RPAGF Chapter 931 Nomination Cabinet
Chapter 931 Nomination Cabinet
“Everyone has seven emotions and six desires, how can one be completely unmoved?” Zhang Ping’an replied frankly.
"But this wealth is not something I can control on my own right now. It would be better to pretend it doesn't exist. Without desire, there will naturally be no curiosity."
Although he spoke casually, the most important thing was that, based on Zhang Ping'an's understanding of Li Mingxuan, he knew that Li Mingxuan would definitely tell him the whereabouts of the treasure map when he left, but he just wouldn't let him get his hands on it so easily.
The more indifferent he appears, the fewer obstacles he will face in obtaining it.
Even if he doesn't ultimately go treasure hunting, at least he has this to rely on.
"Hahaha, that's right. Everyone has emotions and desires, and no one can escape them," Li Mingxuan laughed and nodded, appearing to agree.
He then said, "Don't worry, since I chose to come to your residence to avoid trouble, I was prepared to make an exchange. I am not a person who goes back on his word. I will give you the treasure map when I leave."
Zhang Ping'an listened without any expression, then suddenly changed the subject and asked, "And what about you? Are you just willing to hand over the treasure map like that? With this wealth, you can always make a comeback, can't you?"
"As for me, I'm all alone. I'll just live my life like this. I have no ambitions anymore," Li Mingxuan said with a half-smile, spreading his hands. It was hard to tell if he was being sincere.
Zhang Pingan stared at him steadily, without asking any further questions. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement, so it was perfectly normal for them to mix truth and falsehood in their conversations.
After Li Mingxuan left, he ate his fill and then slipped inside. He had tacitly allowed Li Mingxuan to come in beforehand.
He knew this person was of great significance to Zhang Ping'an, and he was also very clear about the other person's identity.
However, he has followed Zhang Ping'an all the way to where he is today, so it is impossible for him to say that his hands are completely clean. He inevitably has to help Zhang Ping'an deal with some shady things from time to time. Whether he is a fugitive or not is not important to him.
"New Year's Eve is just around the corner. Arrange for him to leave the city on New Year's Eve. As for where he goes afterward, whether he lives or dies, we don't need to worry about that," Zhang Ping'an instructed calmly.
"Yes," he replied after finishing his meal, then reported, "While you were resting, sir, someone from the Ge family sent an invitation, inviting you to visit tomorrow. What do you think..."
"Yes, I understand. It's kind of you, Brother Ge," Zhang Ping'an felt a warmth in his heart.
After thinking for a moment, he said, "Send someone to the Ge residence to tell them that I am doing well. I will go to his residence after I finish my business these next two days. Brother Ge helped me a lot by relaying the message this time. Although it is a great achievement, the current situation in the court is complicated. It is not advisable to make too much of a fuss and involve him too early."
"Understood, I'll send someone to deliver the message right away. Master Ge will definitely understand that you did this for his own good, sir," he said with a smile after eating his fill.
“That makes sense. I have a very close relationship with Brother Ge, and he will definitely understand my concerns. When it comes time to reward those who have made contributions, I will report his contributions as well and will not leave him out.”
Just as Zhang Ping'an finished speaking, Xiao Yu'er suddenly knocked on the door and came in, "Dad, you've finally gotten up!"
"I was a little tired, so I slept a little longer. What? Are you getting impatient? I already told you that you don't need to wait for me for dinner anymore, you can eat in advance," Zhang Ping'an said with a helpless smile.
Then he gave Chibao a look, and Chibao quietly left.
Little Fish continued, "Grandpa and Grandma won't eat first, they insist on waiting for you. They're worried about you, let's go over now!"
"Okay, sure!" Zhang Ping'an nodded.
When the two arrived at the flower hall, Zhang Lao Er and Xu Shi were already somewhat drowsy from waiting. As people get older, they seem to be on the verge of falling asleep at any moment. When they saw that Zhang Ping An and his son had finally arrived, Xu Shi quickly opened her eyes and waved for the servants to set out the bowls and chopsticks.
"The food has been reheated twice already; it won't taste good if it's reheated any more. Eat up!"
After saying that, he nudged Zhang Lao Er: "Old man, wake up quickly. If you sleep now, you won't be able to sleep tonight."
Zhang Lao Er woke up abruptly upon hearing this, his eyes still a little blurry. After a moment, he was fully awake. "Son, Xiao Yu'er, you two are here! Come, come, let's eat! When you get old, especially in this cold weather, you get sleepy, haha!"
Little Fish went over and helped the two of them up, deliberately adding in a funny way: "May Grandpa and Grandma live to be a hundred years old!"
Madam Xu chuckled and said, "How could anyone live to that age? That would make you a centenarian!"
These were Xu's true feelings. She was already old enough and didn't want to live for several more decades.
In their hometown of Ezhou Prefecture, there is a saying that if an elderly person lives to a very old age, they will take away the lifespan and good fortune of their descendants.
If this is the price for her to live to be a hundred, then she would rather live a little less. Anyway, she has lived a full life, and she can have a grand funeral after she dies. How many people envy her? She knows all this very well.
Therefore, she is not afraid of death. Her biggest wish now is to see Xiaoyuer get married and have children. She has no other desires.
Zhang Lao Er shared the same thoughts as Xu Shi; he felt that he had lived a worthwhile life and had no regrets.
So she didn't dwell on the topic and instead changed the subject, asking her grandson with a smile, "I heard you talking to the servants earlier, asking them to help you maintain your bow and arrows. Did you make an appointment to go out tomorrow?"
"No, it's the day after tomorrow. The eldest son of the Minister's mansion is hosting a winter hunting trip outside the city, and we'll also go to their estate to soak in the hot springs. We've already made arrangements in advance," Xiaoyuer replied.
After saying that, he glanced at Zhang Ping'an.
Zhang Ping'an paused for a moment: "Why are you looking at me? If you want to go, just go. Do what you're supposed to do. Being too deliberate will only attract attention."
"Oh, it's nothing. I also made an appointment with Brother Wen and Brother Li, who were guests at our house last time," Xiaoyuer said.
“You’ve already told me about this before, I remember. It’s alright, go ahead and make more friends, it will be beneficial for your future career in officialdom,” Zhang Ping’an said, then picked up the soup bowl and gently blew on it.
Little Fish didn't say anything more.
The family began eating dinner.
…………
The next morning, the court was in complete uproar during the first court session of the night.
Whether it's the death of the King of Qin, the death of the Grand Preceptor Yuantong, or the fact that the Second Prince didn't die and once again plotted to usurp the throne, an explanation is needed for the court officials. Even if it's just a formality, this process is indispensable.
The morning court session lasted until almost noon.
Things went much as Zhang Ping'an had predicted. Grand Tutor Qian was the first to take the lead in supporting the Crown Prince and never mentioned his intention to resign again.
The court is currently in dire need of capable people, so his position as Grand Tutor is temporarily secure and will not be affected.
As for rewarding meritorious service, there is no official document yet, but judging from Zhou Pu's tone, Zhang Ping'an is probably going to be nominated for the cabinet.
If that's the case, then he would be the youngest cabinet minister since the founding of the Great Zhou Dynasty.