Di Ming

Chapter 346 You're not worthy to be my sister, Ning Caiwei!

As Zhu Yin and his entourage entered the courtyard, the gifts were also brought in, and the gift list was presented, which included:

"One hundred taels of gold, ten catties of old ginseng, ten bolts of Shandong silk, a gold-inlaid jade necklace, a longevity and wealth gold lock, and a white jade amulet."

A yellow pear blossom cradle, a gold-embroidered Pixiu purse, a pair of eight-tenths pearl tiger-head shoes, a pair of Lantern Festival lanterns, a pair of white geese for guarding, and two ounces of ambergris.

The set includes: a set of Yongshuntang children's woodblock prints titled "The Complete Tale of King Wu's Conquest of Zhou"; a pair of rattle drums; a set of ivory tangrams; a set of sandalwood nine-linked rings; a pair of miniature carved diabolo pieces; a pair of gilded bell balls; a set of Wuxi clay figurines titled "The Tale of the White Rabbit"; and a set of ivory literacy square cards for reading the "Three Character Classic".

Upon seeing these gifts, both the guests and the servants were dumbfounded.

This gift is probably worth three thousand taels of silver. Even in Beijing, few people are so generous; it's mainly the noble families with long-standing friendships who can exchange such lavish gifts.

What's more important is not the value of the gift, but the thought behind it!

They even have children's utensils and toys, and even Yong Shun Tang's woodblock prints. This sincerity is worth a fortune!
What does this mean? It means that the Feng family and the Marquis of Jiangning have an extremely close relationship, far beyond ordinary relations.

Upon seeing these gifts, Zhuang Shu couldn't help but tear up again. Even Zhuang Tingjian, from a wealthy family, was quite astonished.

"My lord, this gift is far too precious; I am unworthy of it," Feng Menglong said somewhat uneasily.

Zhu Yin held up the child in his arms and laughed heartily, "This is for Yao Li, not for you. Why are you being so polite?"

"So my lord has already chosen a name, Yao Li." Feng Menglong was very pleased. "This is a good name."

Zhuang Shu also agreed.

Ning Caiwei laughed and said, "You insisted on asking him to name the child, and he took it very seriously, racking his brains to come up with twenty-six names before choosing this one. In my opinion, he probably won't put this much effort into naming his own child."

Everyone burst into laughter.

Zhuang Tingjian said, “The medicine is for health and peace. In the Heart Sutra, medicine is the wisdom of Buddhism, and separation is the way to liberation. This means using the medicine of wisdom to separate oneself from afflictions.”

The guests, all scholars, nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

Seeing that the guests were all very reserved, Zhu Yin simply said:

"Although I've held an official position for a few days and gained some minor fame, I'm still just a person with one head, two legs, one nose, and two eyes. We're all guests, so please don't stand on ceremony and make yourselves at home. Today is my goddaughter Yaoli's one-month celebration, and I thank you all for gracing us with your presence..."

Seeing how gentle, approachable, and kind this young nobleman was, everyone was deeply moved and held Zhu Yin in even higher esteem.

They were all scholars, and although they were poor, they had always "respected ghosts and gods but kept them at a distance." They were quite dismissive of the folk legends about Zhu Yin and the act of building a shrine in his honor.

But today, having the opportunity to meet this Mr. Zhihu, they suddenly realized that the popular belief in Zhu Yinzhen was not without reason.

To hold such a high position at such a young age, yet without any arrogance or haughtiness, but instead making people feel as if they were sitting in a spring breeze, as if they were facing an old friend, truly deserves to be called a young sage of refined taste and lofty ideals.

Such an extraordinary figure, it's no wonder that the people believe he is the reincarnation of the God of Literature, and that shrines have been erected in his honor everywhere.

The group of unruly servants who had previously neglected their master immediately became diligent, walking briskly and vying to be the first to arrive.

When Zhuang Shu saw this, she felt as refreshed as if she had drunk ice water on a hot June day, and even felt a sense of triumph.

After exchanging pleasantries with the group of impoverished scholars, Zhu Yin was invited into his study.

Zhuang Shu wanted to invite Ning Caiwei to her private quarters for a chat. The two were rivals in love back then and couldn't stand each other. Now that they have their own families and their statuses are vastly different, they have become close friends. They might become sworn sisters or best confidantes in the future.

Upon seeing Ning Caiwei and Zhuang Shu, who looked like twin flowers, Zhuang Tingjian suddenly remembered something and slapped his forehead, saying, "Look at me! I completely forgot about that. I was so busy talking that I didn't even think of it!"

After saying that, he took out two letters from his sleeve and handed them to Zhuang Shu, saying, "These are letters from your eldest and second sisters. It is not appropriate for me to read the private conversations between you sisters."

Zhuang Shu took the two letters, her brows furrowing slightly. She had three sisters, but because they were all half-sisters separated by water, their relationship had never been close since childhood. In addition, her father loved her, his youngest daughter, the sisterly bond was even weaker, and they had many disagreements, the resentment still lingering to this day.

My eldest and second eldest sisters would write to me on their own initiative? That's really rare.

Although somewhat surprised, Zhuang Shu was still delighted. Over the years, she had wanted to reconcile with her sister, after all, they were sisters and had no enmity.

"Come on, let's talk inside my room." Zhuang Shu took Ning Caiwei's hand and led her out of the study.

After the two women left, Zhu Yin personally poured Zhuang Tingjian a cup of tea and said with a smile:
"I haven't been back to Nanjing for several years, and I've always thought about my uncle. Seeing him today, still as dashing as ever and in good health, I am very pleased."

Zhu Yin was deeply grateful to Zhuang Tingjian. When Zhu Yin was at his weakest, Zhuang Tingjian protected him, helped him gain admission to the Imperial Academy and qualify him to participate in the provincial examinations, and even taught him the eight-legged essay style. To this day, Zhu Yin still keeps the notes on the imperial examinations that Zhuang Tingjian had given him.

Without Zhuang Tingjian, he would have had no chance to establish himself in Jiangning, let alone enter the Imperial Academy to study or participate in the provincial examinations.

Seeing that Zhu Yin had not changed his mind because of wealth and status, Zhuang Tingjian no longer held back his politeness. He said, "I have always been well and have always thought of you. I am honored to hear of your achievements."

"It's been years since I last saw you. You've grown into a beautiful young man, but what I remember most vividly is still you when you were a child."

There was one more thing Zhuang Tingjian didn't say. Zhuang Tingjian had no son, and back then he quite regarded Zhu Yin as his son, and even wanted Zhu Yin to become his son-in-law.

At that time, Zhuang Tingjian did not coerce Zhu Yin in any way, which shows that he genuinely liked Zhu Yin.

Zhu Yin asked, "Uncle, is your trip to the capital for Yao Li's one-month celebration banquet?"

He was perfectly aware that Uncle Zhuang's main purpose in coming to Beijing was to seek an official position.

However, in order not to embarrass Zhuang Tingjian, he could not bring it up directly.

Zhuang Tingjian chuckled and stroked his beard, saying, "It is indeed for my granddaughter's one-month celebration. I've also come to Beijing to broaden my horizons."

"To broaden one's horizons"... these four words are quite profound.

Given their relationship, this is enough; they'll leave it at that. If Zhu Yin is willing to help, he will bring it up himself. If Zhu Yin is unwilling or unable to help, he will pretend not to hear.

If you can't do it after making it clear, then your good intentions will turn into embarrassment.

At this point, Zhuang Tingjian couldn't help but feel a little anxious. Could Zhihu help him secure a satisfactory official position?
Although Zhihu was very famous and had been granted the title of Marquis, he was not an official of the Ministry of Personnel or the Censorate.

Zhu Yin pondered for a moment, then said with a beaming smile, "I remember, Uncle, you have been serving in Jiangning County for nearly six years, and your two terms are almost up, aren't they?"

According to regulations, a county magistrate's term of office is nine years. However, Zhuang Tingjian is a sixth-rank official in the capital, a crucial position. He was previously a county assistant and has served in Jiangning County for over ten years. Naturally, he should be transferred ahead of schedule; it's impossible for him to continue staying in Jiangning County.

Zhuang Tingjian felt relieved upon hearing this and laughed, "It'll be soon. By the second half of the year, I won't be the magistrate of Jiangning anymore. I'll most likely be transferred to a department in Nanjing as a sixth-rank official, which will be quite leisurely. Hehe."

When the word "leisure" was mentioned, a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes.

Zhu Yin put down his teacup and said kindly:

"My uncle is a rare and capable official. How could he be idle? Over the years, my uncle has achieved remarkable political achievements and has a clean reputation. This is evident to all in Nanjing. I have heard the people praise my uncle: 'With the presence of his father, Du, mother, and Duke Zhuang, the legacy of his benevolence fills Jiangning.'"

"Even if my uncle doesn't become the magistrate of Jiangning County, he can't be a leisurely official in some department in Nanjing."

Zhuang Tingjian looked slightly bitter. “But I am only a second-class graduate (Juren), which is inferior to the Jinshi (Jinshi) who passed the imperial examinations. Even if I were to be summoned by my father and mother, my official career would be bleak.”

Zhu Yin thought for a moment, then said seriously, “A Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) is not necessarily a good minister. There are countless greedy, incompetent, and foolish Jinshi officials throughout the world, and the people have suffered for a long time.” “With your talent, Uncle, you are more than capable of serving as one of the Nine Ministers. If you are left idle because of your academic achievements and background, that would be a grave mistake by the officials.”

"Hai Rui, the upright official, rose to the position of Left Censor-in-Chief and retired with the title of Grand Tutor. Wasn't he also a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial civil service examination)? To say nothing of the distant past, just look at the recent example: Ye Chunji, the current Provincial Governor of Sichuan, was also a second-class Juren."

"After much thought, I have come up with a suggestion to share with you, Uncle, and we shall see what you think."

Zhuang Tingjian's eyes lit up, and he put down his teacup, saying, "Young Tiger must have some brilliant insights."

"I wouldn't dare," Zhu Yin smiled slightly. "I can work to get my uncle's evaluation rated as 'outstanding,' which will lead to his promotion. I can also make my uncle a role model for successful candidates in the imperial examinations and encourage the Ministry of Personnel to give him a commendation."

"Yang Jizong, who lived during the Chenghua era, was also a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial civil service examination). Because of his outstanding performance in the examination and the recommendation of Governor Zhang Zan, he was promoted from a seventh-rank county magistrate to a prefect. Three years later, he was promoted again to provincial judicial commissioner."

"According to the system, officials of the third rank have the right to recommend candidates. Once they have received an outstanding evaluation and become a model for successful candidates in the imperial examinations, I will formally recommend my uncle for a promotion that would be made exceptional and allow him to be appointed as a prefect with ease."

"If all goes well, when my uncle leaves his post in Jiangning County in the second half of the year, he will most likely be promoted two ranks and directly become the prefect. However, this is only under the condition that things go smoothly. If things don't go well, he may only be able to serve as the prefect or assistant prefect."

Zhu Yin's plan sounds very mysterious, as if he were the official in charge of the Ministry of Personnel, but it is actually very reliable.

Because more than one successful candidate in the imperial examinations has succeeded through this route. And given his current power and connections, he certainly has the ability to pull it off!
It's hard to say about officials of the fifth rank or above in the capital, but vacancies for local officials of the fourth or fifth rank are not difficult for him. The key is whether he is willing to help.

The officials Zhu Yin wanted to help were not primarily chosen based on personal relationships; in fact, personal relationships were secondary. He valued their abilities and character more.

He lacks both ability and character, and wouldn't help even if you begged him. But Zhuang Tingjian is absolutely worthy of his patronage.

"Oh my!" Zhuang Tingjian couldn't help but clap his hands. "Zhihu is so thoughtful. I don't know what to say. I'm ashamed, so ashamed."

“Child Tiger, I will remember your kindness, whether you succeed or not. I have watched you grow up, and I am very gratified that you have achieved what you have today.”

Overjoyed, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. Many successful candidates in the imperial examinations couldn't even secure a position like prefect, yet he, a mere provincial graduate, had the opportunity to become one so soon.

What is this? This is the power of those in positions of authority!

Zhu Yin took a sip of tea and said sincerely:

"I have known you since I was a child, and I am grateful for your care back then. I will never forget you, even in my old age. As long as it is in accordance with morality and the law, what is right for you is right for me."

“However, Uncle, please do not think that this is my favoritism. Everyone has their own interests, but when it comes to matters of national importance, how could I dare to act out of personal interest? It is not that I intend to be biased, but that the court should promote a virtuous and capable official like you, Uncle, according to the appropriate circumstances.”

“If it weren’t for your outstanding political achievements and good reputation, even if I were a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Personnel, I wouldn’t have this ability. At most, I’m just doing you a favor, and I don’t even know if it will work out.”

These words were reasonable and insightful, balancing public and private considerations, and even Feng Menglong had to admire them.

Zhuang Tingjian's eyes welled up with tears, and he nodded, saying, "Zhihu, you are insightful, upright, and fair in your conduct. You are a capable minister who can govern the world. However... however, the officialdom is treacherous and the political landscape is turbulent. I am quite worried that you have such a great reputation at such a young age."

"The court is a turbulent place, and throughout history, countless famous ministers and generals have been forced into a dilemma, facing life and death. I am of humble rank and cannot help you, but I wish you good fortune and peace."

"A wise man keeps his talents hidden until the right time to act. He is diligent all day long and vigilant at night. He understands that the past cannot be changed, but the future can be pursued. I hope you will take good care of yourself, adapt to circumstances, and be able to benefit the world or remain virtuous in your own time."

These words were spoken with great earnestness and deep concern, and Zhu Yin couldn't help but stand up, clasp his hands in a gesture of respect, and say:

"I will always remember my uncle's wise teachings!"

...

While Zhu Yin and Zhuang Tingjian, father-in-law and son-in-law, were talking in the study, Zhuang Shu was also talking with Ning Caiwei in her boudoir.

Ning Caiwei sat down on the kang (a heated brick bed) and said with a smile, "Let me have a cup of tea first, you read the letter first. After you've read it, we can talk later."

She noticed that Zhuang Shu was somewhat concerned about her two older sisters' letters, so she simply let Zhuang Shu read the letters first.

"Alright, I won't stand on ceremony with you anyway." Zhuang Shu poured tea for Ning Caiwei, then placed a plate of melon seeds on the table, lit an incense burner, and then began to read the letter.

She was eager to know what her eldest and second eldest sisters, who had never written to her, had said in their letters.

Zhuang Shu first used a paper cutter to cut open her elder sister's letter and immediately saw the familiar handwriting. However, after reading only a few lines, her smile froze, and her eyes turned frosty.

My eldest sister's letter read: "...Upon learning of the joyous birth of your daughter, a precious pearl in your palm, I send my congratulations from afar on this joyous occasion..."

"However, children's status depends on their parents. Although I am happy about the birth of my niece, I am still disappointed by her poor family background. Feng Lang is still a commoner, and my fourth sister's marriage is difficult to achieve. When my niece comes of age and is ready to marry, how can she be married to a family of high rank and wealth, given that they are of equal social standing? If my fourth sister does not think of herself, how can she not think of her beloved daughter?"

"My brother-in-law is not ambitious, and the blame lies more with my fourth sister. If Feng Lang never passes the imperial examinations and never holds any official position, my niece will likely be ruined for life."

"Since childhood, Fourth Sister has been noble and intelligent. She is determined to perch on any tree but a phoenix and marry only a talented man. None of the Zhuang family's daughters can compare to her. Since Fourth Sister is so ambitious, she should urge Feng Lang to study hard. Only when a scholar passes the imperial examination can he achieve his goal and attain enlightenment."

“Take your eldest brother-in-law for example. He’s only twenty-seven years old, but he’s already a county magistrate. By the time your nephew grows up, he will surely be a high-ranking official in the imperial court, holding an ivory tablet.”

"Feng Lang is already twenty, a man of exceptional talent, yet he remains a mere student, his progress halted at the level of a mere scholar. Fourth sister, do not worry, but I, for your father, am anxious..."

Zhuang Shu has always been proud and arrogant. She has been her father's favorite daughter since childhood, so how could she stand this kind of treatment?
Seeing this, she was filled with sadness and shame, and could no longer contain her anger, shouting:

"Zhuang Yan has gone too far! How dare she humiliate me like this? Does she have any sisterly affection left?"

Ning Caiwei slowly took a sip of tea, looked at Zhuang Shu whose face was flushed, and asked with a smirk, "What's wrong?"

"Take a look." Zhuang Shu gritted her teeth and handed the letter to Ning Caiwei. "I'm not afraid you'll laugh at me, but I'll show you just how snobbish my dear older sister really is!"

"Hmph, Yao Zongwen passed the imperial examination last year and became a county magistrate. She was also granted a seventh-rank imperial title. Look how proud she is!"

Zhuang Shu never expected that her eldest sister's letter would not be filled with concern or greetings, but rather with smug humiliation.

She had never gotten along with her eldest sister since childhood, and she was even more pleased when her brother-in-law, Yao Zongwen, passed the imperial examination. Now that Yao Zongwen had become a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) and a county magistrate, there was no need to mention it anymore.

Ning Caiwei glanced at the letter, feeling a touch of schadenfreude, but said with genuine empathy:
"What kind of woman is this! She's full of rotten words! What a smug, petty person's face!"

Zhuang Shu picked up her second sister's letter, opened it, and immediately threw it on the ground, her face turning pale with anger.

"The second sister also wrote to ridicule me! They planned this together! Bah!"

Zhuang Shu could no longer hold back her tears and sobbed:
"They can't stand to see me doing well; they'd be happy if I died! What kind of sister is that?"

Just as Ning Caiwei was about to comfort her, she suddenly stopped crying, wiped away her tears, and gritted her teeth, saying:
"They want me to cry, but I won't! Today is Yao Li's one-month celebration, why should I cry?! I'm very happy, hmph!"

"Even if Feng Lang never becomes an official, he's still better than that scoundrel Yao Zongwen!"

"I refuse to believe that if Feng Lang works for Little Tiger, he won't make something of himself in the future! Following Little Tiger, Feng Lang is bound to succeed!"

"This is nothing! Let them be smug for a while, and see who laughs last!"

Ning Caiwei clapped her hands and laughed, "Good! You're quite the character. You're worthy to be my sister, Ning Caiwei!"

P.S.: Turns out, Zhuang Shu's brother-in-law is Yao Zongwen. We might drop out of the top 500, please vote with your monthly tickets!

(End of this chapter)