Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)

Chapter 86 : Former Residence

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Hua Xiangyi and Qi Shiyu’s wedding was scheduled to take place on the eve of the Grain in Ear in the fourth month. The Ministry of Rites had already submitted the drawn-up process to the Empress Dowager. The internal affairs of the palace were numerous and complex, so when it came to such a major affair, the key government offices could not afford to be lacking in personnel. 

Fuman originally thought himself to be the perfect candidate for the position of the Directorate of Ceremonial Seal-holding Director. He had the qualification and experience, having attended the Eunuch School and having been in charge of managing the affairs in the Grand Secretariat and Mingli Hall. Plus, he had Xiao Chiye to vouch for him. As such, he was even more discreet and cautious as he attended to his official duties these days.

Unexpectedly, when the imperial edict was issued, the Seal-holding Director turned out to be Fengquan and not him. Fengquan was young, and he had little experience to speak of. He had never studied in the Eunuch School. What’s more, he was a junior eunuch who was already over the usual age when he entered the palace. His connection to the former Pan Rugui and Ji Lei was one that could never be severed clean. To let him take on this post that was comparable to that of an “inner minister”—Fuman really did not know if he should cry or sigh.

“The promotion of an outer court official depends on his family social standing, place of origin, and teacher or master he tutored under. I thought the promotion of us inner court eunuchs would be exempt from this hurdle of family background and status. But, damn.” Fuman set down the teacup and let loose a long sigh. “Who knew that we still can’t cross this hurdle after all!” 

“What family background does he have?” Xiao Chiye listened to Fuman’s grouses and said as he leisurely drank his tea, “He’s only benefiting off his elder sister’s glory.”   

“Your Lordship, why is it that I don’t have a sister?!” Fuman slapped his knee and lamented. 

Xiao Chiye snorted a laugh and said, “If the seal isn’t available, there’s still the brush. The Brush-holding Director also manages the Eastern Depot. Old Fu, by letting him take the lead at the head of the pack, you’ll get to escape the spittles of imperial censors.” 

“His Majesty’s current treatment of me can’t be compared to the former emperor’s treatment of Pan Rugui, and the Eastern Depot isn’t as influential as the Imperial Bodyguards.” Fuman hesitated, then said, “Your Lordship, looking at how favored Her Ladyship Mu is at present, if she were to give birth to an imperial heir in the future, then wouldn’t Fengquan secure this position completely? Never mind if he is one who knows his place. I fear that he harbors an ulterior motive and ends up breaking the imperial court’s laws and throwing the state into chaos. Wouldn’t that make him the second Pan Rugui?”

Fuman had to greet Fengquan with a smiling face in the palace, but in truth, he was jealous and sickened of him. Fengquan had Mu Ru as a backer. If Fuman, who had been supplanted by him, wanted to stand up to him as an equal in the Directorate of Ceremonial, he had to win over the outer court officials. 

“He is young, and he still has to rely on you for many matters. You often move around the Grand Secretariat, and you are a known figure to the Grand Secretary. If one were really to compare, he is merely a lad who usurps what is others’. He is no one worthy of mention.” Xiao Chiye comforted him in his manner, then said, “With us looking out after each other from within and without, we needn’t fear him. How is it going in the palace lately?”

“Second Young Master Xi is dead. His Majesty still thinks of the tune he had yet to complete and felt sad for a few days.” Fuman turned sideways to look at Xiao Chiye. “But Your Lordship, while I was serving tea to the various excellencies in the Grand Secretariat, I inferred from Minister Wei’s words that he still wants to investigate the Xi Clan’s accounts. The Xi Clan caused such a big commotion at the harbor, and there is no head of household this time. Such a big business may be likened to a piece of fatty meat—it’s a gold mine. They are all eyeing it!”