Chapter Seven, my family resides in Dongting
Why don't you say forty
However, in a situation where no one can impose their will on another, there will inevitably be compromises and exchanges of interests
Dare to utter a single word of falsehood, and I will roast you and eat you
Han Zanzhou is in his forties, with a slightly round face that exudes a friendly charm when he smiles. Upon seeing the two visitors who came to see him for no apparent reason and brought numerous gifts, he noted that with Zhou Yanru's resignation from the position of Chief Minister, the officials of the Restoration Society have faced demotions and exiles. Consequently, these young rascals are no longer so arrogant and have learned to show respect to others.
Indeed, Huxiang produces delicate figures, with slender waists that feel light in the palm. No wonder. However, the King of Hell is not so easily appeased: "Tell me, how old are you this year?"
Over the years, bandits and corrupt officials have ravaged the land, leaving countless people like her homeless. The fact that she has learned to protect herself in many details suggests that her days of begging must have been long.
ten ... ... thirteen
The court is increasingly relying on Jiangnan, and naturally, the power of Han Zanzhou, the eunuch in charge of Nanjing, has also grown significantly. It should not be difficult for Qin Mu to be appointed as the magistrate of Huichang, given Han Zanzhou's recommendation.
Han Zanzhou smiled and offered tea, then lightly coughed twice and said: "As the saying goes, 'No matter the matter, one must register at the Sanbao Hall.' You have come to find me; it cannot be that you are here just to chat about trivial matters. If you have something to say, please speak directly, as I am in a hurry to attend a banquet."
It is rare for Master Han to be artistic; to speak frankly, he genuinely likes the poem "Qian Wan" from the bottom of his heart, and every time he thinks of it, he can't help but smile
From another perspective, since Weichang is a small county that no one wishes to go to, allowing Qin Mu to give it a try is inconsequential. If Qin Mu proves to be incompetent, the situation will not be worse than it is now, and it will not cause any significant loss to the elder. This matter is beneficial and harmless for the elder, and I hope the elder can provide some support.
After Hou Fangyu and Mao Xiang left the inn, they decided to travel at night to seek out the eunuch Han Zanzhou, who was stationed in Nanjing, to facilitate their matters. Huichang is located at the junction of Jiangxi, Fujian, and Guangdong provinces, making it a lawless area. Moreover, this impoverished and treacherous small county is plagued by bandits, with the last two county magistrates having died in office. Currently, the Ming Dynasty is engulfed in chaos, overwhelmed and unable to attend to such a small county. The Ministry of Personnel has assigned several officials, all of whom would rather return home to farm than take up their posts.
Do not be a slave, speak of me, speak! Qin Mu is just like King Yan presiding over a trial, with only a few little ghosts standing by his side.
Hou Fangyu also specially prepared some gifts before going to pay respects to Han Zanzhou together with Mao Xiang
Mao Xiang's father, Mao Qizong, had a good personal relationship with Han Zanzhou. It was precisely because of the talent of Hou Fangyu that Mao Xiang was able to assist. Utilizing Han Zanzhou as an "insider" undoubtedly allowed them to achieve their goals in the quickest manner possible
Mao Xiang found it somewhat difficult to articulate, yet Hou Fangyu could not wait any longer. Having already presented the gift, could it be that it was given in vain?
Han Zanzhou interrupted Hou Fangyu dismissively, saying: "It's merely empty talk; he didn't manage to pass the exam. I fear that if he had truly passed, he would not have been willing to go."
It is indeed 12, I am not lying to you this time, truly not lying to you. The little girl finally realized and became anxious
Well, what is referred to as twelve is actually eleven; these days, everyone counts their age in a way that is not entirely accurate. If the actual age is eleven, Qin Mu finds it somewhat credible
This ... ... esteemed elder, Qin Mu sustained a head injury ten days ago and has not yet recovered. It would be excessively disrespectful to visit the esteemed elder while bandaging the wound.
The surname is Yun, and the name... ... someone has told you the name.
Han Zanzhou received a gift from Hou Fangyu, and since this matter was merely a trivial task for him, he agreed, saying: "Well, let it be this way. You all go back and have Qin Mu prepare for it. The court's appointment will be coming soon. At that time, do not cause any trouble. If you are like others, shrinking back and afraid to take up the post, then do not blame me for being impolite."
During the Ming Dynasty, there was a clear distinction between the civil officials and the eunuchs, often characterized by a life-and-death struggle between the two parties
Well, my esteemed one possesses extraordinary talent, yet every year is sent back. Hahaha... Nowadays, I feel embarrassed in front of you, as you come near at night. In this city of Nanjing, who has not heard of Qin Mu?
Hou Fangyu replied: "Lord Han, I, along with Qin Mu, have engaged in a lengthy discussion. In terms of military and political matters, he speaks with substance and clarity, which is not characteristic of someone who indulges in empty rhetoric. Today, we have come to request your assistance in promoting Qin Mu in some capacity.
... ...
It is easy to imagine that if there were still people at home, how could an eleven or twelve-year-old girl possibly venture out alone to beg for a living
Qin Mu couldn't help but shake his head to dispel his own fantasies. ... He first walked to the bedside and sat down properly, then menacingly said: "Tell me, where did you come from?" It is estimated that the little beggar ... um, the light beauty just answered https://www.hetushucom.com "Yaochi" and he believed it.
In fact, the situation is far from simple. The outer court holds the power of governance and policy-making, while the inner court controls the authority of approvals and possesses significant supervisory power. The two sides restrain each other, and with conflicting interests, this will inevitably lead to intense struggles.
In order to achieve certain objectives, many officials cultivate relationships with eunuchs. It is noteworthy that the Neishutang in the palace serves as a place for young eunuchs to read and write. Most of the powerful eunuchs come from the Neishutang, where the instructors are officials from the Hanlin Academy. Naturally, these officials and the eunuchs who graduated from the Neishutang form a teacher-student relationship, which lays a solid foundation for their future collusion both inside and outside the palace.
He quickly forced a bright smile and said eagerly: "Since Master Han has matters to attend to, I would not dare to delay. Let me speak directly. Has Master Han ever heard of a person named Qin Mu?"
Han Zanzhou couldn't help but nod slightly. As the eunuch in charge of Nanjing, he was aware of the situation in Weichang. It was indeed a small county plagued by bandits, and no one was willing to go there. Allowing Qin Mu to give it a try was not a bad idea; if he truly had great talent, the credit for recommending him would certainly come back to him in the future
Hou Fangyu initially thought he would have to exert great effort to persuade Han Zanzhou, but unexpectedly, the matter proceeded so smoothly, which was truly a pleasant surprise for him
Twelve
Light Beauty glanced at him quickly again and hesitantly replied: "Fourteen"
Upon returning upstairs, Qin Mu thought he had entered the wrong room and hesitated briefly at the door. Before him stood a light beauty, with red lips and white teeth, delicate skin, and features like a painting. A faint red mole adorned her brow, and her dark hair, still damp, cascaded softly over her shoulders. Although she was not very old, her natural beauty was striking, and in the future, she was likely to become a source of trouble.
No longer obedient, it has really been roasted for consumption
Thank you, Your Excellency. Thank you, Your Excellency. Rest assured, I will certainly convey Your Excellency's instructions to Qin Mu
The little girl cried harder and harder, her tears falling like broken pearls, her whole body trembling. It is hard to imagine how much suffering she endured before meeting Qin Mu, living in constant fear and uncertainty, facing each day without assurance of survival.
Hou Fangyu also accompanied with a smile, saying: "Lord Han, although Qin Mu has failed the imperial examinations three times, he is indeed talented. Today, he has produced more than twenty excellent works, which can be said to be created effortlessly and without constraint. What is even more commendable is that Qin Mu possesses a sincere desire to serve his country and has the ability to govern. When I conversed with him, we discussed the chaos caused by the bandits in Huichang, Jiangxi. Many officials dispatched by the Ministry of Personnel dared not take up their posts. Upon hearing this, Qin Mu slammed the table in anger, expressing his indignation, and lamented that he regretted not having succeeded in the examinations. Otherwise, he would have volunteered to go to Huichang to eradicate the bandits in one fell swoop, restoring peace to the region..."
The bright gaze of the beautiful person quickly glanced at him, then hurriedly lowered her head, perhaps because she had not shown her true self for too long, her face was filled with a blush, and she nervously pinched the hem of her garment as she stammered, "I... I..."
My hometown is in Yueyang
Qin Mu stood up and gently stroked her little head, comforting her: "Qiao'er, don't be too sad. Let it all pass. Remember this: sometimes life and books may lead us into the abyss, not to kill us, but to teach us—to fly!"
What is your name?
"Yun Qiao? Qian Yun Nong Qiao, this name is just passable. Tell me, after being away from home for several years, who else is there in the family?" As soon as the King of Hell asked, he regretted it. Indeed, the little girl instantly became teary-eyed, and tears began to fall in torrents.
Qin Mu has already been appointed as a candidate in the Ministry of Personnel. The official enjoys great favor from the Emperor, and it would likely be a mere formality for him to recommend Qin Mu to fill the vacancy in Huichang. The official should consider that the court is currently facing a tumultuous period. If Qin Mu truly possesses talent, the official's recommendation would be a contribution, and when the Emperor recognizes Qin Mu's abilities in the future, the official will undoubtedly receive his share of credit.
I ... ...
Is it possible that there is toothpaste available in this day and age
Huichang is a great place, with bandits emerging in droves. Let Qin Mu take a trip to the bandit den; I don't believe he will return alive.
The King of Hell nearly fainted; in fact, the little girl’s small schemes are quite easy to understand. She probably thinks that by altering her age to appear older, it would make her seem more useful.
Are you sure it is truly 12? This is your final warning; if you do not behave, do not blame me.
In light of the rising influence of the Maoqi clan, Han Zanzhou did not make a fuss and quickly received the two individuals. During the formal greeting, Young Master Hou showed none of the arrogance he displayed at the Peach Leaf Ferry when he was pointing fingers and vehemently criticizing the eunuchs. In front of Han Zanzhou, he carefully wore a smiling face, resembling a sycophant. It is no wonder that in the future he would adopt a shaved melon head and go to the Qing dynasty to become a servant; such is his character.
He pondered and asked, "Why did Qin Mu not come with you all?"