The Emperor of Xiyun nodded, "Fans are indeed quite refreshing. Jingjing, when will you make some more?"
An Jing couldn’t help laughing, "Making fans is too troublesome, Changyi and I probably won’t make them ourselves again. However, I’ve given the recipe to Youbao, and we’ve partnered to open a tavern before, which is still in operation. He makes a good batch and sells it there, and it sells well. If you want to eat it, you can ask him for it, he definitely has some."
The Emperor of Xiyun didn’t speak but glanced at Su Chengyu.
Su Chengyu immediately lowered his head, appearing as though he hadn’t handled matters properly.
Seeing this, An Jing didn’t understand what the Emperor of Xiyun and Su Chengyu meant. Then, she nudged her husband next to her with her elbow and asked in a very soft voice, "My lord, did I say something wrong?"
Xiao Changyi said indifferently, "Xiyun expressly stipulates that officials are officials, and merchants are merchants."
In other words, one cannot engage in business while holding office.
An Jing immediately understood.
If Wang Youbao were to hold office, then he could not continue to operate taverns or shops to make money.
Wang Youbao had already been arranged by Su Chengyu to learn in the Ministry of Revenue and would soon be appointed an official, yet he still ran his tavern without any self-awareness. Since Wang Youbao had been promoted by Su Chengyu, and Su Chengyu was present, the Emperor naturally blamed Su Chengyu first.
Not wanting Su Chengyu to give up on the idea of valuing Wang Youbao highly because of this incident, An Jing walked over and said, "Youbao is Prime Minister Li’s son-in-law. As the head of all officials, the Prime Minister surely knows that one cannot engage in business once in office. Prime Minister Li must have already discussed this issue with Youbao, it’s just that Youbao’s family business is quite substantial and cannot be sorted out in a short period of time. Father Emperor, Chengyu, please be patient; I can assure you that Prime Minister Li will definitely not allow Youbao to take office carrying a liability that could disadvantage himself."
Once Wang Youbao became an official, if anyone found out he was still conducting business, they would certainly impeach him.
Su Chengyu also knew that Wang Youbao’s family business was substantial, and he valued talent greatly. Hearing An Jing’s words, he also chimed in, "Your Majesty, Wang Youbao is the wealthiest man in Qilin County. Indeed, disposing of his profit-making ventures will take some time. I hope Your Majesty can grant him a little more time."
After pausing, Su Chengyu added, "The Prime Minister is your most trusted servant, Father Emperor. He has always been extremely proper in his affairs and has thoroughly earned your favor. This time, the Prime Minister will certainly not disappoint you."
Finally, the Emperor of Xiyun relaxed his expression and said, "Considering the Prime Minister’s dedicated service to Xiyun, I will grant some more time. If on the day before his appointment, he has not disposed of his profit-making businesses and is ready to serve as a clean official... then I will absolutely not bestow the position upon him."
An Jing let out a big sigh of relief. If Wang Youbao failed to become an official, the self-deprecating Youbao would definitely not be able to withstand the blow.
It was then that they heard the sound of hoofbeats.
And it was getting clearer.
The guards were all on edge, fearing that it was someone coming to assassinate the Emperor of Xiyun and them.
An Jing, however, wasn’t tense. Someone came riding to her home every day; apart from Meng Zhuqing who visited daily, Gong Juechen was the most diligent.
Indeed, as soon as An Jing looked toward the direction of the hoofbeats, she saw Gong Juechen riding towards them.
Gong Juechen was again dressed in dark red wide-sleeved robes, his posture on the horse particularly proper. Coupled with his bewitching face, at that moment, he looked extremely enchanting.