Chapter 418: A Promotion

Huang Jin prepared the imperial edict, but errands like this were still to be handled by the little eunuch Huang.

When the little eunuch appeared once again at the Hanlin Academy, the scholars inside could hardly contain their inner outrage. Each of them felt as though a thousand wild horses were galloping through their minds: Why are you here again? Trip after trip—aren’t you tired yet? Will this ever end?!

Outside the Imperial Library, the little eunuch was calling for someone. Inside, Zhu Ping’an was organizing the collection of books. Two thin volumes lay on the table beside him. One appeared to be a travelogue, while the other seemed to be a record from the Honglu Temple.

“May I ask, sir, what type of text does His Majesty require this time?” Zhu Ping’an stepped out and bowed respectfully at the little eunuch. From his past experiences, the little eunuch had come twice already, and both times he had sought books. Zhu Ping’an suspected this trip would be no different.

“This time it’s not books—he wants someone.” The little eunuch smiled, his tone light and almost teasing.

“Someone?” Zhu Ping’an blinked in surprise, uncertain of the meaning behind the words.

“Hehe, allow me to congratulate Master Zhu,” the little eunuch said with a bow, clasping his hands together. “Congratulations, Master Zhu. My utmost felicitations.”

“May I ask, sir, what brings such joy?” Zhu Ping’an inquired politely.

“Master Zhu’s skill in procuring books has earned the Emperor’s favor. His Majesty wishes to reward you personally. Please prepare yourself to join me in the Western Garden to receive the imperial commendation.” The little eunuch’s smile bloomed like a chrysanthemum, as if he were the one about to receive the reward.

Outside, the Hanlin scholars who had idly gathered to watch couldn’t help but gasp. Their eyes widened in astonishment, brimming with envy. From afar, Yuan Wei’s gaze burned with jealousy, resentment, and longing.

Though they had long known Zhu Ping’an’s efficiency in finding books would leave a good impression on the Emperor, none had expected it to reach such heights—so high that the Emperor would summon him personally for praise.

This kind of luck… it’s unbelievable!

Two measly books, and now he’s summoned for an imperial commendation? All the painstaking poems I wrote, and His Majesty never summoned me for a single word of praise! Yuan Wei’s eyes began to redden as he brooded.

“Please wait a moment, sir,” Zhu Ping’an said politely to the little eunuch. After receiving a nod, he turned back into the library. He strode quickly to the table, picked up the two thin volumes, flipped through them briefly, and tucked them into his sleeve.

Though the imperial summons was ostensibly a reward, Zhu Ping’an felt he must still prepare. The two volumes he had just handled were his preparation for this very moment.

When Zhu Ping’an arrived at the Western Garden, he was even more struck by its beauty. Flowers and greenery stretched in every direction, transforming the garden into a dreamlike paradise. Crossing the bridges spanning the Central and Southern Seas, he glimpsed a few white cranes frolicking in the water, their elegance heightening the ethereal atmosphere. No wonder Emperor Jiajing lingered here, unwilling to return to the Forbidden City.

The little eunuch led Zhu Ping’an into the hall where Emperor Jiajing was holding court. The ministers were still debating the maritime trade restrictions, sipping tea whenever their heated arguments made their throats dry. For these officials, whether the maritime ban was strict or relaxed mattered not just to the nation’s economy, but to their personal interests. Hence, the intensity of their disputes.

“Your humble servant Zhu Ping’an pays homage to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor, ten thousand times ten thousand years!” Zhu Ping’an entered the hall with clear focus, observing carefully, bowing deeply to the Emperor seated high on the dragon throne.

His voice rang out loud and clear, immediately capturing the attention of everyone in the hall. Even the ministers mid-debate paused, sharing a rare, unspoken agreement to sip their tea and rest briefly.

“Rise, my dear minister.” Emperor Jiajing inclined his head.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Zhu Ping’an replied, rising gracefully.

“Though you are young, you have recently impressed me greatly,” Emperor Jiajing said, shifting to a more comfortable posture on the throne.

“Your servant is unworthy of such praise,” Zhu Ping’an replied humbly.

“Why be unworthy? You are still young, yet you think of serving the nation. Those who occupy positions without effort should feel ashamed, not you!” Emperor Jiajing praised Zhu Ping’an, while simultaneously casting a subtle rebuke toward the ministers present.

“We are ashamed, Your Majesty,” the ministers responded in unison.

“Enough. I do not mean you,” Emperor Jiajing waved them off with a glance.

“Do you know why I summoned you?” the Emperor asked, looking directly at Zhu Ping’an.

“Your servant has heard that Your Majesty wishes to bestow a reward upon me,” Zhu Ping’an answered honestly.

“Correct. I wish to commend you. But do you know why I am rewarding you?” the Emperor pressed.

Zhu Ping’an thought for a moment. “It must be because I submitted the texts promptly, Your Majesty.”

“That is part of it,” Emperor Jiajing said, shaking his head. “A few days ago, the governor of Shuntian Prefecture, Zhou Houjie, submitted a memorial praising your role as the chief in solving a difficult murder case. And the poems you previously presented, though somewhat frivolous, greatly pleased me. Today, when I sent someone to request texts from the Hanlin Academy, your speed in delivering them impressed me. In the past, even when I urged them repeatedly, the Academy would still delay half a day or more!”

“Minister Huang, proclaim the decree,” Emperor Jiajing commanded, waving his hand to Huang Jin.

Huang Jin stepped forward, unfurling a yellow scroll and began reading aloud:

“By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Zhu Ping’an of the Hanlin Academy has fulfilled his duties with utmost diligence… is hereby promoted to the position of Reader of the Hanlin Academy, and awarded ten taels of silver as a token of commendation…”

Promoted? Already? Just like that? Zhu Ping’an’s promotion seemed almost absurdly easy.

The senior ministers and officials of the Six Ministries who heard the decree exchanged stunned glances, then looked at Zhu Ping’an, who seemed dazed with joy. They could hardly believe it. This young scholar, newly appointed, had been promoted in just a few days! In their experience, promotions required years of toil. Zhu Ping’an merely retrieved a couple of books and wrote a few poems, and now he had risen in rank!

Some ministers even whispered doubts, suspecting Zhu Ping’an might be the Emperor’s secret son, for promotions never came this easily.

The most indignant was Minister of Personnel Li Mo. As the overseer of all official promotions, Li Mo had always maintained strict fairness. Promotions, in his view, required real accomplishments and good conduct.

And Zhu Ping’an? He had neither.

Accomplishments? Li Mo seethed internally. Retrieving two books is an accomplishment? Has he served the people? Contributed to the realm?

Virtue? Li Mo’s disdain deepened. He’s too close to Yan Song to be trustworthy! And those poems he presented… empty flattery, pandering to the Emperor, with no thought of true service or governance!

In Li Mo’s eyes, Zhu Ping’an’s rapid promotion owed more to his connections with Yan Song, who had spoken favorably of him to the Emperor, than to any merit of his own.

Pathetic! Li Mo snorted in contempt, refusing even to look at this shameless opportunist properly.