Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World.

Chapter 212 A Glimpse into the World of Beings! Ancestral graves are emitting auspicious smoke! (4k)

To bring peace and prosperity to the people, and to govern the country with the wisdom and virtue of Yao and Shun.

To uphold the nation and leave a lasting legacy in history.

These sixteen characters represent the greatest pursuit of a subject.

Throughout history, there has been no shortage of scholars and poets who were disappointed in their official careers, who wrote poems and lyrics to lament their misfortune.

The reason for this is simply that it is difficult to achieve the goals of "making the ruler like Yao and Shun", "managing the world and benefiting the people", "supporting the country and the nation", and "leaving a lasting name in history".

In fact, the vast majority of poets and lyricists are not even qualified to reach the threshold of this pursuit.

After all, the threshold for this pursuit is to be ennobled and appointed as a high-ranking official, reaching the pinnacle of power.

Without being granted titles and positions, who would dare to claim to bring peace to the emperor, govern the country and benefit the people, uphold the state and leave a lasting legacy?
Poets and lyricists were almost all people who had failed in their official careers.

If one is unsuccessful in one's official career, how can one talk about being ennobled or appointed as prime minister?

Conversely, once someone is granted a title and holds great power, they will have no time to lament or complain.

From this perspective, the threshold is indeed extremely high.

The threshold alone was enough to ruin countless literary figures.

During the Zhou Dynasty, the number of people who could be described as "serving the emperor like Yao and Shun, managing the world and benefiting the people, supporting the state and leaving a lasting mark on history" was extremely small.

That is, the six Grand Secretaries who entered the cabinet and became prime ministers!
He was appointed as a Vice Minister of State Affairs, a first-rank official, and could be addressed as Grand Secretary or Prime Minister.

Every Grand Secretary was at the pinnacle of power among the officials. Their words and actions were like an insurmountable barrier, their pronouncements carrying the weight of the law and shaking the entire region.

Therefore, the change of cabinet ministers is always a matter of great concern to officials in the political arena.

Coincidentally, the first year of the Xifeng era was the triennial performance evaluation period for government officials.

With performance evaluations at stake, there will be significant changes in cabinet appointments.

By the end of February, the first person to join the cabinet had already been announced to the world.

Jiang Zichuan!
A native of Huaizuo, thirty years old, a Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion!
After twelve years in office, he expanded the territory, managed the country and benefited the people, and became famous throughout the world. Finally, he entered the cabinet and became a prime minister.

Once the decree was issued, it spread throughout the land, naturally causing a huge uproar.

Huaizuo, Jiangfu.

A long table was respectfully set out, with incense burning and curling upwards.

Jiang Zhong, Hai Xirui, Madam Su, and Madam Sun all knelt down, their faces solemn.

Among them, Su was the daughter of Su Song, a Doctor of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, and the wife of Jiang Xiao; Sun was the daughter of Sun Bian, a former Minister of Rites, and the wife of Jiang Xu.

The eunuch, holding a brocade, loudly proclaimed:

"The Emperor decreed to the Minister of State:"

I believe that the foundation of education lies in righteousness; and the prosperity of a family and a nation depends on family instruction.

The Jiang family produced four Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), upholding virtue and integrity, and setting a fine example for others.

His son, Zhao, led the army to expand the territory and made outstanding contributions. Tracing back to his origins, his achievements were truly remarkable.

In recognition of his merits, a special honor is hereby granted:
My great-grandfather, Jiang Yuan, was posthumously awarded the titles of Grand Master of the Palace and Grand Tutor, and was granted an imperial inscription and permission to build a memorial archway to commemorate his great honors.

My great-grandmother, née Chen, was granted the title of Grand Lady of Wei and was given 100 mu of sacrificial land.

His grandfather, Jiang Zhi, was posthumously awarded the title of Grand Secretary and was granted a golden book to record his virtues and achievements.

Grandmother Zhang was granted the title of Lady Tai of Han and was bestowed with a jade incense burner.

His father, Jiang Zhong, was appointed Transport Commissioner of Huainan East Circuit, and was awarded the title of Grand Master of the Palace with Gold and Purple Robes, bestowed with a jade tablet, and rewarded with a purple robe and gold belt.

His mother, Lady Hai, was granted the title of Grand Lady of Chen State and was bestowed with an ivory comb and hairpin box.

Yu Xi!

Teach your children loyalty and uphold your family's honors with filial piety. You should diligently adhere to official precepts and honor the imperial favor bestowed upon you.

Awesome! "

"Your humble servant kowtows in gratitude for your boundless grace!"

Jiang Zhong, Hai Xirui, Su Shi, and Sun Shi all bowed in unison.

"Lord Jiang, Madam Hai."

The eunuch passed the memorial to the emperor, smiling as he said, "The emperor has bestowed titles upon three generations of his family, all of whom are first-rank noblewomen. Such an honor is truly a tremendous blessing!"

"I trouble you, Your Excellency, to convey my decree."

Jiang Zhong suppressed his excitement, reached out and beckoned, and a servant stuffed a small, heavy bag of gold into his hand.

"Farewell."

The official accepted the gold and bowed with a smile.

After about ten breaths, the eunuch's figure disappeared.

"quick!"

Jiang Zhong quickly opened the documents and examined them one by one.

The Hai, Su, and Sun families all gathered around and watched.

If it were a regular reward, these women might have been able to maintain their composure as daughters of noble families.

But this reward was so generous that it was hard for anyone to remain calm.

The Grand Master of the Three Departments of Kaifeng Prefecture, Grand Tutor, and Chancellor.

Lady Dowager of Wei, Lady Dowager of Han, Lady Dowager of Chen.

Transport Commissioner of Huainan East Circuit, Grand Master of the Golden Purple Light!
The group scanned the posthumous gifts and honors one by one.

Ultimately, Jiang Zhong set his sights on the substantive title of "Transport Commissioner of Huainan East Circuit," while Hai, Su, and Sun set their sights on the imperial decree of "Grand Lady of Chen State."

After examining the document for a full half-incense stick's time, Jiang Zhongchang hissed.

The Transport Commissioner of Huainan East Circuit was in charge of the financial affairs of the entire circuit. This was a substantive fourth-rank official position, making him the third most important figure in Huainan East Circuit.

If you include the honorary title of Grand Master of the Palace, he would even be a second-rank official!
Jiang Zhong let out a long sigh: "Our ancestral graves are emitting auspicious smoke!"

"My son, you've truly made your mother proud!"

Hai Xirui clutched the imperial edict tightly, tears streaming down her face with emotion.

Lady of the Nation!
This is a woman's ultimate pursuit in life.

Her eldest son turned out well and managed to earn it back for her.

The Su and Sun families looked at the imperial edict with a mixture of joy and envy.

I was happy, of course, because my uncle had been appointed prime minister.

When a woman marries a man, the more prosperous her husband's family is, the more face she will have.

My uncle is a high-ranking official, so his reputation speaks for itself.

Furthermore, with their uncle becoming prime minister, Jiang Xiao and Jiang Xu's careers are sure to be smooth sailing.

This is certainly something to be happy about.

Envy, in this context, refers to admiration for her mother-in-law's title of Lady of the State.

The more prestigious the family, the more they understand the value of being a noblewoman.

In the entire world, there are only forty or fifty women who were granted official titles and honors while still alive.

This shows how precious it is.

As a woman, I naturally feel extremely envious.

Jiang Zhong and his wife, Hai, read the document several times.

quite a while.

Jiang Zhong waved his hand and said, "Have someone distribute porridge and money to accumulate blessings for Zhao'er."

"Have someone buy incense; I want to burn incense and offer sacrifices!"

Admittedly, the reward was earned by Zhao'er.

Given the official positions held by the ancestors, it would be quite difficult for them to help Zhao'er enter the cabinet.

But who says that Zhao'er is necessarily blessed by her ancestors?

Is it possible that my ancestors were protecting me, Master Jiang Zhong?

He relied on his father for the first half of his life, and on his eldest son for the second half.

Effortlessly, a Grade 4 item was obtained!

Isn't this the blessing of our ancestors?
“Coincidentally, Xiao’er and Xu’er were in the capital for the imperial examinations, so they paid their respects together,” Jiang Zhong added.

After their father passed away, the two sons, taking advantage of their declining health, studied diligently for nearly two years and both passed the imperial examinations, earning the title of Juren (a degree in the imperial examination system).

This time, however, it was a scientific expedition to the capital.

"Yes."

Su and Sun exchanged a glance and smiled at each other.

The administrative center of Huainan East Road.

A man with slightly graying temples, around fifty-one or fifty-two years old, held a vermilion brush and occasionally reviewed official documents.

This man was none other than Song Huai, the Deputy Pacification Commissioner of Huainan East Circuit, a powerful official of the third rank.

In governing a region, only two people are qualified to wear purple robes.

One of them was the deputy envoy for pacification.

"grown ups."

With a soft call, the subordinate He Shao entered, his face full of excitement.

Without looking up, Song Huai asked, "What is it?"

A single kneel in Huaizuo and a single address of "Lord Jiang" paves a smooth path for his official career.

With the support of the Grand Secretary above him, all he needs to do is earnestly pursue political achievements.

After all, only with political achievements would the young Grand Secretary be able to recommend him.

Therefore, in the past year and a half, Song Huai has been diligent and conscientious in his duties.

Upon receiving the document, He Shao could not hide his excitement and exclaimed with joy, "Lord Jiang, you've joined the cabinet!"

All political matters concerning Huainan East Circuit would be issued in writing by the Huainan East Circuit officials of the Imperial Secretariat, who would then notify all officials in Huainan.

Jiang Zhao entered the cabinet and became one of the six Grand Secretaries, naturally falling into the category of issuing official documents.

"Enter the cabinet?" Song Huai was taken aback, his pen paused.

"what?"

"Jiang Gong has joined the cabinet?"

In just a moment, Song Huai realized what was going on, and subconsciously stood up straight, picked up the document and began to read.

[He was appointed Grand Secretary, concurrently holding the positions of Vice Chancellor, Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion, Grand Master of the Palace, and Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent!]

After reading the ten or so words, Song Huai stared at them for a few breaths, his face visibly flushed.

"You've joined the cabinet!"

After muttering to himself a few times, Song Huai subconsciously gazed into the distance.

A thirty-year-old Grand Secretary of the Cabinet!
What is this concept?
With Jiang Gong's abilities and achievements in expanding territory, he could probably stay in the position of Grand Secretary for decades!
It was a foregone conclusion that he would rule the world.

A Grand Secretary for decades?
Even Song Huai, a high-ranking official of the third rank, clad in a purple robe, couldn't help but tremble. A true evergreen in the political arena!

After a long pause, Song Huai sighed:
"Master Jiang is truly a divine being!"

That one kneel opened up a world of possibilities!

If nothing unexpected happens, this will be the most correct decision he has ever made!
Xichuan Road, Su Mansion.

Main hall.

Su Shi and Su Zhe were both dressed in plain clothes and sat facing each other.

A letter was placed on a wooden table, and the two brothers looked at each other in bewilderment.

"Hi~!"

Su Shi broke the silence, sighing, "He entered the cabinet in just twelve years; Zichuan is no ordinary man!"

"The late emperor had no sons, and the imperial clan fought among themselves."

Su Zhe's surprise subsided slightly as he analyzed, "The Prince of Yan and the Prince of Yong, one is known for his virtue and the other for his numerous offspring. According to common sense, the throne will most likely be inherited by one of the two princes."

"If it weren't for Zichuan's submission of a secret law on establishing an heir, the Emperor's lineage would have had no chance of vying for the throne."

"The fact that the emperor issued an edict to recall Zichuan as soon as he ascended the throne shows just how much he valued him."

"His unparalleled achievements in expanding territory have ensured his lasting fame throughout history."

Su Zhe calmly said, "Entering the cabinet and becoming prime minister is a matter of course."

Although he said this, a glint flashed in Su Zhe's eyes, clearly not as calm as he appeared.

A 30-year-old Grand Secretary is really a bit over the top.

"Is that so?"

Su Shi glanced at the letter and couldn't help but sigh.

They were all candidates from the second year of the Jiayou era, and he was only a fifth-rank official!

Jiang Zhao, First Rank!
This is a cheat!
Liangzhe Road, Wuzhou.

The most prominent and prestigious families in a county are known as the "county's most prestigious families."

The most prominent and prestigious families in a prefecture are known as the "prefecture's ancestral home".

There are differences between different counties, and there are also differences between different prefectures.

Generally speaking, the more prosperous a place is, the more prestigious its county and prefecture reputation will be.

Like Huaizuo, it has been prosperous since ancient times, and the ancestors of several major clans all had high-ranking officials of the third rank or above.

The families of noble birth watched over each other, and the three ranks of officials were passed down without interruption, with connections extending directly to the imperial court and the common people.

Wuzhou has fertile soil and abundant rainfall.

The rice is fragrant and sweet, and Lutian rice is one of the tribute rice varieties.

Papermaking and book printing flourished, and Wu paper was one of the eight major tribute papers.

Juyan tea and Dongbai tea are renowned and were among the tea tributes offered to the emperor.

Even though this wealthy prefecture could not compare with cities like Yangzhou, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Yuezhou, and Guangzhou, it was still a first-rate prosperous place.

The prominent families of Wuzhou are naturally among the most powerful.

Among them, the most prestigious clan was the Lanxi Wang clan.

The previous ruler of the Wang family was named Wang You, who was quite famous for his official duties and governance.

This man received the "umbrella of ten thousand people" seven times, once served as prime minister, and had disciples and former officials all over the country.

After his death, he was posthumously awarded the title of Grand Tutor and granted the title of Meritorious Minister of Loyalty and Assistance in Governing the State.

Even more remarkably, they were granted the honor of being enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, earning them widespread renown.

The Wang family of Lanxi, a renowned clan, truly lived up to its name, as evidenced by this.

The main hall of the Prince's Mansion.

Sixty-three-year-old Mrs. Wang held the letter in her hand and read it word by word.

Below him, his son Wang Shiping had his hands on his lap, his face respectful.

About half an incense stick's time.

"Jiang Zichuan actually joined the cabinet?" Old Mrs. Wang was somewhat surprised.

At the age of thirty, he actually entered the cabinet and became prime minister?
"Expanding territories and enjoying the emperor's favor."

Wang Shiping said, "It is quite common for someone to enter the cabinet and become a prime minister."

Grandma Wang didn't speak, her eyes slightly narrowed.

After a few breaths, he slowly said, "Entering the cabinet and becoming prime minister is not just about having the emperor's favor. Having protégés and former subordinates is also an important factor."

"Jiang Zichuan has been in office for twelve years, so where did his protégés and former subordinates come from?"

As she spoke, Old Mrs. Wang looked at her son.

“This is probably due to the opening of the Xihe border, which has cultivated a group of protégés and former officials,” Wang Shiping replied after a moment’s thought.

Having served in office for only twelve years, Jiang Zhao's life trajectory is clear at a glance.

"wrong!"

Old Mrs. Wang snorted coldly and slammed her hand on the table: "Xihe has only been open to the border for five or six years. Its students and former officials are all newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) and minor officials of the eighth or ninth rank. For Jiang Zichuan, it makes no difference whether they have them or not."

"Jiang Zichuan's entry into the cabinet was actually due to the protégés and former officials left behind by your father!"

Old Mrs. Wang asserted, "If it weren't for that, how could he have entered the cabinet?"

Wang Shipin was taken aback, then nodded.

The old mother's words were not without reason.

"It's also your fault for being so useless." Old Mrs. Wang scolded, looking at her with a disappointed expression, "Otherwise, how could you have let Jiang Zichuan snatch away the disciples and former officials left behind by your father?"

"Otherwise, your sister and brother-in-law would not have been demoted to local areas to suffer."

Upon hearing this, Wang Shiping couldn't help but lower his head.

Over the years, his elderly mother has often scolded him with examples of his younger sister, Wang Ruoyu's, experiences.

"That's fine."

Old Mrs. Wang stood up, squinted her eyes and said, "Now that you have served as a fourth-rank educational official for six years, it is time for you to be promoted to the capital. Your sister has been in the provinces for a full ten years, it is time for her to come to the capital and enjoy a peaceful retirement."

Wang Shiping was somewhat surprised and quickly asked, "It's not difficult for me to enter the capital, but how can my sister enter the capital?"

Previously, her younger sister, Wang Ruoyu, had offended Grand Secretary Jiang and was demoted to Danzhou.

The old lady couldn't bear to see her daughter suffer, so she used her connections extensively.

Ultimately, his brother-in-law, Kang Haifeng, was transferred from Danzhou to Wenzhou, thus leaving behind the harsh and cold land.

However, leaving this harsh and cold place doesn't mean you can swagger into the capital!

If we go to the capital and stand in front of Grand Secretary Jiang, wouldn't that make Grand Secretary Jiang unhappy?

"Why can't we enter the capital?"

Grandma Wang waved her hand dismissively and said, "It's not necessary for us to go to the capital together. Your mother and I will go to the capital first, and we can then make plans and arrangements so that you can come to the capital later."

"Jiang Zichuan swallowed up the connections left by your father, using them to enter the cabinet and become prime minister. He doesn't want to give up a single thing. Is there such a good thing as a free lunch?"

Wang Shiping was taken aback, but ultimately said nothing.

Jiang Mansion, Long Pavilion.

The shallow stream murmurs over the stones.

Jiang Xiao and Jiang Xu, holding the official documents, looked at each other, somewhat at a loss.

After a year and a half of hard study, he finally passed the imperial examination and became a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial-level imperial examinations), and now he has a chance to go to the capital for the imperial examinations.

As a result, the elder brother expanded the territory and returned in triumph, and the emperor simply rewarded him with an official position.
Chaofeng Dafu, a fifth-rank official.

Zhongsan Dafu, a fifth-rank official.

Generally speaking, the vast majority of second- and third-class Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) only reached the fifth rank.

This is like achieving instant success?

"Big brother, are we still taking the exam?" Jiang Xiao asked tentatively.

"Take the test!"

Taking a sip of tea, Jiang Zhao nodded decisively and said, "I won't take the exam. I'll just be a fifth-rank official who has passed the provincial examination. Whatever your official position is now, it will be the same thirty years from now."

"But if you pass the imperial examination and become a Jinshi, even if you are promoted one rank every six years, you can still get a purple robe after thirty years."

"Retiring with honors as a third-rank official is still bringing glory to one's ancestors!"

Official positions were bestowed by imperial grace, ranging from the fifth or sixth rank to the eighth or ninth rank.

Generally speaking, the eldest son of a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet would receive a position starting from the fifth or sixth rank through hereditary privilege.

The eldest son of a regular second or third-rank official would start at the eighth or ninth rank.

As for those below the third rank, unless they have made extraordinary contributions, they are not qualified to have their sons inherit official positions.

Jiang Xiao and Jiang Xu, one a fifth-rank official and the other a fifth-rank official, already have a very high starting point.

Of course, being appointed to an official position through hereditary privilege was not without its drawbacks.

At the very least, they would be at a disadvantage when it comes to promotions.

Promotions every six or nine years are the norm.

As for how far Jiang Xiao and Jiang Xu will go in the future?
This depends on the issue of fame and fortune.

Without the title of Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), one would remain stagnant for life.

If one has the title of Jinshi (进士), then there is a chance to rise to the third rank.

If one has the ability to pass the examination and become a probationary official, then the upper limit might be even higher.

Wang Shiping, the eldest son of Grand Tutor Wang, was a typical example of someone who entered officialdom through hereditary privilege.

He was supposed to be a sixth-grade healer, but he was forced to work his way down to the third or fourth grade.

"Yes." The two looked at each other and nodded in unison.

A third-rank purple robe is an absolute honor for any family.

"Don't worry if you don't pass the exam."

Jiang Zhao slowly said, "At worst, I can petition the emperor to grant me the title of Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examination)."

The opening of the borders at Xihe and Xifeng resulted in ten people being granted the honor of becoming Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) and receiving official positions through hereditary privilege.

If Jiang Xiao and Jiang Xu fail the exam, then we'll use up two of their spots.

Anyway, might as well use it!

In the end, if a few spots are left, they will be used to seek fame and official positions for the next generation of children.

Jiang Xiao and Jiang Xu nodded repeatedly.

Is this what it feels like to be carried away?

Although life can be seen to the end at a glance.

But it was so awesome!
(End of this chapter)