Chapter 10: Becoming an Advisor
844 Words
Old Hetou was sweeping the courtyard when he saw Meng Tianchu step out. He quickly put down the broom and approached.
Meng Tianchu said, "Last night, Father-in-law told me to meet him in his study this morning to discuss something. You can accompany me."
"Yes, young master." Old Hetou nodded and bowed.
"You will be my vanguard. Lead the way for me!"
"Yes, young master!" Old Hetou thought Meng Tianchu’s words were a sign of joy from a successful wedding night. He felt happy for him and stepped forward to lead the way. Little did he know that this young master had been replaced and didn’t know his way around, so this was just a clever ruse.
On the way, Meng Tianchu kept chatting with Old Hetou, asking about various places and landmarks, quickly familiarizing himself with the layout of the estate.
When they reached the study, Old Hetou stayed outside while Meng Tianchu stepped in. Xiahou Hong was seated behind a desk, reading a book with a pleased expression.
Meng Tianchu approached, bowed deeply, and said, "Your son-in-law greets Father-in-law."
Xiahou Hong glanced at Meng Tianchu’s calm expression and surmised that things had gone well the previous night. Smiling, he said, "Son-in-law, from today onward, we’re family. There’s no need for formalities between us. Let me speak openly with you."
Meng Tianchu bowed again. "I’m here to humbly receive your guidance, Father-in-law."
"Good. Now that you’re married, you can’t keep living in my household. Otherwise, people might think you’ve married into our family, which could harm your reputation. Eventually, you and Fengyi will need to move out."
Hearing this, Meng Tianchu was delighted. Living here indeed felt like being under someone else’s roof. Moving out would allow him to carve out his own path—and dealing with those two women would also become much easier.
Xiahou Hong sighed. "I had always hoped to help you succeed in the imperial examinations, to make a name for yourself in officialdom. But after all these years and your repeated failures, I’ve lost hope. It seems you’re not cut out for that path. We must consider alternatives."
Meng Tianchu felt even more relieved. Having traveled from the modern era, he couldn’t even write traditional characters, let alone study the Four Books and Five Classics for the exams. Avoiding the examinations was a huge relief. Outwardly, however, he feigned remorse. "I’m sorry for disappointing you, Father-in-law. My incompetence is to blame."
Xiahou Hong consoled him. "Don’t be discouraged. Failing the imperial exams doesn’t mean there’s no path forward. I’ve been thinking about this for days and have found another option for you. I summoned you today to discuss it and hear your thoughts."
Meng Tianchu felt both grateful and curious. He thought to himself, This old man really cares about me as his late friend’s son. Marrying his daughter off to me and now planning my future—though he has his own motives, it’s mostly for my benefit.
"I’m sure your plan is a bright and noble one," Meng Tianchu said. "As long as I ride my horse and whip forward, I’ll surely rise to great heights!"
Xiahou Hong frowned slightly at Meng Tianchu’s flowery words, shook his head, and said, "Son-in-law, the path I’ve arranged isn’t in officialdom, so there’s no question of rising to great heights. However, if you do it well, it could still lead to great achievements."
"Oh?" Meng Tianchu grew even more curious. "May I ask, Father-in-law, what is it you wish me to do?"
"Become an advisor," Xiahou Hong said, stroking his beard. "I’ll recommend you as an advisor. An old classmate of mine recently became the magistrate of Pinghu County in Jiaxing Prefecture, Zhejiang. He asked me to recommend an advisor, and I think you’re suitable for the role."
"An... advisor?" Meng Tianchu hesitated. "What exactly does an advisor do?"
"An advisor is not some trifling role!" Xiahou Hong said, irritated by Meng Tianchu’s ignorance. He quickly regained his composure and explained, "Advisors are hired by officials to provide counsel, draft documents, prepare reports, handle cases, and communicate within official circles. In simple terms, they are aides employed to assist in managing governmental affairs. Ordinary people often call them 'masters' or shiye."
"Ah, shiye! Haha!" Meng Tianchu laughed, picturing the stereotypical advisors in TV dramas. "You should’ve said 'shiye' from the start! Everyone knows them—carrying a folding fan, sporting a little mustache, whispering bad ideas into the magistrate’s ear, right? Haha!"
Xiahou Hong chuckled at Meng Tianchu’s simplistic impression and continued, "Don’t underestimate the role of an advisor. Done well, it can be more influential than being a magistrate. There’s real potential for achievement."
Meng Tianchu, still skeptical, asked, "Potential for what? At the end of the day, isn’t it just being an advisor? What future could it hold?"
Xiahou Hong’s face darkened. "Are you looking down on the path I’ve arranged for you?"
Realizing he had offended him, Meng Tianchu quickly bowed and said, "I wouldn’t dare! I’m willing to follow Father-in-law’s arrangements."
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