RMBLCUCS – Chapter 50: Tang Yaoming’s Appointment is Settled

With Madame Tao’s guidance and advice, Tao Yiran reignited her devotion to Tang Rong. However, no matter how gracefully and tenderly she carried herself, the image of his swollen, bruised face remained deeply etched in her mind. Using this time wisely, she also reached out to several close friends and married women from her clan, preparing for her appearance at next month’s banquet.

Tang Rong, oblivious to the shift in her demeanor, was solely focused on the fading of his facial wounds and his impending report to the Ministry of Rites. At the same time, he discreetly investigated who else was vying for the position. It seemed that, despite his arrogance, Tang Mo’s words had left an impression on him.

That morning, Tang Yong’s eldest son, Tang Yaoming, sat at home, overseeing his younger brother’s calligraphy practice. When Tang Yong arrived, he saw him attentively instructing his sibling on brush techniques, and a sigh escaped his lips. The lack of an official appointment had dragged on for too long, and he worried that it might dampen his son’s spirits.

A short while later, Tang Yaoming emerged from the study. After much hesitation, Tang Yong finally asked, “You visited two of your classmates yesterday—was there any progress?”

Although Tang Mo had promised to help, Tang Yong knew well how precarious Tang Mo’s position was within the marquis’s household. He worried that associating too closely with him might displease the Old Madam and make things even harder for him. If they could find another path, it would spare Tang Mo any trouble.

Tang Yaoming shook his head. In the capital, the number of people waiting for appointments was staggering, and there was no shortage of those willing to pay for positions. Good opportunities were scarce, and all he had been told was to “find a way” with no guarantees.

Unlike his father, Tang Yaoming remained optimistic. “If not this month, then next month. If not next month, then the one after. Eventually, I’ll secure something. It’s my fault for ranking too low in the exams.”

“I’ve thought it over. In a few days, I’ll go out and find some temporary work to keep myself occupied. There’s no rush.”

“How can you not be in a hurry?”

Tang Yong clenched his fists in frustration. “We may be connected to the marquis’s household, but we can’t rely on them. We have to depend on ourselves. I’ve been mediocre my whole life—I refuse to let you and your brother be the same.”

“If there’s no other way, I’ll go to the marquis’s residence and plead again. That should work.”

“Father—”

Before Tang Yaoming could respond, the household steward rushed in, breathless. “Master! Young Master! A minister from the Ministry of Appointments has arrived! You must go to the front hall immediately!”

Father and son exchanged glances before hurrying to the hall.

The visitor was Liu Mingyuan, brother-in-law of Yan Shimao, one of Tang Mo’s closest friends. Since Tang Mo had asked Yan Shimao for help, and Yan had in turn spoken to Liu Mingyuan, the matter had been taken seriously. Liu had also quietly accepted a token of appreciation from Yan as a private gesture, which made him act swiftly to secure a suitable position for Tang Yaoming. Normally, such a task wouldn’t warrant his personal visit, but he wanted to assess Tang Yaoming for himself. If the young man proved incompetent, Liu was prepared to apply some pressure to keep him in line.

“My apologies for failing to welcome Minister Liu properly,” Tang Yong greeted him with deep respect.

“There’s no need for formalities, Master Tang,” Liu Mingyuan said with polite detachment. “I came today regarding your son’s official appointment.”

Tang Yong quickly invited him to sit in the main hall, waiting anxiously for confirmation.

Liu Mingyuan took a sip of tea before finally speaking. “I was asked to look into the matter. It’s a pity for a talented scholar like Tang Yaoming to remain idle at home. So, I made a few inquiries.”

Tang Yaoming immediately stepped forward to express his gratitude. Liu Mingyuan took a good look at him—his appearance was decent, his gaze steady. To test him, he posed a few questions, and when Tang Yaoming answered fluently and confidently, Liu Mingyuan was reassured.

“The Censorate’s Inspection Division has had a vacancy for Supervising Censor for about half a month. This is your appointment. Here is the official decree—you must report to duty within three days.”

The Censorate’s Inspection Division?

Tang Yong and his son were both stunned. Their original goal had been a county magistrate post— not because they particularly desired such a position, but because appointments within the capital were nearly impossible to obtain.

The Censorate was divided into three branches: the Censorate Tribunal, the Palace Censorate, and the Inspection Division. Of the three, the Inspection Division had the lowest rank but wielded significant authority, making it one of the most coveted positions.

Even Tang Rong’s post at the Ministry of Rites only looked prestigious on the surface—its actual influence was far inferior to that of a Supervising Censor, even if there were ten of them in the division.

Regaining his composure, Tang Yaoming bowed deeply and accepted the decree with both hands. “Thank you, Minister Liu. I will never forget your kindness.”

At this moment, he was officially a seventh-rank government official with real power.

Liu Mingyuan smiled. “The Inspection Division has great responsibilities—it’s not an easy job. Study diligently and familiarize yourself with your duties quickly.”

As he stood to leave, Tang Yong hurriedly asked, “May I ask, Minister Liu, who we should thank for this great favor?”

Liu Mingyuan chuckled. “Ask your nephew, Tang Mo. He will know.”

“I have other matters to attend to—I’ll take my leave now.”

Father and son respectfully escorted him out.

Afterward, Madame You stormed in, furious. “I had already prepared a lavish gift, and you let the minister leave empty-handed?”

Only now did the two men snap out of their daze. Overwhelmed with joy, they had completely forgotten to offer a proper gift of thanks.

“He’s already gone far,” Tang Yong muttered, both regretful and anxious.

Madame You scolded them thoroughly before shifting her focus to the good news. Tang Yaoming examined his appointment decree again and again. Learning that her son would not have to travel far for his post, Madame You was overjoyed. She immediately ordered a grand feast to celebrate with the whole family and sent word to her daughter-in-law’s family to share the good news.

Since Yaoming’s wife had gone to visit her family the day before, she had intended to ask them for assistance. Now, they could send the message to brighten her spirits and give her something to boast about to her relatives.

“What about Ah Mo? Has he returned yet? We must properly thank him—he’s the only one in this household with true loyalty.”

Tang Yaoming closed the decree. “Mother, he doesn’t like being called ‘Ah Mo.’”

“Then we’ll call him Tang Mo.”

Madame You smiled, and Tang Yong laughed as well, relieved to have such a capable nephew. “When he returns, invite him over for a meal. He likely had to ask around for favors—let’s find out how much he spent. That’s our responsibility to cover.”

“Everyone says that boy is unreliable, but isn’t he quite capable?”

He instructed Tang Yaoming to stay close to Tang Mo in the future. “You’re brothers, after all. If he’s willing to help, it means he values family. Let go of whatever grievances the older generation had—focus on supporting each other.”

Tang Yaoming nodded in agreement. He wasn’t very familiar with Tang Mo, only knowing that his reputation wasn’t great. But reputations could be deceiving—there could be more to the story.

While the family reveled in their joy, Tang Mo, still at the estate, was watching young boys play cuju. The winning team even received prizes, making the game particularly competitive. Among them, Ershan stood out the most.

“He’s strong, fast, and a little fierce—but most importantly, he’s clever. A good prospect.”

Having observed him for two days, Tang Mo grew increasingly fond of him. The entire group of boys followed Ershan’s lead and respected him.

“Given the opportunity, he could make something of himself.”

Xin An, hearing his continuous praise, chuckled. “If you like him so much, take him in. He could run errands for you—gather information, perhaps.”

Ershan’s family was not impoverished, but whether they would agree was another matter.