Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 449: The King's Uncle Becomes a High Official
Out of the palace gate.

Li Zisheng said to Zhang Luan with emotion: "Laizhan, your tactic of retreating to advance is really unique. You can see that if you just nod, the position of cabinet minister will belong to you. Even His Majesty has paved the way for you, but you just... Alas!"

Zhang Luan said, "It's my fate. I wouldn't dare take on such a job without the right tools."

"hehe."

Li Zisheng shook his head helplessly and got on the carriage and left.

The rest of the top civil officials basically went home in sedan chairs.

Just as Zhang Luan was walking towards his carriage, Xu Qiong caught up with him and bowed to him: "I came to ask for your opinion on the matter of entering the cabinet."

Obviously Xu Qiong couldn't understand why Zhang Luan recommended an "outsider".

If Zhang Luan had not mentioned Xie Qian, the remaining candidates for cabinet ministers would only be Xu Pu and Xu Qiong.

Adding Xie Qian would be like adding an extra wrinkle.

Zhang Luan said, "I think there are only a few candidates for the cabinet. If it doesn't work this time, it will definitely work next time... What's the harm in being a little earlier or later?"

"Laizhan, you don't know the danger of entering the cabinet."

Xu Qiong sighed, "For someone like me who has left the Imperial Academy, perhaps this is the only chance in my life to be recommended to the cabinet. If I fail this time, there will be no chance for me in the future."

"That's it..."

Zhang Luan didn't expect that his nominal brother-in-law would be so stubborn about joining the cabinet.

Xu Qiong said: "His Majesty obviously favors you. Since you feel that you are inconvenient, you should find someone who can discuss important matters with you. Do you think Xie Yuqiao is really suitable?"

"he……"

Zhang Luan naturally knew that Xie Qian would never be able to discuss with him on many things, let alone agree with him.

Xu Qiong said with emotion: "If you have time, please recommend me to His Majesty. I will be grateful for this."

After saying that, Xu Qiong did not beg any more.

Even begging Zhang Luan to help him get into the cabinet made him feel very embarrassed... One day, he would have to ask the "brother-in-law" he once looked down upon for help in getting a chance to be promoted to a higher position?

In the past, Xu Qiong wouldn't even dare to think about it.

Zhang Luan looked at Xu Qiong's desolate back, and suddenly felt a little sad. He said to himself, "I have to talk to my son about this when I get back. Why can't his uncle do it?"

……

……

As soon as Zhang Luan returned home, he saw that Shen Lu had arrived earlier.

Shen Lu was not qualified to participate in the grand court meeting that day. After all, he was only a seventh-rank official in the Ministry of Public Security, and was just a small official in the capital.

But Shen Lu seemed to be in high spirits that day, and even his voice was much louder when he spoke.

"Laizhan, you have raised a good son."

Shen Lu smiled and called Zhang Yanling over, praising Zhang Luan, "You can learn something just by talking to Yanling for a few words."

Zhang Luan felt a little disdainful.

Do I need you to say this?
We are both my brothers-in-law, why are you showing off here to me?
Do you want to learn how to be an official from my son?

You are in a wrong line.

Zhang Yanling smiled and said, "Dad, Uncle Shen has been officially promoted to the Right Counselor of the Silver Office."

"Ah? Really?"

Zhang Luan was stunned when he heard this.

You came to my house, so it turns out you got a promotion?

Shen Lu said with emotion, "Thanks to Lai Zhan... Today, the transfer order came down, and I stepped over the boundary that I might not have the chance to break in my whole life. Right Councillor of the Ministry of Public Administration, this is an official position that I didn't even dare to think about before."

Although the Tongzhengshisi is a large government office, it has very few official positions. There is one Tongzhengshi, a third-rank official, followed by the Zuo Tongzheng, You Tongzheng and the You Tongzheng of the Emperor, each of fourth-rank officials. Next are the Zuo Canyi and Right Canyi, who Shen Lu has just been promoted to, each of fifth-rank officials.

When a fifth-rank official from Beijing is transferred to a local level, according to convention, he will be promoted three levels directly. That is to say, if Shen Lu is transferred to a local level, the posts of left and right councillors of the Ministry of Civil Affairs will be within his grasp. If he works harder, he may even become a provincial censor. It can be seen how big a step Shen Lu has taken.

"congratulations."

Zhang Luan said, "In fact, I am the same. I never dreamed that one day I would become the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites."

Shen Lu said, "Laizhan, you are being too modest. You are a minister of state, and the new emperor is on the throne and is waiting for your assistance. I have prepared a banquet here and would like to invite a few colleagues tonight. I wonder if you would be willing to honor me with your presence?"

"No."

Zhang Yanling took the initiative to refuse on behalf of his old father, "Uncle, please forgive me, my father has something else to do today and can't go."

When Zhang Luan heard this, he felt very happy and thought to himself, my son really understands me.

I am best at taking a stroll outside the capital, but according to Li Zisheng, he has temporarily moved people to the city so that I can catch the morning court every day... In order to save sleep time, the program has been moved forward to start before dark.

Then I have to prepare well?
As for going out for a drink with Shen Lu...

What the hell does it mean!

Can you introduce me to a colleague?

Are you sure you're not asking them to curry favor with me?

I'm sorry, I'm only interested in people who hold higher positions than me. As for those who hold lower positions than me and only know how to flatter me, I can't accept their gifts in the short term, so why should I meet them?

Boring!
Shen Lu seemed very anxious and advised: "Laizhan, you still have to meet some colleagues. You are now a senior official in the Ministry of Rites, shouldn't you get to know more officials? I have no other advantages, but I have extensive connections in the court. Didn't you say before that you planned to take a concubine..."

"Cough cough!"

Zhang Luan quickly coughed twice.

What I mean is, you, Shen Lu, are always bringing up things that are not relevant to the topic, right?
When did I say I wanted to take a concubine?
Besides, this is my main residence. My first wife and Madam Ru are still in the inner courtyard taking care of their husband and children. You brought this up so rashly. Have you considered my feelings?

Shen Lu said: "Look at me, I spoke out of turn! But if you really need a marriage alliance, you can tell me. For example, the marriage of your two sons..."

"Don't worry about it."

Zhang Luan said, "I try not to get involved too much with the people in the court. At this critical moment of transition between the old and the new, we have to avoid suspicion... I think you should understand." "Yanling, go see your uncle off, remember to bring him some good tea and wine. The glassware you made before is pretty good, bring a few back to your uncle so he can put flowers in it..."

……

……

Send Shen Lu away.

Zhang Luan heaved a sigh of relief, called his son who had just returned from seeing off the guests to the main hall, and told him about his experiences when he entered the palace to attend the grand court meeting.

"Dad, what have you been busy with these past two days? The new emperor has ascended the throne, why haven't you come home yet?"

Zhang Yanling asked with a dark face.

Zhang Luan rolled his eyes at his son: "You're asking even though you already know the answer."

Zhang Yanling said, "Dad, you said you go out occasionally for fun, but you're not home all day. Are you afraid that others don't know that you're keeping a mistress outside, or even colluding with Li Zisheng?"

"What do you mean?"

Zhang Luan asked with a frown.

"Let's be frank. The Eastern Depot and the Imperial Guards must have been keeping an eye on you... Do you think they can turn a blind eye to your frequent visits to Lizi Province's villa?"

Zhang Yanling said, "Once they get the news, they will report it to Zhu Ji and Qin Chang. By then, your bad deeds will be used by others, and even His Majesty will deduct points from you."

Zhang Luan looked indifferent and said with a smile: "I don't care. I can take this position or not. But you, should I talk to your brother-in-law and arrange a position for you?"

"No need for now."

Zhang Yanling shook his head and asked, "You just said that Uncle Xu spoke to you. What did he say specifically?"

"What else can I say? There were four candidates for the cabinet. I took the initiative to withdraw and recommended Xie Qian. He was one of the remaining two... Your uncle from the Xu family told me that this opportunity to join the cabinet might only come once in a lifetime, and asked me to support him. He even wanted me to say a few good words for him in front of the new emperor... As a relative, what can I do?"

Zhang Luan said, "My son, although you said so much yesterday, I am still very puzzled. It's fine if I don't join the cabinet, but let your uncle join the cabinet, at least the power will not fall into the hands of others."

"it's useless."

Zhang Yanling shook his head and said, "The impact of Xu's uncle entering the cabinet is too great and too bad. The officials in the Hanlin Academy will definitely not let it go. The censors will impeach you one after another. Then you and your uncle will become the target of public criticism."

Zhang Luan frowned and said, "Is it as weird as you said? I have discussed with Li Zisheng. The court is basically still run by old officials. Those middle and lower-level officials can't stir up any trouble at all... Besides, it was the people from the Hanlin Academy who recommended your uncle today.

"Besides that, I really can't think of any reason why Your Majesty wouldn't use your uncle. He is mature and steady, and he has been an official in Nanjing for many years. He is still strong and healthy..."

Zhang Yanling said unhappily, "Dad, if you don't want to join the cabinet, why do you care who will? Don't get involved in this matter."

"Row."

Zhang Luan nodded and said, "Then don't worry about my business... I just went out to have some fun. I just hope I don't interfere with the things you entrusted to me."

Zhang Yanling reminded again: "Dad, you'd better stay away from Li Zisheng these days. I think the next wave of storm will be towards Li Zisheng... And after you rejected his kindness today and resolutely refused to join the cabinet, Li Zisheng may be disappointed and ignore you. You have to be mentally prepared."

"I don't believe it."

After Zhang Luan finished speaking, he hurried out, probably to keep an appointment with Li Zisheng.

……

……

"Where's Dad?"

Zhang Heling hurried back when he learned that his old father had returned home.

I didn't expect to see Zhang Luan after I entered the house.

Zhang Yanling said unhappily, "He went out to have fun."

"Hey, this word is new...but is it suitable for our father?"

Zhang Heling laughed and said, "I'm pretty good."

Zhang Yanling said unhappily, "You two have very similar personalities. The only thing about my father that makes him better than you is that he once studied a few days and got a title of scholar. He is also more obedient to advice."

Zhang Heling asked: "What about my advantages?"

"you?"

Zhang Yanling shook his head.

Zhang Heling looked annoyed. "Didn't you ask Dad to take me to the Jinyiwei Northern Pacification Division and let me take over the position? Until now, I am still a Jinyiwei captain in name only."

Zhang Yanling said: "I have asked Qin Yun to take you there."

"Qin Yun? He's just a centurion."

Zhang Heling seemed very dissatisfied and said in resistance, "I am only a thousand households, what can he teach me?"

"I'm sorry, I'm also a thousand households now, on the same level as you." Zhang Yanling said.

Zhang Heling was unhappy when he heard this, and cursed: "Even Qin Yun is a thousand households? Humph, I don't want to be this crappy official! What a thousand households, it turns out that he is in the same position as Qin Yun! How embarrassing! I am the uncle of the emperor, and I want to be a high-ranking official in the future..."

"A captain of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, you are so glorious when you go out. You can arrest anyone you want and beat anyone you want." Zhang Yanling tempted.

"Then...how many more days can I stay here?"

Zhang Heling suddenly felt that this job was good.

Just talking.

There was a knock on the door outside.

After the servant had gone to take a look, he came back to report, "My two young masters, it's Captain Tan of the Imperial Guard who has arrived."

Zhang Heling widened his eyes and said in surprise: "So fast? Then I have to meet him properly..."

While they were talking, Qin Yun had been invited over by the servants.

As soon as Qin Yun arrived, he hurriedly saluted: "Greetings to the two uncles of the state... Just now, Jinyiwei Commander Zhu ordered that he would like to invite the great uncle to come over for a chat. He said that there are some cases that he would like to hear the great uncle's opinions on."

Zhang Heling smiled and asked, "Are you really asking for my opinion? I don't really know who to arrest and who not to arrest... But if there is a job to arrest people, be sure to assign one to me first. I can take people there to have fun."

(End of this chapter)