The Prime Minister's Darling novel Chapter 617

Chapter 617: 297 Praise (Third Watch)

The following day, Xiao Liulang got up early to go to the Hanlin Academy.

There was a festive atmosphere within the Hanlin Academy, with frequent sounds of congratulations and laughter coming from another row of offices.

Xiao Liulang initially did not understand what was happening, until Ning Zhiyuan arrived and quietly informed him that Yang Xiuzhuan had been promoted.

News of Yang Xiuzhuan’s imminent promotion was no longer a secret, though it was understood to take place at the end of the year.

"Do you know how he got promoted?" Ning Zhiyuan asked.

"How was he promoted?" Xiao Liulang was not particularly interested in Yang Xiuzhuan’s affairs, but simply indulged Ning Zhiyuan’s desire for gossip.

"Let’s go, let’s go, let’s talk about it at your place!" Taking Xiao Liulang by the arm, Ning Zhiyuan led him to the office that always emitted a captivating aroma.

"Mr. Chen was transferred to the Ministry of Revenue early this morning," Ning Zhiyuan noted.

It was not uncommon for the Six Ministries to requisition staff from the Hanlin Academy. Moreover, Mr. Chen, a royal aide, had long been desired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Revenue to work under his supervision.

Yang Xiuzhuan was promoted as a result of the vacancy created by Mr. Chen’s departure.

Originally, Mr. Chen was also supposed to be transferred only after the new year, but things happened to unfold just so.

"I heard that several books that were restored in your Book Pavilion were well received by Prime Minister Yuan," commented Ning Zhiyuan.

Xiao Liulang had restored most of the books, but not all. Yang Xiuzhuan and his group had also restored a portion, so Xiao Liulang could not guess immediately whether the books that were favored by Prime Minister Yuan were the ones he had restored.

Ning Zhiyuan was even less informed.

He was simply marveling at the fact that Yang Xiuzhuan, despite not being particularly personable, had such good luck with his official career.

Ning Zhiyuan sighed, "Mr. Han greatly praised Yang Xiuzhuan. Or rather, we should now refer to him as Scholar Yang. He’s a full sixth-rank scholar! He was previously on the same level as you, but now he’s truly out-ranked you."

Xiao Liulang was nonchalant, "It’s not like I only found out today that he would be promoted."

A promotion is a promotion, whether early or late.

Scholar Yang originated from the ranks of the scholars of the Imperial College. It took him five years to earn the position of scholar, which was already considered quick for someone of his origin.

But Xiao Liulang was different. He was the top scorer of Class Alpha in the Imperial Examination. As long as he did not sabotage himself, his rate of promotion was bound to be faster than his contemporaries who had entered office as scholars.

This over-ranking by Scholar Yang was only temporary.

"Take a look at this." Ning Zhiyuan pulled out an epitaph from his inner pocket.

Xiao Liulang asked, "Why do you carry this around?"

"That’s not the point. I want you to look at its content!" Ning Zhiyuan handed the draft parchment of the epitaph to Xiao Liulang, "Does it look familiar?"

Xiao Liulang said, "I wrote this. What’s the matter?"

Ning Zhiyuan muttered, "Scholar Yang handed it over. By claiming that he had given you half a day of instruction and made you rewrite it seventeen times, he effectively erased all your merit. Tell me the truth, did he instruct you on a single character?"

Xiao Liulang took the epitaph and casually put it on the table, saying indifferently, "It’s just an epitaph."

"You are really not angry?" Ning Zhiyuan seemed incredulous.

"What is there to be angry about?" asked Xiao Liulang.

"As long as you are not angry." Ning Zhiyuan finally relaxed, "Incidents like these are commonplace in officialdom. Those who are not seasoned, have no say. You are capable of keeping your cool at such a young age, which is better than me back in the day. But Xiao Liulang, promise me that even if one day you rise above these people, you will not become like them."

Ning Zhiyuan was now a mature man of thirty. His appearance was not exceptional, with a square face and dark skin.

But at this moment, the look in his eyes had a blazing intensity as he gazed at Xiao Liulang, a fervor and conviction that made one’s eyes burn.

Xiao Liulang stared at him, and nodded.

Ning Zhiyuan revealed a relieved smile. He patted Xiao Liulang on the shoulder and spoke with ambition, "Despite my humble background, with no connections or contacts, occasionally I do dream. I dream of the day I might also rise to a higher position... I don’t aspire high. The position of fifth-rank scholar in the Hanlin Academy is my lifelong dream!"

He said this, clenching his fist, seemingly wanting to expel all the disdain he had experienced over the years from his very marrow, "I am thinking that when I have that day, when I am in charge of the Hanlin Academy, I will never permit anyone to use money, kinship, connections, compliance, or intimidation to their advantage!"

-

The Capital City was pleasant after the rain.

After the morning court, officials filed out of the palace in ranks, heading to their own Yamen offices.

The Grand Tutor, Mr. Zhuang, also left Jinluan Hall, chatted casually with some fellow ministers he was on good terms with, and after finding there was nothing significant to report to the Empress Dowager that day, he prepared to leave the palace.

Just as he had walked a few steps, he was stopped by Prime Minister Yuan.

Yuan Shoufu stepped forward, with a pleasant look at Minister Zhuang: "Minister Zhuang, you are looking better and better nowadays." _{freēwēbnovel.com}