In just a few days, the work report from the Ministry of Personnel was almost done. There was also news from Emperor Jiayou, who not only raised Wang Zhong's rank up one level, but also became a full-fledged official from the imperial court.

The middle minister also ordered Wang Zhong to appoint the Quanzhou Shipping Department to be responsible for the preparation of the Fuzhou Shipping Department. The commander-in-chief was of a suitable size. He also gave Wang Zhong the title of Deputy Commander of the Xinghua Army.

The key is not the title of deputy capital commander, but the power of deputy capital commander. This gives Wang Zhong the right to be honest and recruit personal guards.

The salt business involved nearly one-third of the imperial court's wealth, and the implications were wide-ranging. The salt-drying method invented by Wang Zhong undoubtedly affected the jobs of the salt merchants in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, and the gold and silver piles in the homes of those salt merchants.

Shanmahai and officials in the DPRK were also involved extensively, were powerful, and were involved in salt merchants. Which of them was a good person? The reason why Emperor Jiayou made such an arrangement showed that he attached great importance to Wang Zhong.

For officials below the fifth rank, the Ministry of Personnel can allocate them on their own, but for officials above the fifth rank, they must report to the Ming Emperor.

When Wang Zhong reported the method of drying salt to the court, his rank had already been mentioned from the fifth rank. Therefore, after this promotion, Emperor Jiayou even issued an imperial edict. Except for the reward, the rest of the tasks remained as before.

.

In just five years, Wang Zhong jumped from a low-ranking official of the sixth rank to a local official of the fifth rank. He also held great power and was deeply relied upon by Emperor Jiayou. In addition to the salt affairs in Quanzhou

, and even asked Wang Zhong to mention Quanzhou Shipbuilding Department!

Even Chen Jun, the governor of the state, was promoted by half a level. Emperor Jiayou saw that Chen Jun cooperated well with Wang Zhong in Quanzhou, so he specifically let Chen Jun be re-elected. After only three years, Quanzhou was further stabilized and it was time for the assessment.

, it is estimated that Chen Jun will return to Tokyo to become an official.

After Sheng Hong learned the news, he was stunned for a long time before he came back to his senses, but he still couldn't believe it. He spent nearly twenty years and held many positions, worked diligently and cautiously, and did not dare to slack off for a moment.

, only then reached the fifth rank, but Wang Zhong had only been an official for five years, and when he was sent out for the first time, he was promoted several levels. Not only was his rank the same as him, but his actual power was far beyond him.

Moreover, the situation in Quanzhou is now very good, and the establishment of the Shipping Department will be another great achievement.

When you work as an official, don't you just want credit? As for Wang Zhong's opportunities, even Sheng Hong, Wang Zhong's future father-in-law, is jealous.

Although Sheng Hong knew that if someone else really sat in Wang Zhong's position, he might not be able to achieve such dazzling results as Wang Zhong.

But this world is unreasonable.

Soon, the memorial to impeach Wang Zhong flew to Emperor Jiayou's desk like snowflakes.

When a person is at the forefront of the storm, his various behaviors and past will be infinitely magnified. Those who are jealous and hot-tempered will not want to find faults.

Some originally trivial errors and omissions will be infinitely magnified, even to the point where they rise to a certain height.

For example, Wang Zhongnai was a local official. After completing his work report, he did not leave Tokyo immediately and return to Quanzhou, but instead stayed in Tokyo to make friends with officials. What was his purpose?

Another example is that Wang Zhong and Chen Jun, the magistrate of Quanzhou, transferred the soldiers of the Xinghua Army to work and were responsible for the construction of salt fields and docks. They were suspected of overstepping their bounds, and so on, for various reasons.

Seeing that the censors were furious, they also started to impeach Wang Zhong one after another. Fortunately, these were just some of the voices. There were many people in the court who spoke for Wang Zhong, and some who were upright and courageous. They said that this was a trivial matter. The most important thing at the moment was , is a matter of adopting a clan son and establishing him as his heir.

Emperor Jiayou seemed to intend to let Wang Zhong help draw out the firepower of the courtiers. He was slow to make a decision and allowed the imperial censors to impeach Wang Zhong. He allowed those who helped Wang Zhong to explain, but all the memorials were reported. Pressed down, no decision was made, no punishment was given, not even a reprimand, and the incident was allowed to continue to ferment.

Sheng Hong was worried about Wang Zhong's affairs, but Wang Zhong himself still looked calm and calm, as if he didn't know that he was being impeached.

"Isn't Zihou not worried at all?" Sheng Hong looked at Wang Zhong and asked with worry and confusion.

Wang Chong smiled and said: "Why worry, today's officials are rare virtuous and sage kings. Moreover, in the past few years, Quanzhou's wealth has doubled every year, the treasury is full, and the people live a happy and prosperous life. This is an ironclad fact. , how can it be erased with a few words? Officials can naturally distinguish right from wrong."

"Three people become tigers, what people say is terrifying!" The worry on Sheng Hong's face has not diminished by half: "Besides, the officials have never expressed their stance, could it be..."

Wang Zhong smiled casually and said: "Uncle, you are worrying too much! I am just a small Quanzhou general magistrate, a fifth-grade official posted outside. Besides, I have a clear conscience, let alone some groundless impeachment. What if the mistakes found out through nitpicking are taken seriously?"

When Sheng Hong looked at Wang Zhong who was calm and smiling, he couldn't help but laugh: "It seems that I am unfounded."

"Uncle is devoted to serious consideration and deep feelings!" Wang Zhong bowed his hands and said in a sincere tone: "The memorial is a serious matter of arguing, so I have to trouble my uncle to run around a lot!"

Sheng Hong said doubtfully: "Since Zihou has a clear conscience, why should he argue anymore? It should be noted that those who are clear will be clear themselves. If you argue blindly, I am afraid it will cause others to misunderstand."

Wang Zhongdao: "Uncle, do you know why the housekeeper suppressed this matter and didn't express his position for so long?"

"This..." In just a moment, Sheng Hong's mind was already full of twists and turns. He thought about it a lot, but he still didn't have a definite answer. "Is it for the school entrance examination and to hone his talent?"

Wang Zhong shook his head: "It may be possible, but it is by no means the main thing."

"Oh?" Sheng Hong looked at Wang Zhong, his eyes full of questions.

Wang Zhongdao: "The dispute over the establishment of an heir is becoming more and more intense at present. Not many people have expressed their opinions on which of the two to choose. However, a group of important officials in the court, headed by Han DaXiangong, are urging officials to adopt an heir. The voice of Cai DaXiangong is still alive. The contrast between the times has not weakened at all, but has become stronger. However, the official’s delay in making a decision must also be due to official considerations.”

This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! Sheng Hong said tentatively: "You are saying that the officials deliberately let this matter ferment so that the courtiers' attention will shift from the establishment of an heir to this matter. ?”

Wang Zhong said: "Maybe it is possible."

The emperor's heart is unpredictable. Who can say for sure what Emperor Jiayou was thinking.

Sheng Hong didn't know what to say, blame Emperor Jiayou? How could it be possible? No matter who was wrong, Emperor Jiayou couldn't be wrong. Under the influence of the Confucian monarch-father mentality of kings and ministers, fathers and sons, no one would Such an idea came up.

Are you going to blame those who are envious of being promoted to a high position and having a bright future?

Wang Zhong took a sip of tea, then changed his tone and asked, "I heard that a nanny came to the house in the past few days to teach the younger sisters in the family some rules?"

Sheng Hong's heart trembled, and he raised the corners of his mouth slightly in a smile, and the two pear dimples on both sides of his cheeks also appeared: "That's Aunt Kong, an old acquaintance of the old lady in the palace, who worked in the palace's clothing bureau When I was on duty, I taught many noble people. The old lady thought that her granddaughters were young and immature, so she specially invited them to her home! She taught them some etiquette such as illustrating and ordering tea, and tempered their temperament along the way."

Wang Zhong nodded and said: "It's good to learn some rules. Although these rules are not of use now, they will be useful in the future! The old lady thinks about the long term, which saves the uncle and the eldest lady."

Sheng Hong heard the flattery behind Wang Zhong's words, and the smile on his face became brighter: "To be honest, although these girls have only studied with Grandma Kong for a few days, they are indeed very well-behaved. "

Wang Zhongdao: "It's great for the sisters to have mama teach them the rules, but now that the exam is coming, my uncle must be more attentive to Zicheng and the others!"

"It's natural!" Sheng Hong couldn't help but nod, but as soon as he said the words, facing Wang Zhong's meaningful gaze, Sheng Hong suddenly felt a chill in his heart and realized: "Is there something in Zi Hou's words?"

Wang Zhongdao: "Zhonghuai knows that I won't be able to stay in Tokyo for long. A few days ago, Zhonghuai invited me to go to Guangyuntai for a drink. I never expected that I would meet Brother Changfeng in the building."

"Guangyuntai?" The smile on Sheng Hong's face stopped abruptly.

Wang Zhongdao: "Brother Changfeng has a bold temperament and does not stick to trivial matters. He drank very happily during the dinner. He said that Zhuang Xuexue praised him for his excellent writing. He also said that he would definitely pass the high school in this scientific examination. In his words, he was full of confidence. , I must have studied hard with Zhuang Xuexue in the past few years, and got the true inheritance of Xuexue!"

The more Sheng Hong listened, the uglier his face became, and he said angrily: "This traitor, at this time, still dares to go out and mess around!"

Wang Zhongdao: "Perhaps because the exam is approaching, Brother Changfeng feels pressured, so he went out to relax and relax!"

"Zihou doesn't have to explain for him!" Sheng Hong still looked angry: "This traitor is so proud and complacent when he thinks he has some achievements, and he even talks about how he will win this time! Hmph!"

"Brother Chang Feng is a boy, unlike his sisters who are boudoir girls. Nowadays, the fight between the two kings in Tokyo is getting more and more intense. Under the seemingly calm surface, there is a turbulent undercurrent hidden deep inside. At this moment , the officials must be paying attention to the reactions of the courtiers all the time, the Imperial City Secretary is not a free man, uncle must be more careful."

Wang Zhong's words made Sheng Hong's heart tremble. Just as Wang Zhong said, Chang Feng is the son of the Sheng family. Unlike Minglan and the other female relatives who spend most of their time living in the backyard, if they have any business trip, Wrong, what will be the consequences if someone catches the painful foot, or if it reaches the ears of Emperor Jiayou?

Just thinking about it made Sheng Hong shudder.

It was almost noon, and Minglan and the others' classes were almost over. Wang Zhong came to the kitchen of Shou'an Hall and cooked himself, preparing several home-cooked dishes for Mrs. Sheng and Minglan.

The dishes are almost ready and Minglan is back.

"Brother Zihou?" Knowing that Wang Zhong was cooking in the small kitchen, Minglan hurried over to help, secretly cooking along the way.

Ming Lan is indeed a smart girl. She can learn everything quickly except writing and needlework, but she is a bit lazy. She only works hard on cooking and has to be taught by Wang Zhong himself. Comprehensive cooking skills are compared to Xiao The cook in the kitchen is not as good as her, but in some of her favorite dishes, her skills are much better than those of the cook.

"Sixth sister is back!" Wang Zhong held a pot and spoon, put on an apron, and greeted Minglan with a smile.

"It smells so good!" Minglan straightened her nose, sniffed a few times, looked at Wang Zhong and said, "Brother Zihou, why do I think your craftsmanship has improved again?"

"That's because you haven't eaten my food for a long time!" Wang Zhong smiled and stretched out his finger to lightly flick Minglan's forehead. Minglan's skin was so delicate, and just flicked it. A red mark appeared.

"Hiss! It hurts so much!" Minglan immediately grimaced in pain, took a breath of cold air, then rubbed her forehead and shouted softly, and stamped her feet, with a hint of coquettishness in her tone.

"Brother Zihou!"

"Hahaha!"

Minglan's reaction made Wang Zhong burst into laughter: "Okay, okay! You go out and wash up first, the food will be ready soon!"

Speaking of dishes, smelling the aroma that filled the small kitchen, Minglan's face instantly returned to a smile, as if full of blood and resurrected: "Brother Zihou, hurry up!"

Not long after, the three of them sat around the dining table. There were only five dishes, one soup and six dishes on the table. It was already the twelfth lunar month, and it was freezing outside. If there were too many dishes, the dishes at the back would not be ready yet. It's already cold when it's done, so there aren't many dishes.

"I heard that Aunt Kong has very strict rules. Sister Six must eat more so that she has the strength to go to Aunt Kong's class!" As he said this, Wang Zhong also used serving chopsticks to pick up two pieces of chicken for Minglan.

"Thank you, brother Zihou!" Minglan was very polite.

Seeing this scene, Mrs. Sheng couldn't help but raise the corner of her mouth.

"By the way, the sixth sister needs to be more careful these days. I just sued Brother Changfeng in front of my uncle. I'm afraid that the fourth sister will blame this matter on the sixth sister! It will cause trouble for the sixth sister."

This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! "Huh?" Minglan was stunned, and the expression on her face froze. It was obvious that this incident caught her off guard.

Wang Zhong said truthfully: "Spring is coming soon. Brother Changfeng was not at home studying hard, but he was drinking and having fun with others outside. I caught him. The imperial examination is a major event in life. Since I saw it, naturally I can't help brother Changfeng." hide."

Mrs. Sheng had already frowned, and Minglan was also a little surprised: "Why is the third brother so ignorant?"

Wang Zhongdao: "Brother Changfeng is not bad in talent. He won the exam at a young age, but his temper is a bit too proud. Perhaps it is because he succeeded at a young age and lacked tempering. His temperament is not as good as that of Zicheng. If he fails this time, what will happen to him?" I’m afraid the blow won’t be too small.”

Minglan was just a little regretful after hearing this, but Mrs. Sheng took it seriously.

In the case of Mo Lan, even if she made a mistake, Old Mrs. Sheng would not care. After all, Mo Lan is a woman and has Wang, the head of the family, to take care of her. But Chang Feng is different.

After the meal, Wang Zhong left, and Mrs. Sheng asked someone to call Sheng Hong over.

"What's going on with Changfeng?" As soon as Sheng Hong entered the door and had just given Mrs. Sheng a gift, she was directly questioned by the old lady.

Sheng Hong's heart skipped a beat: "Mother also knows?"

"Hmph!" Old Mrs. Sheng snorted heavily: "Your good son, spring is about to come, and he is not at home studying hard, but he goes out to drink and have fun with those dandy boys, lingers in the Qin Tower and Chu Hall, and is still outside when he is drunk. Is it okay to say something so arrogant that this imperial examination will definitely lead to high school?"

Sheng Hong also looked angry: "My son has already scolded the rebellious son, but the imperial examination is about to take place, so it is not easy to beat him, so my son just kept him in Linqi Pavilion and was not allowed to go out."

Old Mrs. Sheng looked at Sheng Hong and said, "How old is Chang Feng? It's not surprising that he can't control himself at his age, but you parents should discipline him carefully."

Sheng Hong quickly admitted his mistake: "What my mother taught me was that my son was negligent!"
To be continued...