Chapter 619 - 346: Splendid Attire and Spirited Steed
Chapter 619: Chapter 346: Splendid Attire and Spirited Steed
Setting aside whether Chen Yi was "Dragon Tiger" Liu Wu or not, he could currently think of a way to get his hands on a few more of Chen Yi’s calligraphy copybooks. Even if he didn’t sell them and just kept them in the storehouse, it would still leave a considerable fortune for the Xiao Family in the future.
Zhang Xuan realized his intention. Pointing at him, he laughed and scolded, "You old coot, you really harbor no good intentions.
"If Chen Xuanji finds out that you’re using his son as a mere writing and painting craftsman, he’ll definitely make you regret it."
Elder Master Xiao didn’t explain much, instead bringing up Chen Xuanji. "You’re the one who should be careful. Back when the funds and provisions in Jiangnan Prefecture were delayed, you wrote several letters furiously cursing him for being disloyal and unrighteous."
"Me? Afraid of him?" Zhang Xuan retorted. "Hmph, he is a First-Grade Minister of War, but I am still a Duke of the current dynasty, with a hereditary title. My status and position are far above his."
Though Zhang Xuan spoke toughly, he was well aware of how much power Chen Xuanji held in his position as Minister of War. Not to mention inspecting the Border Army, just the promotion of officers and men, and the enlistment of the New Army were enough to make the various military garrisons bow their heads slightly. If things went wrong, the rewards that should have been given wouldn’t be received, and the people who should have been promoted would be suppressed, which would ultimately affect military morale.
Elder Master Xiao naturally understood all this. His smile faded a little as he pondered, "Chen Xuanji has just returned to Great Wei. Now that he’s gained power, he will definitely make some moves. We have to treat this cautiously."
Zhang Xuan poured wine for both of them, no longer acting stubborn. "Indeed, we should be a bit more cautious.
"On the way here, I heard that Chen Xuanji’s inspection this time is quite a grand affair. Besides him and the Ministry of War, Cui Mao and Zhu Chengxuan will also be sending people to follow." He looked at Elder Master Xiao with a serious expression and added, "One of them oversees the promotion of all officials, big and small, while the other controls the Great Wei Dynasty’s purse strings. Neither is a pushover."
Elder Master Xiao paused as he lifted his wine cup, the image of Zhu Chengxuan surfacing in his mind. "Let’s set Cui Mao aside for now, but we must be on guard against Zhu Chengxuan.
"The selection of officials mostly targets civil servants, while military officials are still mainly under Chen Xuanji’s purview. However, the Border Army’s provisions and pay all have to go through Zhu Chengxuan."
"That’s true," Zhang Xuan agreed. "That old scoundrel Zhu Chengxuan is a two-faced hypocrite. There’s no guarantee he won’t play dirty tricks behind our backs."
After finishing his wine, Zhang Xuan snorted, "Back then, I even suspected that he was the one who sold out Fengchun. I never expected it to be the inconspicuous Liu Hong."
Hearing this, Elder Master Xiao’s expression turned slightly cold. "That matter is not yet conclusive."
"Oh?" Zhang Xuan asked.
"I suspect there is... someone else behind Liu Hong!"
A look of astonishment crossed Zhang Xuan’s face as he looked at him. "What?!"
"I suspect the person who instructed Liu Hong to do all those things was—Zhu Chengxuan!"
Meanwhile.
Riding in his carriage, Chen Yi arrived outside South Street. By this time, a long queue had already formed outside the examination venue. Hundreds of students wearing Scholar’s robes were waiting to enter.
Chen Yi lifted the curtain and observed the outside. Most of those students were alone, but some had brought attendant pageboys. They stood outside the examination venue with their heads held high, enjoying the envious gazes of the surrounding commoners. Dressed brilliantly and brimming with youthful vigor, they reveled in the unparalleled limelight.
Chen Yi took a couple of glances, then signaled Wang Lixing and Liu Si’er to stop the carriage. He instructed Pei Guanli, "Have them escort you to the Jishi Medicine Hall later. Don’t run off on your own."
Earlier on the way here, he had already written some words on Pei Guanli’s palm to explain a few things. It was mostly about how to instruct Yuan Liu’er. However, thinking of the Tiger Girl’s reckless energy, he was still somewhat uneasy.
Pei Guanli naturally understood and nodded repeatedly. "You can rest assured."
Seeing that the hour was getting late, Chen Yi said no more. He gathered his things, stepped out of the carriage, and walked toward the back of the queue.
Before he even got close, a slight clamor had already risen in the surroundings.
"Greetings, Mr. Qingzhou."
"Mr. Qingzhou..."