Fan Xian had already expressed all the emotions he needed to express. What he should have felt, what he should have felt, what he should have felt, what he should have felt, and what he should have been determined had all become fresh cement in his mind. Additionally, his sister had also spoken of the true reason she had come to find him. Naturally, he would not stay around these large graves. A group of people quickly boarded the carriage and headed into Jingdou. In the carriage, he listened attentively to his sister's account of what had happened in the manor. His furrowed brows gradually relaxed because the matter was much simpler than he had imagined. It wasn't a big matter.
The matter involved the Jingdou magistrate. It should have been a big matter. However, these struggles and conflicts in officialdom were not much in Fan Xian's eyes. They were just slightly troublesome problems.
"She came this morning. She only said she was here to visit the princess. According to Master Teng, looking at her gaze, she probably still wants to find you," Fan Ruoruo said in a low voice. "Sister-in-law has entered the Palace. There is no one in charge in the manor. Additionally, she knows her identity is sensitive, so she came to find me."
"What is there to be sensitive about?" Fan Xian raised his brows sensitively and said unnaturally. "If I remember correctly, Sun Pin 'er is not much older than Roujia. It is not too out of line for her to come to the manor to chat with you."
"I didn't mean it that way." Fan Ruoruo saw the uneasiness on her brother's face in a glance and smiled. "However, Sun Jingxiu is holding a birthday banquet in two days. If he wants to invite you, he should personally send an invitation. No matter what, it would not be his unmarried daughter's turn to appear."
"Why would he send an invitation to me?" Fan Xian smiled. "He's afraid of me more than enough. I've ruined his reputation for a lifetime. Besides, he is just a third-level official. Even if he wants to do something big, he wouldn't bother me. "
"He must have something to ask of you." Fan Ruoruo lowered her head and thought for a bit. "I just don't know what troublesome matter it is."
Fan Xian paused slightly. These few months, all of his attention had been placed in the direction of Dongyi. He had paid less attention to Jingdou. He didn't know what strange movements there were. However, the four seas were at peace, and the Qing Kingdom's politics were unusually stable. Why would someone jump out and make trouble?
After thinking for a bit, he lifted the curtain and gave Mu Feng 'er a meaningful glance. Mu Feng' er understood and rode closer to the carriage. He lowered his head to listen to Fan Xian's quiet instructions and nodded repeatedly.
…
…
The group of carriages entered the capital, circled around the side alley of the main street in the south of the city, and quietly stopped at the corner gate. Fan Xian got out of the car with his sister and looked around. Like a thief, he snuck in. After entering the garden, he was not in a hurry to go to the side hall to see the young lady of the Sun family. Instead, he made a shushing gesture and hid in the number three quiet study.
Fan Ruoruo looked at him in astonishment. She thought that along the way in the carriage, it was clear that her brother was very concerned about the Jingdou government's matters. Sun Pin 'er was clearly in the side hall. He could have just gone and asked directly. Why was he hiding here?
Fan Xian looked at his sister's expression and smiled self-mockingly. "After all, she is an unmarried girl. It is truly inconvenient for me to openly see her."
Fan Ruoruo spat out a laugh and said, "You're afraid of that? If you really knew there were differences between men and women, you wouldn't have hidden in the young lady's boudoir for a few days three years ago. " After these words were said, her face couldn't help but redden. Blinking, she glanced at her brother and giggled. "Not only me, but even Sisi was later very curious. How exactly did you sleep in the young lady's boudoir those nights?"
Fan Xian did not laugh or get angry. He only sighed helplessly and said, "It is already my fault for a girl as clean as ice and as clean as jade to be troubled by these rumors. Each time I think of it, I feel guilty. Yet, you still use this to make fun of me. It is truly not kind."
Fan Ruoruo respected her brother the most. Hearing these words, she quickly became silent. However, the curiosity in her heart could not be erased. During the Jingdou rebellion three years ago, Fan Xian hid in the boudoir of the Jingdou government. He secretly used the Jingdou government's procedures to arrange for the Black Knights to enter the capital and make preparations for his future comeback. At the same time, he subdued the Jingdou government. This was the most talked about legend in Jingdou these years.
Many people were guessing at the relationship between Sir Fan junior and the young lady of the Jingdou magistrate, Sun Jingxiu's family. Why was that young lady willing to take such a big risk and betray her father to help Fan Xian? Why did Sir Fan junior strongly protect Sun Jingxiu afterward, only remember his merit and not his grudge, help him secure his position as the Jingdou magistrate, and not be implicated in the rebellion?
Even Fan Xian didn't know how the story of those few nights had spread to everyone. He was worried that it would affect Sun Pin 'er's reputation and bring this girl too much trouble. When the rumors were at their worst, he was slightly angry and had the Overwatch Council investigate. Who knew that in the end, they would find a serving girl in the Jingdou government?
Since the rumors had accidentally leaked in her garden, Fan Xian had no way of dealing with it. He could only pay special attention to his relationship with the Jingdou government. During these three years, there had been no communication at all. Even the Jingdou magistrate, Sir Sun Jingxiu, probably knew what Fan Xian was thinking and was deeply moved. Other than official business, he didn't even send a name card to the Fan manor.
After staying in the study for a while, Mu Feng 'er led his uncle, Mu Tie, in. When Fan Ruoruo heard the knock on the door, she had already hidden into the back room.
Fan Xian looked at the sweaty face of the Head of the First Bureau, Mu Tie. Looking at his dark face, he couldn't resist saying, "Although I am in Dongyi, if there is any major movement in the capital, you have to quickly let me know."
Mu Tie had already learned from his nephew that Fan Xian wanted to ask about the Jingdou magistrate's matter. He had already made preparations, but he heard the faint displeasure in Fan Xian's tone. His throat couldn't help but become dry. He didn't argue anything and directly placed the already organized files on Fan Xian's table.
Fan Xian picked up the files and looked through them one by one. His brows gradually furrowed. A moment later, he sighed.
During the few months he had devoted himself to Dongyi, there had indeed been some movement in the capital. Not only Sun Jingxiu, but the lives of a few other officials had also been wretched. The Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Appointments began to secretly investigate these officials. As for the specific matters to be investigated, there were all sorts of things.
Having been in the Overwatch Council for a long time, Fan Xian knew that no yamen could be completely pure. As long as they investigated hard, no matter what the reason was, they would always find some problems. The Jingdou government was being investigated in secret by a few departments. It was beginning to bear an unbearable pressure. As the saying went, a storm was brewing. It would probably not be able to hold out much longer. The officialdom was the most sensitive. The civil and martial officials had caught wind of it. Even if they didn't add insult to injury, they began to look at it coldly.
No wonder Sun Jingxiu had suddenly thought of holding a birthday banquet. He probably still hadn't figured out the Palace's intentions. Was it a routine investigation or was they preparing to use this matter to have him resign? Holding a birthday banquet could clearly see the Palace's attitude.
Fan Xian shook his head. He thought to himself that this magistrate did things seriously and righteously. Even if he had stood on the wrong side during the Jingdou rebellion, it had only been a technical error. It was this kind of personality that made the Emperor tolerate him for another three years. It was also this kind of personality that made him unable to see just what the Palace wanted to do. He still had the delusion that he could continue sitting in the important position of the Jingdou magistrate.
Fan Xian saw at a glance the deep reason for the storm in the officialdom. The officials, including Sun Jingxiu, were all not very clean. Although Sun Jingxiu had performed a great service in the end, at the beginning, he had stood against the Emperor's final edict. Those officials had not stood too firmly during the Jingdou rebellion and were suspected of being opportunists. The Emperor was settling accounts after autumn. Three years was not too late.
Given the Emperor's sinister personality, how could he let go of these despicable officials who had wavered in the past?
Mu Tie saw that he was lost in thought. He swallowed and moistened his throat. Carefully, he reminded him, "The limelight began with the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Appointments' investigation. It was definitely something that the Hall of Governmental Affairs agreed to do."
This was a reminder to the Commissioner that changing the Jingdou magistrate might have come from the Palace. It was a reminder to Fan Xian not to clash with the Emperor's intentions for the sake of a young lady of the Sun family.
Fan Xian smiled. He had no interest in falling out with the Emperor at a time like this. Furthermore, it was not worth it to fall out just for the position of Jingdou magistrate. Even if the Emperor wanted to force Sun Jingxiu off the stage, he would not go so far as to kill him. Since it was so, he would let the Emperor vent his resentment that had not been completely vented.
Suddenly, his heart jumped. He remembered that the Emperor had once promised him to keep Sun Jingxiu safe. He shouldn't go back on his word so quickly. Even if he wanted to go back on his word, he would have to look at his face. It was impossible for him to have the Hall of Governmental Affairs appear.
He furrowed his brows and asked, "Has Hu the Scholar said anything about this matter?"
Presently, Hu the Scholar was the leader of the Hall of Governmental Affairs. If the Emperor truly wanted to use the Hall of Governmental Affairs to make this arrangement, then the Hall of Governmental Affairs' inclination should have come from Hu the Scholar's lips.
"No." Mu Tie glanced at him and said, "However, that He Zongwei once said something after drinking, and the pressure on the Jingdou government increased."
Everyone in the Overwatch Council, including the people in the Fan manor, knew that Fan Xian greatly disliked He Zongwei of the Hall of Governmental Affairs. Thus, no one dared to show any admiration, respect, or any other positive emotional evaluation of He Zongwei in front of Fan Xian.
Fan Xian laughed coldly and said, "After saying something after drinking, he made the Jingdou magistrate lose his appetite. This Sir He is quite impressive."
Although he said this, he understood that given the Emperor's recent trust in He Zongwei, He Zongwei was only using his mouth to announce the Emperor's intentions. If Sun Jingxiu knew what was good for him, he would have long asked to resign. However, it was clear that this Jingdou magistrate was not a clever person and did not realize this.
Fan Xian thought deeply for a long time and then said, "I know about this matter."
Mu Tie glanced at him and did not tidy up the files on the table. He only said, "Even if you want to go to the Sun manor, you only need to remind him. There is no need to do anything else."
"I know, I know. You talk too much." Fan Xian waved his hand angrily and had the uncle and nephew leave.
Before Fan Ruoruo came, another servant came to report that Yang Wanli had arrived. Fan Xian's spirits rose. He thought of how this bastard was doing very well in the Ministry of Works yamen and had devoted his heart to political affairs. It had been a long time since he had come to pay his respects. How could he be free today? Fan Xian was very happy and quickly had someone invite him to the back of the manor.
Unexpectedly, when Yang Wanli entered the study, his dark face was full of grievance.
Yang Wanli was already the vice-director of the River Department of the Ministry of Works and a proper official in charge. Given this speed, it was certain that he would become a Minister within 10 years. However, it was not entirely because Fan Xian was supporting him from behind. This official had experienced the tempering of the harsh sun on the Jiangnan dykes. He was no longer the pedantic scholar of the past who only knew how to talk about saving the country. Instead, he was a proper and capable official, which was why he had risen so quickly in the Ministry of Works. Thus, Fan Xian was surprised to see his expression today.
The two of them said something in low voices. Fan Xian's expression became uglier and uglier. In the end, he only said a few comforting words in a low voice and had him leave. Yang Wanli rarely came to the manor to visit. Fan Xian secretly knew that he did indeed spend every day in the yamen, so he did not find it strange. On the contrary, he purposely helped him save time.
After Yang Wanli left, Fan Ruoruo walked out from the back room. Furrowing her brows slightly, she said, "What is it now?"
Fan Xian's expression was heavy. He thought for a moment and then replied, "It's around the same time as Sun Jingxiu's matter … He Zongwei is becoming more and more arrogant. Whoever I want to protect, he extends his hand to."
Fan Ruoruo listened quietly. Only now did she know that Yang Wanli's life in the Ministry of Works yamen had not been very smooth recently. The Ministry of Revenue was also checking accounts in the Ministry of Works yamen. The focus was on the Metropolitan Water Bureau he was in charge of. There was even the shadow of the Supreme Court and Ministry of Appointments behind it.
Every year, Yang Wanli had Fan Xian's silver to support him and lived well. He was also not a corrupt official. With internal and external factors added together, the accounts that passed through his hands were clear. No matter how the Ministry of Revenue investigated, they could not find any problems. Even when the Ministry of Appointments privately asked him to question him and raised doubts about his manor and the number of female servants, they were blocked by Yang Wanli with the excuse that it was a gift from his teacher.
The officials of the Ministry of Appointments did not have the courage to go to the Fan manor and ask Fan Xian for confirmation.
However, on Yang Wanli's side, in the end, some small details were caught. The reason was actually related to Fan Xian. This matter had to start a few years ago. In the two years after the river burst its banks, Fan Xian was in charge of the palace treasury. Using his own methods, his father's help, as well as Xia Mingji and Fan Sizhe's routes in the North, he had scooped up a great deal of silver from the palace treasury. After a few twists and turns, he had sent it to the river transport governor's yamen at the time.
At that time, Yang Wanli was still working in the river transport governor's yamen. This large sum of silver, which made countless people tremble in fear, was in his hands. There were always some carelessness in the operation of the silver, and people had something to use against him. In particular, the officials of the Ministry of Appointments faintly raised questions about where the silver had come from.
If this problem were to be investigated further, it was likely that many people would die. But, where did the question come from? The corners of Fan Xian's mouth twitched slightly. He laughed coldly and scolded, "The silver was dug out from my savings. The Emperor knows this, yet he still came to investigate. He is truly generous and virtuous."
He glanced at his sister and sighed. "Even the Ministry of Revenue is interfering. It looks like it will be difficult for the Fan family to control the Ministry of Revenue."
In a society with imperial power, Fan Xian, as an official, was shamelessly boasting about controlling the Ministry of Revenue. It was truly a rebellious complaint. However, what he said was not wrong. Back then, regardless of whether his father was an assistant minister or a minister of the Ministry of Revenue, the entire Ministry of Revenue had been organized into a solid block. Regardless of whether it was the Crown Prince or the Second Prince, they had no way of extending their hands in. Even that spring day, when the Emperor wanted to use the Ministry of Revenue matter to stir up some trouble, he had been blocked by Fan Jian.
Back then, the Ministry of Revenue was the legendary independent kingdom, right? If it was at that time, who in the Ministry of Revenue would dare to investigate the Jingdou government and Yang Wanli, a student of Fan Xian's school? Even if they couldn't stop the higher-ups from investigating, they would probably have secretly informed Fan Xian.
However, following Fan Jian's sad retirement, the Emperor slowly inserted officials into the Ministry of Revenue and transferred officials. The present Ministry of Revenue was no longer the Ministry of Revenue of the past.
Each time Fan Xian thought of this, he felt angry on behalf of his father, although this anger was unreasonable.
After Fan Xian brought up the name He Zongwei, Fan Ruoruo fell silent. Her face was slightly awkward and self-blaming. Fan Xian glanced at his sister and was silent for a moment. He then said, "Don't think too much. He Zongwei alone would not dare to act against my people. This must be the Palace's intention."
"Of course." Fan Xian lowered his head and continued. "Looks like this popular Sir He has also given up on the idea of a marriage alliance with our family and currying favor with me. He has decided to follow the Emperor's wishes and be a loyal dog."
He huffed coldly and said, "He Zongwei knows that the Emperor has raised him up to fight against me and that he will only die a horrible death, but he has no choice. Since it is so, he hopes to be able to truly find the big problem between me and the Emperor. He incessantly stimulated me, hoping that I would truly capsize. Only then would he be able to preserve his life. "
"Why does the Emperor want to do this?" This was the greatest unease and confusion in Fan Ruoruo's heart.
Fan Xian smiled slightly and said self-mockingly, "The Emperor has already decided for me to take over the position of Director of the Overwatch Council in a few days."
This was something that happened naturally. Fan Ruoruo did not congratulate him. On the contrary, the confusion in her heart grew stronger and stronger. Since the Emperor's favor was the same as before, why did the Emperor choose to suppress her brother's power at this time?
"Give a carrot, and you have to hit it with a stick. The Emperor is always careful of his limits. This is to remind me and, in reality, to weaken me. He doesn't want to see an official with too much power in his hands. "
Fan Xian looked at his sister and suddenly furrowed his brows. With slight mockery, he said, "Most importantly, the situation before us is the one the Emperor has arranged for the future of the Qing Kingdom. The Hall of Governmental Affairs is the center, with Hu the Scholar leading the court. Below, the Overwatch Council and Imperial Censorate check and balance each other. The Overwatch Council has hundreds of officials. Only by doing this can the peace of the court be ensured. He is beginning to test the effects and see what his Qing Kingdom will be like a hundred years from now."
"But, He Zongwei is also in the Hall of Governmental Affairs," Fan Ruoruo asked with confusion.
"This is because the power of the Overwatch Council is too great. In the past, it was Chen Pingping. Of all the civil and military officials in court, including my father-in-law, who could suppress him? Later, it was me. Just based on He Zongwei's identity as the Imperial Censorate of the Left and the Emperor's favor, it was impossible for him to oppose me, "Fan Xian said. "Thus, the Emperor had no choice but to have He Zongwei enter the Hall of Governmental Affairs and forcefully raise his rank. Now, he is helping He Zongwei cut my shoulders."
"Of course, if He Zongwei's power in court truly grows, the Emperor will certainly help me cut him down," Fan Xian said with a smile. "What bullsh * t Emperor schemes and the way of balance? It's all just eating too much and having nothing better to do."
…
…
Fan Ruoruo was silent for a long time. She then said, "But, the young lady of the Sun family is still in the side hall." Hearing this, she understood that the situation with the Jingdou magistrate was indeed urgent. However, she had heard her brother say that this was the Emperor's arrangement. She had never thought that Fan Xian would be able to help the Sun family.
Unexpectedly, Fan Xian was silent for a long time and then said, "Go tell Sun Pin 'er that I will go the day after tomorrow."
Fan Ruoruo was startled and said, "Didn't you say earlier that this was the Emperor's intention?"
Fan Xian lowered his head and crossed his hands calmly in front of his abdomen. "The Emperor and I had a tacit understanding three years ago. If it had been before, if the Emperor wanted to cut my power, I would have let him cut it. So what if I let He Zongwei be arrogant for a while?"
"But, not now." He raised his head and smiled. "I don't know what will happen in the future, so I have to ensure that I can still hold enough power now."
"You want to fight the Emperor?" Fan Ruoruo's eyes were wide open as she asked with unease and shock.
"I am still a young man. It is always allowed to have some anger in my heart."
Fan Xian smiled slightly. His smile was fresh and cheerful. There was not a trace of anger to be seen. His thoughts were actually very simple. Presently, he had to protect everyone he wanted to protect. He had to temporarily maintain the power in his hands under the pretext of being angry. Only then could he learn to face the powerful Emperor head-on.
Fan Ruoruo was silent for a long time. She knew that her brother had made up his mind and didn't say anything more. She just couldn't resist smiling and asking, "Are you really not going to keep the young lady of the Sun family company and talk?"
"I'm very afraid that she won't be able to marry in the future. It's better not to see her," Fan Xian said helplessly. "Just tell her that I am looking forward to the birthday banquet the day after tomorrow."
…
…
I didn't think that while I was having so much fun yesterday, I would still stir up some trouble. It's a bit of a headache. However, I really don't have much energy, so I'm too lazy to argue. Relaxing and having fun is the right way, right? The title of today's chapter is the name of a variety show. Who has seen it? Haha.
Let's talk about the last few sentences of the month.
Dear leaders and comrades, we've been following that lewd old man for a whole month. Whether it's speeding up a few steps and catching up with him to intercept him, or following him intimately, we've scared him so much that his little heart is pounding. We're waiting for today, we're waiting for today!
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