Chapter 323: Chapter 209: Tricking Prime Minister He_4
Grandmaster Liu had met Lao Zheng’s youngest son before and had indeed assessed him as a genius.
"It’s unlikely."
The Emperor remarked sarcastically, "Lao Her, you better fend for yourself."
Prime Minister He did not wish to discuss Zheng Xilin’s youngest son further, so he shifted the topic to official business.
After finishing the official matters, Prime Minister He returned to Lanyuan Pavilion with Grandmaster Liu.
By evening, upon returning to his residence, Prime Minister He summoned Zheng Rang and the others.
Prime Minister He handed Zheng Rang his letter of appointment and warmly said, "From today, you are the Chancellor’s Assistant. Starting tomorrow, accompany me to court."
Zheng Rang quickly stood up and respectfully gave a deep bow to Prime Minister He, "Uncle, thank you!"
"Doing your job well is the best thanks you can give me."
"Rest assured, dear Uncle. I will work diligently and will not disappoint your expectations," Zheng Rang replied, his expression calm, though his heart was ablaze with excitement. The role of Chancellor’s Assistant was his first step to realizing his ambitions, and he was determined to perform exceptionally.
"I await it," Prime Minister He then turned to Zheng Cheng, "The Emperor has already agreed for you to work at the Ministry of Construction; you can start tomorrow."
Zheng Cheng’s face broke into a joyful smile. He also gave Prime Minister He a deep bow, "Thank you, Uncle."
"The Ministry of Construction gathers the finest craftsmen in the land; you are sure to learn a lot there."
"That is precisely what I seek," Zheng Cheng, who had little interest in officialdom or academia, only wanted to be a craftsman.
"Qian, do you have confidence for tomorrow’s Imperial College examination?"
"Yes," Zheng Qian replied, maintaining formal respect towards elders such as Prime Minister He.
"The Imperial College is a place of hidden talents; it will not disappoint you. Let him cause a stir there."
Zheng Qian casually responded, "Let’s hope so."
Prime Minister He began explaining the court rules to Zheng Rang and the others. Although he had mentioned them before, since they would be entering the palace the next day, he felt the need to reiterate.
After discussing the rules, Prime Minister He tested their knowledge on the rituals they had been learning in recent days.
Since arriving in the capital, the three Zheng brothers had been studying courtly rituals. Having always lived in the countryside with ease and freedom, they had never learned the formalities of the court and palace.
Before they arrived in the capital, Prime Minister He had already arranged for a tutor skilled in ritual protocols for them.
Without mastering these rituals, one would not qualify for an official position in court, and it could also invite trouble or danger.
Zheng Rang and the others understood the importance of these rituals and had been studying diligently for days.
Despite his disdain for such formalities, Zheng Qian was compelled by his two elder brothers to learn.
Early the next morning, Zheng Rang and Zheng Cheng accompanied Prime Minister He to the palace. As for Zheng Qian, he was accompanied by other members of the He family to take the Imperial College examination.
Upon reaching the palace gates, many officials had already gathered.
When the officials noticed Prime Minister He approaching with two unfamiliar young men, they curiously inquired about their identities.
Prime Minister He introduced them as the eldest and second sons of Zheng Xilin.
Upon hearing they were sons of Grand Commandant Zheng, the officials showed expressions of surprise.
Though feeling a bit uneasy under the scrutinizing gazes, Zheng Rang and Zheng Cheng maintained a composed demeanor.
Following Prime Minister He’s introduction, they politely and respectfully greeted the officials.
The officials were very curious about the two men, but even more so about their father. They asked numerous questions about Grand Commandant Zheng, such as whether he had recovered and when he might return.
Seeing how concerned the officials were about their father, Zheng Rang and Zheng Cheng felt deeply moved: it seemed their father held significant respect in court.
The arrival of Zheng Rang and Zheng Cheng caused quite a stir among the officials.
The Crown Prince and Prince Dai both set their sights on drawing in the Zheng brothers.
Of course, they were more interested in Zheng Xilin backing them than in the brothers themselves.
Zheng Xilin was not only highly respected and relied upon by the Emperor but also endorsed by the officials and even held great renown among the populace.
Aside from these factors, consider Zheng Xilin’s capabilities.
Should they gain Zheng Xilin’s guidance, the throne would be within their grasp.