After being reborn as a man, the woman improved her family's fortunes through education.

Chapter 664 The Changing Winds in the Court

Jiang Xiaoqi successfully entered the city before the gates closed, all thanks to his beloved horse.

Back at the Jiang residence, Eleven and Li Mo were waiting for him in the courtyard.

"Young Master, you're finally back."

"Well, in a few days, you take Eleven with you. There are six boxes of things at the Tongzhou County government office. I can't bring them back today, so you'll have to go and get them."

Of course, he wouldn't leave those things to his own father; he wanted to bring them back and share them with the family. He especially wanted dried goods, which were perfect for eating now.

It can be used to make Buddha Jumps Over the Wall or other dishes, and it's also great for hot pot. It's also perfect with seafood broth and spicy broth.

"Yes, young master, shall we go the day after tomorrow?"

"Well, there's no need to rush. Let's do it in five or six days. Here's the key to that small storeroom. Once you've taken your things, just return the key to Aunt Pan."

"Yes, young master. Don't worry."

After finishing her chores, Jiang Xiaoqi quickly washed up and lay down.

Now he's basically sleeping for real. He's worked hard for over a decade and it's time for him to relax. Actually, the main reason is that there aren't any skill points he's interested in unlocking lately.

If I come across a skill that interests me someday, I might resume my old routine of studying and working during the day and further my studies in my online space at night.

Jiang Xiaoqi only slept for two hours before it was time to go on duty. She didn't feel tired from lack of sleep, thanks to her good physical condition and the various pills she had taken over the years.

Li Mo seemed to be in good spirits. He had already prepared the carriage and was waiting outside. Jiang Xiaoqi, carrying some snacks and a pot of tea, got into the carriage.

Breakfast was eaten in the carriage. Li Mo drove very steadily, without spilling a drop of tea.

Jiang Xiaoqi is currently a fifth-rank official and is required to attend the Grand Court Assembly.

However, since his promotion, the emperor has not attended court frequently due to health reasons.

So this was Jiang Xiaoqi's first time attending the grand court assembly, and he was inexplicably excited.

Upon encountering his great-uncle at the palace gate, Jiang Xiaoqi felt much more at ease. Later, Minister Wu and Minister Lin also arrived, and seeing relatively familiar people made Jiang Xiaoqi even more relaxed.

Jiang Xiaoqi bowed and looked at Minister Wu's back, sighing that this might be the first and last time he would see Minister Wu at the grand court assembly.

After all, the Second Prince said that day that His Majesty the Emperor would formally announce Minister Wu's retirement and return to his hometown at the Grand Court Assembly, and of course, would also announce who would be appointed as the next Minister of Works.

Recently, another vice minister from the Ministry of Works has been frequently visiting the residences of various officials, presumably for this very reason.

Jiang Xiaoqi looked at her great-uncle, who seemed to have never made any connections, and appeared to be at a disadvantage in terms of personal connections.

Noticing his grandnephew's gaze, Jiang Changqing returned a reassuring look.

Jiang Xiaoqi understood; his great-uncle was simply letting things take their course, which could be considered a form of resignation.

After all, his great-uncle did not want to rely on the Liu family to rise to power.

After all, the Liu family was the maternal family of the prince. Since they had already chosen their side, they could not easily change it because of their official positions.

Jiang Xiaoqi felt that she was the reason why her great-uncle could not be promoted, and she was already thinking about how to make it up to him.

My great-uncle is too old to be arranged like Jiang Lin, Jiang Yan, and Jiang Hao. And since the Tongzhou Wharf is managed by Lord Qiu, my great-uncle didn't have a better position in the past, so he was wronged.

Well, of course, the main reason is that I feel too busy and tired at the dock.

Otherwise, why not give up the position of tutor to the Second Prince and let the Grand Uncle get some experience?

Jiang Xiaoqi truly believed this; there was no falsehood in her words.

However, this matter requires the Second Prince's consent. Even if we can't change it, can we add one?

After all, the Second Prince is currently a nobody, and no one is eager to serve him.

A thought flashed through Jiang Xiaoqi's mind, and she had already followed the flow of people into the main hall.

This was his first time attending the grand court assembly, but not his first time entering the main hall.

After all, he was received here when he was the top scholar in the imperial examination, although it was nearly three years ago.

The people standing beside me back then were Liu Peng, the second-place finisher, and Xiao Ming, the third-place finisher. Now, well, I don't really recognize them; they're all unfamiliar faces.

Standing around Jiang Xiaoqi were officials of the fifth rank, the youngest of whom looked to be in his thirties, old enough to be Jiang Xiaoqi's father.

However, Jiang Xiaoqi adapted well, and apart from the Hanlin Academy, he really didn't see many young officials.

Few of them were young; they were either the Chiang brothers or his close friends.

So-called young talents are a scarce resource everywhere.

The emperor, supported by the chief eunuch, sat on the dragon throne, but Jiang Xiaoqi did not look up.

His eyes were lowered, fixed only on his official boots.

The others were the same, not daring to look directly at the emperor's face.

Only the Prime Minister and a few ministers relaxed a little, and Minister Wu even knelt down directly to bid farewell to His Majesty.

The emperor had previously approved his request to retire, but Minister Wu could not leave until a new Minister of Works was appointed.

The handover of work was one aspect, but the main concern was the potential for problems within the Ministry of Works. With Minister Wu present, at least there would be some stability.

However, what was unexpected was that some people were still very active, jumping around and resorting to any means to achieve their goals.

"Minister Wu, this parting between us, ruler and subject, may be our last. Do you have any wishes? Please speak freely."

"Your Majesty, I have received Your Majesty's grace many times over the years and have no other desires but for the prosperity of our Great Zhou Dynasty and its enduring glory!"

Jiang Xiaoqi had to admire this shrewd old minister; even if he had any requests, he shouldn't have brought them up now.

It's better to make the request earlier. Waiting until the last minute before returning home to make the request is simply a way of buying out the bond between ruler and subject.

At this time, they appear righteous and selfless, which makes them both well-regarded and attractive.

If something really happens in the future, can the emperor really just ignore it? Can he really stand idly by?

Wouldn't that tarnish the reputation of a wise ruler? If you truly care for your subjects, why would they come begging to you?

The emperor was clearly pleased with Minister Wu's words. If all the officials in the court were sensible, he wouldn't be so exhausted.

The emperor glanced sideways at Qin, the Vice Minister of Works, who seemed eager to replace Minister Wu at any moment, and his brows furrowed even more.