Chapter 050

Chapter 50: Tang Yao Ming’s Appointment Is Settled

With Madam Tao’s guidance and advice, Tao Yi Ran rekindled her warmth toward Tang Rong; yet no matter how practiced and tender she acted on the surface, the image of Tang Rong’s swollen, pig?faced look was lodged in her heart. She also seized the chance to contact several close boudoir friends and married women of their clan, beginning preparations to attend a banquet next month.

Tang Rong noticed nothing different about her; each day he fretted over when the marks on his face would fade so he could report to the Ministry of Rites, and he sent people to find out who intended to compete with him for the Ministry of Rites post. Tang Mo’s words had, after all, sunk in.

Early one morning, Tang Yong’s son Tang Yao Ming was at home overseeing his younger brother’s calligraphy; when Tang Yong came by and saw him instructing intently on brushwork, he sighed. With no appointment coming down for so long, he worried his son’s state of mind would suffer.

Shortly after, Tang Yao Ming stepped out of the study; after much hesitation, Tang Yong still asked: “You visited your two classmates yesterday. Any luck?”

Although Tang Mo had promised to help arrange something, Tang Yong knew exactly what Tang Mo’s situation was in the marquisate. He also feared that getting close to them might displease the Grand Matron and make Tang Mo’s position even more difficult. If they could find another path to resolve the matter, there would be no need to trouble Tang Mo.

Tang Yao Ming shook his head and said, calm where his father was anxious: “There are so many alternates waiting in the capital, and many can afford the substitute fee. Good chances are few. Everyone says they can try something, but no one dares promise.”

Compared with Tang Yong’s worry, Tang Yao Ming was more sanguine: “If not this month, then next; if not next, then the month after. It will come. It is my fault for ranking so far down.”

He added with quiet resolve: “I have thought it over. In a couple of days I will go out and find a job to do for the time being. I am not in a rush.”

Tang Yong protested, hating his own powerlessness: “How can you not be anxious? We may have the marquisate at our back, but it cannot be relied upon; we can only rely on ourselves. I have been spineless all my life; must I make you brothers the same?”

He steeled himself and said: “If it really does not work, I will go plead again at the marquisate. It should be possible.”

Tang Yao Ming began: “Father…”

Before he could finish, the house steward hurried in to announce: “Master, young master, an official from the Ministry of Personnel has arrived. Please come to the front court at once.”

Father and son exchanged a glance and hastened forward. The visitor from the Ministry of Personnel was Liu Ming Yuan. Because his brother?in?law had spoken up, he took the matter to heart; besides, he had quietly pocketed his brother?in?law’s gift as private money, so he handled the business briskly and soon found a suitable opening for Tang Yao Ming. Ordinarily he would not have come in person for such a matter, but he wanted to see what sort of man his brother?in?law had recommended; if the fellow proved lacking, he would apply a bit of pressure.

Tang Yong led Tang Yao Ming forward at a quick pace, bowed, and apologized: “Lord Liu, I did not come far enough to greet you; please forgive the discourtesy.”

Liu Ming Yuan nodded politely and said: “I am here today concerning your son’s appointment, Mr. Tang. There is no need for excessive ceremony.”

They invited him to sit in the main hall; once tea was served, Tang Yong cautiously asked whether the Ministry of Personnel had finalized a post. After a sip, Liu Ming Yuan spoke: “I was entrusted by someone who said that the newly minted jinshi Tang Yao Ming is upright and talented, and that it is a pity he has been idle at home. I came specially to meet him.”

Tang Yao Ming hurried forward to pay his respects. Seeing that his looks were decent, his gaze clear, Liu Ming Yuan also tested him with a few questions; when the answers flowed readily, he was reassured and said: “Half a month ago, the Inspection Court of the Censorate opened a vacancy for an Imperial Censor. Censor Tang, here is your appointment letter; report and take office within three days.”

“The Inspection Court of the Censorate?” The father and son were stunned. Their goal had always been an outside-post magistrate, not because they wanted it so much as because they had never dared hope for a capital appointment. The Censorate is divided into three courts, the Terrace Court, the Hall Court, and the Inspection Court; among them, the Inspection Court has the lowest rank but heavy responsibilities and great authority, a place many covet.

Even Tang Rong’s post at the Ministry of Rites only looked grand and imposing; measured by substance, it was far inferior to an Imperial Censor in the Inspection Court, even though that court had ten Imperial Censors.

Coming back to himself, Tang Yao Ming bowed and received the letter with both hands, saying: “Thank you, Lord Liu. I will never forget this favor of promotion.”

At this moment, he was already a seventh?rank official of the Imperial Court, and one with real authority.

Liu Ming Yuan smiled and advised: “The Inspection Court carries great power and responsibility; the work is not so easy. Apply yourself and get up to speed quickly.”

As he rose, Tang Yong hastened to ask: “May I inquire, Lord Liu, on whose behalf this request was made, so that we may properly offer thanks?”

Liu Ming Yuan smiled and replied: “Ask your nephew Tang Mo and you will know.”

He added: “I have pressing matters. I will take my leave.”

Father and son respectfully escorted him to the gate. Madam You hurried after them, angry at their lack of sense, and scolded: “I had already prepared generous gifts, and you let the lord leave empty?handed?”

The two seemed to awaken from a dream, regretful and anxious; the shock of elation had left them dazed, and they muttered: “He is already far gone.”

Madam You gave father and son a thorough tongue?lashing, then asked for details. Tang Yao Ming opened the appointment letter and read it again and again. Learning that her son would not have to travel a thousand li to take up an out?of?town post, Madam You was overjoyed. She ordered a lavish meal to celebrate together that evening and sent a man to carry the good news to Tang Yao Ming’s father?in?law. Yao Ming’s wife had returned to her parents’ home yesterday to ask for help; sending this message would let her rejoice and hold her head high before her family.

She said with delight: “Shun Shun is not back yet, is he? We should thank him properly. Of everyone in the marquisate, he is the most loyal.”

Tang Yao Ming closed the letter and reminded her: “Mother, cousin does not like being called Shun Shun.”

“Then call him A Mo,” Madam You said with a smile. Tang Yong smiled as well, happy to have such a nephew, and said cheerfully: “When he returns, invite him over for a meal. He must also have asked others for help; when the time comes, ask what it cost. We should pay.”

He chuckled and added: “They say the boy is unreliable, but he seems quite capable to me.”

They urged Tang Yao Ming to keep up ties with Tang Mo, saying: “In any case you are close kin. His willingness to help shows he wants to keep in touch. You brothers should support one another. The older generation’s grievances have nothing to do with you; leave them be.”

Tang Yao Ming agreed. He was not very familiar with Tang Mo and only knew his reputation was not good, but reputations are the most insubstantial things; there might well be hidden circumstances.

The whole family was delighted by the news. Far away at the estate, Tang Mo was at that moment with Xin An, watching the boys play cuju. The winning team would get a reward, and the boys were fired up, especially the one named Er Shan, who greatly pleased Tang Mo. He appraised him with approval and said: “He is sturdy, quick, with a hint of ferocity, and most importantly, keen. A fine seedling.”

After watching for two days, the more Tang Mo saw, the more he liked him. All the boys on the estate followed Er Shan’s lead and accepted his authority, and Tang Mo judged: “If he is given a chance, there is a good chance he will make something of himself.”

Hearing his unending praise, Xin An suggested: “If you like him that much, take him in. He can run errands and sniff out news for you.”

The family’s circumstances were not bad, though, and they might not consent.