Chapter 569: Chapter 569: Civil Servant Becomes Military Officer

The sun gradually hid behind the clouds, and the sunlight was gone.

In front of the viewing platform, seeing the weather getting colder, the people who had eaten and drunk enough dispersed and returned to their homes.

Since it was on their way, Qin Yao and her husband delivered Song Zhang’s family to the gate of their courtyard, and reminded them to come to them if they were in need of anything. Watching Song Zhang’s family settle in, they then returned home.

Upon entering their home, the couple looked at each other and said in unison, "The Song family is moving away."

Qin Yao raised an eyebrow, "It seems Song Zhang also told you about his upcoming transfer to Qingzhou Prefecture."

Liu Ji nodded, knowing a bit more than she did, and judging by Song Zhang’s tone, he should be promoted by two ranks, soon to take up the post of garrison captain at Qingzhou Prefecture, a standard sixth rank.

"A military position?" Qin Yao was a bit surprised.

Liu Ji clicked his tongue twice, "I was surprised too when I heard, but a promotion is a good thing, I guess. Nowadays, with no war, he might just take the title and in two or three years, he might be transferred to the Capital City."

The weather indeed got colder, and standing in the yard felt a bit chilly, so Qin Yao called the children to come inside to warm themselves by the fire in the main house.

The brazier was burning vigorously, and from the kitchen drifted the smell of Mrs. Li’s cooking for dinner. Qin Yao relaxed into her seat, encouraging Liu Ji to continue sharing the news he had gathered from Song Zhang.

Liu Ji didn’t know much more, mainly because Gongliang Liao knew a lot and seemed to have had interactions with the elders of the Song family.

Just as the three of them finished chatting, hiding from Song Zhang, the old man shared the ins and outs of the Song family with him.

"It seems that Song Zhang has an uncle who works at the Ministry of Personnel and has once been quite close to the Princess Mansion."

"I heard from my junior brother that currently, the officials in the Capital are divided into two factions: one led by the old scholar officials represented by the Grand Tutor, and the other by the newly promoted military officers supporting the Princess Mansion. The rest survive in the cracks between them."

"To transfer to the Capital City through the civil service route, unless Song Zhang makes major achievements, it might not be possible. But if he takes the military route, it’s said that the promotion system is much easier."

However, in any case, with no war presently, a military officer has become an awkward existence.

Gongliang Liao was very wary of discussing the open and covert struggles, and the power struggles over succession in the Capital, and what Liu Ji knew was coaxed out from Qi Xian.

Prime Minister Qi has high hopes for this great-grandson, and they have maintained correspondence. Even though Qi Xian is not in the Capital, he is well aware of its changes.

"However, I am just a scholar, and the open and hidden fights in the Capital have nothing to do with me."

Liu Ji said optimistically, "I just want to take another exam to become an Advanced Scholar, land a position like Mr. Song as a County Magistrate, and I would be content in this life!"

Qin Yao gave him a sidelong glance, "I recall you saying that when you gain power in the future, you would have Wang Jin’s head chopped off and use it as a ball for me to kick."

Liu Ji took a sharp breath, inwardly thinking how he had spoken his true thoughts out loud by mistake.

Indeed, what he said before was also his true feelings.

But things were different now; he realized the career path was difficult and naturally accepted the reality.

However, speaking the truth was not wise.

Liu Ji’s eyes rolled as he quickly pulled out a smile, explaining, "I was just being modest, saying things for the sake of others. How can a mere County Magistrate match my talents?"

"Besides, I haven’t chopped off Wang Jin’s head yet, so how could I be satisfied with just being a County Magistrate? It’s not gentlemanly not to avenge a grudge, dear wife, just wait, that shameless man will surely regret it!"

After he said this, seeing no visible change in Qin Yao’s expression, he poured her a cup of fragrant tea and personally handed it over, thoughtfully asking, "Dear wife, you’ve worked hard with the barbecue today. Would you like a shoulder massage?"

Qin Yao chuckled lightly, nodding reluctantly, "Alright, it just so happens I’m a bit sore."

Liu Ji cheerfully replied, "Alrighty!"

The pressure on the shoulders was just right, making Qin Yao so comfortable that she squinted her eyes.

She didn’t really expect Liu Ji to climb high in his career or genuinely believe he would chop off Wang Jin’s head.

The reminder was just meant to see how this easily satisfied guy would react.

The facts proved that Liu Ji’s response successfully improved her mood.

Since Song Zhang was leaving, the vacancy for the County Magistrate of Kaiyang County would be filled by someone new soon, and Qin Yao could only hope that the next County Magistrate would be of the same caliber as Song Zhang.

Even if not, she hoped they wouldn’t be too different; otherwise, her little life would become difficult.

Qin Yao realized, after experiencing the convenience brought by connections, she was somewhat resistant to the arrival of the new County Magistrate.

Luckily, after a five-day stay in the village, when Song Zhang’s family returned to the city, they brought news of the new County Magistrate.

Upon hearing that the new County Magistrate was an Advanced Scholar from the same cohort as Song Zhang, and possessed noble character, Qin Yao breathed a sigh of relief.

In contrast, Liu Ji reacted with a sharp intake of breath.

Noble character... this cut off his chances of wanting to climb up and bribe!

His teacher said with his current half-baked skills, he needed to settle down and study for another two years to have a chance at passing the imperial exam.

So during these two years, he couldn’t just study day and night, could he?

He was not young anymore and should have some social interactions. If not mixing to become a County Magistrate, even becoming a secretary would be quite nice.

Even his teacher encouraged him to make the most of his talents, saying that his foundation was weak, and unlike his junior brother who had help paving the way, if he didn’t work hard to build connections, his career path would be difficult.

Gongliang Liao had something to say about this.

"I told you to expand your network, not to become buddies with those of all sorts and kinds!"

Liu Ji exclaimed, "Then what do you mean, teacher?"

Gongliang Liao resisted the urge to flick him on the forehead, took a deep breath, gritting his teeth, and said, "I mean for you to consult and learn from those who are more knowledgeable than you, understand?"

Liu Ji suddenly understood, realizing it.

"I’ve learned my lesson."

He solemnly performed a bow, sincerely admitted his mistake, and quickly ran off.

Sure enough, in the next second, a boot flew from behind him.

Liu Ji dodged to the side, patted his chest, luckily running fast.

But... where did the boots come from with the old man having no legs?

Curiosity made Liu Ji turn back, and seeing Gongliang Liao’s mocking smile, another boot was skillfully hurled, hitting Liu Ji on the chest.

It didn’t hurt, compared to his wife’s iron hammer, this force was like a cat’s scratch. Liu Ji, grinning, picked up the boot on his chest, and looked at it.

Oh, it was his junior brother’s.

On his knees, obediently copying ancient scrolls before the small desk was Qi Xian, watching his little junior brother with embarrassed feet curling under the quilt.

Liu Ji picked up both boots, placing them back beside the small desk, said, "Thank you for your hard work."

Only then, with a cupped fist, did he hurry away from the indignant Gongliang Liao.