Ch 77: You Need To Be Careful Of These People!
Sun Jian took the two silver ingots. These two ingots of silver totaled forty taels, each being a twenty-tael ingot of pure silver; their weight was considerable.
“Why is this?” Sun Jian furrowed his brow, not understanding County Magistrate Wang’s meaning.
Wang Youren reminded him from the side, “Sir, this has always been the rule. Later, you will separately give them to Imperial Envoy Sir Liu of the Hanlin Academy and Deputy Director Zhang of the Directorate of Ceremonies.”
“This damn…what kind of rule is this…I haven’t even gone to Court yet, and this is so blatant…”
Before Sun Jian could finish complaining, Imperial Envoy Sir Liu from the Hanlin Academy and Deputy Director Zhang from the Directorate of Ceremonies strode forward.
“This old servant congratulates Imperial Tutor Sun.”
“Haha, congratulations, Imperial Tutor Sun.”
“Imperial Tutor Sun, at such a young age, has already gained His Majesty’s favor; your future is limitless.”
The two exchanged bows and pleasantries, appearing courteous on the surface, but actually waiting for Sun Jian’s silver.
County Magistrate Wang had been an official for many years. Although his rank was not high, he understood the ways of things here. He quickly turned to Sun Jian and said, “Imperial Tutor Sun, let me introduce you. This is Eunuch Zhang, the Deputy Director of the Directorate of Ceremonies in the Imperial Palace of Kyoto.”
“The Directorate of Ceremonies is one of the twelve directorates of our Great Qian, responsible for the seals, writing, attendance at court, criminal cases, and court etiquette.”
“This is Sir Liu, a scholar and editor of the Hanlin Academy, and also the Imperial Envoy nominated to draft the edict and convey the Imperial Edict this time.”
Sun Jian bowed to both of them, exchanged a few pleasantries about future support and promotion, and then slipped the ingots of silver that County Magistrate Wang had prepared for him earlier into the hands of Eunuch Zhang and Sir Liu.
The two feigned refusal, exchanged a few polite words, and finally both pocketed the silver.
“Imperial Tutor Sun is too courteous. Then this old servant will accept your generosity.”
“Yes, Imperial Tutor Sun is clearly a man of great talent. His Majesty’s choice is excellent. In the future, in the Court, we will certainly look after Imperial Tutor Sun.”
Anyone can speak politely, and Sun Jian was no exception.
After a while of polite exchanges, Sun Jian said clearly, “May the two Sirs allow me a short moment. I need to attend to some family matters. After settling them, we will leave immediately. May I?”
According to the normal procedure, after receiving the Imperial Edict, one should pack up quickly and leave immediately, not delaying, and return to Kyoto to give thanks.
But Eunuch Zhang and Sir Liu had just received Sun Jian’s twenty taels of silver, so they would naturally grant Sun Jian some time.
“Good, Imperial Tutor Sun, please be as quick as possible.”
“It doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter, as long as it’s not too late.”
Sun Jian seized the opportunity. “I trouble you both. The journey is arduous and difficult. Please rest for a while. I will attend to my family matters and then depart.”
Seeing the two agree, County Magistrate Wang gave Wang Youren a look. Wang Youren understood and immediately took the two Sirs to the Village Head’s house to rest.
Seeing everyone leave the courtyard, leaving only County Magistrate Wang and his three wives, Sun Jian finally breathed a sigh of relief.
“Thank you, Magistrate Wang, for the forty ingots of silver earlier.”
“It’s nothing, it’s a small matter.”
County Magistrate Wang waved his hand and sat next to Sun Jian.
“Forty taels is not a small sum. Here, take it back.”
Sun Jian did not want to owe County Magistrate Wang a favor, and he readily counted out forty taels of silver notes and handed them to him.
But County Magistrate Wang flatly refused.
“Sir, why are you doing this? I have not yet thanked you for saving my wife. There is no need for us to be so formal.”
Seeing that he was insistent, Sun Jian did not insist further.
He then put the silver notes back into his pocket.
“Presumably, Sir should know that this matter was recommended by Master Yao?”
Now that everyone was gone, County Magistrate Wang did not avoid the topic.
“Alas, Master Yao recommended Sir. On the one hand, it was his duty, and on the other hand, he was concerned for the people of the world.”
“His Majesty is currently unwell, and there are internal and external troubles. Great Qian is already in a precarious situation.”
“Sir, please do not blame Master Yao. He had no choice.”
Sun Jian waved his hand. Now that it had happened, there was no point in blaming anyone.
“Hey, what are you saying? Without Governor Yao, my three wives might have suffered misfortune. He wasn’t trying to harm me. I understand.”
Ultimately, Sun Jian should thank Yao Tianzheng.
If Yao Tianzheng had not stepped forward to subdue that despicable Prefect, his three wives might have been violated by Li Jian that night.
But this Imperial Edict came too quickly. His small workshop had just started, the potatoes had just been harvested, and everything was just beginning to improve, yet he was about to leave his home and go to Kyoto to take up his post.
“Sir’s understanding and righteousness deeply move me.”
County Magistrate Wang patted Sun Jian on the shoulder. “Sir, you will soon be a court official. The Court is full of dangers. You must be careful in everything you do.”
“My purpose in coming here was to remind you of these things.”
Sun Jian listened attentively. After all, he was still too unfamiliar with the Court of Great Qian. Without any preparation, even if he was intelligent, he would not be a match for those old foxes in the Court.
“After all, my position is low and my voice is weak. These words were entrusted to me by Governor Yao to convey to Sir.”
County Magistrate Wang began to meticulously explain to Sun Jian the people to watch out for in the Court.
“Currently, the Court of Great Qian is divided into four factions. First, there are the many veteran officials headed by His Majesty. You are His Majesty’s appointed Imperial Tutor to the Crown Prince. These veteran officials will at most question you, but they will not do anything else.”
“Then there is the faction headed by Chancellor Lin Xuanfu, and the Longxi Clan. Pay special attention to him. He is among the Three Dukes, holding the title of Grand Marshal. The Longxi Clan under his control is full of talented people, spread throughout various ministries, departments, and government offices. They are extensive and deeply rooted.”
“This man is ruthless and unscrupulous, and his political intrigue is profound.”
“Hmm, second to none, the highest-ranking minister. It seems His Majesty trusts him very much. Such a person should be cultivated.”
Sun Jian nodded, agreeing with County Magistrate Wang.
“No! I’m reminding you to stay away from him! And to be wary of him!”
“Stay away? Be wary?”
Sun Jian frowned and questioned.
That’s not right?
This man is the highest-ranking minister. He should be a close advisor to His Majesty. I am the Imperial Tutor to the Crown Prince. Logically, after His Majesty’s death, when the Crown Prince ascends the throne, our goals should align. Why should I be wary? Why should I stay away?
“Perhaps Governor Yao and I are overthinking it. With your status as Imperial Tutor to the Crown Prince, you will not come into contact with such powerful ministers for a while. But Sir, remember, try not to have any dealings with him, and do not have any interaction with him.”
“The more you say, the more confused I am?”
“Why should I be wary and stay away? Could it be that he has ulterior motives?”
