu knew the matter had been settled. He felt slightly uneasy inside.
Madam Min was also a very capable person. If she hadn’t married him, she might have lived a much better life, right?
Cheng Xu’s gaze toward Madam Min softened considerably.
Min Jia didn’t notice, as her thoughts were entirely focused on the matter of the provincial assignment. Sitting in the armchair opposite Cheng Xu, she sipped tea and spoke from memory: "Your experience is still shallow. If they send you to a large, bustling county, you’d only be able to serve as a deputy magistrate, or at worst, a registrar. I think it would be better to go to a smaller county town and serve as the magistrate, where you can make decisions on everything yourself. Ideally, you should choose a place where a senior from the family serves as prefect... Let me think. Shandong is quite good, but you need to avoid suspicion, so Jiangnan would be best..."
As she chattered on, Cheng Xu listened quietly for the first time without interrupting.
Old Madam Guo summoned the men of the family to Chaoyang Gate to discuss Cheng Xu’s matter.
Cheng Jing remained silent.
Cheng Shao still insisted that Cheng Xu take the exam: "Even if he doesn’t pass, we will have done what we should, so as not to regret it later."
However, Cheng Chi’s attitude was firm. He said, "The days are his to live, and the path is his to walk. Since he has made his decision, let’s not say more. Don’t let him go to Jiangnan. For such an important matter, instead of coming to discuss it with us himself, he sent his wife to plead with the old madam. Jiangnan has always been a fiercely contested place in officialdom, filled with hidden talents. Rather than letting him cause trouble there and having us clean up the mess, it would be better to send him to Sichuan or Xi’an. These places may not be as prosperous as Jiangnan, but they are not as harsh as Lingnan. It would be good for him to go out and see the world. Back then, Second Brother walked to Sichuan with a bamboo staff and straw sandals. When Yun Ge’er grows up, he should also make such a journey."
According to Cheng Chi’s maternal grandfather’s belief, a good man should aspire to travel far and wide. Upon reaching adulthood, he should embark on a long journey to broaden his horizons and temper his will. Cheng Xu’s opportunity had not come easily, and Madam Yuan firmly opposed it. Old Madam Guo dared not insist, and when it came to Cheng Rang’s turn, she simply let them decide.
Cheng Jing flushed and said, "Then let Jiashan take the provincial assignment!"Even if the son performs poorly after taking up his post, by the time he retires, the emperor will usually show mercy and grant him honors. Then, they can find a way to bring the son back.
By the time the selection of Junior Scholar Candidates concluded, it was already the end of April, and Yun Ge'er was about to celebrate his first birthday.
Madam Li arrived with Zhou Youjin and Zhou Zongjin after the Bathing the Buddha Festival and stayed in the guest rooms at Chaoyang Gate.
Zhou Chujin and her husband Liao Shaotang, who had passed the Junior Scholar Candidate examination and was observing government affairs in the Ministry of Justice, brought Guan Ge to pay their respects to Madam Li.
Madam Li was overjoyed and hosted a banquet in the courtyard where she was staying to entertain Liao Shaotang.
Cheng Chi and Zhou Shaojin also attended with Yun Ge'er. However, Old Madam Guo, claiming the weather was too hot and she didn’t feel like moving, told them to enjoy themselves and stayed behind in Tingxiang Court without joining them.
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Dear readers, today's update.
O(∩_∩)O~
※ (To be continued ~^~)
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