Chapter 72: Don’t Even Think About Promotion

Chapter 72: Don't Even Think About Promotion

The Great Qian Dynasty held court every ten days, and the following day was one such occasion. Wu Guoliang rose from bed at the hour of Yin, his concubine, Hu Shi, assisting him with his attire.

"Send someone to the Zhang residence and summon Jingyun back; she cannot stay there indefinitely," Wu Guoliang instructed Hu Shi, who was temporarily in charge of the inner household affairs.

Hu Shi acknowledged the order, and Wu Guoliang let out a long sigh. He had hardly slept the previous night, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of resolving the issue at hand.

Fang Shan's declaration of Xiao Yuzhen's "moral deficiency" was undoubtedly linked to Wu Jingyun. However, with her residing at the Zhang estate, he lacked evidence and means to investigate. How was he to explain this to the Marquise of Yongning?

He had hoped that the Marquise of Yongning, like before, would be appeased with some compensatory gifts and the matter would be put to rest. But clearly, this time, the Marquise was taking matters more seriously.

Leaving Hu Shi's quarters with a furrowed brow, he boarded his sedan chair to attend the court. Upon reaching the outer court of Qianqing Palace, he encountered the Duke of Tang and greeted him with a deep bow, "Your Grace, good morning."

The Duke of Tang, aware of Wu Guoliang's motive for the cordial greeting, feigned ignorance and responded, "Master Wu, good morning to you as well."

"Oh, I wouldn't presume," Wu Guoliang replied, bowing again to the Duke of Tang. Especially now, he dared not take the Duke's greetings lightly.

The Duke of Tang, adjusting his sleeves and showing no intention of further conversation, left Wu Guoliang uncertain if the Duke was aware of the incident at the Shanglin Academy. He contemplated seeking the Duke's favor but feared that his plea might inadvertently inform the Duke of the situation, potentially turning his wrath upon him.

After carefully weighing his words, Wu Guoliang whispered to the Duke, "I regret the inconvenience caused by the dissolution of my daughter's betrothal to the Crown Prince."

"Marriages are meant to forge alliances, but if the children are incompatible, it's better to call off the engagement," the Duke replied nonchalantly.

"Indeed, indeed," Wu Guoliang replied with a subservient smile, bending slightly. Just as he was about to say more, the palace gates opened, and the officials began to enter. He quickly bowed to the Duke and retreated to the back.

The court officials took their places according to their ranks, with the higher officials standing at the front. As a super-grade noble, the Duke of Tang naturally stood in the foremost position, while Wu Guoliang, a fourth-grade official, stood further back in the middle.

Once inside the court hall, the ministers began to present their memorials. Wu Guoliang, standing in his designated spot, was preoccupied with his thoughts, paying little attention to the proceedings and keeping only one ear open to avoid missing anything crucial.

Suddenly, he heard someone declare, "Your Majesty, I have a report to present. The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Wu Guoliang, has allowed his female family members to engage in private lending."

Wu Guoliang's mind buzzed. He quickly scurried forward and knelt with a thud, pleading, "Your Majesty, I have been wronged!"

"Master Wu, I haven't wronged you," retorted the Imperial Censor, Li Yuanchung. "In September, your wife lent one hundred and fifty taels of silver to someone named Zheng Shi. After the court session, I can summon that person to confront you."

"This..."

Wu Guoliang abruptly turned towards the Duke of Tang. He knew well that Li Yuanchung had close ties with the Duke. He was certain that it was the Duke who had instigated Li Yuanchung to accuse him.

They say the Duke of Tang is a cunning fox, and today Wu Guoliang truly understood why. Just moments ago, outside Qianqing Palace, he had exchanged pleasantries with the Duke, who had responded amiably. Little did he know that the Duke had already been plotting against him.

The Duke of Tang, feeling Wu Guoliang's gaze, stood straight, eyes fixed ahead, giving no acknowledgment to Wu Guoliang.

"Wu Guoliang, is what Li Aiqing said true?" came the Emperor's voice from above, leaving Wu Guoliang drenched in cold sweat. He stammered, "Your Majesty... I... I was unaware."

Duke Tang would not have brought up the matter at the early morning court session without good reason. His current animosity towards the Feng family is palpable.

The emperor scoffed coldly, "If one cannot manage one's own household, one's performance in official duties is likely subpar. Return home, take a two-month leave, and manage your household affairs before resuming your duties."

Wu Guoliang nearly fainted at this. It was a call for introspection! And at the very moment that was crucial for his promotion, how could he possibly be promoted after this incident? If he missed this opportunity, who knows how many more years he would have to wait.

But dare he object? He could only kneel and thank the emperor for his 'magnanimous grace'.

With the court session finally over, Wu Guoliang rushed to Duke Tang, grasped the hem of his robe, and pleaded, "Duke, why have you done this?"

Duke Tang did not deny his involvement in the morning's court events. Brushing off Wu Guoliang's hand, he retorted, "You've insulted me to my face, and you ask why?"

In Duke Tang's eyes, to bully his daughter and grandson was to bully him.

"But... but..."

Wu Guoliang wanted to say that this was too harsh, almost ruining his official career, but he dared not. Duke Tang was much more formidable than Lady Yongning Hou. It wasn't just his career at stake—if he truly angered Duke Tang, his very life could be at risk.

With a flick of his robe, Duke Tang strode away. At that moment, Wu Guoliang's immediate superior, Minister Miao Xin of the Ministry of Rites, passed by. Desperate and out of sorts, Wu Guoliang clutched at Miao Xin's sleeve, "Minister Miao..."

Miao Xin shook him off, sighed, and whispered, "How could you be so careless at such a critical moment?"

Wu Guoliang had previously sought to curry favor with Miao Xin for a promotion, but now, even if Wu offered him a mountain of gold, Miao Xin wouldn't dare recommend him. The emperor's remark, "Your performance in duties is hardly satisfactory," had doomed his chances for promotion.

"Minister Miao..." Wu Guoliang's face contorted in distress, he had not anticipated such severe consequences.

He finally realized the consequences of failing to manage his household properly. Clenching his fists and gritting his teeth, he resolved to visit the Zhang family to find out what exactly had happened. But as he approached his sedan, he saw Zhao, the steward of the Yongning Hou estate, waiting.

Upon seeing him, Zhao stepped forward and bowed, "Master Wu, my lady requests your presence at the Zhang estate."

Wu Guoliang took a deep breath. Lady Yongning Hou was going to the Zhang estate for an explanation. He needed to go too; his second daughter could no longer be indulged.

"I'm aware, I'll head there now," he said.

Meanwhile, Tang Shuyi was on the carriage to the Zhang estate, sitting across from Xiao Yuchen.

"Mother, are we going to the Zhang family to demand an explanation?" Xiao Yuchen had been suddenly whisked into the carriage and was unaware of Tang Shuyi's intentions for visiting the Zhang estate.

"It's not just about seeking an explanation," Tang Shuyi said.

"What else is there to do?" Xiao Yuxin asked.

Tang Shuyi glanced at him. "You'll know when the time comes."

Xiao Yuxin simply uttered an "Oh," not particularly keen on meeting Miss Wu the second.

Half a quarter of an hour later, the carriage arrived at the entrance of the Zhang residence. Since a visiting card had been sent in advance, the elderly nursemaid by Old Madam Zhang's side was already waiting at the door and hurriedly greeted Tang Shuyi with a bow. Simultaneously, the steward of the Zhang family saluted Xiao Yuxin and intended to lead him to the front courtyard.

Seeing this, Tang Shuyi said, "Let him pay his respects to the Old Madam first."

The steward quickly agreed. As a junior, it was proper for Xiao Yuxin to pay respects to Old Madam Zhang. However, Xiao Yuxin had broken off an engagement with their granddaughter, and it was evident that the intentions of this mother and son were somewhat unfriendly today.

Led by the steward and the nursemaid, the mother and son made their way to the inner courtyard where Old Madam Zhang resided. Upon arrival, both Tang Shuyi and Xiao Yuxin performed the courtesy due from juniors and maintained impeccable etiquette.

After sitting down and exchanging a few pleasantries, Old Madam Zhang inquired about the purpose of Tang Shuyi's visit today, to which Tang Shuyi replied, "Let's wait until Master Wu arrives before we discuss."