RPAGF Chapter 958 It's easier to get things done with your own people.
Chapter 958 It's easier to get things done with your own people.
Zhang Ping'an knew that his father-in-law meant to keep the initiative in their own hands, which was much better than handing it over to Minister Fan, and was a stroke of luck amidst misfortune.
But it's tough on those with small, beady eyes.
Firstly, he has a background as a royal merchant, and secondly, he is now a government official. If he doesn't do his job well, he will easily be disliked by both sides.
At this moment, Grand Tutor Qian secretly gave him a reassuring look, as if he had some kind of arrangement in mind.
Even someone with beady eyes like her had no choice; at this point, she could only accept the order.
Minister Fan turned his head and looked the group of people over several times, but said nothing more.
And so the matter was settled.
Zhou Pu was very satisfied with the result and soon announced the end of the court session.
As the group came out, Grand Tutor Qian said in a low voice, "Calm down first. We can talk about it at my residence tonight."
Zhang Ping'an and Green Bean Eyes nodded silently. The two separated and went to their respective duties. He knew that since this matter had already reached the Emperor's ears, it was not as simple as he had originally thought. There was no use in being anxious. All he could do now was to calmly and rationally look at the problem and then solve it.
A day passed quickly, and it was still chilly in early spring. Zhang Ping'an's mood was as cold as the weather.
He felt things were developing in a direction he had never anticipated.
When they arrived at the Qian residence, Green Bean Eyes had not yet arrived. Grand Tutor Qian was sitting in his study drinking tea, and his expression seemed fine.
"You're here? Please have a seat!"
"Thank you so much, Father-in-law, for taking this matter to heart!"
Grand Tutor Qian waved his hand dismissively, saying, "Officially, I am an important official of the court; personally, you are my son-in-law. I certainly cannot sit idly by in this matter. However, things are indeed more complicated than I imagined."
"What do you mean by that?" Zhang Ping'an asked in a deep voice.
Grand Tutor Qian put down his teacup and explained gently, “Actually, I noticed the matter of this Hibiscus Cream a couple of days ago. At first, I just thought they were making a small fuss, nothing serious. If the people wanted to buy it, let them buy it. Later, when they found out there was a problem with the product, no one bought it anymore. But I didn’t expect that Minister Fan would get involved and even encourage His Majesty to try it himself. Now that His Majesty has recognized the efficacy of this product and wants to promote it vigorously throughout the country, things have become a bit difficult.”
“That’s right, but I feel that Minister Fan is not the real mastermind. The Fan family has always been arrogant and has a family fortune passed down through generations. It was only a matter of time before the Furong Ointment ran into trouble. They have no reason to deliberately invite trouble.” Zhang Ping’an was somewhat puzzled by this.
It should be noted that aristocratic families generally cherish their reputation and value their family's honor. Although the Fan family is not among the top ten aristocratic families, they should not be underestimated, and there is no need to take any risks.
After hearing this, Grand Tutor Qian pondered for a moment before saying, "It does seem a bit illogical, but there is a cause and effect behind everything. The Fan family's ancestral home is in Hebei. Their original foundation was mainly in the capital and Hebei. However, after the Bai Chao Rebellion, various aristocratic families in the north migrated south and suffered heavy losses. Among them, the Fan family suffered the most and was severely weakened."
Moreover, their family's performance was unremarkable at the beginning of the new dynasty. There was a lack of talent among the younger generation; although they had many civil officials, most were simply living off their family's past achievements, and few were truly outstanding. They were on the verge of falling out of the ranks of top-tier families, which must have caused Minister Fan considerable anxiety. Furthermore, I heard that their family had previously secretly participated in the salt and iron trade under the guise of others, but due to the late emperor's sudden tightening of control over this area, their business failed, resulting in significant financial losses.”
Zhang Ping'an had also heard about this a few times. "I've vaguely heard others mention this, but I see that their family still acts in a high-profile and extravagant manner, showing no sign of trying to save money. I thought it was just a rumor, after all, they have a strong financial foundation."
Grand Tutor Qian shook his head, his tone indifferent yet subtly disdainful, "Even the thickest foundation can't withstand so many people squandering it. Social obligations, weddings and funerals—none of these can be taken lightly. With all that eating and spending, I think their family's savings are almost gone by now."
For aristocratic families, everything else can fall apart, but their dignity cannot. Otherwise, others will truly see through them. They are still a starved camel, bigger than a horse!
The late emperor was shrewd and strict in governing, so no one dared to make any underhanded moves. Now that the new emperor is on the throne, you saw what happened at the morning court session today. If this continues, alas…
After saying this, Grand Tutor Qian couldn't help but sigh.
No matter how much he wanted to protect himself and remain calm, in the long run, he did not want the country to have a tyrannical ruler so soon, as it would not be good for his family.
Zhang Ping'an was fully aware of what was left unsaid. The new emperor was stubborn, capricious, and easily swayed by sycophantic officials. All these signs made him uneasy.
“I understand, which is why you specifically recommended Brother Ge to personally oversee this matter during the morning court session just now.”
“That’s right. It’s always better to use your own people than outsiders. Minister Fan is clearly holding a grudge now and he’s not on good terms with you. You can only handle this from the shadows and not confront him directly.”
Zhang Ping'an nodded, somewhat worried, "I understand. This is all my father-in-law's good intention. However, Brother Ge has never liked to get involved in the intrigues and backstabbing of officialdom. I feel that this matter has implicated him somewhat."
After hearing this, Grand Tutor Qian glanced at Zhang Ping'an indifferently. "How can someone who is in the game of chess want to stay out of it? I have a good eye for people. As long as he is willing to cooperate, there will be no problem. This person is suitable for playing the fool to deceive others."
Zhang Ping'an's eyes twitched when he heard this evaluation. He actually thought the evaluation was quite objective. The green bean eyes may not be conspicuous, but they can always get things done quietly and efficiently. They are very knowledgeable!
Before he could finish thinking, the steward led someone in. The man with the beady eyes was very polite and well-mannered in front of Grand Tutor Qian, showing none of the carefree attitude he usually displayed in front of Zhang Ping'an.
Grand Tutor Qian was quite friendly towards the man with the beady eyes, and he didn't put on airs. He waved his hand and told him to sit down.
He even jokingly said, "I suddenly recommended you at the morning court session today. You didn't secretly curse me behind my back, did you?"
Upon hearing this, Green Bean looked terrified and quickly stood up to explain, "This junior wouldn't dare. Since you've taken this action, there must be a deeper meaning behind it!"
Grand Tutor Qian raised his hand. "Sit down and talk. Don't be so formal. I've always treated you and Ping An as equals. I won't waste time with pleasantries. Let's get straight to the matter of the Hibiscus Cream. The reason I recommended you this morning was twofold: first, because you have connections to the imperial merchants, His Majesty will surely agree to your recommendation; second, because you and Ping An have always had a good relationship, and having you handle this matter first will help us maintain control. This Hibiscus Cream matter is probably much more complicated than I thought; it's a very deep issue!"