Chapter 373: In Great Zhou, only talent is promoted; the capable occupy the high positions!

Grand Minister of Works?! Senior Grand Pillar of State?! …… Pei Xun, kneeling on the ground, heard these two Bestowals in the imperial edict, was startled, his pupils slightly contracted, yet outwardly remained calm and composed, and loudly said, "I receive the edict and thank the grace!"

The Grand Minister of Works was a position Dugu Zhao previously held, the top official of the local administration.

He oversaw civil affairs, responsible for household registration, land, and grain reserve work, wielding great authority.

And the Senior Grand Pillar of State is the highest rank of merit…

The inner attendant, both hands holding the bright‑yellow imperial edict, paused slightly at his fingertips, and carefully handed the heavy Scroll to Pei Xun.

The brocade felt smooth to the touch, its dragon‑phoenix pattern shimmering with a warm luster in the candlelight, as if it weighed a thousand jin.

He straightened, a perfectly timed smile forming on his face, bowed and clasped his hands, his voice full of deference: "Congratulations, Grand Pillar Pei!"

"It is my fortune to be able to present the edict to you!"

Having said that, he made another deep bow, the lines at the corners of his eyes radiating sincere flattery.

"Your Excellency has been served!"

Chen Yan's gaze swept between the two, his cuff subtly shifting, and a thin Silver Note slipped into his palm like a swimming fish.

He turned sideways toward the inner attendant, his fingertip already deftly slipping the Silver Note into the attendant's sleeve, the motion so swift it left almost no trace.

"The Duke need not be modest!" The attendant's fingertip brushed the slick paper, his eyelid twitched imperceptibly, and his smile grew even broader.

Immediately, without a change of expression, he gathered his cuff, gave Chen Yan a slight nod, and a tacit understanding glimmered in his eyes.

The inner attendant bowed repeatedly to the two, laughing, "I shall not trouble you further, I will first return to the palace to report my duty!"

"Dismissed!"

Having said that, he performed another bow and walked out briskly.

What he received was not just a Silver Note, but the goodwill of Chief Supervisor Chen and the Duke of Wei…

Having caught this thread, the future benefits are self‑evident.

"Quickly go deliver to the Duke!" Pei Xun, seeing this, immediately instructed the steward.

As the inner attendant's footsteps faded beyond the courtyard, Chen Yan turned, a slight smile at his mouth, gave Pei Xun, who still held the imperial edict, a deep bow, his face showing perfectly measured respect and joy: "Congratulations, Lord Father‑in‑law, on your promotion to Grand Minister of Works and Senior Grand Pillar of State!"

Beside them, Pei Suiwan hurried forward, supporting his father's arm, genuine smile in his eyes, softly echoing: "Congratulations, Father!"

Cui Yuanrong also stepped forward, grasped the other arm, and said with a smile: "Congratulations, Sir!"

Between his brows lay joy and surprise…

Who could have thought that during today's family banquet, one's own husband would be promoted?

As soon as the words fell, the servants waiting outside the courtyard could no longer hold back; the guards led, and a group of servants knelt together on the Blue Bricks floor, all chanting: "Congratulations, Sir!"

The voices were loud, rising and falling.

"No need for gifts!"

Pei Xun raised his hand in a vague flourish.

Having said that, he carefully rolled up the imperial edict and handed it to the steward standing nearby.

Immediately, he was the first to stride toward the inner hall, with Chen Yan and the others following closely.

He, however, furrowed his brow, his steps unhurried, as if pondering something.

The lanterns' glow in the corridor flickered at his temples, and upon reaching the inner hall, after Pei Xun sat down, he turned his head toward Chen Yan beside him, his tone calm yet inquisitive: "A Yan, my promotion to Grand Minister of Works could not have been without your stirring influence, could it?"

"Father's promotion is your handiwork, husband?!"

Pei Suiwan, hearing the words, saw a flash of astonishment in his eyes and thought silently.

But upon further thought, indeed, one's own husband can speak before the Grand Chancellor…

Moreover, that relationship is far from shallow; not only a trusted minister, but almost like a father‑son bond.

"This edict is related to the son‑in‑law?!"

Cui Yuanrong was also startled, exclaiming in surprise within his heart.

Thinking of this, his mouth couldn't help but lift in a smile.

One's own husband would not ask aimlessly; asking this must be ninety‑plus percent certain…

Regarding the importance of choosing a son‑in‑law.

"Two Senior Grand Pillars of State and their factions have been eliminated, leaving so many vacant positions…"

Chen Yan smiled calmly, chose his words, and said: "In Great Zhou, talent alone is promoted; the capable occupy the high offices!"

"The modest son‑in‑law dared to recommend Lord Father‑in‑law to the Grand Chancellor!"

As the saying goes, fertile water does not flow to outsiders' fields.

After a hard‑won reshuffle of the court, the carrot pits have cleared, and naturally we must back our own!

We can't possibly support outsiders, can we?

Chen Yan is not that lofty and righteous.

"You child truly know how to speak!"

"Hahaha!"

Pei Xun was first startled, then stroked his beard and laughed aloud, the wrinkles at his eyes relaxing with the mirth, and praised.

After a pause, he continued: "Thank you this time; I, as father, toast you with a cup!"

Saying so, he personally lifted the wine jug, filled the cup before Chen Yan, and poured a cup for himself.

"Between father‑in‑law and son‑in‑law, why need this word of thanks?"

Chen Yan smiled calmly, raised his cup, and said: "Today is the joyous day of the father‑in‑law; the modest son‑in‑law honors his father‑in‑law!"

"Indeed!"

Pei Suiwan looked at Chen Yan affectionately, smiled gently, and added: "We are all one family; this is what a husband should do!"

"We are a single body sharing honor and disgrace together."

Pei Xun nodded, fully agreeing, and said loudly: "Come, the two of us, let's drink!"

"Ha!" Chen Yan smiled.

The two wine cups lightly clinked, producing a crisp "ding" sound.

Pei Xun tipped his head and drank to the bottom, the wine sliding down his throat, leaving a warm aftertaste; when he set down his cup, a faint wine stain lingered at the corner of his mouth, and his smile deepened.

Chen Yan also finished his drink, his movements calm and measured; as he set his cup down, his gaze met his father‑in‑law's, carrying a mutually understood tranquility.

Pei Suiwan, seeing both cups empty, immediately lifted the tin wine jar at hand; its body was warm, containing a brew that had been preheated.

With a slight tilt of his wrist, the crisp wine slowly poured into the cup, neither too much nor too little, just eight‑tenths full; the froth floated on the rim and vanished in an instant.

Pei Xun speared a bite of steamed sea bass; as the flesh opened between his teeth, the fresh broth spread over his tongue.

He seemed to recall something, lifted his eyes toward Chen Yan, and the chopsticks tapped lightly against the bowl rim, sending a droplet of broth onto the gilt‑edged white porcelain, forming a faint ring. He asked, "A Yan, this Grand Minister of Education gave me the position; any news on the vacant Grand Minister of Justice?"

His words carried a hint of curiosity.

This Grand Minister of Justice is precisely the post Zhao Qian previously held, which is now vacant…

Overseeing criminal matters, it is another high‑ranking, powerful office.

Only the inner confidant of the Grand Tomb Overseer can partake in the decision, and his own son‑in‑law happens to be one of them…

After all, minor matters call for grand meetings, major matters call for small ones.

Chen Yan heard this, blinked, did not hesitate, and replied, "It is Du Yaoguang, Lord Du, promoted to Grand Minister of Justice and appointed Senior Pillar of State, ranking alongside his father‑in‑law as one of the six top officials!"

Yet between the lines, there was a certain profound implication.

"Uncle Du?"

"Shu Ying's father?"

Pei Suiwan heard the name, her brows slightly furrowed, murmuring to herself thoughtfully; this Du Yaoguang, Lord Du, was not a stranger but the father of her close confidante, and she suddenly seemed to realize something, her heart startled: "Could it be…"

A bold speculation began to surge within her…

"Brother Du?"

Pei Xun held his wine cup in his right hand, his fingertips gently rubbing, savoring Chen Yan's subtly meaningful words, "Also appointed as Senior Pillar of State…"

He paused, then suddenly his eyes brightened, looking straight at Chen Yan, and said, "Could the Grand Preceptor be favoring Brother Du's legitimate daughter, arranging a marriage for the Crown Prince?!"

Knowing that both of them had risen to similarly high positions and both were appointed Senior Pillar of State makes it all the more intriguing…

After all, besides Pei Xun's He Dong Pei Clan lineage and his many years of experience, his son‑in‑law has also contributed significantly.

What does the old Du rely on?

Moreover, Du Gu Mi Luo had just suddenly died…

All these pieces connect, and the answer is about to emerge!

"Exactly." Chen Yan nodded slightly.

He paused again, then smiled and asked, "Father‑in‑law, what do you think of this marriage?"

"Truly a match made by heaven and earth!" Pei Xun smiled knowingly, saying with deep meaning.

This is a strong alliance, each taking what they need…

The Grand Preceptor, for his only son, sought a powerful wife's clan to brace against future storms, while also courting the Jing Zhao Du Clan for his own use.

A double‑edged arrow.

And promoting his son's father‑in‑law is, of course, only natural.

"Shu Ying marries the Crown Prince of Jin…"

Pei Suiwan visualized the two's marriage in her mind, nodded involuntarily, and thought, "What a wonderful match!"

It must be said, Yuwen Ze truly is an excellent marriage prospect…

He is both of the Imperial Clan and capable, gentle in temperament, and also has an excellent relationship with her own husband.

The two could later be considered, in a sense, sisters‑in‑law…

"The Grand Tomb Overseer granted the Grand Marshal the Grand Tutor title, and gave Yu, the Elder Pillar of State, the Grand Protector title!" Chen Yan lifted his cup, took a shallow sip, and said.

He paused, then shifted his tone, continuing, "However, the Elder Pillar of State has already submitted his resignation to the Grand Tomb Overseer, and the Overseer has approved it…"

"The Elder Pillar of State is indeed a clear‑headed man!"

Pei Xun nodded and sighed.

Yu, the Elder Pillar of State, being advanced in age, finds it a good choice to retire at the right moment after achieving success.

He immediately let out a light laugh and asked, "Then is the Grand Duke position to be succeeded by Brother Gui Ting?"

Pei Xun's mention of Brother Gui Ting refers to Yu Jie's eldest son, the father of Yu Yan…

"No!"

Chen Yan shook his head, speaking gravely, "The Grand Duke position will be taken over by Hou Mo, Chen Zhuguo!"