Ming Dynasty: I, Yan Maoqing, am truly radiating auspicious energy!

Chapter 174 Yan Maoqing truly understands my heart [Seeking monthly votes]

really.

It wasn't until the hour of Chen (7-9 AM) that Yan Maoqing finally arrived.

After hearing Kong Jian's report, he approached Yan Shifan's duty room with a kind expression:

"Qing'er, how are you feeling? Are you getting used to it here?"

"?"

Upon hearing this title, Yan Shifan was taken aback.

"Qing'er" was his childhood name, and only his father Yan Song and mother Ouyang Duanshu were entitled to call him that.

Besides, not many people outside know about it, especially someone like Yan Maoqing who didn't have much contact with the Yan family before, so he shouldn't know at all.

Could it be that his mother told him?
My mother is really something, how could she trust someone so easily and tell them everything...

But then again, his parents are now of the same generation as Yan Maoqing, so he has to call Yan Maoqing "little uncle." It seems reasonable for Yan Maoqing to address him that way, and it even makes them seem closer.

Just looking at Yan Maoqing's young face and the kind smile on his face that resembled that of an elder, he felt inexplicably awkward.

Fortunately, he is also someone who can see the situation clearly and knows when to yield and when to stand firm.

Thinking back to his arrival at the Court of Imperial Sacrifices this morning, the officials there had demonstrated Yan Maoqing's extraordinary skills, far beyond his years, leaving even him in awe.

So Yan Shifan stood up and bowed to Yan Maoqing with the courtesy due to a junior, saying:

"Thank you so much for your help, Uncle. Your nephew and the Yan family will remember this."

"Sigh, when you're on duty, you should still use your job title and be mindful of the impact."

Yan Maoqing still had a kind expression, but he shook his head and gave a warning.

"??"

Yan Shifan felt a tightness in his chest.

You were the one who called me by my childhood nickname first, and now you're making me address you by my title? What is this?
However, despite his thoughts, he still had no choice but to bow and perform an official salute.
"I've met Minister Yan, and I'm getting used to him."

"That's good. Then get straight to your duty and get to work."

Yan Maoqing nodded slightly, but his expression gradually turned indignant.

"My aunt told me in detail about what the Yan family has been going through these days."

"You must have fully experienced the coldness and warmth of human relationships this time. You can now clearly see who your true friends are in times of trouble and who your cronies are when you're down."

"The Yan family and the Yan family are relatives after all, and you are my nephew, Yan Maoqing. When those petty scoundrels slap your face, aren't they also slapping my buttocks?"

"When my aunt told me about the filthy things that happened to the Yan family a few days ago, I felt a surge of anger and resentment. I couldn't eat or drink for the past two days."

“So, let’s get started!”

Yan Shifan was not easily swayed by Yan Maoqing's few words. Hearing these words, he was not particularly moved, but simply asked with doubt:
"I wonder what you mean by 'beginning' that Minister Yan is referring to?"

"I hate those who betray their trust and abandon their friends the most in my life. I'm sure you feel the same way, Qing'er."

Yan Maoqing gritted his teeth and said,

"I appointed you as the Left Attendant, in charge of impeaching and investigating the Crown Prince, precisely to give you the opportunity to settle scores and grievances."

"I, Yan Maoqing's relative, will not tolerate being bullied!"

"Let's begin submitting impeachments!"

"After the Yan family lost power this time, you know more or less about the illegal things that all the villains who exposed their true nature did."

"We should take advantage of the opportunity this time when the Censorate is ordered to thoroughly investigate the encroachment of the capital's powerful and wealthy on the people's interests, and expose all these people, so that they will know the power of our two families."

"Otherwise, these people will think we are weak and can be bullied and betrayed at will."

"This……"

Upon hearing this, Yan Shifan immediately felt that something was amiss.

He wasn't like those simple-minded, blockheaded officials in the Imperial Household Department; he immediately sensed that Yan Maoqing was using him as a pawn.

What does it mean to seek revenge for wrongs and settle scores with wrongs?
Given the Yan family's current situation, the wisest course of action would be to temporarily lie low using this official position.

Even if one truly wants to retaliate against those treacherous and untrustworthy villains, it should wait until his father, Yan Song, has accomplished the Datong project and is summoned back to the capital by the emperor to make a comeback, rather than making enemies everywhere at this time.

Moreover, in officialdom, what matters most is always self-interest; there are no eternal enemies or irreconcilable feuds.
Especially those who are beneficial to the Yan family's future and have united front value.

Even if someone's current behavior is disgusting or the hatred is great, you should still be polite and even sweet-talking when necessary.

Despite Yan Shifan's previous arrogance, impulsiveness, and reckless behavior, he was not fooled.

However, he was selective in doing these things, having already investigated the other party's background and carefully considered the situation beforehand.

If someone is an insignificant person, like an ant, then of course they can act without restraint.

If he were to be involved with some powerful figures that even his father couldn't afford to offend, he wouldn't easily provoke them, and might even be able to endure humiliation and hardship.

Even if one truly desires revenge, one should wait until the other party and their backers have completely lost power before eliminating or crippling them in one fell swoop, thus preventing future troubles.

of course.

He wasn't without his moments of making mistakes.

For example, he had already investigated the background of his uncle-in-law, Yan Maoqing.

Under normal circumstances, it would be absolutely impossible for someone like Yan Maoqing to climb up to such a high position, let alone within a few months.

That's why he had previously publicly expelled Yan Maoqing from the Yuzhang Guild Hall.

Moreover, even when he did this, it wasn't entirely out of a momentary impulse. He also had the intention of gaining some reputation for his father, Yan Song, by putting down Yan Maoqing, and helping him to counterbalance Xia Yan in the public opinion arena.

After all, Xia Yan, who was also a reader of the palace examination papers at the time, already knew that the very interesting palace examination paper came from Yan Maoqing.

Yan Maoqing was also affiliated with the Yuzhang Guild Hall.

If Xia Yan were to use this incident to attack his father Yan Song, it might not have any substantial effect, but it could still cause some negative impact on his reputation.

By doing this, he could turn the tables and eliminate any possibility of Xia Yan taking advantage of the situation.

Who could have imagined that Yan Maoqing would subsequently encounter a series of extraordinary adventures...

The things he did later against Yan Maoqing were actually all to eliminate the potential threat of expelling Yan Maoqing from the Yuzhang Guild Hall.

Who could have imagined that Yan Maoqing would inexplicably escape danger every time, and even rise higher and higher, until now even the Yan family has to rely on his protection...

"What, do you have some concerns?"

Seeing the embarrassment and wariness in Yan Shifan's eyes, Yan Maoqing frowned slightly and asked.

“Minister Yan, I am now a nobody with little influence. Although I am also indignant, I am afraid these matters still need to be considered carefully.”

Yan Shifan snapped out of his daze and looked at Yan Maoqing with a lukewarm tone.

"Don't worry, just do it. Your uncle will protect you and the Yan family. He has connections all the way to the top."

Yan Maoqing's smile softened again.
"Besides, your aunt entrusted you to me, hoping that I would correct your past mistakes, lead you onto the right path, and transform you completely. How could I not do my best?"

"But……"

Yan Shifan wanted to say something more. "I don't want to hear reasons. Just tell me if it can be done or not?"

Yan Maoqing's expression instantly turned cold again; his mood changed faster than flipping through a book.

"I'm sure my aunt has already told you that I don't keep idle people in my Chamberlain's Office."

"Three-legged toads are hard to find, but two-legged people are everywhere!"

"If you can do it, then do it. If you can't, there are plenty of others who can. Leave your official seal and token behind, and you don't need to come back tomorrow."

"I'll send someone to inform my aunt later, and tell her that it's not that I don't care about family ties, but I really can't take care of you as my nephew, and I can't live up to her trust!"

"?!"

Upon hearing this, Yan Shifan looked at his uncle-in-law with new respect, even somewhat astonished.

What does this mean?
So, this uncle recommended me for a position in the Imperial Household Department just so I could come early in the morning, get a beating, and then be able to pack my bags and get out of there?
Are you teasing a fool?
Yan Shifan increasingly felt that today's flogging was at Yan Maoqing's behest. He was taking revenge for the expulsion he had suffered back then. Unfortunately, he and Ouyang Duanshu were in a difficult situation and had so easily walked into the trap!
the most important is.

Yan Maoqing really did have that power.

If this were in any other department, even the lowest-ranking official, their superior wouldn't be able to fire them with just a word.

The only recourse was to use one's authority within the framework of the Ming Dynasty's official system to make things difficult for them, marginalize them, and make them take the blame.

Then, through impeachment, accusation, and other procedures, the matter is reported up the chain of command, and may even reach the emperor, in order to achieve the goal of demotion or dismissal.

But this Court of Imperial Sacrifices was essentially a one-man show by Yan Maoqing.

With that imperial edict, which was "granted by imperial authority," he could decide the fate of officials in the Court of Imperial Sacrifices with just a single sentence.

However, if an official had the title of Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), he would be sent back to the Ministry of Personnel for further arrangements, while an official like him without the title of Jinshi could simply pack his bags and leave...

Ugh, what's going on here?
Yan Shifan felt an indescribable sense of frustration at that moment.

He had never suffered such humiliation before.

But now, he needs this official position to change the Yan family's situation.

At the same time, if his mother knew that he had been dismissed and sent home on his very first day at the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, he would have no way to explain it to her...

Despite his previous arrogance and domineering attitude towards outsiders, he was a filial son at home, never daring to complain even when beaten by his mother.

Although he could explain today's events to his mother, she would surely understand the implications and wouldn't blame him.

But once he lost this official position, the Yan family would immediately return to their previous difficult situation, and his mother would surely be filled with worry and tears again, which was something Yan Shifan did not want to see...

By now.

Even though he knew Yan Maoqing might have ill intentions, he had no choice but to endure hardship and humiliation for his mother's sake.

Yan Maoqing... I will remember this humiliation. When my father makes a comeback, I will repay him a hundredfold. Just you wait!
He hid his clenched fist in his sleeve, secretly vowing revenge.

Yan Shifan, however, outwardly appeared weak and aggrieved, forcing himself to smile and bow, saying:

"I understand. Please rest assured, Minister Yan, I will handle this matter with utmost care."

He decided to sacrifice a few insignificant minor officials to appease Yan Maoqing.

These people have no background and no evidence to drag him and the Yan family down with them. They have been observing him coldly all this time, making them the perfect fodder.

"Work hard, let's start with Zhao Wenhua."

Yan Maoqing nodded in satisfaction, and as he walked out, he tossed out a warning.
"Don't make me call them out one by one. My Court of Imperial Sacrifices doesn't support idlers, much less lazy people who only move an inch when whipped."

Zhao Wenhua, besides Yan Maoqing, is another clearly documented adopted son of Yan Song in history.

The current official is the Commissioner of the Court of State Affairs, a third-rank official, whose duties include submitting and rejecting memorials from both inside and outside the court, and introducing officials and commoners to speak on matters. He also participates in major political and legal meetings and meets with officials in charge of both civil and military affairs.

Historically, he was also a notorious and extremely corrupt official.

They conspired with Hu Zongxian to harm many loyal officials who fought against the Japanese pirates, and there are clear records that they embezzled as much as hundreds of thousands of taels of military funds.

Later, after his downfall and dismissal, he fell ill from fear and rubbed his stomach so hard that he died. The original text in the History of Ming states, "One night, he touched his abdomen, and his abdomen ruptured, his internal organs came out, and he died."

Even so, the Jiajing Emperor still ordered the confiscation of property and the recovery of stolen goods.

As a result, since Zhao Wenhua had already squandered most of the embezzled money during the confiscation of his property, it was impossible to seize the full amount. According to regulations, his descendants were to be sent to the army to make up for the loss.

This money was lost until the eleventh year of the Wanli reign, and only half of it was lost.

There was also a sanctimonious hypocrite in the Ming Dynasty who couldn't stand it anymore and submitted a memorial to Emperor Wanli requesting that he exempt the emperor from pursuing the stolen goods.

Fortunately, Emperor Wanli was also a man who "followed ancestral rules," and insisted on carrying out Emperor Jiajing's original decree, which required his descendants to continue paying the debts, either until they paid them all or until they all died...

"This...this?!"

Upon hearing this name, Yan Shifan's heart tightened again.

At this moment, after entering the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and repeatedly looking at Yan Maoqing with new respect, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.

This uncle-in-law... is probably more troublesome than he imagined!
Because of Zhao Wenhua's relationship with his father Yan Song, very few people in the court know about him now.

After all, the Minister of Rites and the Commissioner of the Court of Judicial Review had a close relationship, which was something the Emperor was very wary of and could not be revealed casually.

Moreover, Zhao Wenhua has other connections...

However, Yan Maoqing had already seen through everything; his words were clearly deliberate and targeted!

……

Qianqing Palace.

"Yan Maoqing actually brought Yan Shifan into the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and even appointed him as the Left Secretary?"

Zhu Houcong frowned slightly and muttered to himself in thought.

The person who came to secretly report this matter was naturally the Crown Prince Xianma Lü Maocai of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

Now that Lü Maocai has left, only Zhu Houcong and Huang Jin remain in the hall.

After a moment, Zhu Houcong suddenly looked at Huang Jin and asked:
"By the way, how is the Yan family doing since Yan Song went to Datong? Is it not doing well?"

"Your Majesty is indeed a wise man. It is indeed not good. I heard that the Yan family has lost eight or nine tenths of their businesses in the capital. I haven't heard anything else."

Huang Jin bowed and replied.

"My attention has been completely occupied by Guo Xun's matter recently, and Yan Maoqing has caused a lot of trouble that I can't keep up with, so I have neglected this matter for a while."

Zhu Houcong nodded slightly.
"Since the Yan family's assets have been almost completely lost, Yan Song's family members are probably not doing well either."

"Especially that Yan Shifan, who is usually arrogant and domineering, has probably offended many people. Now that Yan Song has lost power, naturally some people want to take advantage of his illness to kill him..."

Speaking of it.

Zhu Houcong suddenly laughed smugly again, clapping his hands in praise:

"Yan Maoqing truly understands my heart, is able to plan ahead, and exerts all his strength to relieve my worries. He is indeed a pillar of the state!"

"I was right to have foresight; this privilege was truly given to the right person!"

"The saying goes that the capable should do more work, so what should we give him this time?"

(End of this chapter)