Everyone had originally thought that Su Chengyu intended to promote Wang Youbao, otherwise he wouldn’t have placed Wang Youbao in the Ministry of Revenue to learn the ropes, but when Su Chengyu strongly recommended Wang Youbao for the position of Salt Transportation Officer in the South Shen area, everyone was still taken aback.
It was one thing to favor him, but they had not anticipated that Su Chengyu would favor Wang Youbao to such an extent.
As if Wang Youbao were his trusted aide.
Even Prime Minister Li was greatly surprised. He too had not expected Su Chengyu to favor Wang Youbao so much.
In the great hall, with so many people present, there were those who opposed having Wang Youbao as the Salt Transportation Officer, citing his lack of experience and expressing concerns that he might be unable to fulfill the duties of the role. However, the Emperor of Xiyun went along with Su Chengyu’s wishes, ignoring any voices of opposition and made an exceptional promotion of a merchant to the position of Salt Transportation Officer.
By taking office, Wang Youbao automatically left behind his merchant status, bringing glory to his ancestors.
Those who had initially mocked Li Wuyu for marrying beneath her to a merchant were left with very colorful expressions when they learned that Wang Youbao had become the Salt Transportation Officer.
"Youbao, the face that Wuyu lost for me, you have now earned it all back," Prime Minister Li said with a beaming smile. He was now more satisfied with Wang Youbao, his son-in-law, than ever before.
His son-in-law was not only filial but also capable. He had even asked the Crown Prince about it; the Crown Prince had told him that originally, they had not intended for Wang Youbao to be the Salt Transportation Officer, but since Wang Youbao had performed so exceptionally well during his time at the Ministry of Revenue, the Crown Prince had directly appointed him as the Salt Transportation Officer of the Third Rank.
Such an important post right upon taking office; his son-in-law truly had unlimited prospects.
Now, who in the Imperial Capital did not envy him?
"Father-in-law, don’t say that, Wuyu is just being true to her nature, hoping everything goes as she wishes it would."
Seeing Wang Youbao defending his daughter , Prime Minister Li was very pleased.
However, Wang Youbao frowned with some worry and said, "Father-in-law, as your son-in-law will be heading to Nan Shen, Wuyu will naturally accompany me, and it will be at least three years before we can return. You will be in the Capital by yourself, please take good care of your health."
A term of office in any given position is typically three years; occasionally five; and in special cases, like that of Princess Yi An Jing, there is no set term, and one can leave at any time.
Prime Minister Li, delighted by Wang Youbao’s filial piety, nodded with a smile and said, "Don’t worry about me, just head to Nan Shen. Do well as the Salt Transportation Officer. The Crown Prince has placed such trust in you; you must not disappoint him."
"Yes, father-in-law."
"Also," Prime Minister Li added. "You will be setting out for Nan Shen in a couple of days. Before you leave, go say goodbye to your mentors. One reason you could become the Salt Transportation Officer was likely because the Crown Prince considered your relationship with Prince Yi and Princess Yi."
The next day, Wang Youbao and Li Wuyu visited Prince Yi’s Mansion to bid farewell to An Jing and Xiao Changyi.
An Jing cautioned, "This is an important and lucrative position, and many people are watching. Your journey to Nan Shen is fraught with danger; you must be very cautious of your safety."
"Thank you for your concern, Master; we will be," they replied.
Thinking about how Wang Youbao and Li Wuyu would not be able to return to the Imperial Capital for at least three years, An Jing couldn’t help but advise further, "If there’s anything you can’t resolve, write to us and let your mentor and me know. If we can help you, we certainly will."
Li Wuyu and Wang Youbao were deeply moved and expressed their gratitude, "Thank you, Master, thank you, Mentor."