CHAPTER 159: CHAPTER 159: ARRANGING RELATIVES

"Hmm, this matter requires you to trouble yourself, elder brother."

Three hundred thousand taels, not to mention renting a house, it would be enough to renovate the whole house.

"We are family, no need to mention it. However, even renovations will take a few months. You can stay at home and settle down, and by the time the house is refurbished, Mu Zhi should have recovered almost completely. Then you can move."

"Hmm."

With the house renting issue resolved, the Old Master Dong was quite concerned about another matter at the moment.

"What do you think about this promotion edict?"

This question was naturally directed at Mr. Lin.

Mr. Lin never dreamed that in his old age he could still manage to become a sixth-rank official.

The Vice Director of the Astronomical Bureau, to put it bluntly, is not a particularly extraordinary figure.

But compared to the previous status as a commoner, it’s naturally much better.

In this way, the main house can at least have some hope.

But all this is not due to any outstanding ability of his.

Mr. Lin thought for a moment, although somewhat reluctant to admit it, felt that this matter might still be related to his father, Lin Xiang.

"I speculate that it is probably related to the family separation reason that father mentioned, and now people outside really believe it."

"I’ve also heard quite a few people mention this at the chamber of commerce. Now, the brother-in-law in Shengjing City is considered the best filial son. Lin Xiang’s move is quite puzzling to people."

So said Eldest Master Dong.

In theory, it was the intention of the main house to separate the family, and Lin Xiang only needed to do nothing, and the public opinion outside would crush the main house.

Hurried to divide the family while the father is still alive, it’s not like it’s a small family that’s struggling to survive.

This is quite a slap in the face.

Even Lin Wanyi in the palace would be subject to criticism.

But now that this news is out, it’s as if everyone was ignited by something.

They’re all praising Mr. Lin’s filial piety vigorously.

The Dong Family is not outsiders, they naturally know the truth.

If Lin Xiang really intended to protect the main house, he wouldn’t have waited for over twenty years only to act now.

And the emperor’s edict to promote Mr. Lin came rather unexpectedly.

It seems intended to cement Mr. Lin’s reputation as a filial son.

Instantly rising two ranks is not something everyone can be so lucky with.

The emperor ascended the throne at a young age, and it’s been nearly twenty years now.

Now that the world is peaceful and the four corners submit, he must be a capable person.

He wouldn’t simply issue an edict without reason.

This surely hides a greater plan!

The Old Master Dong’s expression remained unmoved, but his eyes grew deeper with consideration.

"The line at the Inner Court Department, although led by Qianqian, we don’t fully know the foundation, so it’s better to avoid involvement."

"Elder brother, prepare some gifts and visit the Dou Family today. Just say Mu Zhi has already woken up and that you want to thank Doctor Dou. Ask about anything else you see fit."

"Yes, father."

Eldest Master Dong is also skilled at maneuvering, so there’s no need to explain intentionally when he goes to test the waters.

Seeing Mr. Lin’s somewhat puzzled expression, the Old Master Dong explained a few more sentences.

"It’s difficult for us outside the palace to contact Qianqian, but if we can get some insights about the palace through Doctor Dou, it would help in deducing some situations, which can support Qianqian’s situation."

"I understand, father-in-law, you have great foresight."

Whether foresight or not, it’s all superficial.

The most important thing is for the children to live comfortably and smoothly.

In the Lin Xiang Mansion, within the West Wing.

At this moment, the Second Madam, Mrs. Wang, is grinding her teeth fiercely!

She was already nursing an injury, and she was both angry and anxious at heart.

Now two things have happened, adding insult to injury to her.

"What kind of stroke of luck has the main house hit to be promoted two ranks in one go! Poor my daughter, instead, she’s confined in the palace and stripped of her authority! Truly..."

She violently wanted to curse the emperor for being blind to talent.

But she was no fool, realizing that saying such things could implicate the entire family.

So no matter how much hatred she felt, she could only keep her mouth shut.

Taking the brocade quilt in front of her, she pounded it fiercely to vent.

Lin Er Ye, standing to one side, glanced at his wife’s appearance.

Rather than comforting her, he sarcastically said.

"Who is to blame? It’s because you acted on your own mind causing this series of disasters! Now, we don’t even know if the third son is alive or dead. If he’s really gone, just wait and see, the main house will have plenty to fuss over!"

The Second Madam, Mrs. Wang, once filled with rage, immediately deflated upon hearing this.

She was also full of regret, especially after learning her daughter had been stripped of power and confined.

If she had known that today would lead to such a ruinous outcome, how could she have done such a foolish thing?

But now, it’s too late for regret.

All she can do is try desperately to make amends.

"Sir, will the position of the Vice Director of the Astronomical Bureau have any effect on you?"

"It’s unlikely. After all, I am the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, with more power and status than elder brother’s role as Vice Director."

The Astronomical Bureau sounds grand, but without celestial matters, it’s just an idle position.

Even the Director is like that, let alone the Vice Director.

But from nothing to something, from eighth rank to sixth, it indeed was quite a fast promotion.

Behind this, there’s no shortage of the outside talk about a filial son boosting him.

Thinking about this, Lin Er Ye is more worried about father’s decision.

After considering it, he told his wife.

"Take care of your health, in a few days visit father-in-law’s place. I remember he mentioned that there was a vacancy for a Chief position at the Ministry of War. If that position is still available, I might arrange someone for it."

"Who?"

"Yu Wenmin."

How could it be him?

Mrs. Wang felt very curious.

This Yu Wenmin is the third son of Prince Zhan and Consort Wei, pampered from a young age.

He may not have the notorious reputation as Third Young Master Liu, but he also hasn’t been very accomplished.

"Didn’t cousin Yu Wenmin say he wanted to train in the military not long ago? Why is it now..."

"Uncle can’t bear to see him suffer, and besides, he’s not cut out for it, and he probably wouldn’t get many opportunities there."

This is indeed true.

Prince Zhan and Consort Wei have three sons in total.

The eldest, Yu Wenjing, is the most valued and admired by Prince Zhan, so he was cultivated with extra care.

The second, Yu Wentai, resembles Wei Family, and so is also cherished by Prince Zhan.

The third, Yu Wenmin, is in an awkward position, at just thirty years old still accomplished nothing.

Though he married, his wife passed away shortly after wedding. Rumors spread that he was cursed, which caused delays.

Since uncle entrusted this to him, he cannot completely ignore this cousin.

The Chief position at the Ministry of War, although not high, is under his father-in-law’s department.

If something happens, he can still cover it up to some extent.

Therefore, Lin Er Ye made this arrangement.