The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 159 - Arranging for Relatives

"Yes, this matter will require some extra effort from you, Big Brother."

Three hundred thousand taels—more than enough, not just for renting a house, but even for fully refurbishing it.

"We're family; there's no need for such words. But the renovations will take a few months, so you all can stay here comfortably. When the house is ready, Muzhi's injuries should be mostly healed, and you can move then."

"Alright."

With the matter of the house settled, Old Master Dong's thoughts turned to another concern.

"What do you think of the promotion decree?"

This question was directed at Eldest Master Lin.

Eldest Master Lin had never imagined that, in his later years, he would actually attain a sixth-rank official position. As Deputy Director of the Imperial Observatory, he wasn't exactly a major figure, but it was certainly a step up from being a commoner. This gave their branch of the family something to look forward to.

However, he knew this wasn't due to his own abilities. After considering it for a moment, Eldest Master Lin reluctantly admitted that this promotion might be related to his father, Prime Minister Lin, and the matter of the family division.

"My guess is that it has to do with the reasoning my father mentioned about the family division. It seems that people outside now believe it."

"I've heard many people in the merchants' association mention it as well. Your brother-in-law is now seen as an exemplary filial son in Shengjing, which makes Prime Minister Lin's decision quite puzzling."

Eldest Master Dong spoke thoughtfully.

In theory, if the main branch wanted to split from the family, Prime Minister Lin could have simply done nothing, allowing public opinion to weigh heavily on the main branch. Rushing to separate while one's father is still alive, especially for a prestigious family, would have been deeply shameful. It would tarnish their reputation and possibly even affect Lin Wanyi in the palace.

However, now that the news was out, it seemed to have ignited something among the people.

Everyone was praising Eldest Master Lin's filial piety.

The Dong family, however, knew the truth. If Prime Minister Lin had genuinely intended to support the main branch, he wouldn't have waited over twenty years to show it.

The emperor's decree to promote Eldest Master Lin was also curious, almost as if it was meant to solidify his reputation as a filial son. Rising two ranks all at once wasn't a common blessing. The emperor, who ascended the throne as a youth and had ruled for nearly twenty years, was undoubtedly a skilled ruler who wouldn't casually issue such an order. There must be more to this.

Old Master Dong's expression remained calm as he thought it over, but his eyes grew darker with contemplation.

"Our connection to the Internal Affairs Office is shallow, and we don't fully understand their background. It's best not to get too entangled."

"Eldest son, prepare a gift and visit the Dou family today. Tell them Muzhi has regained consciousness and thank Imperial Physician Dou. As for other matters, ask about them as you see fit."

"Yes, Father."

Eldest Master Dong was skilled at handling such tasks, so he knew what to inquire about without needing specific instructions.

Noticing Eldest Master Lin's puzzled expression, Old Master Dong offered a brief explanation.

"Outside the palace, connecting with Qianqian is extremely difficult. If we can gather more information about palace affairs through Imperial Physician Dou, we might be able to make some judgments and provide a bit of support for Qianqian's situation."

"I understand, Father-in-law; your foresight is remarkable."

Foresight or not, that was of little importance. The only thing that truly mattered was that the children could live happily and peacefully.

Meanwhile, in the Lin family's west wing, Second Madam Wang was fuming, clenching her teeth in frustration!

Already recovering from an injury, her heart was filled with anger and anxiety, made worse by two recent incidents that only added to her suffering.

"What kind of luck does the main branch have to get promoted two ranks! And my poor daughter—confined to the palace, her authority stripped away! It's truly..."

She wanted to curse the emperor for not recognizing their worth, but she wasn't foolish enough to voice such thoughts, which could bring ruin upon the entire family. All she could do was pound her quilt in frustration to vent her anger.

Seeing her state, Second Master Lin didn't bother to console her. Instead, he taunted coldly, "Who's to blame? This mess started with your reckless decisions! Now we don't even know if Third Son is alive or dead. If he's truly gone, just wait and see—the main branch will cause an uproar!"

Hearing this, Second Madam Wang's once-high spirits instantly deflated. She deeply regretted her actions, especially now that her daughter had lost her power and freedom. If she'd known that her rash decisions would lead to such self-destruction, she'd never have acted so foolishly.

But it was too late for regrets, and now she had to find a way to make amends.

"Husband, do you think Master Lin's new position at the Imperial Observatory will have any effect on you?"

"It shouldn't. I'm still the Left Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, a position with more power and authority than my elder brother's role at the observatory."

The Imperial Observatory might sound prestigious, but without astronomical tasks, it was essentially a sideline position. If even the chief officer was mostly idle, the deputy position was even more insignificant.

However, to rise so quickly, from an eighth-rank to a sixth-rank, was rather unusual. It was likely aided by his reputation as a "filial son," which had gained momentum in public.

This thought led Second Master Lin to worry about his father's decision-making.

After some thought, he said to his wife, "Focus on your recovery. In a few days, go visit Father-in-law. I remember he mentioned that there was an open position at the Ministry of War that needed filling. If it's still available, I'd like to place someone in it."

"Who?"

"Yu Wenmin."

Why him?

Madam Wang was intrigued. Yu Wenmin was the third son of Prince Zhan and Lady Wei. He had been spoiled all his life. Though not as infamous as the notorious Third Young Master Liu, he was still known for his lack of ambition.

"Didn't Cousin Min say he wanted to go to the military for experience? Why..."

"His father likely doesn't want him to suffer, and besides, he's not suited for that kind of life. He'd probably find little opportunity there anyway."

Indeed, Prince Zhan and his Consort Wei had three sons. The eldest, Yu Wenjing, was the prince's pride and joy, meticulously groomed. The second son, Yu Wentai, closely resembled Consort Wei, and the prince adored him dearly. But the third son, Yu Wenmin, was an awkward figure. Though only thirty, he had achieved little of note. He had even married, only for his wife to pass away shortly after, leading to rumors of his "ill fate" that had delayed his prospects.

Since his uncle had sought help, Second Master Lin couldn't ignore it entirely.

A position at the Ministry of War wasn't a high rank, and under his father-in-law's supervision, he'd have some control over things if any issues arose.

Thus, Second Master Lin made the arrangement.