Chapter 80: Chapter 67, Promoted to Prefectural Governor_i

“Wenxiu, you guys rest well today, and tomorrow your second uncle will take you all for a good stroll around the prefectural city!”

After settling into the courtyard, a stream of officials began visiting Yan Zhigao. Li Xingchang and Li Xingnian couldn’t stay long, talked for a while, then prepared to leave.

Yan Zhigao had to entertain the other officials, so the duty of seeing the guests out fell on his eldest son, Yan Wenxiu.

Knowing that his younger siblings were eager to explore the prefectural city, Yan Wenxiu smiled and expressed his gratitude, “Then I’ll have to trouble second uncle for this.’1

Li Xingnian patted Yan Wenxiu’s shoulder, “Why say such formalities? You’ve always been this polite since you were a child. We are your uncles, after all. Isn’t it expected that we should help you out with things?”

He sighed as he spoke.

“You, don’t be too harsh on yourself and don’t take on too much pressure. Studying is important, but you still need to have fun. Your father is handling everything at home for now; there’s no need for you to worry.”

Hearing these words of concern, it was untrue to say Yan Wenxiu wasn’t moved. However, his reticent nature from childhood left him unsure how to express his feelings, so he simply nodded silently.

Li Xingchang said with a smile, “We originally came here intending to take you to stay at our home, but looking at the situation now, it seems you won’t be able to go.”

Yan Wenxiu smiled, “My father said that once he’s less busy, he will pay a visit.”

Li Xingnian shook his head, “You probably won’t have the time this visit; it will have to wait until next time.”

Li Xingchang, “You better head back now. I just took a look, and there are quite a few officials who’ve come. Don’t worry about their potential motives for now; just observe as you stand by your father’s side. Seeing more people, whether it’s for your studies or social interaction, will be greatly beneficial.”

Yan Wenxiu listened intently. Though his eldest and second uncles were merchants, he respected them greatly and took their words to heart.

The two sides said their farewells at the entrance of the station. Yan Wenxiu wanted to wait until Li Xingchang and Li Xingnian had boarded their carriage before leaving, but they insisted that he go first.

Not until they could no longer see Yan Wenxiu’s figure did the brothers Li head towards their carriage.

In the prefectural city, news spread rapidly, especially with the frequent comings and goings at the station entrance. Soon enough, people learned that the Li brothers and the Yan Family were related by marriage.

In the short time it took for the two to board the carriage, they received many greetings.

“Hmm, who would have thought the head of Wanjin Building would take the initiative to greet us?” Li Xingnian said with a hint of amusement after getting into the carriage.

The Li Family’s business in the prefectural city was not grand, with no significant backing, barely ranking as a third-rate merchant house. In contrast, Sun Family of Wanjin Building was an eminent mercantile aristocratic family in Zhongzhou Prefecture.

Ordinarily, even if the Li Family sought an audience, they would likely not even glimpse the head of Wanjin Building.

Li Xingchang lifted a corner of the carriage curtain and surveyed the bustling station entrance, his expression growing serious, “This time, it’s still uncertain whether it will be a blessing or a curse for the Yan Family.”

Li Xingnian understood his brother’s worries. The owner of the Qilin Jade Pendant held a very high status, and the Yan Family, a humble family without any foundation, could easily become a casualty in power struggles if not careful.

Yet, thinking of his niece’s sharp and crafty eyes, he smiled, “It won’t be a disaster. Daohua is clever; if the jade pendant becomes too hot to handle, she wouldn’t keep it.”

Upon hearing this, Li Xingchang smiled, “That girl is like a sister to us. In recent years, it hasn’t been easy for her in the Yan Family. But, I heard that after Daohua went to Linyi County, she stood up for her aunt a lot.”

Li Xingnian’s smile broadened, “That defiant spirit is just like me.”

Li Xingchang gave his not-so-young younger brother a sidelong glance, “Daohua is a girl; if she were truly like you, our sister would have a real headache.”

Li Xingnian disagreed, “I think it’s quite good this way. Being a bit stubborn means she won’t be bullied. Our sister is just too kind-hearted, and that’s why she’s been trampled on by that concubine all these years.”

“Ah…” Li Xingchang sighed, “She’s also doing it for the sake of our Li Family. You know full well what Zhigao’s attitude towards merchants is.”

Li Xingnian snorted, “That’s obscurantist! Without us merchants, how would goods circulate and trade happen everywhere? I think some people are just book-smart to the point of foolishness!”

“It’s the social climate; you should hold back on such comments.”

In the following days, Yan Zhigao was either in the Governor’s Office or was invited to visit by other officials; meanwhile, Daohua and the others, in the company of Li Xingnian, had managed to tour the entire Zhongzhou Prefecture.

During this period, Li Xingnian was at their beck and call, buying them anything they took a fancy to, so much so that even Wentao received many gifts, which made him feel quite embarrassed.

He who takes a gift often sells his freedom; Daohua, the faux child, also felt awkward and could only lavish praise: “Second Uncle, you truly are too kind. I actually brought gifts for you, Aunt, and my male and female cousins as well, only to have them ruined by someone.”

Li Xingnian was aware of this matter. If it hadn’t been to retrieve the potted plant intended as their gift, Daohua and the others wouldn’t have clashed with the son of the Prefectural Governor from Fanzhou. Although he was flattered in his heart, he nonetheless said,

“Next time you can’t be so reckless. The Prefectural City is not like Linyi County, nor is it like your rustic hometown. There are many nobles here, and you never know who you might run into.”

“You were lucky this time to have encountered a benefactor, otherwise, having offended the Prefectural Governor’s son, even your father would have suffered the consequences.”

Daohua sighed, “Second Uncle, rest assured, from now on I will keep my head down and behave.”

Seeing her exaggerated manners, Li Xingnian tapped her head. After several days of interaction, he knew that his niece might be young, but she already had a sense of propriety in handling situations, so he did not continue to lecture her.

Meanwhile, at the Zhongzhou Provincial Governor’s Office.

This performance report was the smoothest one Yan Zhigao had ever experienced.

In the past, each visit would bring its share of difficulties, but this time, not to mention difficulties, even his immediate superiors treated him with kindness and smiles.

He understood that all this was because of the distinguished young man whom his eldest daughter had saved.

He had made inquiries from various sources these days. Though he didn’t get any specific news, he did learn that the young man was currently following right beside Prince Rui.

A Prince?

Or the son of Prince Rui?

Yan Zhigao didn’t dare think too much about it. At this moment, his feelings were extremely restless. He had a premonition that this time, he was really going to be promoted.

In the main hall of the Governor’s Office.

Provincial Governor Dong Jiancheng was reviewing Yan Zhigao’s political accomplishments over the years.

The incident that happened at the inn had been reported to him by his eldest son on the very same day.

Although he still didn’t know what relation the Little Prince had with the young master of the Yan Family, Prince Rui had personally instructed him thereafter that if Yan Zhigao was someone who got things done, he should help him climb the ranks.

Since the Prince had spoken, a promotion was definite, but how and to what extent to promote him was somewhat troublesome for him.

“Yan Zhigao’s accomplishments are quite impressive, why hasn’t he been promoted all this time?” Dong Jiancheng wondered.

The subordinate beside him smiled and said, “My lord might not be aware, but this Yan Zhigao is a proud man who does not know how to socialize. As soon as he was transferred to Zhongzhou Province, he managed to offend Consultant Du.”

The subordinate didn’t go on, but Dong Jiancheng understood.

Dong Jiancheng didn’t say much. Having been stationed in Zhongzhou Province, he would return to the capital upon completing his tenure and had no desire to get involved in local official disputes. He only asked, “Where do you think we should promote him to?”

The subordinate chuckled, “Naturally, wherever is advantageous for my lord, that’s where he should be sent.”

Dong Jiancheng smiled with satisfaction, but soon the smile faded from his face, “The Little Prince doesn’t wish to return to the capital and is currently in a dispute with Prince Rui. Yan Zhigao’s promotion shouldn’t be too high nor too low.”

“… Right, let’s promote him to a Fifth-rank Prefectural Governor; a three-level promotion should suffice to honor the Prince’s prestige and the Little Prince’s favor. See which Prefectural Governor position is vacant and choose an intermediate one for Yan Zhigao.”

“Your subordinate obeys!”