HCB Chapter 213 Appointment Letter
Chapter 213 Appointment Letter
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Wang Ling turned and left.
Prince Chen watched his departing figure, frowned slightly, and said to Yun Shang in a low voice, "This Wang Ling is probably wary of you. If you are to work with him in the Ministry of Rites in the future, you must be careful and cautious, and don't fall into his trap."
It wasn't a matter of fear; it was clearly a worry that Yun Shang would steal his position as Minister of Rites.
Given Emperor Wenjing's high regard for Yun Shang, coupled with Yun Shang's outstanding talent, the Ministry of Personnel would certainly assign him a high-ranking official position.
The imperial examinations were designed to select exceptionally talented individuals to fill vacancies in important positions, and were entirely different from the usual step-by-step promotions.
It's quite possible that the Ministry of Personnel could directly promote Zi Yunshang to Minister of Rites.
Once he takes that position, he will inevitably become enemies with Wang Ling.
Yun Shang nodded slightly, his expression calm. "Your Highness, rest assured, I will be more careful and will not be careless."
Around 7 PM, the banquet for conferring official titles was drawing to a close.
Most of the students managed to establish connections with the officials they wanted to befriend, and left Lumingtai with great pride and satisfaction.
The officials gradually dispersed.
Prince Chen only exchanged a few words with Yun Shang before taking his leave, and the other princes also opened the Deer Cry Terrace one after another.
As Yun Shang got up to leave, a person suddenly appeared in front of him.
The newcomer was dressed in a black robe embroidered with gold, and the jade belt around his waist was inlaid with warm and beautiful jade, which emitted a faint luster under the lamplight.
His face was outlined clearly by the light, with sword-like eyebrows that slanted upwards into his temples, deep eyes, and a resolute expression. It was none other than Prince Xiang, Li Ming.
Compared to the sickly-looking Prince Chen and the smiling but treacherous Prince Qi, Prince Xiang's appearance inherited from Consort Xian, who came from a family of military generals, and he had more of the heroic spirit and boldness of a military general.
He stopped in front of Yun Shang, his laughter hearty. "Yun Shang, are you leaving already?"
Yun Shang paused slightly, raised his eyes to look at the Prince of Xiang, his expression calm as still water, and bowed, saying, "Your Highness, I have been busy all day and am exhausted. I only hope to return to my residence to rest as soon as possible."
"Why the rush?" King Xiang raised his chin slightly, his eyes fixed on Yun Shang. "I saw that my third brother and seventh brother have both spoken to you, so I'd like to speak to you as well."
Yun Shang lowered his eyes slightly, his tone sounding very respectful: "If Your Highness has any instructions, please speak freely."
The King of Xiang reached out and placed his hand on his shoulder, patting him lightly twice with a smile. "It's not about giving orders; I just wanted to chat with you for a bit."
"Your performance at the banquet today truly surprised me. I haven't seen such a quick-witted and composed talent as you for several years."
Yun Shang lowered his eyes, his tone indifferent, as if a gentle breeze were blowing, "Your Highness is too kind. I am truly no match for my classmates who come from noble families."
A faint smile appeared on the corner of the King of Xiang's mouth. He took a small step forward, and his black robe swayed gently. The jade on his belt clinked together, producing a clear and melodious sound.
"No need to be so modest. The composure you showed in dealing with the Emperor today is a quality that is hard to find in the entire city of Shengjing."
Upon hearing this, Yun Shang did not respond.
The King of Xiang glanced at him.
His voice suddenly dropped to a low hue, "You're a smart person, don't choose the wrong side."
"The various factions within the imperial court are intricately intertwined."
"My third brother seems kind and always has a smile on his face, but in reality, he is the most ruthless. He can scheme against people while talking and laughing."
"As for my seventh brother, he is weak and soft-hearted, lacking any princely demeanor. He is practically a useless piece of trash."
“With a master like this, Yun Shang, your talents will have nowhere to be used.”
Yun Shang could easily discern the King Xiang's attempt to win him over.
His gaze was calm and composed as he said frankly, "Your Highness, I entered the court to serve the Emperor and seek the well-being of the people. I dare not have any other thoughts."
These words were undoubtedly a rejection of the King of Xiang's attempts to win him over.
King Xiang's face instantly darkened, like dark clouds obscuring the sun.
A flash of annoyance crossed his eyes, but it vanished in an instant, and he quickly regained his composure.
“You’re right. When you enter the court as an official, you are naturally serving the emperor and the people.”
Yun Shang bowed respectfully. "Does Your Highness have any other instructions? If not, I will take my leave without further ado."
King Xiang stared at him for a moment, then finally smiled and waved his hand, "If you're so eager to go home, I can't keep you from going forever. Go, go."
After bowing, Yun Shang turned and left without hesitation.
King Xiang stared at his retreating figure, the smile on his face vanishing, his expression gradually turning sinister.
Those who refuse a toast will be forced to drink a penalty shot!
……
Three days later, the Ministry of Personnel issued the appointment.
At that time, Yun Shang was moving to the Duke of Anguo's mansion.
Because of that divorce agreement, Lady Anguo always felt somewhat guilty when facing Yunshang.
Allowing Yun Shang to live in the mansion is a way of acknowledging his status as the son-in-law.
But Yu Wan's hasty wedding banquet still lingered in the heart of the Duchess of Anguo.
Therefore, she was not enthusiastic towards Yun Shang.
To make it easier for Yun Shang to come and go, the Duchess of Anguo arranged for him to live in the Moxian Pavilion near the side gate, so that he would not live in the same courtyard as Yu Wan.
Moxiang Pavilion and Cuijin Pavilion are not far apart, making it easy for Yu Wan to make her presence known, so she didn't raise any objections.
Yun Shang had no objections.
Although the Duchess of Anguo did not say anything, the Duke of Anguo had given him a few hints.
Lady Anguo did not look down on his background, but was dissatisfied with the perfunctory and hasty nature of his marriage to Yu Wan.
Upon learning of this, Yun Shang wrote a letter and had it sent to Shijia Village as soon as possible.
Yu Wan was unaware of these things.
The appointment letter from the Ministry of Personnel was also sent to the Duke of Anguo's residence at this time.
At midday, sunlight streamed through the window into the room. Yu Wan was helping Yun Shang organize the books in the Ink Fragrance Pavilion. The room was so quiet that only the rustling sound of turning pages echoed softly.
Suddenly a servant came to report that someone from the Ministry of Personnel had arrived.
Yu Wan immediately put down her book, eager to know the result.
She knew what Yun Shang had said at the official appointment banquet, but since the official position was not yet finalized, things could still change.
The "plot line" can change the story at any time.
Outside the gate of the Duke of Anguo's mansion.
Officials from the Ministry of Personnel wore official robes and had a red silk ribbon around their waists.
This is a custom of the Great Zhao Dynasty; officials of the Ministry of Personnel would dress like this when delivering appointment letters to newly appointed officials.
A large crowd of onlookers had gathered outside the gate, creating a noisy and lively scene.
Duke Anguo personally came forward to welcome the officials from the Ministry of Personnel into his residence.
After drinking some tea, the official from the Ministry of Personnel said to the Duke of Anguo, "Your Excellency, I have come today not only to deliver the letter of appointment, but also the imperial edict from the Emperor."
Upon hearing this, Duke Anguo was startled. There was even an imperial edict?
He immediately sent someone to find Yun Shang.
Before long, everyone in the mansion gathered in the front hall.
Yu Wan stood beside Yun Shang and knelt down along with everyone else.
Upon seeing this, the officials of the Ministry of Personnel unfolded the imperial edict in their hands and read it aloud:
"Yun Shang is hereby appointed as Vice Minister of Rites to assist the King in managing the affairs of the Ministry of Rites. Three months from now, all nations will come to pay tribute. The preparations made will be crucial to the nation's dignity. The success or failure in this process will determine who will become Minister of Rites."
These words struck Duke Anguo like a calm lake being struck by a boulder, instantly creating turbulent waves that made it difficult for him to remain calm.
The Emperor's decree means that Yun Shang and Wang Ling should simultaneously prepare for the tribute mission from all nations.
How can this be appropriate?
Yun Shang had just started his job, while Wang Ling had been in the Ministry of Rites for several years and knew everything about it. Most of the people in the Ministry of Rites were at his beck and call.
Compared to Wang Ling, does he have even the slightest chance of winning?