The journey of the only child of a peasant family to take the imperial examination

Zhang Ping'an naturally listened attentively to the advice on the human relationships and operating rules in officialdom.

Especially for officials who do not have a very deep background, this kind of advice can be said to be priceless.

Grand Tutor Qian didn't keep the topic a secret and continued, "Although we often say that higher-ranking officials can crush those with the most power in the officialdom, you should also be able to see that rank isn't the only factor determining power. Even if you're a second-rank official, you could still be constrained or even manipulated by officials of lower ranks. The importance of a position often far outweighs rank. A mere censor of the sixth or seventh rank could impeach you. Furthermore, take me, for example. So what if I'm Grand Tutor? While I hold a noble position, the power I wield is far less than that of Prime Minister Lu. I'm just a name!"

"I understand this, but I don't know how I offended Prime Minister Lu and made him target me." Zhang Ping'an was really puzzled by this.

He thought that he was cautious in his conduct, work and official duties, and should not have accidentally offended a big shot of such a high rank.

Grand Tutor Qian shook his head and said, "You didn't offend him, but your immediate superior, Lord Guo. Prime Minister Lu was simply taking advantage of the situation. Do you still remember Lu Huaixin, the top scholar of your year?"

"Of course I remember. He was originally awarded the position of editor in the Hanlin Academy. I heard that he was later sent to Shandong. Now he should be promoted to prefect. It can be said that he has risen to a high position and has a smooth career." Zhang Pingan quickly recalled this person from his mind after hearing this.

He has always ordered people to pay attention to the developments of his peers, after all, these are all connections.

Speaking of which, this person is now the local official in Shuisheng’s area!

"I haven't dealt with this man very often. From what I remember, he's always been polite and courteous, from a prominent family, well-educated, proud but not overbearing. He's from the same family as Prime Minister Lu. Could he be related to him?"

"Lu Huaixin is Prime Minister Lu's nephew, and also a younger generation that the Fanyang Lu family has focused on training. The position of Deputy Privy Councilor has been vacant for a long time. Prime Minister Lu originally wanted to fight for his nephew to temporarily take over the position of Deputy Privy Councilor so that he could take the opportunity to transfer him back to the core of power in the capital. He never expected that the emperor would give this position to you so easily. Not only did you block his way, but you were promoted so quickly and you didn't join his faction. Naturally, he wanted to kick you out before you could gain a firm foothold. It just so happened that you offended Lord Guo, the Privy Councilor, so he took advantage of the situation and pushed you forward, which led to what happened in today's morning court."

"So that's how it is," Zhang Pingan nodded in understanding.

He was the son-in-law of the Qian family, so naturally people assumed he was from the faction of his father-in-law, Grand Tutor Qian. The position of Deputy Privy Councilor was a powerful position, and once he grew up, he would be the right-hand man of the Qian family. It made sense for Prime Minister Lu to eliminate dissidents in advance.

Master Qian glanced at his son-in-law and continued, "As for why you offended Lord Guo, you should know what you have done."

"As far as I know, the former Tongpan of Ezhou Prefecture, Guo, seems to have nothing to do with the Guo family of Fu County. Could there be some connection that I don't know about?" Zhang Ping'an pondered.

"You only know one side of the story. That Judge Guo is indeed not from the Guo family of Fu County, but he and Lord Guo's brother are sworn brothers. He secretly depends on the Guo family and has done many shady things for the Guo family. He is considered a minion of the Guo family in Ezhou. Only a few people know about this.

"Besides, this man isn't very impressive, not a significant figure. You don't know what's normal. I never thought you'd get involved with him, and you easily wiped him out. That's why Lord Guo holds a grudge against you. When you beat a dog, you have to look at its owner. I'm letting this incident teach you a lesson!" "Grand Tutor Qian said slowly.

"I understand. Thank you, father-in-law, for clearing up my confusion. However, now that things have come to this, I, your son-in-law, cannot just give in. Lord Guo and I are the principal and deputy principal in the Privy Council, so our relationship is very delicate. After all, as the deputy envoy, I not only help him share government affairs on the surface, but also serve the purpose of decentralizing power and balancing power to prevent him from becoming too powerful. It is unlikely that he will like me. Now that we have a grudge against each other, it is even more impossible," Zhang Ping'an replied, sighing in his heart. It seems that there will be a tough battle to fight in the Privy Council.

"It's good that you can see through this. The emperor definitely doesn't want you to have too close a relationship with Lord Guo, just like me and Prime Minister Lu. The essence of imperial power is to let the subordinates check and balance each other, so that the emperor can feel at ease." Grand Tutor Qian admired his son-in-law a little.

Then he sat up straight and got back to the point, asking, "I heard that the emperor invited you to have lunch with him today. Does the emperor mean that you should take the initiative to take this task, or...?"

"All this still requires the help of my father-in-law," Zhang Pingan replied quickly.

"Well, you are my son-in-law. In the eyes of outsiders, we are one. I will naturally help you. However, serving a king is like serving a tiger. When the rabbit dies, the dog is cooked. When the bird is dead, the bow is put away. This is not uncommon.

To advance in officialdom, it's not about how quickly you rise or how prominent you are, but about always keeping in mind the principle of balance and moderation, adhering to the code of conduct as a minister and never overstepping boundaries, discerning the emperor's will and understanding his heart, cultivating good relationships, acting with caution, protecting your reputation and preserving your integrity, and retreating when the going gets tough. Avoid three things: first, getting involved in the succession dispute; second, attempting to be a 'lone minister' and becoming a target of public criticism; and third, touching upon core imperial power, such as the military, the succession, and the harem. Only in this way can you maintain the emperor's favor and achieve a successful end! This is also the reason why our Qian family has survived for thousands of years and reached this day."

These words can be said to be the essence of being an official, and also show that the Qian family is currently determined to support him to maintain his position as the Deputy Privy Councilor.

In any case, Zhang Ping'an was very grateful for the advice.

He immediately bowed sincerely and thanked him respectfully: "I thank you, father-in-law, for your kindness. I am grateful that you have not looked down upon my ignorance and have carefully guided me in the affairs of the court today. I have benefited greatly from this and have been enlightened. This kindness is more important than Mount Tai, and I will definitely live up to your expectations!"

"Get up, as long as you understand it in your heart," Master Qian stepped forward and personally helped the man up.

He instructed, "This matter won't be finalized until at least the end of the year. First, prepare well for next month's royal hunting trip. This is a great opportunity for you to truly integrate into the core circle of officials in the capital!"

"I understand, son-in-law," Zhang Ping'an nodded.

The father-in-law and son-in-law then had a secret conversation for a while. It was getting late. Master Qian seemed to be in a very good mood today and specially invited Zhang Pingan to dinner.

Zhang Ping'an took the opportunity to stay for dinner with his son. Coincidentally, his two brothers-in-law Qian Ying and Qian Jie were also at home today, so they joined them.

Xiao Yuer had a good time in school today. The fight with the two boys from the Qian family last time was not entirely without benefits. At least the students in his class knew that he was not someone to be trifled with, and no one dared to bully him.

In addition, he was smart and good-looking, so with a little effort, he quickly became friends with the other people in the school.

After finishing their meal, the father and son quickly said goodbye and went back.

Qian Ying frowned and said, "Father, I heard that the emperor summoned my brother-in-law to dinner today. It seems that he has a favorable impression of him. Should we come forward to protect him? Being sent on a diplomatic mission to the Western Regions is not easy. If it is not handled properly, it may lead to another round of war in the northwest. Although my brother-in-law is very talented, he is still young and has been promoted too quickly. He has blocked the way for some people. I am afraid that his mission will not be smooth. If he fails, he will be demoted. In my humble opinion, it is better to let someone else handle this matter!"

Qian Jie also said in a gruff voice, "Yes, it would be a shame if he was demoted from a second-rank privy councilor like this. He will be a great help to the family in the future!"

Upon hearing this, Master Qian smiled and glanced at his two sons, then stood up and said, "Originally, your father thought the same as you, but now... there's no need to worry. Let him do it. Who knows, there might be unexpected surprises!"

Qian Ying and Qian Jie looked at each other, not quite understanding what their old father was up to.

Through today's conversation, Grand Tutor Qian has already understood that the emperor is willing to support him as a son-in-law. With the emperor's support and his assistance, this matter is not impossible.

It seems that he has to consider remarrying his son-in-law.

Thinking of this, Master Qian turned around and walked to the backyard. He thought that the women in the family would know better which suitable women there were in the clan.