mesbooks Chapter 120 Promotion
Chapter 120 Promotion
Just as Yin Nantian was pondering how to deal with the Zhao family's affairs, Steward You from the Kang Prince's Mansion quietly came to visit.
You Anyang is not only the steward of Prince Kang, Chu Jingru, but also his confidant. He handles all matters, big and small, inside and outside the Prince's mansion.
Therefore, Yin Nantian knew that this trip must be important, so he hurriedly welcomed him into the inner hall.
You Anyang cut to the chase: "Lord Yin, the Prince of Kang has ordered a thorough investigation of the remaining members of the Zhao family to ensure that none escape. The Prince of Kang attaches great importance to the Zhao family's rebellion case and orders you to act swiftly without fail."
Yin Nantian's heart skipped a beat, knowing that this matter was of utmost importance, and he quickly nodded in agreement.
You Anyang added, "King Kang also specifically instructed that Zhao Tingxiao's report was meritorious, and he should be recommended as a scholar as a reward."
Upon hearing this, Yin Nantian pondered to himself how Liu Shan would react after learning the news.
After all, Liu Shan passed the exam through honest and hard work, while Zhao Tingxiao...
In Yin Nantian's view, it was absurd that an ignorant and incompetent person could gain fame and fortune by reporting others.
However, the title of Xiucai (a scholar who passed the imperial examinations) was not really that important. Moreover, he understood that he could not disobey the King of Kang's orders and could only comply.
However, that wasn't all. You Anyang then pulled out an appointment document: "Lord Yin, Qu Dacheng has been promoted to magistrate of Jinhua County for his merits and shall take office immediately. This is personally appointed by Prince Kang. I hope Lord Yin will give his full support to ensure that Lord Qu can take office smoothly."
Yin Nantian took the document, his heart filled with mixed feelings. Although Qu Dacheng's official rank had been reduced by half a grade, the fact that he could be promoted from a centurion to a civil official was a real promotion.
He sighed inwardly, realizing that Qu Dacheng's promotion was clearly part of King Kang's scheme, and he could only cooperate.
It remains to be seen how Liu Shan will react upon learning this news.
After all, Liu Shan had always advocated for an investigation into Qu Dacheng, and now that Qu Dacheng was rising through the ranks, he must be filled with resentment.
……
When the news reached Jinhua County, Liu Shan was writing furiously at his desk. Upon hearing the news, he suddenly looked up, his face changed drastically, and the pen in his hand fell to the ground with a "thud." He was burning with anger, yet there was nothing he could do.
He even doubted whether he had misheard and had to confirm it repeatedly before he believed it was true.
Liu Shan took a deep breath, quickly composed himself, and began to think of a solution. He knew that acting impulsively would be useless at this moment, and that only calmness would suffice.
But after thinking it over and over, all that kept surging in my mind was impulsive thoughts.
Liu Shan clenched his fist and hissed, "Men, prepare the horses! I need to go to the Cangzhou government office immediately to see Yin Nantian and get some answers!"
Liu Shan spurred his horse and galloped away, his anger still burning. He traveled a long and dusty road straight to the Cangzhou government office.
When they arrived, it was already dark, and Yin Nantian was waiting in the study.
Upon meeting, Liu Shan, without exchanging pleasantries, went straight to questioning Qu Dacheng about his promotion.
Yin Nantian looked troubled and explained the King of Kang's intentions in detail, urging him to calm down.
But how could such a matter be easily resolved? Liu Shan's eyes were bloodshot, and his voice trembled: "Where is justice? Qu Dacheng is suspected of illegally manufacturing and possessing prohibited weapons, and the head of the Qin family can testify to this. Are we just going to let this go like this? What's even more unacceptable is that he actually got promoted!"
Yin Nantian sighed helplessly, "Neither of us can disobey the decree of the Prince of Kang."
After a long silence, Liu Shan asked unwillingly, "Are we just supposed to watch Qu Dacheng become the magistrate of Jinhua County?"
Yin Nantian reiterated: "This is the decision of Prince Kang, and we can only comply. But you can continue to collect evidence and report it when the time is right. For now, only by being patient can we plan for the long term."
Liu Shan clenched his fists. "I refuse to accept this! I demand to see Prince Kang in person and recount this matter!"
Yin Nantian frowned and said in a deep voice, "How can you easily meet Prince Kang? Besides, you are just a minor county magistrate with a lowly status. If you rashly go to accuse your superior, you will only bring trouble upon yourself."
Upon hearing this, Liu Shan felt resentful, but he also knew that what Yin Nantian said was true.
He took a deep breath and slowly loosened his fist. "Then I will go and meet Princess Changning to personally explain this matter. Perhaps the princess can mediate and give us a chance."
Yin Nantian rubbed his forehead and sighed softly, "So you didn't listen to a word I said just now?!"
Liu Shan said awkwardly, "I listened."
Yin Nantian asked in surprise, "Since you've listened to what I said, why do you still need to meet the princess?"
Liu Shan said in a deep voice, "It is precisely because we have listened to her advice that we must go to see the princess. Sitting and waiting for death is not a good strategy. Unlike Prince Kang, the princess trusts me more and may be able to speak up for us. Even if the hope is slim, it is worth a try."
Yin Nantian was silent for a moment, then said softly, "Even if the princess trusts you enough and speaks up for you, this matter absolutely cannot bypass His Highness Prince Kang. How can his decisions be easily swayed?"
Liu Shan insisted, "That's precisely why we need to make efforts from all sides. The princess's influence should not be underestimated; she might be able to sway Prince Kang. Even if that fails, it will still help in the future when Qu Dacheng is dismissed from his post."
Yin Nantian sighed and said helplessly, "Qu Dacheng has just taken office as the magistrate of Jinhua County, and you want to dismiss him? Isn't that a bit too unrealistic? However, since you have made up your mind, I will not stop you. Just don't act impulsively, and don't offend the princess because of a moment of righteous indignation, or it will ruin everything."
Liu Shan nodded in agreement.
However, things didn't go as planned. Liu Shan was stopped by the guards before he could even see the princess. They told him that the princess was too busy with official duties to see him.
Liu Shan naturally didn't believe it, but no matter how much he pleaded or even tried to bribe them, the guards remained unmoved, coldly ignoring him and showing no leniency.
This fueled his anger, and he even considered forcing his way in.
The moment the thought crossed Liu Shan's mind, he realized it was inappropriate and tried to suppress the impulse.
However, reason ultimately failed to overcome impulse, and he stepped forward, determined to give it a try.
The guards of the Prince Kang's residence initially paid no attention. After all, within Cangzhou, the Prince's residence held absolute authority; who would dare to be so presumptuous?!
But as Liu Shan drew closer, the guards became alert and quickly surrounded him, coldly shouting, "How dare you, County Magistrate, trespass into the Prince's residence? Get out of here immediately, or don't blame us for being impolite!"
Liu Shan's expression hardened, he straightened his back, and said loudly, "I have important business to discuss with the princess. It concerns a crucial case, so I hope you will make an exception!"
Seeing his resolute attitude, the guards immediately drew their swords, and the atmosphere suddenly became tense.
Liu Shan took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "If the princess knew about this, she would not sit idly by! I am willing to guarantee with my life that I have no malicious intent!"
"A life as collateral?" the guard sneered. "What is the life of a mere county magistrate worth? A prince or a princess, aren't they a hundred times more precious than you? Considering your loyalty, I'll let it slide today. Leave now and don't cause any more trouble!"
Liu Shan was unwilling to leave so easily.
He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, saying, "In that case, I'll have to offend you!"
Before he finished speaking, he suddenly charged forward!
Seeing this, the guards drew their swords and warned one last time, "Trespassing on the Prince's residence is a capital offense!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Shan suddenly stopped.