Chapter 492: Wanting a Government Position but Failing

Xu Fengnian arrived alone at the Residence of the Grand Administrator, a mansion in Northern Liang second only in prestige to Qingliang Mountain. He was familiar with the Li family's residence and went directly to the back garden where Xu Xiao and Li Gongde were resting, without needing a steward to guide him.

The garden was shaded by flourishing locust trees. It was common knowledge in Northern Liang officialdom that Li Gongde had developed a fondness for planting locust trees in recent years, leading to many large trees being transplanted from other regions into his mansion. Planting locust trees in front of a house was believed to bring wealth and good fortune, especially indicating success in imperial examinations. Li Gongde himself was not known for his scholarly talents. Since imperial examinations were often held during the "locust autumn" season (when locust flowers bloom and leaves turn yellow, thus also called "locust yellow month"), it was clear that Master Li still held grudges about his multiple failures in the past. Xu Fengnian walked along a secluded path lined with hollyhocks and saw a long sandalwood couch under a tree. Xu Xiao was drinking "Green Ant" wine alone. Li Gongde, who used to kneel more than sit in front of the King of Northern Liang, now served as Grand Administrator. He stood nearby, holding a wine pot and pouring wine for Xu Xiao. In other feudal lords' territories, a Grand Administrator, a high-ranking regional official equivalent to a Minister of one of the Six Ministries, would not be as obsequious as Li Gongde. For example, Sun Xiji, the Grand Administrator of Western Chu Province, repeatedly refused visits from Prince Zhao Yi of Guangling. Similarly, Dai Yuzhen, the Grand Administrator of Lianghuai Province, openly oppressed Prince Ying of Huainan, demonstrating the immense power held by Grand Administrators.

As soon as Xu Xiao saw Xu Fengnian, he immediately offered his spot on the sandalwood couch. Xu Fengnian ignored this gesture and asked Yuan Zuozong to request two chairs from the mansion steward. He then sat down with Li Gongde. The afternoon sun warmed them, and a few cups of "Green Ant" wine dispelled much of the chill. Li Gongde had never spent much time on annotating scriptures throughout his life; his efforts were always focused on understanding people's minds. Seeing the Young Master return, he knew something was afoot. However, since this young man, who always addressed him as "Uncle," seemed in no hurry to reveal his purpose, Li Gongde simply kept him company, drinking and sharing humorous anecdotes about Lingzhou, interspersing them with flattery about how popular the Young Master's trip to the capital had been. Whether Xu Xiao believed it or not, hearing such words was pleasant, and his smile became warmer. Xu Fengnian observed this with a smile, feeling a mix of emotions. Years ago, Yan Jiexian, the father of Yan Chiji and Yan Dongwu, served as the Prefect of Lingzhou, a position roughly equivalent to Li Gongde's role as Governor of Fengzhou (which had not yet been incorporated into Youzhou). Now, Yan Jiexian had defected from Northern Liang to Taian City, becoming a royal relative, and might even become a "National Father" in the future. Li Gongde was no worse off; although he hadn't become a metropolitan official, he had reached the pinnacle of regional officialdom. In truth, Xu Fengnian had originally been closer to "Uncle Yan," and his relationship with the notoriously unpopular "Uncle Li" was merely superficial. However, while both the Yan and Li families had made significant leaps in status (like a carp leaping over the dragon gate), the women of these two families still held great disdain for him, the "dissolute young master." Yan Dongwu, a female scholar, had indeed climbed high, becoming the Crown Princess. Li Fuzhen, however, was "bewitched" and had fallen for a poor scholar. Who said "the early bird catches the worm" (or "the one closest to the water gets the moon first")? Xu Fengnian had been close friends with Li Hanlin and Yan Chiji for so many years, yet he had never received even a shred of kindness from their sisters. Xu Fengnian didn't genuinely harbor improper thoughts about them; he simply enjoyed playfully teasing these serious young ladies of prominent families with half-hearted flippancy. Yan Dongwu would argue back, but Li Fuzhen was even more extreme, rarely offering even harsh words, maintaining a perpetually cold and indifferent demeanor. Leaning lazily against the chair, Xu Fengnian couldn't help but smile. "Uncle Li" had been quite open-minded regarding the poor scholar, despite their mismatched statuses. Not only had he not opposed the match, but he had also covertly paved the way for the scholar several times, altering and elevating his family's official ranking to transition him from a humble background to an esteemed family, and then promoting him from a minor official to a ranked one. Both his social standing and official rank had been generously handled. Xu Fengnian wondered if Li Gongde would seize the opportunity amidst the upheaval in Lingzhou's officialdom to intervene again. Xu Fengnian had no intention of making things difficult for the poor scholar. Although he had witnessed the scholar's shrewdness and cunning outside Tingma Temple, and the man had even been slyly outmaneuvered by Xu Beizhi, leading Xu Fengnian to believe Li Fuzhen had chosen poorly, since Li Hanlin's sister seemed happy, Xu Fengnian saw no need to interfere. In fact, if the scholar genuinely possessed the ability to govern, Xu Fengnian wouldn't mind giving him a somewhat higher position. For Northern Liang, whether an official was incorruptible was less important than whether they were capable. Furthermore, who was to say the scholar couldn't become another Li Gongde? Who dared claim Li Fuzhen had necessarily made a mistake? A silly woman might just have silly luck.

When Xu Fengnian felt they had drunk enough, he looked at Li Gongde, somewhat tipsy, and smiled, "Uncle Li, do you know a young man named Xu Beizhi from Longqing Commandery?"

Li Gongde, whose face was easily flushed from drinking, immediately responded without a moment's hesitation, stroking his beard, "Of course, of course. Although Xu Beizhi's official rank is low, merely a Recorder, subordinate to the Registrar of Longqing Commandery, Uncle Li knows that even Zhong Chengxin, the Governor of Longqing Commandery, holds Xu Beizhi in high regard. This is because he is extremely learned, and more importantly, he knows how to apply his knowledge to governance. He is not one of those self-proclaimed lofty bookworms. Zhong Chengxin has repeatedly, albeit reluctantly, urged Uncle Li to recommend this man. If His Highness hadn't mentioned him, Uncle Li had already decided that after the new year, he would promote Xu Beizhi to 'Counselor of Studies' in Lingzhou, making him a provincial education official, so that his talents could be fully utilized."

Xu Fengnian's lips curved upward as he nodded. He then turned to the old man who had been smiling without interrupting, "Xu Xiao, which official is higher in rank: a Counselor of Studies or a Supervisor of Studies?"

Xu Xiao, intent on being a hands-off figure, raised his cup and pointed at Li Gongde, "Don't ask the blind. I'm an outsider too. You should ask your Uncle Li."

Li Gongde quickly smiled, "Their ranks are comparable, but a Supervisor of Studies oversees the entire provincial education administration, and their salary is slightly higher than a Counselor of Studies."

Li Gongde slapped his forehead with a surprisingly loud and crisp sound, a clear indication of a significant realization. He exclaimed, "Oh, my memory! Yang Qianli, the Supervisor of Studies in Lingzhou, is getting on in years. Not long ago, he complained to Uncle Li about his failing health and expressed a desire to retire and enjoy his remaining years. What a coincidence! Uncle Li thinks Xu Beizhi shouldn't be a mere Counselor of Studies. Supervisor of Studies sounds much better! Only with Xu Beizhi in charge of Lingzhou's education administration can Uncle Li truly rest assured."

Xu Fengnian refilled his and Li Gongde's cups to the brim. After downing his, he said, his eyes still a bit hazy from the wine, "Uncle Li, you don't know this, but when I lured Xu Beizhi to Northern Liang, I promised him a high-ranking local official position. But how high is 'high-ranking'? There's no precise definition, is there? Your nephew knows a little about military matters, but I'm completely clueless when it comes to officialdom. What are a Counselor of Studies or Supervisor of Studies? I estimate they're only around the sixth or seventh rank, no better than a subordinate prefectural official or a county magistrate in a lower-tier county. Even if Xu Beizhi doesn't mind the low rank, since your nephew made such a grand promise back then, I'm afraid of losing face. Besides, I shamelessly asked Xu Xiao for the Lingzhou General position to show off. If Xu Beizhi becomes a Supervisor of Studies, we'll see each other constantly, and it would be awkward to invite him for drinks with courtesans. Uncle Li, isn't that right?"

In the Liyang dynasty, official ranks below the third grade were not only divided into principal and subordinate tiers, but also into upper and lower sub-grades. For instance, two officials of the same fourth rank could actually belong to four different levels, depending on whether they were metropolitan or local officials, primary or subordinate officials, or held substantial or merely titular positions. All these distinctions concealed complex intricacies. For an official, gaining a ranked position, even if it was only a subordinate ninth-grade one, represented the first "dragon gate." The distinction between a ranked official and a mere clerk was like an unbridgeable chasm. The next, more formidable "dragon gate" was the fourth rank. Most individuals who were said to be "ennobled as marquises or appointed as chancellors" typically held ranks of fourth grade or higher. To reach such positions, one needed family background, opportunities, and personal ability — none could be lacking. For example, the elder and younger Master Song, who had dominated the literary world together for over two decades, saw the younger Master only reach the subordinate third rank as the Right Libationer of the Imperial Academy. Therefore, despite Li Gongde's subservience to Xu Xiao, a mere sneeze from him in Lingzhou could still send shivers down the spines of the commandery governors.

At this moment, Li Gongde still showed no trace of the imposing demeanor of a principal second-rank official. He nodded repeatedly like a pecking chick, "Yes, yes, that's right! Your Highness's promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold; how could you go back on your word? It's all Uncle Li's oversight. Currently, there are two positions suitable for Xu Beizhi: the Governor of Huangnan Commandery in Lingzhou and the Magistrate of Fengyu County. What does Your Highness think? Fengyu County is our largest county in Northern Liang Province, with a special rank equivalent to a commandery governor, and it's not far from our Lingzhou provincial capital..."

Xu Fengnian suddenly yawned, put down his wine cup, and rose, saying with a weary expression, "Song Yan, the Governor of Huangnan Commandery, is in the prime of his life, and his reputation seems quite good. As for a county magistrate position... although Fengyu is Northern Liang's premier county, 'county magistrate' just doesn't sound grand enough. Never mind. The New Year is in a few days, so Uncle Li doesn't need to rush this matter. Your nephew is just a Lingzhou General who passes the time. If I keep nagging about Lingzhou's political affairs, I'm afraid next time I visit, Uncle Li's household won't even let me sponge off them for food and drink."

Li Gongde slapped his thigh heavily. Since both Xu Xiao and Xu Fengnian had risen, he dared not remain seated in his elevated position. He hastily stood up and whispered, "Your Highness, since Xu Beizhi served as a military aide in Longqing Commandery, how about he becomes the Assistant Prefect of Lingzhou?"

Xu Fengnian smiled, "We'll see, we'll see."

As a key aide to a provincial head, the Assistant Prefect was literally named "别驾" (separate carriage) because they could bring their own carriage and retinue when accompanying the Prefect on inspections—a fitting title. An official appointed as Assistant Prefect, if they didn't make a major mistake during their tenure, usually advanced smoothly to become a Prefect. Liyang established thirty provinces under its "dao" (circuits), and as a potential Prefect, an Assistant Prefect was considered an extremely powerful and significant regional minister, not to be underestimated. For Xu Beizhi to leap from a subordinate official of a commandery to Assistant Prefect of a province meant he had easily crossed the second "dragon gate" of officialdom, a move that would draw attention from the entire Northern Liang Province. What made Li Gongde uneasy, however, was that the Young Master still seemed indifferent and easygoing, yet it left Li Gongde, who usually mastered the art of negotiation, feeling completely out of his depth. Xu Xiao did not allow Li Gongde to see them off. The Grand Administrator, well-versed in the essence of flattery, decided not to disturb the quiet departure of father and son.

After rounding the spirit screen, Xu Xiao smiled, "Is your appetite too large, or is Xu Beizhi's? Are you eyeing the Prefect position that Li Gongde is currently holding and unwilling to let go of? Ordinarily, Li Gongde wouldn't cling to it so tightly. But now, nearly a thousand scholars have flocked to Northern Liang, and most will settle in Lingzhou. Many things are actually inconvenient for the Grand Administrator to say, but much easier for the Prefect of Lingzhou to do. This is called 'the local official is more effective than the higher authority.' Even if Li Gongde hasn't fully grasped it yet, with his insight, he'll soon figure out what you truly want. Let me add a word of advice, son: snakes have their ways, and rats have theirs. In terms of Northern Liang's military affairs, even if you cause a ruckus and force a Great General of Huaizhen to retire, it's not a huge deal. You say you can be a Lingzhou General, and you can. But the circles of civil officials, big and small, are interconnected and far more intricate. You can't solve all problems just by brute force. This is also why I've always disliked dabbling in local government affairs; I simply can't handle it all. Officialdom is like the martial world, where everyone is subject to circumstances. But officialdom is also *not* the martial world; you can't just subdue people by force."

Xu Fengnian chuckled softly, "I know the importance of things. Actually, Song Yan, the Governor of Huangnan Commandery, is Li Gongde's favored student. That position is a very sincere offer. If Xu Beizhi goes to Huangnan, Li's protégés and former subordinates, even if they don't actively support him, won't cause trouble. But the Lingzhou Assistant Prefect position is laughable. I know better than anyone that the Grand Administrator is waiting for that Hanlin boy to return in glory. This position is custom-made for his son, and it's only reasonable that he'll become the Prefect of Lingzhou in the future. For anyone else, even if they knew I valued Xu Beizhi, it would surely not go smoothly. But truthfully, whether Hanlin rises from military aide to Deputy General of Lingzhou and then General, or takes the path of county magistrate, Assistant Prefect, and Prefect, I'd be happy for him. Even if I'm unsentimental, how could I not have some personal bias for a friend like Hanlin? Uncle Li, he's still a bit small-minded."

Xu Xiao walked on, hunched over, and laughed, "One's perspective isn't fixed. A promotion might broaden one's horizons and be helpful, but it still doesn't compare to some people's innate breadth of vision. Li Gongde becoming Grand Administrator isn't because he has extraordinary abilities, but because he's suitable for the position. And speaking of which, if it weren't for Li Gongde's 'small-mindedness,' he wouldn't have reached this point today. Speaking of which, I'm going to drone on about some of my experiences. Many people might not be doing well right now, but you need more patience. Let's not talk about others, just me. I didn't start with the broadmindedness I have today. Before joining the army, wasn't I constantly getting into fights and squabbles with street thugs? Later, when I became a captain, I never imagined that one day I'd be sitting as equals with those unreachable court elders. When I begged them for troops and provisions, I still didn't have much face left; I was only a step away from kneeling. The hardships involved, even to those old brothers who left Liaodong with me, I never uttered a single word about them."

Xu Fengnian nodded.

Xu Xiao burst into laughter unexpectedly, saying with satisfaction, "Watching you and Li Gongde circling each other back there, drinking and scheming, it just makes me happy thinking about it."

Xu Fengnian rolled his eyes, sighed, and said self-deprecatingly, "In the end, I still didn't get the Lingzhou Prefect position. Now I'm worried about how to face Xu Beizhi. Just now I swore confidently and made grand promises to that guy, and now in the middle of winter, I turn around and pour a big basin of cold water over my own head."

Xu Xiao laughed even harder, "How about I go to Xu Beizhi's place and lend you some support?"

Xu Fengnian shook his head, "Forget it. You go back to Liangzhou first. I'll definitely rush back for the big meal then. Before the New Year and the border military review, I'll honestly remain here as the intimidating Lingzhou General. Once matters in Lingzhou are settled, I'll return to Qingliang Mountain. It shouldn't take long."

Xu Xiao nodded. As he walked out of the Li mansion gate, Xu Xiao said playfully, "You rascal, you've caused trouble again. That girl Li Fuzhen is hiding behind the spirit screen and won't even greet me, her uncle. Aren't you going to look back?"

Xu Fengnian did not turn his head. He escorted Xu Xiao directly to the carriage outside the mansion and glared at him fiercely.

Yuan Zuozong rode nearby, guarding them. Xu Fengnian looked up and instructed, "Second Brother Yuan, don't let Xu Xiao drink too much on the way. If he's really craving it, let him have one cup at most, no more."

Yuan Zuozong, rarely in the mood for lighthearted banter, smiled, his "silkworm eyebrows" crinkling, and asked the carriage, "Godfather, whose orders should Zuozong follow in this matter?"

From inside the carriage, the old man laughed, "From now on, you listen to him."