Demon Lord Gets Married

Chapter 135 - Allegiance

She carried a pot of Lady Yu's homemade soup. Ever since Yin Xu and Teng Yu praised his wife's cooking, he would always bring some food for them. It wasn't much, but it was enough for the two of them.

Yin Xu took the food and pushed the two into the study room. Then, he had someone bring a bowl and began drinking the steaming hot soup.

“Huh?” After swallowing a mouthful, Yin Xu paused, pleasantly surprised. Using a spoon, he stirred the soup and examined its contents closely.

Lady Yu had cooked pigeon soup today, which was soft and fragrant. However, Yin Xu's pleasant surprise was due to the familiar aroma emanating from the soup.

In the study, Yu Xuezhong placed a set of Advice Letters in front of Teng Yu, saying, “Your Highness has been here for half a month, and the relief operation can finally conclude.”

Teng Yu sat upright in the chair, both hands on the armrest, staring at the thick paper scroll on the desk with deep focus.

Yu Xuezhong's face showed a hint of nervousness and anticipation, “This humble official has served for over ten years. I don't claim great achievements, but I believe I've done well.”

If Teng Yu still didn't understand his meaning, then he was truly dense.

Although Yu Xuezhong had previously shown obedience, this was his first display of loyalty.

Shifting his gaze from the Advice Letters to Yu Xuezhong's face, Teng Yu stared into his eyes, “Master Yu is too modest. In my life, living up to one's duties is the greatest achievement. Master Yu is a good official, beloved by the people in Hui State, making him a good official.”

“I have been in Hui State for seven years, with five years of diligent service. I know the local people well, but I also understand the local dynamics.”

“Many know the theory, but few can execute it.” Teng Yu reached out, grabbed the Advice Letters on the table, and noticed a relieved expression on Yu Xuezhong's face out of the corner of his eye.

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A straightforward official like Yu Xuezhong was not ideal for alliances. Such people always adhered to their principles and had strict moral standards.

While this made him a good official, it didn't necessarily make him a good ally.

Teng Yu opened the Advice Letters, read through them, and asked, “Does Sir Yu have children?”

Yu Xuezhong was momentarily startled and answered, “Yes, I have two sons and a daughter. The eldest son is the same age as the Seventh Young Master.”

“Are they well-read?”

“Naturally, the eldest son is already in middle school, and the second son is still young, just starting his education.”

Teng Yu nodded, patting the Advice Letters on his palm and then posed a question: “Would Master Yu be interested in entering the capital as an official?”

In his prime, he was the top scholar and could have slowly advanced to the Pavilion, but he chose not to stay at the Clear Water Yamen, preferring to serve the public. Thus, he never considered entering the capital.

“Your Highness wants me to enter the capital?” Yu Xuezhong thought the prince wanted him to hold a position in the imperial court to advocate for him.

“What do you mean?”

Yu Xuezhong pondered seriously, “I am too frank and straightforward, lacking tact. I fear I won't adapt to the court's atmosphere, with its grand speeches and hidden agendas. I'd rather stay at home.”

Teng Yu nodded secretly. Recognizing his strengths and weaknesses and choosing a suitable path showed Yu Xuezhong's calmness. Such a person was valuable, even if not an ally.

“Since that's the case, I won't force you. I don't want to see you lose your nature, but you have been in Hui State for too long; it's time to move.”

Yu Xuezhong's heart skipped a beat, and he asked cautiously, “Your Highness, where do you want me to go?”

“Jiangnan, Yunjin City, to manage the Salt-revenue Management. Are you willing?” Teng Yu placed the Advice Letters on the table, made some annotations, and looked up to see Yu Xuezhong's shocked expression.

“Transferring salt? Isn't the current salt envoy Master Tang, who is known for his purity?”

Teng Yu smiled meaningfully, “Not for long. Just adjust the Advice Letters as I suggest and submit them. It will take a few months to vacate the position.”

Yu Xuezhong was still a bit confused. Despite the third rank being just one higher than his current fourth rank, managing the Salt-revenue was a significant responsibility.

The revenue and corruption associated with this position made it highly sought after and challenging.

“Scared?” Teng Yu's voice suddenly broke his thoughts.

He shook his head, “It's true I'm afraid, but I lack confidence in doing it well. Yunjin City is the most corrupt place in the entire Big Dipper.”

“Haha, then I'll be watching.” Teng Yu had long wanted to influence the Salt-revenue Management. He wasn't concerned about the profits, as long as they didn't end up in his opponent's hands.

The real reason for this decision was the wealthy Xiao Family of Jiangnan, closely connected to the Sky Piercing Sect, indicating more than met the eye.

Moreover, the mastermind behind the Shenlu Mountain incident might be related to the Xiao Family. He needed someone to investigate in Jiangnan.

Yu Xuezhong looked at the Advice Letters, surprised by Teng Yu's annotations, “You …?” He pointed to the altered parts, “This official isn't exaggerating. These are your true accomplishments, which His Majesty should know.”

Teng Yu shook his head with a smile, “If Father wants to know, he will. There's no need for excessive praise, and your writing revealed too strong personal feelings, which isn't good.”

For the emperor to value Yu Xuezhong, he had to appear neutral. Any bias towards Teng Yu could be detrimental.

Yu Xuezhong reviewed his writings and indeed saw the excessive flattery. He hadn't realized it while writing, but it was evident from an outsider's perspective.

“I was careless.” Such an Advice Letter could be seen as an attempt to curry favor with the Third Prince.

“The Advice Letters should only highlight a few actions. Impartiality and neutrality are best.”

Understanding this, Yu Xuezhong put the Advice Letters away and took out a folded paper from his pocket, “I think this will help you.”

Teng Yu unfolded it to see a list of names, recognizing them as officials from Hui State, from judges to scholars.

The paper was common Xuan paper, unlike the official's custom-made paper, making it less suspicious if found by others.

Moreover, the handwriting was different from Yu Xuezhong's usual grand and dignified style.

After examining the list, Teng Yu realized he didn't recognize any names but still remembered the Seventh Rank and above officials.

Yu Xuezhong stood to leave. Teng Yu put away the paper and personally escorted him to the Flower Hall, where Yin Xu was staring at a soup pot.

Teng Yu looked over his shoulder and saw the nearly empty pot of stew, with only a few pieces of meat left.

“What are you daydreaming about?” Teng Yu suddenly asked.

Yin Xu turned to face Teng Yu, his mouth curling into a knowing smile, “I ate my fill and was just contemplating life.”

He waved to Yu Xuezhong, “Master Yu, I have a request.”

Yu Xuezhong and Yin Xu hadn't interacted much, but Yu Xuezhong's changed impression of the Third Prince and his own respectfulness towards him made him attentive to his request.

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