After traveling through time, I was raised by a little brat

April, a sunny month, might seem like just another ordinary month to many, but for some officials, it marked a crucial moment in their careers: the triennial performance appraisals. The Ministry of Personnel, responsible for these appraisals, was bustling with activity. But Tang Jili, the Vice Minister of Personnel, shouldered an even heavier burden. He hadn't been home for seven days, living and eating at the Ministry, constantly busy with various matters.

On this day, Wei Huaimin, the magistrate of Cheng County, Yangzhou, arrived at the Ministry of Personnel with a staggering 100,000 taels of gold. Knowing the importance of this assessment, he attempted to bribe Tang Jili to ensure an "excellent" result and a promotion to Yangzhou's co-magistrate. Faced with such a substantial bribe, Tang Jili's expression shifted, a mixture of anger and worry.

Wei Huaimin watched Tang Jili's changing expressions and thought he had a chance. He quickly stepped forward and said in a low voice, "Sir, if you do me this favor, the money will be yours. Moreover, we can have a long-term cooperation in the future..." Before he could finish his words, Tang Jili suddenly stood up and interrupted him with a serious face, "Shut up! I have always been honest and upright and would never accept bribes. What you are doing is not only an insult to me, but also a violation of the laws and regulations of the court!"

Wei Huaimin's face instantly turned to anger, and he dared not say anything more. At this moment, Tang Jili's mind was full of thoughts. Before him, Tang Jilian came with the Wanmin sail, and after him, someone came with 100,000 taels of gold. How unpredictable the world is.

One hundred thousand taels of gold, which is almost equivalent to the country's tax revenue for half a year! Faced with such a huge bribe, Tang Jili was not tempted by the money. He carefully reviewed Wei Huaimin's political achievements and found that he had not brought any benefits to the local people during his three years in office. Although he was in the prosperous Yangzhou, Cheng County suffered disasters almost every year and life was difficult. With such political achievements, not to mention promotion, it would be great if he was not punished. Therefore, Tang Jili decisively gave him the position of chief clerk of Pei County, Youzhou, which was a demotion instead of a promotion.

However, Wei Huaimin left the Ministry of Personnel with a gloomy face. He had always been a person who would not give up until he achieved his goal. Since this path in the Ministry of Personnel was not feasible, he could still find other ways.

For local officials like Wei Huaimin, they had almost no connections in the imperial capital. They wanted to send gifts, but they couldn't find the means because the high-ranking officials looked down on these local officials who were sent out. He visited several ministers, but was rejected by each one.

However, Wei Huaimin is not the kind of person who gives up easily. If he really goes to Pei County to be a small chief clerk, his future life will probably be very difficult, and he may even find it difficult to satisfy the basic necessities of life: food, drink, and entertainment.

So, Wei Huaimin decided to take a different approach. He headed for Chunfengfang, the most famous brothel in the imperial city. However, he wasn't there to seek pleasure, but to gather information. After all, as the saying goes, brothels, inns, and restaurants are where information converges. Even if he couldn't get any useful information, at least he could spend some time there, and perhaps even run into some officials and establish connections with them.

Wei Huaimin entered Chunfengfang, his wallet bulging with money. As soon as he entered, a pimp came up to him, beaming, "Sir, you're here!" Wei Huaimin pulled a silver coin from his pocket, handed it to the pimp, and said, "Take me to see your mother." The pimp took the silver and, beaming, led Wei Huaimin upstairs to a room. The pimp knocked gently on the door, and a lazy voice rang out from inside: "Come in." The pimp pushed the door open and ushered Wei Huaimin inside.

The room was thick with the scent of powder. The madam was sitting on a chair, applying lipstick. Seeing Wei Huaimin walk in, she looked him over, a hint of doubt in her eyes. She stood up and approached him, a professional smile plastered on her face. She said softly, "This young man looks unfamiliar. What's your name?" Wei Huaimin replied calmly, "My last name is Wei." The madam nodded and pointed to a woman in red beside her. "This is one of our most beautiful girls, Hong Qian. Let her accompany you." Wei Huaimin frowned slightly and said unhappily, "Mom, what do you mean? I didn't ask you here for this." He pulled out a tael of gold from his pocket, tossed it on the table, and said coldly, "This is a reward for you."

When the madam saw the gold, her eyes lit up, and her previously cold attitude instantly became enthusiastic. She hurried over to Wei Huaimin and said with a sweet smile, "Oh, it's Master Wei. I'm so sorry! I wonder if you have any requests?" Wei Huaimin said slowly, "I'd like to know which officials frequently patronize your shop. Could you please introduce them to them?"

When the madam heard this, her expression changed slightly. She rolled her eyes and said with a smile, "Master Wei, this matter is probably not going to be easy. Those high-ranking officials will not listen to a mere madam like me."

Wei Huaimin smiled slightly, took out another ounce of gold from his pocket, placed it on the table, and said calmly, "As long as Mom is willing to help, I will give you another ten ounces of gold after the matter is completed."

The madam looked at the two pieces of gold, wondering if this deal was worth it. Ultimately, she decided to take the job. After all, a client as generous as Wei Huaimin wasn't common, and if she could get more rewards, it would be a significant income for her. So, the madam put the gold away and said with a smile, "Since Mr. Wei is so sincere, I'll give it a try. However, I can't guarantee success." Wei Huaimin nodded in understanding.

Every three years, during the Ministry of Personnel's assessment, some minor officials would come to Chunfengfang to seek opportunities for promotion. However, the officials in the imperial city were not fools, and they all knew that entering brothels and taverns was strictly prohibited during these two months.

"Of course not," the madam replied coldly. Wei Huaimin's face darkened instantly. But then the madam added, "But the illegitimate son of Minister Zhan Huanren, the Cabinet Scholar, is listening to music in Qingniang's room on the second floor." With that, she took the silver and left.

What was very surprising was that Wei Huaimin actually personally carried a heavy plate of gold, knocked on the closed door, and walked in without hesitation. As for what happened in that mysterious room, no one knew.

However, rumors circulated that Wei Huaimin had once again quietly sneaked into Lord Zhan's residence through a hidden corner gate the following evening. This bizarre series of events was puzzling, seemingly concealing countless unknown secrets and stories. Perhaps only Wei Huaimin himself knew the truth behind these secrets.