Shen Yixiu learned that her husband was going to be the Prime Minister of Shuntian Mansion later than the Jia Mansion.
Shen Zizheng excitedly ran to his sister to inform her of the news, and only then did Shen Yixiu find out.
"Jun Yong, is there a mistake?" Shen Yixiu still didn't believe it, "My husband has only been away for more than a month, and he didn't mention it when he left."
The sons of officials know the inside story to some extent. The gap between the Tongzhi of Yongping Prefecture and the Prime Minister of Shuntian Prefecture is too big. Even though the husband has outstanding achievements, his sudden promotion to the second level is still a bit shocking.
"I don't know the specific situation, but Ziying has always been honest, and I'm afraid she won't say anything she's not sure about. But I learned this news from Wen Ruo. It's absolutely accurate. Wen Ruo's father has been appointed as the right minister of the Ministry of War. , he is also very happy, but I can see that he is quite jealous of Ziying."
Shen Zizheng was happy for his sister from the bottom of his heart.
Married to an outstanding husband, and he also heard from his sister that Ziying treated her very well and gave birth to a daughter. If she had been in another family like the Feng family, no one would be satisfied, but Ziying liked her very much. This daughter even asked Lian Guoshi to name her daughter, which shows how much she values this daughter.
"Oh? Will Yang Wenruo be jealous of my husband?" Shen Yixiu also knew that his younger brother had a very good relationship with Yang Sichang and the Hou brothers.
"Sister, who is not jealous?" Shen Zizheng couldn't help but smacked his lips, "Even I am envious and hateful. At this age, I am in the fourth rank, which is unprecedented. When I was observing the government, I heard some old officials say, For Ziying, as long as she doesn't make any mistakes, she can become a minister even if she has the qualifications."
"Then Jun Yong, you also need to work hard. Maybe you can surpass your brother-in-law in the future..." Shen Yixiu encouraged his younger brother, "Ziying took the initiative to go to Yongping because she felt that she could do more things locally. In contrast, in the imperial court, there are more people who are busy with tasks, and it is difficult to exercise and hone oneself. If you are finished observing politics, you can also learn from your brother-in-law, so that you can get better promotion and development."
"Well, I still have to think about this matter. It's still early anyway, there are still two years left." Shen Zizheng was still unsure.
It would be a lie to say that you are not jealous of Feng Ziying who has made great achievements and been promoted two levels in just one year. Even Yang Sichang has always been pretentious and arrogant, but now his words are full of sourness. The words of the Hou brothers It's equally enviable, but you can't achieve results like Feng Ziying's at a local level. This requires both ability and skill, as well as opportunities.
Shen Zizheng is still somewhat self-aware. Yang Sichang and the Hou brothers are all outstanding people, not to mention Feng Ziying. If he blindly targets these people, he will inevitably feel disappointed. He might as well stick to his preset goals. Of course, this doesn't mean that you won't accept your sister's well-intentioned suggestions when it comes to doing things, but whether you go somewhere or not depends on the situation.
Shen Yixiu also heard the insincerity in his younger brother's words and did not give much advice. Her husband also reminded himself not to compare him with Jun Yong in everything. Jun Yong has his own way. It is inevitable to always compare. hurtful.
"Well, you can think about it yourself." Shen Yixiu nodded lightly, "But my sister hopes that you should also consider starting a family. My father also wrote about this in a letter a few days ago, and your brother-in-law and I also talked about it. After passing this matter, he said it depends on your own considerations, Jun Yong, what do you think?"
Parents usually make the decision on marriage matters. Although Shen Yixiu is the eldest sister, she has no power to make arrangements for Shen Zizheng. However, because Shen Jue is far away in Shandong, she wrote a letter hoping that Feng Ziying can find a wife for Shen Zizheng. It's a good marriage.
"Ah?" Shen Zizheng scratched his head in embarrassment, "What Ziying said, can it be done by my own will?"
Shen Yixiu glared at Shen Zizheng, "What are you thinking about? I'm thinking about asking your brother-in-law to find something suitable for you..."
When Shen Zizheng heard this, he quickly waved his hand, "Sister, Ziying was born in martial arts. I will not marry those martial arts women. Even if I want to marry a wife, she must be from a well-matched Shilin family."
Shen Yixiu felt a little regretful.
In fact, after coming into contact with several women such as Xue Baochai, Jia Tanchun, Shi Xiangyun, etc., Shen Yixiu also felt that these women from the Wuxun family were not as unbearable as the outside world imagined, and there were also quite admirable girls among them.
Of course, it is definitely impossible for his younger brother to go to Jia Yingchun. A woman like Jia Tanchun, who is a concubine, and a woman like Shi Xiangyun, who is a direct descendant but whose parents died when she was young, are also not suitable. However, there are many Wuxun families in the capital city, and four There were many outstanding women among the twelve princes, but she felt that her husband did not support his brother's marriage with the Wuxun family.
Having said that, scholarly families like the Shen family are indeed more inclined to marry into the Shilin family. For Shen Yixiu to marry a martial arts disciple like Feng Ziying, it is because Feng Ziying has proven through her own efforts that he is both civilized and martial. Moreover, if he entered the official position as a civil servant, if he was really a pure martial arts disciple, the Shen family would never be willing to marry their daughter to him.
"Then Jun Yong means that you don't have someone you like right now?" Shen Yixiu said casually with a smile.
"Uh,..." Shen Zizheng blushed, a little embarrassed for a moment.
Shen Yixiu was greatly surprised. He asked unintentionally why his brother behaved like this, "What's wrong? Is there anything else that's hard to say in front of my sister?"
"Well, actually I heard that Brother Mengzhang has a sister who is known to be talented..." Shen Zizheng said hesitantly.
Shen Yixiu is still aware of several of her husband's close classmates who are close friends. Brother Mengzhang probably refers to her husband's classmate Fan Jingwen, who has a good relationship with her husband. Moreover, the Fan family is also a member of the Hejian Shilin family, and his father is also a member of the Juren family.
"Do you want your brother-in-law to make peace?" Shen Yixiu nodded. His younger brother has always been shy, so it is not easy to get him to speak like this. As the eldest sister, naturally she has to try her best to satisfy his wishes, "Okay, wait until your brother-in-law When I came back, I told him that as long as the Fan family daughter has not yet married, I will ask your brother-in-law to propose marriage on my behalf, and I will also write to my father to explain."
Shen Zizheng did not expect his sister to be so decisive, and was overjoyed: "The Fan family girl must not have married anyone yet, but Brother Mengzhang has always been arrogant and arrogant, and it is difficult for ordinary scholars to appreciate him..."
"What about your brother-in-law?" Shen Yixiu interrupted.
"Brother-in-law is naturally not one of them. If brother-in-law comes forward, he will definitely succeed immediately." Shen Zizheng hurriedly sent flattering words. He was originally called Ziying Ziying, but now he quickly changed it to brother-in-law.
"Well, that's good, but Jun Yong, haven't you always been on good terms with Yang Wenruo and the Hou brothers? Why don't you ask Yang Wenruo and the others to negotiate for you?" Shen Yixiu asked curiously.
"Brother Mengzhang has always only had good relations with scholars from the North, and Wen Ruo has only a limited friendship with him. Ruogu Ruopu and the others are familiar with Brother Mengzhang, but I am afraid that Brother Mengzhang will not buy their face..."
Shen Zizheng was also worried that if the Hou brothers were not very sure about coming forward, and if someone else was asked to come forward, Fan Jingwen might flatly refuse. After all, only his brother-in-law was completely sure.
Shen Yixiu showed a satisfied smile on his face, "That's it. When your brother-in-law comes back, I will also have a good talk with your brother-in-law. Since you said that the other party is so proud, don't let your brother-in-law be embarrassed too. .”
"Hehe, that's not possible. Brother Mengzhang has always respected his brother-in-law, and his prestige among their Qingtan Academy group is growing..."
Shen Yixiu didn't expect that his younger brother could speak flattering words so easily. The smile on his face became even brighter. He hadn't been so happy for a long time. Today was a double happiness. Her husband might be returning to Beijing, and there was hope for her younger brother's marriage. These days are becoming more and more anticipated.
*******
"Feng Keng is appointed as the Prime Minister of Shuntian Prefecture? I heard that Wu Daonan's reaction was not good. There are many censor bullets." Emperor Yonglong propped up his body and made his tired body sit more comfortably. He has been feeling a little sick these days. I'm tired. I don't know why this refined elixir doesn't have much effect. Instead, it seems better to meditate and nourish my body.
"Your Majesty, Duke Huifu is a little older and his energy is indeed a little weak, but he is the leader of the scholars on the right side of the Yangtze River. He has always been admired by the gentry in the south of the Yangtze River. He has greatly promoted the literary style in the capital city, and the scholars in the north also admire him. I am full of praise, and the Dingyuan Poetry Festival has become a major event in our capital city..." Ye Xianggao patiently explained to Emperor Yonglong, "And not all the bullets received by the Metropolitan Procuratorate refer to Duke Huifu. One of the important reasons is that the Shuntian Prefecture has been vacant for many years, which has led to a backlog of government affairs. In addition, last year Gyeonggi suffered a military disaster and many refugees poured into the city..."
Wu Daonan received a lot of criticism, but the main focus was on his neglect of government affairs. However, his reputation among scholars was very good. Emperor Yonglong also knew this. Otherwise, why would his sons be so critical of the Dingyuan Poetry Society? These activities are popular, and they are all good places to increase your reputation.
"So you think Feng Keng can shoulder this important task?" Emperor Yonglong was also a little hesitant. Although Feng Keng made great contributions, this Shuntian Mansion Prime Minister is no better than others, and he should not be rewarded for his merits. If there is any If there is a mistake, and there is Wu Daonan who is lazy in government affairs, there will really be trouble.
"Your Majesty, Feng Keng's performance during his one year in Yongping Mansion is obvious to all. The Qing army conducted household checks, organized the army to defend against the enemy, opened mines and built forts, paved roads and bridges, and appeased the refugees. Although there are some suspicions of being iron-handed and harsh, Yongping has always been a tough people. , must take a heavy hand, and the current Yongping peace is enough to show its ability. Shuntian Prefecture experienced last year's military disaster, but the number of refugees has not decreased. This year, the Qintian Supervisor predicts that Beizhi may encounter another drought, like Baoding, Zhending, Refugees from places like Daming Prefecture are likely to go north, and the Ministry of Justice has reported that the activities of the White Lotus Sect are rampant in Gyeonggi, so there is an urgent need for a strong-armed and pragmatic official to deal with it..."
Fang Congzhe didn't want to say too much, but according to the compromise reached with Qi Yongtai and the others, Feng Keng had to be appointed as the Prime Minister of Shuntian. And to be honest, Feng Keng was indeed suitable. Except for his slight lack of age and qualifications, everything else was impeccable, so
He also had to spend a lot of words to convince Emperor Yonglong.