Tianliangyuan

Chapter 240 The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites

Chen Shiguang wasn't stupid. If he entered the Imperial Academy, his future goal would be to become the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, the highest-ranking official there. But the problem was, with his current status, he couldn't become a great Confucian scholar, so naturally, the position of Chancellor wouldn't be his.

At the Imperial Academy, the main focus is on academic learning, not on how to be an official or on local political achievements.

But if one were to join the Ministry of Rites, things would be different.

He might even participate in the later imperial examinations, and if he could become the chief examiner one day, that would be absolutely fantastic!

"If possible, it would be safer to join the Ministry of Rites."

“That would be excellent. My second uncle and I share the same idea. After you finish your duties tonight, let’s have a few drinks together. My third brother will be back home by then, so we can all get together and make some plans.”

Xu Zhaozhao had actually anticipated where Chen Shiguang would go.

While the Marquis's residence could offer assistance, the promotion of officials follows its own set of rules.

Previously, he was a sixth-rank official; if he could be promoted to the fifth-rank official this time, it would be a significant advancement.

After all, even among those of equal rank, officials in the capital have an advantage.

What's more, he was promoted two ranks in a row?

Moreover, if one were to enter the Ministry of Rites as a secretary, it would be a fifth-rank official position, which is quite a good rank.

Xu Zhaozhao did not interfere with Chen Shiguang's future because she trusted her second uncle and eldest brother's abilities.

It's just a minor position in the Ministry of Rites. As long as they are willing to help sincerely, and given Chen Shiguang's track record, this position should be easily obtained.

A few days later, the emperor summoned Chen Shiguang. Wang Changgeng was also present in the Taiji Hall at the time, and naturally he was willing to say a few words to him.

The following day, the Ministry of Personnel issued a document, transferring Chen Shiguang to the position of Vice Minister of Rites, a rank of Senior Fifth Grade.

Although I had expected it, I finally felt at ease now that the official document had arrived.

The Chen family naturally had to move out, and Xu Zhaozhao personally saw them off at the door.

However, because the Chen family still had many things to settle, Chen Xiangxiang was temporarily left at the Marquis's residence.

Whether this was the old lady's intention, or whether she felt sorry for Chen Xiangxiang or wanted to take this opportunity to find her a good marriage, remains unknown.

Xu Wen had already mentioned Chen Xiangxiang's marriage two days ago, and Chen Cong had also collected all the relevant information about Chang Yuande and then sent it to his father's desk.

Chen Shiguang wasn't in a hurry to learn about Chang Yuande, but he needed to understand the Marquis's intentions.

Chen Cong recounted the story of the noble sons his great-aunt had found for him, his face showing considerable displeasure.

“Father, I know that my great-aunt is doing this for the good of our Chen family, but how can we treat Xiangxiang’s life so lightly? Although I am not talented, I am willing to rely on my own abilities to pass the imperial examinations. How can I think of sacrificing my sister’s happiness to exchange for my own future? If that is the case, I would rather not have such a future!”

Chen Shiguang looked pleased: "I am very pleased that you think this way. Don't worry, Xiangxiang is my own daughter, and I will certainly not give her away to someone else casually. However, I still need to test this Chang Yuande more carefully."

Chen Cong nodded: "Sister Zhao Zhao is capable. The Chang family has already secretly sent a message that they will listen to us. If we cannot give Xiang Xiang to him within a year, the Chang family will find another good match for Chang Yuande."

In other words, the Chang family was willing to wait a year, simply because of the Chen family's attitude.

However, it's not accurate to say that Chen Shiguang held a particularly high official position.

Besides, no matter what, Master Chang is still a nobleman.

Strictly speaking, Chen Xiangxiang married up.

"Let's wait and see, there's no rush. Now that Chang Yuande has entered the Imperial Academy, let's see how his studies go. We should also pay more attention to his daily life, because details reveal a person's character."

"Yes, father."

Chang Yuande openly associated with Chen Cong and others, and his literary and poetic talents were repeatedly praised by the teachers at the Imperial Academy. Therefore, in terms of talent, the Chen family father and son were already very satisfied.

Next, we need to examine his character.

Xu Zhaozhao didn't get involved at all; she just offered a suggestion, and she didn't really care whether it worked out or not.

In any case, the Chang family is already completely devoted to the Marquis's mansion, so whether they have one more or one less marriage alliance doesn't really matter.

You have to understand that Xu Zhaozhao has a lot of ways to manipulate people. She can kill people without them even realizing it. So why would she be afraid of whether the relationship is strong or not?

At this time, the weather in the northern part of the city was much colder than in the capital.

But it's much better than when their army first arrived; at least they don't have to wear cotton-padded clothes anymore.

Xie Zheng's arm was grazed by an arrow, breaking the skin, but he still carefully applied medicine.

Before he went to war, Xu Zhaozhao told him to protect himself, otherwise she might break off the engagement!

Although Xie Zheng knew that Xu Zhaozhao was deliberately provoking him, he couldn't help but take it to heart.

Xu Han had already removed his heavy armor and strode into Xie Zheng's tent.

"Greetings, General."

Xu Han waved his hand, and Xie Zheng gave him a wink, leaving only the father-in-law and son-in-law inside the tent.

"Father-in-law, do you have any instructions?"

"Shut up! In the military camp, call me General."

"Yes, General."

Xu Han solemnly said, "Although we fought these battles well, the casualties were also considerable. As the vanguard, you have already killed three Turkic generals in succession. Your contribution to this northern expedition is significant. You don't need to fight too hard and should also give your subordinates some opportunities."

Xie Zheng understood: "Thank you, General. I understand."

"Well, the one from the Cui family also engaged the enemy this time. Although it wasn't a great victory, he still made a contribution. I reckon he probably won't plan to go into battle again. As long as we have enough soldiers in our camp, we don't need him for the time being."

Xie Zheng understood that the Cui family's son-in-law was the future prince consort, and it was indeed too risky to take such a step.

"These were sent by Zhao Zhao. These two bottles of medicine are for you. You and your personal guards must take good care of yourselves. Once the medicine is gone, we're truly done for."

"Thank you, General."

Xu Han made this trip for two reasons: first, to remind Xie Zheng not to take all the credit, and second, to deliver medicine to him.

Don't assume that military generals are all brainless.

There are plenty of people on this battlefield who are greedy for credit!

Military officers rise through the ranks by working incredibly hard and by sheer luck.

Xie Zheng is the heir of a duke, and his achievements this time are considerable. If he takes all the opportunities, it will cause dissatisfaction among the other military officers when he returns to the capital.

Including Xu Junfeng, there must have been sixteen or seventeen sons and nephews sent by the families of various military generals. Which one of them wasn't thinking about going to the battlefield to earn some credit?

Xie Zheng sighed. His mission was simply to prevent the Xie family from losing face, and he had indeed performed exceptionally well recently, so there was no need to incite jealousy any further.

"I beg the General to investigate thoroughly. My injury may be quite serious, and I estimate that I will not be able to return to the battlefield for four or five days."

Xu Han nodded, "This young man is teachable!"