Chapter 410 The Visiting Card from Lin Qilin, the Eldest Young Master of the Minister's Mansion
Chapter 410 The Visiting Card from Lin Qilin, the Eldest Young Master of the Minister's Mansion
Chapter 410 The Visiting Card from Lin Qi, the Eldest Young Master of the Ministry of Rites
The Ministry of War's residence recently topped the "hot search list" in the capital.
The incident began when Minister Lin of the Ministry of War summoned the elders of the Lin family and announced the adoption of a member of the Lin family into his own household.
The clan elders were overjoyed and inquired about which family's son Minister Lin had taken a liking to, thinking that if he hadn't decided yet, they would recommend their own sons.
After all, it's good to keep the wealth within the family; being the son of the Minister of War is something that takes several lifetimes of good karma to achieve.
After some inquiries by more than a dozen clan elders, they learned that Minister Lin had not taken a liking to the Lin family members in the capital, but rather to the Lin family members in the border town who had already split into separate branches.
This caused an uproar, and everyone rushed to persuade him.
However, Minister Lin and his wife were determined and wouldn't listen to anyone. They even said that if everyone continued to object, Lin Shenxuan wouldn't mind asking to leave the clan.
How could the clan elders possibly agree? The Lin family has produced many officials over the past century, but this is the first time they have produced a second-rank official, let alone such a young second-rank official who is also a close confidant of the emperor.
Even if the Lin family were foolish, they wouldn't push away such a leader. They could only discuss and discuss, and finally agreed to let Lin Xiao be adopted by Lin Shenxuan and his wife.
Even if a family in the clan has many sons, no matter how resentful they are, there is nothing they can do about it.
Unfortunately, none of their children met the requirements for adoption by the Minister.
The first requirement for an adopted child is that the child is an orphan. While there are children in the clan who are orphans, they are mostly girls who are raised in the homes of their uncles or aunts.
The only one who was an orphan and happened to be a son was a child with some defects, so he was not qualified to become the Minister's adopted son.
Despite the circumstances, the adoption ceremony proceeded smoothly, and Lin Xiao became the son of the Minister of War, changing his name to Lin Qi!
"Young Master, a visiting card from the Ministry of War's residence."
When Li Mo retrieved the visiting card from the gatekeeper, he was puzzled. Why would the Ministry of War's residence send a visiting card to their young master?
"The Ministry of War's residence? The Lin family?"
Jiang Xiaoqi understood somewhat; it seemed that her friend's wish had been fulfilled.
"Bring it here."
As Jiang Xiaoqi unfolded the visiting card, a smile curved her lips.
"Tell the old master and madam that Lin Qi, the eldest son of the Minister of War, will be visiting in three days. Please make preparations at home."
"Yes, Master!"
Li Mo withdrew and passed a message to the old woman in the backyard. He couldn't help but admire the young master's social circle now, as he actually had dealings with the son of the Minister's mansion.
Landlord Jiang remained calm, while Old Madam Jiang was somewhat agitated.
"The Minister of War is a high-ranking official of the second rank! How could Mingfei know the Minister's son?"
Landlord Jiang silently curled his lip. So what if he's the son of a high-ranking official? Ming Fei even knows the princes, but it's just a tragic fate. Cough, cough, let's not talk about it.
"Alright, since they are Mingfei's friends, we should treat them well regardless of their status. Let's not go overboard."
"Alright, I'll do as the master says. I'll have the head kitchen prepare more dishes that young people like."
Three days later.
A low-key yet sophisticated carriage stopped at the Jiang residence.
The coachman put down the stool, and the first person to get off was a smart young servant dressed in a blue shirt.
After the servant got out of the carriage, he turned around and lifted the curtain, and a noble young man dressed in a black robe stepped off the carriage onto a stool.
Li Mo recognized him at a glance and stepped forward enthusiastically: "Young Master Lin, have you finished your business? My young master happens to be home today."
"Li Mo, take me to see your young master."
After Li Mo agreed, he remembered that the son of the Minister of War was also coming to visit today, but by then they had already stepped into Jiang Xiaoqi's courtyard.
"Young Master, Young Master Lin is here!"
Jiang Xiaoqi put down the pen and paper in her hand, her eyebrows curving into a smile.
"Congratulations, Brother Lin, on achieving your wish!"
"Haha, Mingfei is truly insightful. Did you already know before I even sent out my visiting card?"
"Pretty much. The incident at the Ministry of War's residence caused quite a stir recently, and even places like the Hanlin Academy couldn't help but discuss it."
It's hard not to know, isn't it? Now, should I address you as Young Master Lin Qi?
"Haha, call me whatever you like. If you don't like it, just call me Lin Xiao. It doesn't matter."
"Forget it, I'd better get used to your new role as soon as possible, so I don't make a fool of myself in front of others later."
The two chatted and laughed for a while, while Li Mo, who was waiting to the side, was a little confused. What? Young Master Lin Xiao is Young Master Lin Qi?
Isn't Lin Qi the eldest son of the Minister of War's family? My goodness, what kind of luck does my young master have?
You helped them when they were nobody, and now you're practically begging for their help?!
Lin Qi, the powerful figure behind the scenes, had no idea what the Jiang family's entourage was thinking. After a few words of banter, he got down to business.
"Li Mo, take this young man downstairs for some tea and snacks, and tell the kitchen to prepare the best."
"I understand, Master!"
Li Mo naturally knew that his young master wanted to discuss serious matters with Young Master Lin, and it was not appropriate for outsiders to be present at this time.
“Mingfei, these past few months I’ve been with Minister Lin, oh, who is now my father, and I’ve heard a lot of news about the court and the royal family.”
After much thought, I still feel it's necessary to make this trip to remind your family.
"Brother Lin, please speak freely!"
"Alas, it is so. The eldest prince's wedding is in a few months. My father said that things might not be peaceful during the eldest prince's wedding."
In addition, the Third Prince has been in closer contact with court officials recently, and both of them may be planning something big soon.
I came to see you because I wanted you to speak to Vice Minister Jiang and Chief Clerk Jiang, and to tell them not to let the Jiang family get involved in the struggle for the princes' positions.
His Majesty the Emperor is currently at the height of his power, and all the little tricks of his sons are under his watchful eye. It's not that he doesn't care, but he just wants to drag those involved in factional strife into the spotlight.
The Jiang family should not rush to take sides at this time, nor should they get too close to the prince. In the capital, being a loyal subject is the best way to survive in the long run.
Jiang Xiaoqi said seriously, "Of course my family wouldn't be foolish enough to wade into this mess."
I never intended to attach myself to any prince when I didn't know, and it's even less likely now.
Take the talk of usurping the throne and the merit of supporting the emperor with merits with a laughable voice; risking one's life is more suited to a warlord in chaotic times.
The Chiang family's foundation was already weak; if they rushed in, they would only be cannon fodder for the enemy.
Besides, even if we succeed, there's no guarantee they won't discard us once we've used our tools, or cook us after we've killed our dogs.
Jiang Xiaoqi was reluctant to give up their peaceful life. He preferred to leave the thrill of risking one's life to those with ambition, as the Jiang family would rather not do such things.
"Brother Lin, I must thank you for risking your life to tell me this. I am deeply grateful!"
"Oh, that's too formal. You risked your life to bring me to the capital, otherwise I wouldn't be where I am today."
The two boys, one in black and one in white, exchanged a smile, everything understood without a word.
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