Chapter 2811

Chapter 2811: Yun Ni’s Engagement

"The reforms within our Confucian officialdom over the past three years have been quite successful," the Emperor sighed with emotion.

Who could have imagined that a fifteen-year-old boy entering the court three years ago would bring such profound changes to the Great Confucian faction?

Thinking of this, the Emperor was now very eager to see what surprises Yun Xi would bring to the Ministry of Revenue.

Although Yun Xi knew he was changing positions, his current concern was mostly for his younger brother, Yun Xu.

"The metropolitan examination lasts nine days and eight nights. Bring plenty of lime; you can use it to heat your food," Yun Xi shared his experience. "However, you are luckier than I was. When I took the exam, it was supposed to be the autumn session, but it turned out to be the winter one. So, luck is also very important in the imperial examinations."

"This shows I have more luck than you, Brother," Yun Xu said.

Yun Xi smiled lightly. "Yes, you are luckier than me." He added, "Try to stay calm during the exam. Do not panic. You have gained experience from the county-level exams up to now, so there is no need to be afraid."

"En, I am not afraid," Yun Xu nodded seriously. "Brother, wait for me. After I get good results, I will help you."

Over the years, although Yun Xi never spoke of it, Yun Xu, as a Confucian scholar, knew well what was happening in the officialdom. His brother had entered the fourth-rank official position at a young age. Without such great achievements, the Emperor would not have promoted him so readily.

"Good, I will wait for you to help me," Yun Xi said with a smile.

Yun Xu was happy that his brother did not look down on him.

After seeing Yun Xu into the examination hall, Yun Xi returned home. Because of his brother’s matter, Yun Xi had taken a day off.

Nine days later, Yun Xi personally brought the exhausted Yun Xu home. Naturally, he called a doctor for a check-up, then Yun Xu bathed, ate, and slept. After everything settled, life seemed to return to normal.

Ten more days passed. Yun Xi did not go to see the metropolitan examination list, but he still learned the news. The Minister of Personnel told him that his younger brother had also passed the examination.

"You two brothers are truly enviable," the Minister said.

Yun Xi smiled. "Actually, my younger brother is indeed very outstanding."

"By the way," the Minister looked at Yun Xi. "Have you ever thought about getting married?"

Yun Xi replied, "A Confucian scholar decides his own marriage. Until I find someone who catches my eye, I have no intention of marrying."

Yun Xi was not against marriage, but marriage meant forming a family with another person. Therefore, no matter what, this family was very important. Yun Xi also understood one thing: since husband and wife were to spend their lives together, he would never allow himself to marry a woman hastily.

Moreover, at present, Yun Xi felt he should not think about marriage. Mainly because his book qi talent was too good, his lifespan was naturally longer than ordinary people. If he married someone casually, would he have to watch his wife age faster than him and die before him?

"With your mindset, does your brother think the same way?" the Minister asked curiously.

"Our family does not have a rule that the eldest brother must marry first. If my younger brother finds someone he wants to marry, I will absolutely support him marrying first," Yun Xi said seriously.

The Minister of Personnel nodded slightly. "By the way, I heard you have several younger sisters, right?"

"I have two younger brothers and two younger sisters. As you know, my eldest brother Yun Xu has passed the metropolitan examination. My younger brother is still young, only seven years old, so there is no need to worry about other things for him yet. My two younger sisters are twelve and ten years old, respectively."

"I heard your whole family possesses book qi, right?" the Minister continued.

"Yes," Yun Xi said with a smile. "Why is Your Excellency so curious about me today?"

"Sigh, it is not curiosity. I have a nephew who is seventeen this year and not yet married. He is also a Confucian scholar, but he only has low-grade book qi. He is currently a sixth-rank military officer," the Minister sighed. "You don't know, our whole family are literati, but we produced this strange descendant. He practices martial arts and likes it very much. But how to say it… my nephew’s personality is very straightforward and simple. If he really enters the civil officialdom, he might be sold and still count money for the seller. Therefore, I want to find someone capable. Seeing your family is so powerful, so…"

The Minister’s flattering and calculating expression made Yun Xi shake his head helplessly. "But even my eldest sister is only twelve."

Generally, women were required to marry before twenty, but actual marriages usually happened after fifteen. For women with book qi, the requirement could be relaxed, as long as they married before twenty-five.

"I am just securing it in advance. Besides, my nephew is currently just a sixth-rank military officer and cannot offer much. He needs to strive before your sister comes of age. But he must also understand his responsibility," the Minister said seriously.

Yun Xi thought for a moment. "How about this, Your Excellency? I want to meet your nephew first. If he is suitable, I can talk to my eldest sister. If my eldest sister is not willing, then even if I meet him, it is useless. If my eldest sister is willing, we will set the engagement. Marriage can only happen when my eldest sister is twenty. How does that sound?"

"Agreed," the Minister agreed immediately upon hearing Yun Xi’s words.

The Minister of Personnel was also a fox. He knew Yun Xi’s future was immeasurable, while his nephew was, in essence, a naive and simple person. Looking smart, he was actually a fool. If Yun Xi protected him in the future, nothing bad would happen.

"Then, on the day off in five days, I will invite you for tea. What do you think?" the Minister said seriously.

"That works," Yun Xi agreed immediately. Of course, he could also go home and tell Yun Ni about this matter.

Returning home, Yun Xi told Yun Jian, Mrs. Yu, and Yun Ni about this matter.

After hearing the news brought back by her brother, Yun Ni said, "I will listen to my brother. Brother, please help me judge. If the person is truly good, I will engage with her."

"How about this," Yun Xi smiled. "On the day off in five days, the Minister invites me for tea. I will take you, Father, and Mother along. The three of you can wait in the adjacent private room. If I think he is good, I will find an opportunity to bring him over for you to see. If I think he is not good, then forget it."

"I will listen to my brother," Yun Ni nodded seriously.

With the guidance of Madam Chen and having attended a specialized girls' school, Yun Ni possessed a very good temperament. With years of nourishment, Yun Ni’s appearance was naturally beautiful. Combined with her temperament, she gave people a sense of youthful elegance.

Yun Jian also said, "You decide this matter."

Although this was originally something he, as the father, should decide, he also knew that in the Yun family, Yun Xi’s status was special. Therefore, it was better to let him decide.

Seeing that her husband and daughter had no objections, Mrs. Yu naturally did not oppose it either.

Five days later, Yun Xi arrived at the teahouse as agreed. Of course, he arranged for his parents and Yun Ni to stay in a private room nearby. Only when the time was right did he go to meet the Minister of Personnel.

After meeting the Minister’s nephew, named Luo Hancheng, Yun Xi tested him slightly and knew that this guy was indeed as simple as the Minister had said.

However, such simplicity was a treasure for a family. Therefore, Yun Xi found an opportunity to take this simple man to meet Yun Jian and Mrs. Yu, mainly to let him meet Yun Ni.

As soon as Luo Hancheng saw Yun Ni, his eyes could not move away. Then his whole face turned red. From his appearance, it was clear that he had taken a liking to her.

Yun Ni, though a bit embarrassed by her gaze, did not get angry. Seeing her demeanor, she knew she had no frivolous intentions, so she nodded slightly to Yun Xi, indicating her agreement.

Seeing that everyone agreed, Yun Xi took Luo Hancheng out and, of course, gave the Minister of Personnel a clear reply.

Thus, the two families chose an auspicious day and set the engagement.

Time passed by another half month with this back-and-forth. During this half month, Yun Xu became the Zhuangyuan (top scholar) and was sent to the Hanlin Academy for probation.

That is right. Nowadays, the Hanlin Academy was mostly a trial for the top three scholars. The trial period would not be too long; actual assignments would be given within a year at most. Of course, because they were in the first tier, they were destined to have official ranks now. The second and third tiers would be arranged in corresponding departments or sent out to local posts.

With Yun Xi’s example, Yun Xu, the second person to achieve six consecutive first places, naturally became a fifth-rank official.

Seeing that Yun Xu’s matters had stabilized, Yun Xi went to find him. "Second Brother, after one year, do you plan to serve in the capital or go to the local areas?"

"Brother, having you in the capital is enough. I want to go to the local areas to do some practical work," Yun Xu said.

Yun Xi hummed. "As the Zhuangyuan, if you want to be a local official, your rank will generally not be too low. And after one year, I think there might be new arrangements." Yun Xi had an idea in mind. "So, during this period, look more into the coastal situations and understand foreign trade. I can handle the rest."

Although Yun Xu did not know what his brother wanted to do, he knew one thing: since his brother did this, there must be a reason. Therefore, he naturally agreed.

Yun Xi had an idea in mind, but before he made up his mind on how to proceed, he was transferred to the Ministry of Revenue.

Of course, it was a lateral transfer.

Yun Xi was originally troubled by his idea, needing the Ministry of Revenue’s help. Now it was good; he could operate directly. Having an idea, Yun Xi wrote down what he wanted to do. It took about half a month. Seeing that it was nearly complete, he went to see the Emperor.

The Emperor smiled when he saw Yun Xi. "I heard you have been very busy recently."

Yun Xi glanced at the Emperor. After years of interaction, Yun Xi understood the Emperor’s character very thoroughly. Just glancing at the Emperor, he slowly said, "Your Majesty, there is no need to deliberately test this humble subject. This humble subject does not visit the Three Jewels Temple without a cause."