Chapter 50: Tang Yaoming's Assignment Is Resolved

Chapter 50: Tang Yaoming's Assignment is Resolved

With Madam Tao's guidance and advice, Tao Yiran regained her enthusiasm for Tang Rong. However, no matter how skillful and tender she appeared on the surface, the image of Tang Rong's "pig head" face remained etched in her heart. She took this opportunity to contact several close friends and female relatives from her clan, beginning preparations for next month's banquet.

Tang Rong did not notice her change in demeanor. Every day, he worried about when the marks on his face would fade and was anxious to report to the Ministry of Rites. He also sent people to investigate who else was interested in competing for the position at the Ministry, having actually taken Tang Mo's words to heart.

Early one morning, Tang Yaoming, the son of Tang Yong, was at home watching his younger brother practice calligraphy. When Tang Yong arrived and saw him focused on explaining the essentials of brushwork, he sighed inwardly. With no assignment coming through, he worried that his son's state of mind would be affected.

A moment later, Tang Yaoming emerged from the study. After some hesitation, Tang Yong asked, "Was your visit to your two classmates yesterday successful?"

Although Tang Mo had promised to help plan, Tang Yong knew exactly what Tang Mo's situation was within the Marquis's manor. He also worried that Tang Mo getting close to them might displease the Old Madam and make his situation even more difficult. If they could find another way to resolve this matter, they wouldn't have to trouble Tang Mo.

Tang Yaoming shook his head. There were so many people in the capital waiting to be appointed, and many could afford the waiting fees, but good opportunities were few and far between. He said they could only try to find a way, but he couldn't guarantee anything.

In contrast to Tang Yong's worries, Tang Yaoming was much more optimistic. "If it doesn't work this month, then next month. If not next month, then the month after. We will eventually find something. It's also my fault for ranking too low."

"I've thought about it. In a couple of days, I'll head out to find some other work to do in the meantime. There's no rush."

"How can there be no rush?"

Tang Yong hated his own incompetence. "Although we have the Marquis's manor behind us, the manor is not something we can rely on at all. We can only rely on ourselves. I have been a coward my whole life; must you brothers follow in my footsteps?"

"If all else fails, I will go to the Marquis's manor to plead once more. That should be possible."

"Father..."

Before Tang Yaoming could finish, the manor's steward arrived in a hurry. "Master, Eldest Young Master, an official from the Ministry of Personnel has arrived. Please proceed to the front courtyard immediately."

The father and son exchanged a glance and hurried to the front courtyard. The person from the Ministry of Personnel was Liu Mingyuan. Since his brother-in-law had spoken up, he had been quite attentive—especially since he had secretly accepted "tributes" from his brother-in-law as private pocket money. He acted swiftly and had quickly found a suitable opportunity for Tang Yaoming. Normally, he wouldn't have needed to come in person, but he wanted to see what kind of person his brother-in-law was recommending; if the person proved incompetent, he would have to exert some pressure.

"I apologize for not greeting you sooner, Lord Liu."

Tang Yong led Tang Yaoming forward quickly and bowed. Liu Mingyuan nodded politely. "I am here today regarding your son's assignment. Mr. Tang, there is no need for such formality."

Tang Yong invited him to sit in the main hall. After the tea was served, he cautiously asked if a position at the Ministry of Personnel had been finalized. After sipping his tea, Liu Mingyuan spoke. "I have been entrusted by someone to say that the newly successful Jinshi, Tang Yaoming, is upright and talented, yet it is a pity he remains idle at home. I came specifically to check on him today."

Tang Yaoming hurried forward to pay his respects. Seeing that the young man had decent looks and a clear, honest gaze, Liu Mingyuan tested him with a few questions. Seeing that he answered fluently, he felt relieved. "A vacancy for an Investigating Censor opened up in the Censorate of the Yu Shi Tai (Censorate Office) half a month ago. Censor Tang, this is your appointment document. Report for duty within three days."

The Censorate of the Yu Shi Tai?

Tang Yong and his son were extremely shocked. Their goal had always been to be posted out as a County Magistrate. It wasn't that they craved being a magistrate specifically, but rather that they didn't dare dream of positions within the capital. The Yu Shi Tai was divided into three branches: the Tai Yuan, the Dian Yuan, and the Cha Yuan. Among them, the Cha Yuan had the lowest rank, but its authority and power were immense—it was a place many aspired to join.

Even Tang Rong's position at the Ministry of Rites only looked glamorous and prestigious; in terms of actual substance, it was far inferior to an Investigating Censor of the Cha Yuan, even if the Cha Yuan had ten such censors.

Coming back to his senses, Tang Yaoming bowed and received the document with both hands. "Thank you, Lord Liu. I shall never forget your kindness in promoting me."

At this moment, he was already a seventh-rank official of the imperial court, and one with actual power.

Liu Mingyuan smiled. "The Cha Yuan carries great responsibility, and the work is not easy. You must study hard to master it quickly."

As he spoke, he stood up. Tang Yong hurriedly asked, "May I ask, Lord Liu, who requested this for my son? We would like to express our gratitude."

Liu Mingyuan smiled. "Ask your nephew, Tang Mo, and you will know."

"I have urgent business to attend to. I shall take my leave."

The father and son respectfully saw him out. Madam You, who had chased after them, looked at them with frustration. "I had already prepared lavish gifts, and you just let the official leave empty-handed like that?"

The father and son felt as if they had just woken from a dream, filled with both regret and urgency. Under the shock of such immense joy, they were somewhat dazed. "He's already gone far away."

Madam You scolded them before asking for the details. Tang Yaoming opened the appointment document and read it over and over. Upon learning that her son would not have to travel thousands of miles to a remote post, Madam You was overjoyed. She immediately ordered the servants to prepare a sumptuous feast to celebrate with the family that evening, and sent someone to deliver the good news to Tang Yaoming's father-in-law. Tang Yaoming's wife had gone to her maiden home yesterday, hoping to seek help from her family; sending the news would make her happy and allow her to gain face in front of her relatives.

"Is Shunshun not back yet? We should properly thank him for this. He is the most loyal person in this entire manor."

Tang Yaoming closed the document. "Mother, my cousin does not like being called Shunshun."

"Then let's call him A-Mo."

Madam You smiled, and Tang Yong smiled as well. Happy for their nephew, Tang Yong said cheerfully, "Once he returns, invite him to the manor for a meal. He likely went to ask others for help; when the time comes, ask him how much it cost. We should pay for it."

"People say this boy is unreliable, but look, he's quite capable."

He instructed Tang Yaoming to maintain frequent contact with Tang Mo in the future. "After all, you are brothers. If he can help, it means he is willing to maintain relations with us. You brothers must support each other. The matters of the older generation have nothing to do with you; don't worry about them."

Tang Yaoming nodded in agreement. He was not very familiar with Tang Mo and only knew that his reputation was not great, but reputation is a fickle thing; there might be hidden truths behind it.

The whole family was overjoyed by this matter. Far away at the manor, Tang Mo was currently taking Xin An to watch the boys play *cuju* (an ancient form of football). There were rewards for the winning team, and the boys were all very energetic. In particular, a boy named Er Shan had caught Tang Mo's eye. "He is sturdy, fast, and has a bit of a fierce look, but most importantly, he is clever. He is a good prospect."

Having watched him for two days, Tang Mo liked him more and more. All the boys in the manor were under Er Shan's leadership, and they all respected him. "If given the chance, there is a high probability he will make a name for himself."

Hearing his constant praise, Xin An suggested, "If you like him so much, take him in. It wouldn't be bad to have him run errands and gather information for you."

Er Shan's family circumstances were not bad, but it was unknown if his family would be willing to let him go.

(End of Chapter)