Chapter 5 Promotion and Salary Increase, The Self-Deprecating Male Lead
Qin Qing smiled carelessly, the corners of his lips slightly raised as he changed the subject: "I wonder what plans Your Majesty has for the Qin Shu case?"
"Qin Shu is the legitimate daughter of the Qin family, she could have any man she wanted, how could she possibly force a flower boy? She must have been framed and is unable to prove her innocence. I suggest sending Qin Shu as an envoy to Baiyue to atone for her crimes through meritorious service."
Yue Shen immediately glared at Qiu Shuzhi kneeling on the ground, then showed a troubled expression: "Being framed is just Qin Shu's excuse to escape punishment. Her actions at the Zuixin Lou were witnessed by so many people. Making her an envoy would probably fail to appease public anger."
Qin Qing curled his lips in a smile, his expression light and slightly mocking: "Qin Shu is the legitimate daughter of a high official and an important minister of the state. Her every move affects the fate of the country. That person was merely a brothel courtesan, it doesn't matter if he died."
Yue Shen's face stiffened, not because of his belittling of the flower boy, but because of his phrase 'affects the fate of the country'. This country had long become the Qin family's country, how could she tolerate these ambitious wolves?
"If that's the case, then let's follow Father Empress's words." She said through gritted teeth, her gaze like an icy blade viciously cutting into Qiu Shuzhi's flesh.
Qin Qing closed the black-boned gold-painted fan in his hand, tapping the tip lightly in his palm. His gaze finally fell languidly on Qiu Shuzhi: "The Four Books and Five Classics are the words of the sages. What Official Qiu taught was not wrong. As the Son of Heaven, Your Majesty should study the ancient sages well and set a good example for your subjects."
He gave Yu Ye a look, and Yu Ye, quick-eyed and deft-handed, immediately stepped forward to help Qiu Shuzhi up.
Qiu Shuzhi had been kneeling on the ground for too long, and when she stood up, her knees were unsteady and she nearly fell.
Qin Qing's hand gripping the fan bones tightened: "Careful!"
Yu Ye hurriedly wrapped an arm around her waist to steady her.
"Thank you," Qiu Shuzhi said softly to Yu Ye.
Yu Ye released his hand and retreated to Qin Qing's side, his delicate face flushed red.
Seeing Qin Qing's earlier reaction, Yue Shen's smile turned cold: "Father Empress seems to favor Official Qiu greatly."
Qin Qing smiled carelessly, the corners of his lips slightly raised: "I naturally want to cherish talent for Your Majesty."
"Cherish talent?" Yue Shen's tone was low and unclear.
"I believe Official Qiu's scholarship and character are first-rate. It's really a waste for her to be just a lecturer scholar. Why not promote her to Hanlin Academy Scholar?" he said slowly.
Hanlin Academy Scholar, an official position of the fifth rank.
Unlike the previous Hanlin Academy Companion, the Hanlin Academy Scholar was responsible for drafting imperial edicts for the emperor. Although now most of the power was in the hands of the cabinet, compared to the previous powerless position of lecturer scholar, the position of Hanlin Academy Scholar not only promoted her official rank but also essentially put power into her hands.
"I am lacking in talent and learning, I cannot take on such an important task," said Qiu Shuzhi. She understood that Qin Qing was returning the favor, but she had only been in office for a few days and was already being promoted one rank.
She did not want to advance so quickly, as rapid promotion in officialdom would only make others envious.
Yue Shen smiled, almost writing the word 'contempt' on her face: "Since Father Empress recommends you, then let you be the Hanlin Academy Scholar."
"Official Qiu need not be so modest, this position can only be filled by you."
Qin Qing looked at the cold and aloof Qiu Shuzhi before him. Originally, he had intended to bring her into his camp now, but since her attitude was not yet clear, he let her remain in the Hanlin Academy, leaving her in Yue Shen's hands.
Yue Shen's attitude now clearly showed that she already detested her deeply. Only if Yue Shen continued to make things difficult for her would Qiu Shuzhi be more determined to lean towards the Qin family.
Qiu Shuzhi, a scholar from a humble background, had been promoted one rank after just a few days in office. The fifth rank was an official title that many old hands in the political arena could only dream of. Being so young and promising, her future prospects were limitless. Some people, smelling opportunity, began to curry favor with her, sending gifts which she rejected one after another.
There was even an unknown madman who stuffed a bar of gold into her house without leaving a name, making it impossible for her to return it even if she wanted to.
Taking advantage of the opportunity to draft an edict, Qiu Shuzhi brought this matter up with Yue Shen.
Yue Shen said indifferently: "If they give it to you, just keep it."
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