"Deng Jieyu has also been banished to the Cold Palace. She probably won’t live long. Now, Emperor Xuanming’s Imperial Harem must be quite empty."

"It won’t be empty. These officials are eager to send more people into the palace." Chu Heng shook his head, thinking of how these noble families, in order to secure their status, had such low moral standards. As long as there were benefits, they would do anything without considering how inappropriate it was to send young girls to an elder Emperor Xuanming.

"It’s good that Chu Ziluo is married, so we don’t have to worry about our family getting involved in the harem selection."

Although Ye Muyu disapproved of these matters in her heart, she wouldn’t interfere.

She yawned, "Then you handle the state affairs. I’ll send a letter back home. Since you’re awake, you can let Father and Mother know. Otherwise, they’ll worry."

"How about I invite Second Sister-in-law and Second Brother over to the residence tonight?" Chu Heng had been trying to reduce his state affairs these days.

However, many people still came to visit him at the residence. Su Lan rejected all the gifts; otherwise, there would be even more issues.

Thus, only after so long did they have some free time.

"And those children from the clan that you haven’t met yet."

"Hmm, let’s meet them." Chu Heng had no particular opinion about the children from the clan. Whether they could succeed depended on themselves. The only thing he could offer was education. After all, hiring a few Masters to teach Chu Ziluo, Lil’ Jin, and Nuanbao wasn’t much different from teaching a dozen more.

After Ye Muyu finished writing the letter, she asked Lu Chuan to send it out. Seeing Chu Heng still working, she got up and went to the kitchen to order the dishes and gave instructions.

She then asked Su Mei to send a message to the Chu Family’s Second House.

Waiting for the evening. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

A dozen children from the clan, along with Chu Cai and his whole family, including Chu Fu who was studying at school, all returned. They sat at three tables.

As soon as they sat down, Chu Cai stood up to offer a toast to Chu Heng.

"Third Brother, you can just drink tea." Chu Cai didn’t know how well his health had recovered, so he naturally didn’t dare let him drink alcohol.

Madam Wang did the same, following Chu Cai’s lead and sharing a cup with Chu Heng: "Third Brother, now that you’re awake, I’m relieved. It really scared me before."

"Indeed, Third Brother, you must take better care of yourself from now on. Only when you’re well can I be at ease. This time, I could enter the Ministry of Works thanks to you. Such a great kindness cannot be expressed in words. If you ever need my help, just let me know."

Chu Heng raised his hand, "Second Brother, we’re all family, no need for formalities. In the Ministry of Works, you won’t have too many troubles, so just focus on your work. However, remember to be mindful of what you do. Even if things happen during your term, there will be assessments in the future. Previously, some might have thought that once they entered the official circle, everything would be fine, but it won’t be so easy anymore. These people will definitely fight for credit to maintain their positions."

"But I’m not worried about you. Your abilities are certainly sufficient for the Ministry of Works." Chu Heng knew Chu Cai had a down-to-earth character. Compared to scheming and taking credit for others’ achievements, he would certainly prefer to complete his tasks honestly without such thoughts. But one cannot prevent others from having them, so a little vigilance is necessary.

Chu Cai was somewhat surprised, "Isn’t it just said that those wanting to enter the yamen need assessments? Even those already with positions will have to undergo these evaluations?"

"Although it’s not yet implemented, the entry threshold has increased. In the future, there will be more corresponding talent, but the number of positions is fixed, and conflicts will arise sooner or later, as more and more true talents emerge from the imperial examination."