As we look at it, New Year's Eve is coming in two days. As the last few days, the elders are basically free.
Of course, those who openly quit their jobs like a certain uncle and a certain Shaobao are still in the minority after all.
Most of the elders would start warming themselves around the stove after arriving at the Yamen.
The same goes for the cabinet.
It should be said that this is one of the few days during which the cabinet has some leisure throughout the year.
Everyone sat together, drank tea, and talked about the local scenery and interesting things in Beijing, which was not very interesting.
On this day, Yu Shiyue came to the public room. As soon as he sat down, there was a noise outside.
Then, Wenhuadian University Scholar Jiang Yuan walked in from outside, holding a food box in his hand and cupping his hands with a smile.
"As the New Year is approaching, I heard that Mr. Cifu was born in Suzhou, and he must miss the taste of his hometown very much. Just these days, a chef from Suzhou and Hangzhou came to my house. He made some pastries this morning, and I specially reserved a portion.
, Mr. Tsusuke, would you like to try it?"
Yu Shiyue blinked, but did not refuse. He reached out to take the food box, then welcomed Jiang Yuan into the room and sat down. He opened the food box and took a look. Sure enough, it was Suzhou's famous lard cake.
He stretched out his hand and touched it. The pastry was still hot, so Yu Cifu couldn't help but smile.
"It seems that Shi Yong has figured out my schedule, and then he brought the cakes carefully."
Being teased like this, Jiang Yuan's face turned a little red.
However, he quickly adjusted his mood and explained.
"It's not like I'm holding on to time. I've made a lot of pastries in the house these days. Every time I make a batch, I ask them to send some. I think I can give Mr. Cisuke a taste to relieve his homesickness."
"Actually, several copies were delivered yesterday. However, Sir Cifu was busy discussing the matter of the East Palace with Academician Xiao at that time, so I didn't dare to disturb him. Today I finally got the chance. Just as servants from the mansion sent them, Sir Cifu arrived.
I quickly brought it over."
After hearing these words, Yu Shiyue couldn't help but grin.
Well, these young people are really proficient in doing this kind of thing.
This explanation sounds more convincing than the one that was given at the drop of a hat.
He picked up a small piece of crystal white lard cake from the food box and put it in his mouth. He felt it was soft and moist, oily but not greasy, so he sighed.
"It is indeed authentic Suzhou craftsmanship. I have never tasted this kind of taste in a long time."
"As long as Mr. Tsusuke likes it."
Jiang Yuan also had a smile on his face. He picked up the tea that had just been placed on the table and took a sip. Mr. Jiang Ge said tentatively again.
"Actually, pastries like this are best eaten when they are freshly baked. I ordered someone to bring them from my house. Although I was very careful, it still took a while, so the taste may be slightly inferior."
"Since Mr. Cifu likes it, I wonder if you can give me a favor and come to my house after you go to the Yamen to try this freshly baked Suzhou pastry?"
Yu Shiyue said nothing, but also picked up the tea cup and took a sip, but his eyes couldn't help but fall on Jiang Yuan.
As the matter of the East Palace leaving the cabinet and preparing for the government has settled, the short but fierce struggle in the cabinet has also come to an end. As the winner, Yu Cifu has been feeling proud and proud in recent days. He has swept away his previous depression and is feeling proud of himself.
Not only did he trample Zhu Jian under his feet, but he also became the Zhan Shi of the Prince's Mansion and the proper teacher of the East Palace. With just this title, who in the court would not respect him?
Although there are both risks and opportunities in this position, at least now Yu Shiyue finally realizes the status and power that a junior minister in the cabinet deserves.
However, as the saying goes, some people are happy and some are worried.
After that court meeting, Zhu Jian failed in the court dispute, and Shilin's reputation was criticized a lot, so he naturally fell silent and no longer appeared.
At the same time, Li Shi was transferred out of the cabinet and served in the Ministry of War.
The cabinet finally regained its composure.
However, for Jiang Yuan, he was back to the original embarrassing situation, even worse than when Zhu Jian had not joined the cabinet.
You know, when Zhu Jian and Yu Shiyue fought in the ring, Jiang Yuan was on the same camp as Zhu Jian.
Nowadays, Zhu Jian's reputation in the court has become that of a villain who strives for power and profit. Jiang Yuan, who was born in a pure family, naturally wants to draw a clear line with him and hide as far away from him as possible.
However, no matter how depressed Zhu Jian was, he still had the merit of bringing back the Emperor.
Although his reputation has been ruined, no one dares to provoke him. Otherwise, it would be uncomfortable for him to target Yu Cifu and embarrass others.
There is only Jiang Yuan, who has insufficient qualifications and no merit, so it will be unlucky for him to depend on anyone.
Recently, I don’t know any bastard who talked nonsense while drinking and actually made fun of Jiang Yuan.
It is said that he was originally a minister in the Ministry of Justice, but ended up being a transparent person among the six ministries. Later, he joined the cabinet and attached himself to Gao Gu. As a result, Mr. Gao went to Nanjing not long after, and now he helps Zhu Jian wave the banner. Mr. Zhu Ge... don't mention it.
.
Logically speaking, we are all scholars and should stay away from such false things. However, some people are unstoppable and would rather believe in it.
As a result, in the past two days, even though it was almost New Year's Day, every time Mr. Jiang went to the office, people looked at him strangely, which made Jiang Yuan so angry that he had a dark face all day long.
However, even if you put all this aside.
Jiang Yuan also knew that his situation in the cabinet was getting worse and worse.
In fact, not only him, but also the entire Qingliu lineage struggled in the court after Gao Gu left the capital.
Different from the previous emperors, for some reason, the current His Majesty does not seem to have much affection for Qingliu Ci, who should have been the closest to him.
The lectures and readings at the banquet continued, but whenever he came to court, Jiang Yuan always felt that his old man was suppressing Qingliu intentionally or unintentionally.
This point was vividly reflected in the incident at Togiya Prefecture.
You must know that officials in the prince's palace have always been promoted from the Qing Dynasty. This is almost an unwritten rule in the court.
However, this time, the emperor first rejected the suggestion of directly preparing all the subordinate officials, and blocked the path of the Hanlin Academy. Then, he directly gave the position of Zhan Shi in the Prince's Mansion to Yu Shiyue.
Although it is true that the Prince's Mansion needs an important minister to serve as Zhan Shi, but don't forget that Yu Shiyue was promoted to the position of Second Assistant in just a few months.
Before that, he, like Jiang Yuan, was just an ordinary cabinet minister.
If we follow usual practice, both Jiang Yuan, who is in the cabinet, and Du Ning, who is now the minister of Dali Temple, are both from Qingliu background and are more qualified to hold this position concurrently.
However, the emperor made the final decision and had no intention of discussing it with the ministers.
Although in the end, he barely gave Chen Laoshang a face and ordered Xu Youzhen to wash horses for the Economic Affairs Bureau, but the Economic Affairs Bureau was responsible for the collection of classics and history and the publication of books.
To put it bluntly, I collect all kinds of books for His Royal Highness, keep them properly, and make them available to you and Chunfang.
However, now that the Crown Prince is young and doesn't know a few words, this economic affairs bureau is nothing more than doing idle duties.
Against this background, if Jiang Yuan does not do something, the result awaiting him will inevitably be that he will continue to be completely marginalized in the cabinet.
Therefore, after Jiang Yuan thought carefully, he came up with this method.
"Isn't this appropriate? Every government is very busy during the Chinese New Year. To be honest, Mr. Jiangge, my wife gave special instructions today and asked me to go back to the government early after leaving the office."
Yu Shiyue put down the tea cup in his hand and put the food box away.
Over the past few days, Jiang Yuan's show of affection towards him has been very obvious, especially today, even Qingliu's arrogance has been completely lost.
Although this attitude made Yu Cifu feel very comfortable, he was not stupid.
When you treat others with courtesy, you must ask for something.
Yu Shiyue has been in the officialdom for so many years. If he forgets about it every time he is proud of something, he will have been plotted against him many times.
As the saying goes, don't hit the smiling person with your hand, just let everyone carry the sedan chair.
Naturally, Yu Cifu would not fail to do the work to save face, but he also knew how to measure the proportion.
Some gifts should be accepted as they should be received, and it is not necessary to not give them any face. It is enough to send someone to give a return gift afterwards. However, it is obviously inappropriate to go to the government for a banquet.
Yu Cifu has not forgotten how Jiang Yuan followed Zhu Jian and opposed him everywhere.
Hearing this, Jiang Yuan's face visibly stiffened, but soon he smiled again and said.
"It doesn't matter, it doesn't matter. Mr. Cifu is busy in advance. If it doesn't work today, what about tomorrow?"
It should be said that as a cabinet minister, Jiang Yuan's attitude has been set low enough.
However, Yu Shiyue's expression still did not fluctuate at all, and he said calmly.
"Tomorrow I have an appointment with Academician Xiao. The East Palace is about to leave the cabinet. There are still some details regarding the coursework that need to be discussed carefully. I am afraid that I will be late in the office, so I won't disturb you."
Jiang Yuan's face changed, and he was obviously angry.
However, he was still suppressed, but his voice was obviously colder.
"Master Ci Fu is so busy with official duties. I don't know when you can pay me some respects and come to my house to talk to you?"
"Have chance……"
Yu Shiyue frowned as he watched Jiang Yuan walk away with his sleeves fluttering.
He felt something was wrong.
Logically speaking, when they reach this stage, many things should be settled as soon as possible.
Otherwise, it will be like now, making everyone's faces look ugly.
Yu Shiyue of Jiang Mansion definitely couldn't go, not to mention that the relationship between them had never been good, so there was no need for him to give Jiang Yuan this face.
Even if you want to give it, it is not at this time.
Having been in the officialdom for many years, Yu Shiyue didn't have trouble with Jiang Yuan because of his original stance, but because the timing was wrong.
Now he was at the peak of his power in the court. First he won the battle with Zhu Jian, and then he got the position of Zhan Shi in the Prince's Mansion. He was very proud of himself.
At this time, Jiang Yuan repeatedly showed his kindness to him. If he fully accepted it and went over to accept the banquet, he would undoubtedly leave an image in the hearts of the court and the emperor of being content and satisfied once he gained power. For him,
One's own reputation is adversely affected.
In addition, from the perspective of interests, Jiang Yuan's closeness at this moment seems to be beneficial to Yu Shiyue, but in fact it is harmful rather than helpful.
Now that Zhu Jian's incident has just passed, the reason why he has been criticized by the whole court is that besides fighting for power and profit without caring about the overall situation, a very important point is that he excessively offended Yu Shiyue, the second assistant.
Especially when Yu Shiyue had already made concessions, he still pressed forward step by step. It was okay to have merit at first, but once his reputation was tarnished, this would affect his evaluation in the minds of the ministers.
Fall further and harder.
Past experience guide for the future.
For Yu Shiyue, although he is very prosperous now, he also needs to be more cautious.
In today's cabinet, Zhu Jian has fallen silent, basically not expressing any opinions, and has become a marginal figure. Li Shi has been transferred away, and Zhang Min has always had a good relationship with Yu Shiyue.
If Jiang Yuan has become Yu Shiyue's man, then where will he be the leader?
Why, the fight between the cabinet minister and the second assistant has just ended. Now, is the second assistant going to have another fight with the first assistant?
So no matter what, Yu Shiyue could not accept Jiang Yuan's "kindness".
After carefully recalling his reaction just now, Yu Shiyue confirmed that he had done nothing wrong.
However, he always felt that something was wrong...
Sitting in the public room, sipping tea, Yu Shiyue frowned and thought for a long time, and finally tasted something.
It should be said that Jiang Yuan's behavior was very reasonable.
Zhu Jian fell, and Yu Shiyue, the second assistant, was in the limelight. As someone who had offended Yu Shiyue before, he rushed to please him, hoping to put an end to the past.
According to normal people's thinking, there is nothing wrong with this.
But, it’s too high-profile!
Yu Shiyue recalled what Jiang Yuan said just now.
"...These past few days, the mansion has made a lot of pastries. Every time I make one, I ask them to send some..."
This sentence clearly makes people feel ironic, as if Jiang Yuan specially asked people to make and deliver the freshest cakes to Yu Cifu in order to let him eat them.
But the problem lies every time!
It's just a box of pastries. If Jiang Yuan really wants to please Yu Shiyue, there are so many ways to do it. Is it necessary to engage in this kind of behavior that has no practical significance but makes a lot of noise?
You know, everyone would feel wrong sending snacks to the cabinet so frequently.
If you inquire about it, you will naturally know that this is what Jiang Ge Lao wants to give to Yu Cifu.
In this way...
Yu Shiyue's face suddenly darkened. He stood up and stretched out his hand to call the people from Zhongshushe outside and asked.
"Lao Jiang Ge left here just now. Where did he go?"
The people in the middle school room had been guarding outside. Just when they heard that the two elders in the room seemed to be having an unpleasant quarrel, Mr. Jiang Ge walked out with an angry look on his face. He was already worried in his heart.
At this moment, seeing Yu Cifu look like this again, he answered even more cautiously.
"Back to Master Cifu, I don't know exactly where he went, but looking in that direction, it seems that he went to the public residence of Master Wangshoufu..."
There was a bang, the sound of someone slamming the table was heard, and the people in Zhongshushe were startled. They immediately lowered their heads, but out of the corner of their eyes, they caught a glimpse of Yu Cifu's face, which was filled with anger for some unknown reason.
There was a doubt in his heart. What happened just now was that Jiang Ge was angry with Master Cifu. Why, Yu Cifu was also so angry...
Yu Shiyue was indeed very angry. At this time, he finally understood.
Jiang Yuan never really intended to reconcile with him.
This old guy is treating him as Yu Shiyue!
This chapter has been completed!