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Chapter 353 Getting Started

One month after Wen Mingqian was granted the title of Noble Lady, the Emperor visited Mingjing Palace.

Of course, he did not come alone, but with the Empress.

"Since Your Majesty is not busy today, I specially invited you to take a walk with me. I was thinking that since you were granted the title of Noble Lady, we haven't been here before, which is a bit against the rules," the Empress said with a smile.

"Your Majesty and the Empress were unaware of your arrival. I apologize for failing to greet you properly." Wen Mingqian performed the grandest of gestures.

"Rise! There's no need for that." The Empress was very kind to Wen Mingqian, because she had indeed shaken off her previous fatigue and seemed to have become ten years younger.

Therefore, she was deeply impressed by Qingxuzi's profound Taoist skills and brilliant methods, and naturally she also thought highly of Wen Mingqian's good son.

She came here with the Emperor today for a purpose: to ask for official positions for her two brothers in front of Wen Mingqian. It would be more appropriate to do this favor in person.

Sure enough, after Wen Mingqian got up to serve tea, the Empress took a sip and smiled at the Emperor, saying, "Your Majesty, Consort Wen's two elder brothers have now returned to the capital. They are both Jinshi graduates and have served in local positions for many years. Your Majesty has always been concerned about the people's livelihood, so it would be good to invite them to a meeting and listen to the political experiences of these local officials."

"If the Empress hadn't reminded me, I would have forgotten." The Emperor smiled upon hearing this. "In the past, even when officials came to the capital to report on their duties, it was mostly just a formality. If the Wen brothers are outspoken and courageous, then I would be happy to hear their insights and also want to know the gains and losses of my governance over the years."

"Your Majesty, on behalf of my two elder brothers, I would like to express our gratitude. However, my two elder brothers are outspoken and straightforward. If they have said anything inappropriate, please forgive them," Wen Mingqian pleaded.

"Don't worry about that. I summoned them for an audience, so they can speak freely. If they have to weigh their words carefully, wouldn't that defeat the purpose?" the Emperor said. "You should also tell your two elder brothers not to have any concerns, and to simply speak about the pros and cons for the sake of the country and its people."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I understand," Wen Mingqian replied, bowing his head.

"Consort Wen, even if others don't trust you, can't you trust me, your guarantor?" the Empress said with a smile. "Don't worry about me!"

Sure enough, two days later, the emperor issued an edict summoning the Wen brothers to the audience.

People inside and outside the palace then realized that the Wen family was about to rise to power.

On this day, Wen Mingqian went to the Empress's palace to serve her as usual. Although she had been granted the title of Noble Lady, she dared not neglect her duties of serving the Empress.

I had to rest a while ago because I twisted my ankle, but now I'm all better and back to normal.

Princess Duanmin and Consort Jing happened to be talking with the Empress.

"Things are different now that it's August. The sky seems to have suddenly gotten higher, and it feels much easier to breathe," said Consort Jing.

"Summer is finally over. We must hold a grand Mid-Autumn Festival banquet in a few days." The Empress was also in high spirits.

"After the Mid-Autumn Festival comes the Double Ninth Festival. If we hold grand celebrations for both, the palace will be very lively." Consort Jing was very happy. After a long time in the palace, it was inevitable to feel bored. Only festive banquets could help pass the time.

"You and Consort Wen can handle the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet together," the Empress said to Consort Jing. "You're an experienced person, so you can mentor her. She's still young and inexperienced. Once you've taught her a few times, she'll have some experience, and you can shirk your responsibilities in the future, right?"

Consort Jing knew that the Empress relied heavily on Wen Mingqian, so even though she was unwilling, she had to force a smile and agree: "Of course! Consort Wen is the most intelligent and quick-witted person; she learns very quickly. When she completes her apprenticeship, I will be able to enjoy a life of leisure." "Your Majesty, Consort Jing, you are too kind. This concubine is quite dull and hopes that Your Majesty will not hesitate to teach me. Let me offer you a cup of tea as a token of my apprenticeship." Wen Mingqian said, pouring Consort Jing a cup of tea.

"Consort Wen, I heard that the Emperor summoned your two elder brothers?" Princess Duanmin suddenly asked Wen Mingqian with a half-smile.

"This is all thanks to the Empress and His Majesty's kindness. I don't understand the affairs of the previous dynasty, nor do I know whether my two brothers' memorials are to His Majesty's liking," Wen Mingqian said somewhat uncertainly.

"I heard from His Majesty that your two elder brothers are both diligent and benevolent officials who have made great achievements in governance."

Although his official rank was not high, he knew the land under his jurisdiction and the people under his jurisdiction like the back of his hand. He personally investigated the customs and conditions of the people, registered them, and drew maps in great detail! "The Empress said.

“Your Majesty, I’ve heard quite a few people say that the Wen brothers only gained the Emperor’s favor by relying on Consort Wen’s influence. Officials of their rank shouldn’t be qualified to meet the Emperor. Their lack of adherence to the rules is bound to attract criticism!” Princess Duanmin, always outspoken, bluntly stated these words in front of the Empress and Wen Mingqian.

The Empress simply smiled upon hearing this; she knew that Princess Duanmin did not want her to promote the Wen family.

Even though she had treated Wen Mingqian quite well before, her words now were full of barbs and veiled insults.

"What's this talk of taking advantage of power? His Majesty has always wanted to hear the suggestions of his subordinates, and they just happened to be there at the right time," the Empress said nonchalantly. "Many officials in the court were demoted or dismissed some time ago, and now is the time when we need people, so naturally the capable should be given priority."

The successive misfortunes of the Dong and Chen families have led to numerous vacancies in the officialdom of the Great Xia Dynasty.

In other words, the Dong family's power has been hit like never before.

The Empress's current intention to promote the Wen family is aimed at revitalizing the Dong family's power.

After all, Wen Mingqian was trained by her, so he was one of her people.

The Empress paid no heed to those sarcastic remarks. She simply wanted everyone to know that she could promote whomever she wanted.

The Wen family's foundation was weak, and Wen Mingqian was in the palace, so they naturally had to rely closely on the Dong family to gain a foothold.

In this way, the Wen family gained assistance, while the Dong family gained a trusted confidant, which can be described as a win-win situation.

Upon hearing this, Princess Duanmin couldn't help but purse her lips and said to Wen Mingqian in a nonchalant tone, "In that case, I should congratulate Consort Wen."

Wen Mingqian blushed and couldn't say a word.

After Princess Duanmin and Consort Jing left, the Empress said to her, "Princess, don't take what you said to heart. She's just that quick-tongued. No matter who I promote, she's never happy. She thinks this is her Ying family's domain, and that I, a daughter of the Dong family, shouldn't overstep my bounds."

"I can accept anything you say, but I don't want to trouble Your Majesty with my family's affairs."

"What's the big deal? It's not like I can't stand a few words from others." The Empress laughed. "I know who is good to me, and besides, I won't promote mediocre people based on my own likes and dislikes."

It's merely providing them with an opportunity; whether they prove useful in the end is up to His Majesty to decide.