Initially, Fu Jun thought Fu Zhen couldn’t possibly possess the wisdom to solve problems, but as he listened, his thoughts involuntarily followed along.
Fu Zhen said, "Father, you have a ready opportunity in front of you, why not take advantage of it?"
Fu Jun was impatient: "Speak if you have sothing to say!"
Fu Zhen leaned closer to him: "I know Father holds many handwritten notes left by the Grand Tutor, among them there are many historical records valued as treasures by the Fu Family and not lent out.
"For a young official on the rise, their value far surpasses that of gold and silver jewelry.
"If you were to give a copy to the Assistant Minister, first, it would show his appreciation for literature and learning, affirming his aspirations. Second, as the personal writings of the Grand Tutor, they are indeed valuable, encompassing his experiences and insights throughout his rise to a renowned minister.
"The current emperor holds a high opinion of the Grand Tutor; do you think Vice Minister Xu, an Imperial Minister, could refuse works personally recognized by the emperor as those of a virtuous minister?"
Fu Jun’s brow twitched as he instinctively opened his eyes wide, staring at the troubleso girl in front of him!
In the past, this daughter was rely a symbol in his mind, a daughter conceived with his first wife who was destined to achieve nothing, whose upbringing was handled by her mother. He only saw her grow with each visit, and in occasions where father and daughter were together, she would stand silently by after paying her respects.
Though she had certainly changed in these few days, because he didn’t understand her past temperant, other than anger and annoyance, he felt nothing else.
But this ti—
Would refusing the works praised by the emperor signify disregarding the emperor’s opinion?
In six years, Xu Yin had risen from a re scholar to the rank of Assistant Minister, even if aided by Prince Rong’s Mansion, his recognition by Prince Rong’s Mansion was an achievent in its own right!
In other words, if he refused Fu Jun’s offering, it would bring him no benefits, only disadvantages. So why would he refuse? He wouldn’t leave room for criticism!
As long as he doesn’t refuse, wouldn’t this matter resolve itself?!
Fu Jun understood the reasoning, but Fu Zhen shouldn’t!
She was just a young lady who rarely stepped outside!
"Are you giving more silly ideas?" he suspiciously glanced at her.
Mrs. Fu tossed the registry: "Listen or leave if you don’t want to!"
Fu Jun was so angry he almost jumped up!
The world’s turned upside down, even she dares to speak to him like this!
But Fu Zhen pressed his arm down; he couldn’t jump up!
"The hour is late, Father, if you don’t go now, you might not make it."
Fu Zhen’s words woke him up.
In any case, this was indeed a way to resolve the dilemma.
If successful, wouldn’t everything be in perfect order?
Glancing at the mother and daughter in front of him, he saw that one was distracted, sorting the servant registry, and the other stood calmly by the side. It seed that if he didn’t comply, they wouldn’t care regardless of what Vice Minister Xu did to him!
In frustration, he said, "If this doesn’t work out, don’t think of getting a single penny as dowry from the common account!"
Fu Zhen looked at him: "Rest assured, if this doesn’t succeed, I won’t marry!"
Fu Jun: "..."
...
After seeing Fu Jun off, Mrs. Fu lightly patted Fu Zhen’s shoulder: "What nonsense were you speaking?"
Even saying she wouldn’t marry!
Fu Zhen just smiled and then followed him out.
Fu Jun would never believe Fu Zhen’s nonsense about not getting married!
He couldn’t possibly let her stay unmarried!
Without marrying her off soon, should he let her turn the Fu Family upside down?
He absolutely had to marry her off!
And the sooner, the better!
After leaving the main courtyard, he pondered several tis under the corridor before going to the large locked storeroom. From a box of old books wrapped in copper, he took out two of Fu Ziyu’s handwritten originals, tucked them under his arm, and left the house.
Regardless, he would take his chances!
In two months, the Crown Prince’s birthday would co, and there would be a coming-of-age ceremony at the palace, requiring preparations in advance. Recently, Vice Minister Xu was busy with this and often left the office late.
Returning to the office, Fu Jun indeed saw Xu Mansion’s large carriage still present.
He bowed his head, silently heading towards the innermost offices, his heart tightening with each threshold he crossed.
Though he forced himself to co, he was uncertain, unsure if Fu Zhen was misleading him or if it would backfire.
He hadn’t dealt with Vice Minister Xu before; from afar, he only felt this favored of heaven was overly handso and overly amiable. Even though Fu Jun beca an Imperial Examination graduate through his own rits, he still felt ashad before this young talented official.
Thus, facing him directly seed as if an invisible barrier stood between them, as if this young Assistant Minister’s beauty and amiability were nothing but illusions, with only the fluctuating aloofness and flickering brilliance in his deep eyes being real.
What kind of luck could he have? He truly had no confidence in his heart.
"Mr. Fu? Why have you returned?"
Just as he was peering under the portico, the long-term servant of Vice Minister Xu, who had previously sent Fu Jun away, greeted him with a smile.
Though terd a long-term servant, he had the appearance of a scholar, wearing a long robe with a refined and graceful deanor. Despite his smile, the raised tone of his voice revealed his real emotion—he was clearly unwelco to Fu Jun.
Fu Jun almost retreated.
But leaving was inappropriate, and at this mont, sounds ca from inside, the noise of a chair being moved.
Fu Jun could only muster the courage, pulling out the two books from his arms: "Mr. Lian, these are two books personally written by an ancestor of my humble ho. Seeing how Vice Minister Xu loves books, I wonder if this item might be of interest to the Assistant Minister? Please, Mr. Lian—"
"Lian Rong, who is it?"
Suddenly, a clear, leisurely voice ca from inside, with a hint of weariness.
Fu Jun’s heart leapt into his throat!
He not only hadn’t interacted with Xu Yin, but hadn’t heard his voice so clearly before!
It was a disaster, surely he had disturbed him!
He quickly retreated half a step, bowing slightly.
Lian Rong’s gaze shifted from the strong and forceful words "Ziyu’s Handwriting" on the book cover, looking at him deeply. Then, he turned his foot inward, bowing to reply: "Reporting to Master, it is Mr. Fu, head of the affairs, bringing personally written works of Fu Ziyu, Grand Tutor of the forr dynasty, seeking audience."
Inside grew silent as if the clear voice earlier was rely an illusion, and the portico was just as quiet as if no one was there.
Fu Jun regretted it imnsely, hearing Xu Yin’s voice, clearly taking a rest. Even if not, he must have been exhausted by official duties.
His visit at this ti would surely irritate him!
He silently made a bowing gesture towards Lian Rong, preparing to turn back.
"Please let Mr. Fu in."
But at this mont, the voice from inside echoed again!
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