Chapter 44

Tao Sheng also feels that this world is full of wonders.

When Tao Sheng first learned that Ji Yanming would become the new emperor’s prime minister and one of the biggest villains in the novel, she felt that this cousin might become her backer, her strong supporter, and her protective umbrella in the future, but she never expected that he would become her colleague.

And now, they are working together in the Ministry of Rites.

Just the grouping is different.

Many people were seconded this time, and Lord Zhong attached great importance to it, so a special meeting was held.

This was Tao Sheng’s first time meeting a second-rank official. She thought Minister Zhong was elegant, friendly, and dignified, with a commanding presence.

Minister Zhong spoke for a long time, focusing on one main point: he wanted everyone to work together to make the New Year’s event successful. If they did, the emperor and the Ministry would reward them fairly.

After the meeting, the young people who were assigned to different departments needed to find their chief clerks to start their tasks.

Ji Yanming watched as Tao Sheng and Su Heng left together. He only snapped back to reality when Xie Huaian called him.

Tao Sheng’s work at the Taiyue Bureau was relatively easy. In previous years, they helped select music for the grand ceremony, and as long as they didn’t make mistakes, they would be fine.

However, this year was different. Several foreign envoys planned to stay in Great Zhou for the Spring Festival, and princes from two countries were coming to pay tribute. The emperor ordered that this year’s music and rituals be combined with the New Year preparations, which required creativity and innovation.

So, the Ministry of Rites sent two people from the Imperial Music Bureau to help.

Unlike previous years, selecting the music this time would be more challenging.

Su Heng knew about Tao Sheng’s music skills. When they received their tasks, he sighed and said, “I just said I wanted to help you, Lord Luo, just to be polite. I didn’t think it would really happen. Now I really have to rely on you.”

“You also have tasks to do,” Tao Sheng encouraged him. “Master Su, don’t say that.”

“I have something to do, too?” Su Heng asked, excited. “What is it? Lord Luo, tell me!”

To boost Su Heng’s confidence, Tao Sheng thought for a moment and said, “Sir Su can find something suitable for you based on your strengths, like…”

“For example, I can help you move books or grind ink,” Su Heng said eagerly. “I heard from my grandfather that the songs for New Year celebrations come from thick books and bamboo slips ^[1]refers to ancient Chinese writing materials.. A young lady like you can’t move them!”

Tao Sheng wanted to suggest that he could practice the song for inspection later but held back after hearing his words.

What Su Heng said was true. They needed people for these tasks. He looked strong; he once carried two zithers and a qin ^[2]refers to a stringed instrument. and walked steadily. He could definitely help.

The morning passed quickly, and soon it was lunchtime.

Su Heng, eager to eat, said, “I’ve heard that the food in the six ministries’ kitchen is delicious. Should we ask someone to pick it up? There are many people working in the ministry recently. I wonder if the chef will make extra food for us.”

“We should have enough,” Tao Sheng replied. “But since it’s time, let’s send someone for the food.”

Su Heng first instructed the servants to bring the meal, then mentioned that the plum blossoms outside were blooming and he wanted to see them.

They went out to admire the flowers and encountered a tall official from the Ministry of Rites. Tao Sheng thought he looked familiar but couldn’t recall where she’d seen him.

Su Heng leaned in and whispered, “This is Mr. Tang, the Minister of Rites.”

Tao Sheng finally recognized him. He was Tang Yizi’s father, a young lady from the Shen family. They looked alike.

Minister Tang noticed Tao Sheng and approached her, saying, “I assume you are Lord Luo from the Imperial Music Bureau, right?”

“Yes,” Tao Sheng replied, “This subordinate greets Lord Tang.”

Minister Tang nodded.

He had heard about the Shen family from Tang Yizi.

At first, he mistakenly thought the Wenyuanhou Mansion was reputable and let Tang Yizi marry into it. He didn’t expect the Shen family to be troubled. Many issues had arisen since Tang Yizi married into the family.

Fortunately, Shen Ruojin, the most troublesome family member, is married now, and her mother-in-law Luo Xin hasn’t caused any problems. Shen Yue’s character is acceptable; he seems family-oriented despite some confusion about Shen Ruojin’s matters.

Tao Sheng’s success puzzled Tang Yizi and the Tang family at first. Now they see she has become an eighth-rank music director at a young age and is one of the few female officials in the court. This is impressive.

Minister Tang understood Tao Sheng’s decision.

Someone with real ability like Tao Sheng can succeed on her own without needing to endure any humiliation at home.

Even though Minister Tang came from a well-off family, his parents favored his brother’s family. He worked hard, passed the imperial examination, and eventually became a third-rank minister. His parents didn’t provide him with good support, yet he made his own way.

Minister Tang already liked Tao Sheng because Tang Yizi spoke highly of her. Now he respects her even more for her achievements. Officials like him appreciate young people willing to work hard.

Minister Tang smiled at Tao Sheng and said, “My daughter often mentioned you, Lord Luo. She said you helped her a lot. If you need anything while you’re in the Ministry of Rites, just let me know. Don’t hesitate.”

Tao Sheng felt the sincerity of Minister Tang: “Thank you, Lord Tang. If I have anything to do in the next few days, I will trouble you again.”

Having someone in charge made her feel different. After getting the promise from Minister Tang, who was the second-in-command of the Ministry of Rites, Tao Sheng felt more at ease even during lunch.

The meals at the Ministry of Rites were indeed good. Su Heng finished a whole plate of snacks and two large bowls of rice. He held his belly and said he was too full and needed to rest.

Tao Sheng still had work to do, so she said a nap was not necessary. She asked Su Heng to rest first while she began reviewing the music score.

Su Heng looked at Tao Sheng with envy. Some people seem to have endless energy, which explains why they achieve so much at a young age.

Not long after Su Heng went to rest, Ji Yanming arrived.

Tao Sheng was a bit surprised by Ji Yanming’s visit but still stood up to offer her seat: “Why is my cousin here?”

Ji Yanming looked serious and said he wanted to discuss the two articles in the prayer that needed to be aligned with rituals and music.

Now that they were truly working together, Tao Sheng never thought she would discuss work with her cousin.

Ji Yanming seemed knowledgeable about qin music, and the questions and ideas he raised were sharp and professional. As they discussed, Tao Sheng found it easier to follow his thoughts, making the task more organized than when she worked alone. 

She realized Ji Yanming was really useful. No matter what he did, he always brought different surprises.

There was plenty of warmth from the charcoal fires in the Ministry of Rites. After her meal, Tao Sheng felt a bit sleepy. Ji Yanming’s deep and pleasant voice made her even sleepier.

But it was too late to rest since it was almost time to work. Tao Sheng stood up, took off her coat, and drank a cup of tea to wake herself up.

Tao Sheng’s actions were common. After removing her coat, she wore a slightly loose official uniform underneath. However, Ji Yanming felt his throat tighten unconsciously.

Ji Yanming calmly drank half a cup of cold tea to calm himself. He then told Tao Sheng he had read files in the Ministry of Justice. In winter, especially around the New Year, bandits often roamed the capital, making it unsafe for a girl like her to go home.

He suggested that since they worked in the same department, they could share one car, and he would accompany her home every day.