Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 1214 - 511: Brothers 6

Yueyao spoke calmly: "A few days ago, my teacher told me that you wanted to find a position. Just yesterday, I inadvertently heard my sister mention that there’s a vacancy for a County Magistrate in Taicang County. Gu Zhe, what do you think of the County Magistrate position in Taicang County?" Yueyao’s meaning was quite clear; if he thought it was good, she would continue, if not, she would stop.

Xiang Wei was a bit surprised, not expecting Yueyao to know how to use a circuitous strategy!

Gu Zhe had been paying attention to such news lately, how could he not know about the vacancy for a County Magistrate in Taicang County. The surprise came too quickly, and Gu Zhe was somewhat bewildered.

Gu Li frowned and said: "Aunt, this Country Magistrate is merely of the eighth rank..."

Gu Zhe quickly regained his composure and angrily said: "Shut your mouth." It’s truly arrogant to disdain such a position. If time could rewind, he really shouldn’t have brought Gu Li along.

Yueyao said indifferently: "Gu Zhe, if you also think this position is too small, then just forget it." Palace Graduates generally occupy positions of the seventh rank; Juren titles typically place one around the eighth rank. And since Taicang County is a prosperous county, even an eighth-rank County Magistrate is more lucrative than some seventh-rank local officials. Niu Yanghui considered her favor in securing such a desirable vacancy for him.

Gu Zhe’s heart skipped, and seeing Yueyao’s unruffled appearance, he knew there was still room for negotiation: "Taicang County is a wealthy large county, this County Magistrate position is a plum one. To be honest, when I initially got this news, I was tempted. But too many people are eyeing this vacancy; not only do they have funds to stitch points, they have connections too, whereas I have none, making me dare not think much about it."

Yueyao’s demeanor softened considerably, she smiled and said: "Since you don’t mind, I’ll let you know tomorrow." She needn’t explain further, Yueyao trusted Gu Zhe understood.

Gu Zhe bowed gratefully: "Thank you, Aunt." The Prefect had authority over appointments and removals of officials below the seventh rank in his jurisdiction. Gu Zhe believed that with his aunt’s relationship with the Prefect’s wife, as long as his aunt asked, this position was sure to be his.

Yueyao’s face also lit up with a smile: "I’ll notify you as soon as there’s news." Although Yueyao wasn’t expecting heartfelt gratitude from Gu Zhe, helping someone ought to yield goodwill instead of resentment.

Gu Zhe walked onto the street, feeling the air particularly fresh. Not long ago, he was envious of a friend who landed a solid position, but now he didn’t need to envy others anymore; it was others’ turn to envy him.

Gu Li, just frightened by Xiang Wei’s cold gaze, only felt alive after leaving the mansion. Seeing Gu Zhe so happy, he felt both jealous and hateful, and said: "Brother, it’s just an eighth-rank petty official, what’s there to be so happy about."

Gu Zhe’s good mood immediately evaporated, he coldly said: "Such arrogance, eighth-rank petty official? Do you know how many scholar candidates are struggling to get this vacancy?"

Gu Li was intimidated by Gu Zhe’s expression, but the vacancy was for Gu Zhe, not him, so he said no more.

Xiang Wei took a tangerine from the plate, eating as she commented: "A genius, huh? With such poise, even the street vendors are better than him." At least a vendor can support himself, while Gu Li still relies on his family.

Yueyao remarked sensibly: "That’s why children need proper guidance." Without proper education, no amount of talent is worth anything. Talent is important, but so is diligent effort.

Xiang Wei felt Yueyao omitted a crucial point, believing children also need character shaping; poor character is a total waste: "In the future, Sheng and the others need more shaping."

Yueyao wholeheartedly agreed.

With Yueyao’s message, although Gu Zhe was confident things wouldn’t go wrong, until he received a definite reply, no one could assure there wouldn’t be any changes.

Gu Li mocked Gu Zhe, saying: "It’s just an eighth-rank sesame official; is there a need to be so excited?" Making it hard to eat or sleep well.

Gu Zhe felt his patience nearly exhausted: "Go back to your room and sleep." Seeing Gu Li irritated him now. Aunt didn’t even hold him accountable for leaking the news, yet he dared to nitpick here.

Gu Li felt some displeasure, but seeing Gu Zhe’s dark face, dared not say more, he slunk back to his room.

The next day, after breakfast, hearing Gu Zhe arrived, Yueyao chuckled: "Let him in!" Within the Prefectural Mansion, the Steward Lady was largely Mingzhu’s confidante. They all knew of Yueyao and Mingzhu’s close childhood bond, no commands were needed for them to know how to treat Yueyao. Thus, staying here felt as convenient as staying at home.

This time, Gu Zhe came alone. Entering the main hall, seeing Yueyao smiling, he felt assured: "Aunt."

Yueyao smiled and said: "Yesterday’s matter is settled; here’s my brother-in-law’s card, take it to the Yamen and handle the related procedures." Gu You, standing nearby, handed Gu Zhe the card from the table.

Gu Zhe accepted the card with both hands: "Thank you, Aunt." With this card, there was no need to worry about anything.

Yueyao was in a good mood: "No need to thank me, if you’re going to thank someone, thank your teacher properly. That’s all I’ll say, you can go about your business now!" Gu Zhe was busy, and so was she. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Gu Zhe respectfully made a bow before leaving.

Xiang Wei nodded: "Not too bad."

Yueyao laughed: "The path is laid out for him, how he does in the future depends on his own ability. Alright, I’ll be heading to the painting studio. You go be busy too!"

Originally, Yueyao suggested Mingzhu and Xiang Wei open a dessert shop, but this proposal was rejected by Niu Yanghui due to its bad impact. And now Xiang Wei enjoyed lingering in various streets and alleys, opening a dessert shop wasn’t too appealing for her anymore.

Niu Yanghui had leaked the word out early, and the subordinates, being sly, quickly learned that the vacancy for County Magistrate in Taicang County had been filled by a relative of the Prefect. People in officialdom assess situations keenly; when Gu Zhe arrived at the Yamen with Niu Yanghui’s card, the staff handled the paperwork flawlessly without needing Gu Zhe to say much.

Since last year, Gu Zhe had been seeking connections and faced countless snubs for a vacancy. This was his first time receiving such treatment, leaving Gu Zhe quite sentimental. Having backing and not having backing truly makes a world of difference.

Seeing that he had twelve days before taking office, he calculated that the time was enough for a trip home. Before leaving, Gu Zhe visited the Prefectural Mansion to convey his plan to Yueyao, but didn’t see her.

Gu You bowed and said: "Madam is engaged in painting, we shouldn’t disturb her. If you have anything, I’ll convey it when she emerges."

Gu Zhe mentioned he planned a trip back to Hangzhou.

Gu You replied with a smile: "After Madam finishes and emerges, I’ll relay this to her."

Gu Zhe didn’t mind not meeting Yueyao; remembering Grandfather when he painted, he’d forget guests, even meals. Such was his passion.

Thinking of Mr. Yu Shan, warmth and bitterness filled Gu Zhe’s heart; their family owed Grandfather so very much.