"Then I shall trouble Third Uncle," Yu Mingyue said.
Although she was now a sixth-rank official, setting aside her family background, she was not yet qualified to speak with Minister Qin.
Third Uncle's official position was not high; for many years, he had been a seventh-rank Palace Censor. However, he had the privilege of an audience with the Emperor and was familiar to His Majesty.
"We are family, no need for politeness," Third Master Yu waved his hand, a little abashed. "It's a pity that I've been able to do so little for the Duke's mansion these past years."
"After the Cui family's incident, Eldest Brother resigned. Third Uncle, disregarding your future, defended Eldest Brother. If not for Third Uncle speaking up in court, Eldest Brother might have been punished by the Emperor," Yu Mingyue said.
Third Master Yu had not mentioned this matter at home, as he was the only one in court from the Yu family at the time. He hadn't expected Yu Mingyue to know about it.
"It's not worth mentioning, not worth mentioning," Third Master Yu shook his head.
Although he had argued logically, the memorials impeaching the Yu family still poured in like snowflakes, impossible to suppress.
However, the Emperor did not seem to be angry with the Yu family because of the Cui family's affairs or those impeachments. Still, he issued an edict reprimanding his elder brother for his inadequate upbringing of his son and, under the guise of demotion, sent Eldest Young Master to Yumenguan.
"Third Uncle is right, we are family, no need for politeness. As Sixth Miss has just entered officialdom, I will trouble Third Uncle in the future."
"As long as our family works together, our Yu family will prosper," Yu Mingchuan also rose and said.
The uncle and his two nephews chatted about recent court affairs until the moon was high before parting.
...
Third Master Yu indeed handled the matter discreetly and resolved it quickly. Minister Qin and Minister Zhang were from the same school, but they were not on good terms.
Both of them were eccentric. Their political views clashed, but they acknowledged each other's abilities. They were diametrically opposed in court but did not scheme against each other in private; rather, they had a sort of love-hate relationship.
Minister Qin felt that Minister Zhang was his junior disciple. He could bully him, but others could not. After all, he was known as the God of Wealth of Great Wei, and it was too easy for this God of Wealth to block others' financial paths.
The officers of the Imperial Guard were investigating cases and arresting people everywhere. Food, clothing, shelter, and transportation all cost money. Previously, with the Emperor's special permission, the Ministry of Revenue had practically become Lu Jingxing's private treasury.
Today, Lu Jingxing's men hit a snag. They were told that the special funds for the Five City Imperial Guard had enough to last until the year after next. The mid-year inventory was approaching, and the Ministry of Revenue could not cover this deficit itself. Not only did they refuse to provide funds, but they also demanded that the money advanced be repaid.
"A new official at the Ministry of Revenue?" Lu Jingxing asked.
His subordinate shook his head. "No, it's still Chief Clerk Liu, but he said that Minister Qin personally instructed that it would be the same for anyone who came. The Ministry of Revenue has no money, and he also said that the Dali Temple's expenses have always been handled by themselves..."
His voice grew softer and softer, and he dared not look at Lu Jingxing's expression.
Lu Jingxing did not make things difficult for him and waved him away. Such trivial matters in the capital were quickly investigated.
Lu Jingxing sneered. These were just petty tricks; what harm could they do to him?
He was too busy to deal with her recently. He would settle the score with her after he finished his current tasks.
He would make her personally hand over the person she had hidden.
Song Yuming had been quite successful at the Dali Temple recently. He had been promoted, and his wedding was in three days; invitations had already been sent out.
Yu Mingyue had been promoted to Temple Master, and he had taken over as Deputy Temple Master. They were superior and subordinate, as well as good partners. Recently, they had jointly solved an old case.
Master Di rode his donkey, humming a tune, his mood better than usual.
As soon as he dismounted, Director Wang, who was by his side, hurried over. "My Lord, Deputy Temple Master Song is in trouble."