CHAPTER 375: CHAPTER 166 THE WHEREABOUTS OF THE PURPLE MANSION PRIMORDIAL SECT (PLEASE SUBSCRIBE) _3

Absolutely not!

Xu Qing, after meeting privately with Su Lianqing, returned to his residence.

He used the Thunder Sound technique to shake his clothes, dissipating any lingering scent.

This Su Lianqing, for some reason, always carries strongly scented sachets, leaving his fragrance on him after every encounter.

Upon returning home, Xu Qing found Feng Xun’an’s subordinate, Su Lie, waiting in the front hall.

Originally an arrest officer of Yingtian Prefecture, he suffered internal injuries from a covert strike by King Lin and lost his livelihood. Later, he was taken in by Feng Wu and began working for the inspector’s office.

Previously, for Gao Gongyuan’s matter, Xu Qing had Su Lie assist. Having established his merit, Xu Qing then healed his internal injuries.

For this, Su Lie was eternally grateful.

"Your humble servant pays his respects to the son-in-law."

"Sergeant Su, is there something you need?"

Su Lie said, "The Old Master has sent me with a letter for your review."

When he mentioned the "Old Master," he was naturally referring to Mr. Feng, Xu Qing’s father-in-law.

A Seventh Rank official at the Prime Minister’s door.

Now, Mr. Feng wielded substantial influence in South Zhili, and naturally, Su Lie enjoyed the reflected glory.

However, no matter how impressive he might be outside, in front of his son-in-law, he remained the most loyal old hound.

Xu Qing opened the letter and read through it.

It turned out Mr. Feng was cleaning up the river defenses and encountered the Wenxiang Sect’s dealings.

The matter also involved the Luo Sect and several nobles and influential families of South Zhili, with Duke Wei Mansion’s shadow behind them. He felt the issue was of great importance and wished for Xu Qing’s opinion.

Wenxiang Sect, originally a minor issue has become troublesome due to the numerous forces involved.

Nowadays, the measures to survey and redistribute land in Jiangning Prefecture and Yingtian Prefecture had drawn to a close, with the mulberry-for-rice scheme largely put into place in Jiangning.

With credit established, Mr. Feng naturally thought about his next steps.

Should he continue accumulating achievements, or should he take a different path?

After all, in less than half a year, Mr. Feng would have to step down.

Going back to being a Capital Official from being a Governor didn’t sit well with him.

Especially seeing Mr. Wu being supported by his son-in-law into the position of right deputy Imperial Censor, it upset the old father-in-law’s sense of balance.

Where was he less capable than the old hero, Mr. Wu?

Xu Qing really wanted to say, Old Tai Shan, don’t kid yourself.

The other man is sworn brothers with the Little Heavenly Official from the Ministry of Personnel, and he passed the Imperial Examination before you...

Isn’t a Top Scorer in the third rank still a Scholar?

Don’t look down on others!

He may grumble inwardly, but he still needs to cherish his own father-in-law.

Xu Qing pondered; Mr. Feng’s next appointment indeed required careful consideration.

Yan Shan and Xie Quan had recently passed the Imperial Examination and could come back to help. The old father-in-law should indeed return to the Capital.

Without his own trusted people in the Capital, Xu Qing would not be at ease.

If someone plotted against him during a meeting in the Capital without his own people inside, wouldn’t that make him a fish on the chopping board?

Moreover, with this venture out to sea, where Xu Qing faced life and death, he’s not in a position to take official posts for a while, but that doesn’t mean he should miss out on the rewards. Let alone business ventures, doesn’t the Court earn money?

Xu Qing felt that this was a good opportunity to negotiate.

He was quite valuable.

Being valuable, must be reflected accordingly.

While pondering, Xu Qing asked Su Lie to wait outside.

He returned to his study, then had Qiu Xiang fetch Madam Feng Wu.

"Did I hear my father sent a letter? What’s the matter?"

"It’s nothing major; I’m just considering a good official post for father-in-law."

"Pfft." Feng Wu couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

Xu Qing said, "I’m speaking seriously here."

Feng Wu stifled her laughter and responded, "If it’s too troublesome, forget it. The bigger the official post my father holds, the more worried I become."

Xu Qing retorted, "The old man is in the prime of life, the age to do great things, how can he be left idle? I won’t allow you to speak of my father-in-law that way!"

Feng Wu replied, "Alright, alright, you’re such a good son-in-law. Do you have any ideas?"

Xu Qing replied, "I don’t have any ideas, but I guess I should write a letter explaining my merits and those of my father-in-law, to see what the Grand Secretary has to say."

As he dictated the content, he had Feng Wu write it down, then he polished it himself. After meticulous review by both husband and wife, Xu Qing took the letter to Households Commander Zuo.

"This letter is for the Grand Secretary, please expedite its delivery."

Commander Zuo coughed and said, "This might not be appropriate."

Xu Qing chuckled, "Commander Zuo, your Inner Factory frequently sends urgent dispatches from Jiangning Prefecture to the Capital, just take it along as a favor."

Commander Zuo, aware that their surveillance of Xu Qing had been uncovered, could not deny it. He agreed, "Okay."

Xu Qing smiled, "I’ll treat you to a drink another day."

Commander Zuo laughed and said, "You keep saying ’another day.’ Why not today?"

Xu Qing thought it over and, finding he had no other matters, decided to have Guard Ma and the others join him for drinks.

Their abilities no longer keeping up, they could still make the best of the situation by engaging in some diplomacy.

At the dinner table, Xu Qing "accidentally" mentioned his concerns about his father-in-law’s career prospects.

...

...

After Guard Wang and Guard Ma returned, upon hearing that they had drinks with Xu Qing, Magistrate He hurriedly summoned them for questions. Learning that Xu Qing was strategizing for Mr. Feng’s career, Magistrate He felt a pang of envy.

It’s just marrying off a daughter.

He could stomach Mr. Wu surpassing him, being an outsider.

But if Mr. Feng overtook him, Magistrate He could not bear it!

Magistrate He thought to himself, Xu Qing is always clever. Although he comes from a considerable background, discussing such matters with Xu Qing wasn’t a bad idea.

So, the very next day, Magistrate He directly sought out Xu Qing.

Seeking office, nothing shameful about it.

Even if Xu Qing was but a simple Top Scorer, who could deny his influence?

Mr. Wu is the golden ticket worth a story of a thousand gold pieces.

He is Xu Gongming’s shining endorsement!

If even a character like Wu could be propelled by Xu Gongming, who else couldn’t?

"Mr. Gongming, let’s not beat around the bush; I want to be promoted, preferably to the position of Governor!" Magistrate He laid his cards on the table, straightforward.

Isn’t the Examination Head invigilator still a teacher?

Should there be partiality?