Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity

Chapter 939 - 775: Entertaining Other Thoughts

Even if he passes the Advanced Scholar exam, what then? As long as the Old Madam is unwilling, Father wouldn’t dare to secure a position for him.Even if he wanted to rely on his own skills, it wouldn’t work, as the Old Madam forces Father to suppress him all the time. Whenever Father might slightly reveal his intentions, who in the court would meddle in such matters?

Helping him would mean offending Duke Zhen, who would undertake such thankless tasks?

In the end, he has no choice but to remain in the mansion to handle trivial affairs for the sake of filial piety.

For this, he has developed a deep hatred for his legitimate mother, but he is even more powerless against her. With the heavy burden of filial piety weighing down on him, he would be shattered.

"Now you are not too young; Hua and Zhuang are all grown up. It would be better for me to arrange a position for you outside, so when Zhuang proposes in the future, it can be displayed with pride."

Yao Qingqi was stunned and then a hopeful gleam burst forth in his eyes.

"Arranging an official position for me?" His voice trembled slightly, his lips quivered, and his expression was filled with disbelief.

Seeing this, Old Duke felt even more guilty.

"Indeed! You’re at such an age now; constantly managing trivial affairs in the mansion is absolutely unsuitable."

Upon hearing this, Yao Qingqi almost laughed in anger. Was it really his desire to manage affairs in the mansion? Wasn’t it that good legitimate mother of his who forced him?

However, upon reaching this thought, his face suddenly darkened.

Even though his legitimate mother’s family’s power has diminished significantly compared to before, a lean camel is bigger than a horse; would she agree?

Would she make it so he could never become an official all his life?

"Rest assured, Father promised you, and will certainly fulfill it." The Old Duke knew what his third son was worried about, so he spoke to comfort him.

Yao Qinglan and Yao Qingcheng both had a slight dim in their gaze, yet they still smiled and offered congratulations.

"Congratulations, third brother. You’ve secured an official position this time. In the future, you must serve well, don’t let Father and Mother down!"

"Indeed! You’ve previously refused to enter the officialdom, only wanting to manage affairs. After all these years, you finally realize. Let second brother congratulate you here first."

This time, the two brothers were incredibly in sync, cornering Yao Qingqi to a point where he couldn’t speak, forcing him to smile and accept their goodwill, while internally it almost made his blood boil.

He also intently swore in his heart that they might hinder him for a while, but never for a lifetime, just wait and see!

"In the future, when I enter officialdom, I would need the care of my two elder brothers!"

"Gu Chengyu is exceptionally capable, and the Emperor holds him in great regard. In this view, it’s no loss for the third girl to marry him. But..."

Yao Qingqi smiled and analyzed the previous event, initially wanting to continue.

However, he suddenly realized that if he stood out too much now, stealing the spotlight from the two legitimate brothers, it might leave them displeased.

If they put him in a difficult situation while he is arranging his official position, wouldn’t he then face more setbacks?

Thinking thus, he felt it better to hide his talents, so he decisively closed his mouth.

The Old Duke saw that his third son had more to say, glanced at the two legitimate sons sitting beside him, and realized this was a reluctance to show off, so he refrained from further inquiry.

He planned to ask his third son for his views once the two legitimate sons have left.

"Regarding the third girl, you should advise more. Although we previously felt she was wronged, now that the matter is resolved, she shouldn’t have any wild notions. Gu Chengyu does possess some capabilities, let’s wait and see."

Li Wei received the Holy Decree that day and when he returned to his post, he was distracted.

He couldn’t understand, why did the Emperor choose his family for the marriage with Prince Jing? His Li family isn’t one of those broken homes; they hold considerable power in the court, otherwise, he wouldn’t maintain his current position.

The Emperor granting his daughter in marriage to Prince Jing, was it intended to bind the Li family with Prince Jing? Was the Emperor not afraid they would collude and birth inappropriate thoughts?

Moreover, what about Xia Qing? He didn’t believe the Emperor was unaware of Xia Qing’s relationship with him.

Li Wei was perplexed, his heart was extremely anxious, just waiting to end his duty so that he could discuss strategies at Xia Qing’s mansion.

Finally, amidst the congratulations of his colleagues, Li Wei waited until the hour to leave his duties.

When Li Wei arrived at Xia Mansion, Xia Qing was already waiting in the study.

"Minister! What is the meaning of the Emperor’s arrangement for marriage?" Li Wei felt uneasy, fearing the Emperor might be dissatisfied with their Li family.

"The Emperor has his reasoning. Perhaps it is to weaken this old man’s influence, clearing obstacles for the Second Prince, who is soon to be the Crown Prince."

Xia Qing, sitting at the head, was indeed anxious inside; however, he had navigated the officialdom for many years and naturally would not display it.

"Is the Emperor aiming to take action against you?" Li Wei was shocked; no wonder he’s implicated. Would the Emperor seize this opportunity to eliminate their Li family?

Seeing the genuine fear on Li Wei’s face, Xia Qing squinted his eyes slightly.

He recalled the words from his adviser He Zhongkuan before Li Wei arrived and glanced at Li Wei once again.

He just said the Emperor indeed had such intentions but Li Wei knew the Prince Jing was selecting a bride; why didn’t he arrange a proposal for the legitimate daughter earlier?

Isn’t this exactly indicating that Li Wei is having second thoughts? Is it that since Li Wei saw Prince Jing with intellect and strategy, and the Emperor frequently oppressed himself, he then wants to seek another leader?

This can’t be impossible! After all, people always strive upward, water flows downward.

Besides, I’m just the Grand Secretary, and I’m already aged. If one day the aged Emperor ascends to the heavens, whether my position can be retained is still uncertain.

Would the new Emperor trust me? Should I be retired and give some space for others, that’s entirely probable.

The most important thing is that I haven’t yet chosen which Prince to support, making it difficult for the officials who follow me to be confident. If the new Emperor ascends, there’s a fear they won’t be trusted.

Recently, there’s a bit of dispersion among minds; Xia Qing felt it’s time to make a decision. It’s necessary to find someone visibly to stand by, or else all these years of planning might fall through.

"No need to worry, the Emperor still needs this old man for now, no need to be anxious for now. However, since the Second Prince has become the Crown Prince, with the Emperor being aged, we must align with the Crown Prince. After all, in the future when the Crown Prince ascends, if we try to attach ourselves then, people may not reciprocate."

After Xia Qing spoke, he closely observed Li Wei’s expression.

"Minister’s choice is the Second Prince? However..." Li Wei hesitated, feeling the timing was unfavorable.

Indeed, they’ve long missed the opportunity, and now even if they align themselves with him, the Crown Prince may not appreciate it.

Moreover, until the day of the establishment ceremony, who knows if any changes might occur?

The Eldest Prince and the Third Prince have been silent; there might be a big move brewing. Moreover, there’s still Prince Jing; this person must not be underestimated!

"How? You think it’s inappropriate?" Xia Qing’s expression slightly tightened, did He Zhongkuan guess correctly? Li Wei already has other thoughts?