Chapter 58 A Petty Bureaucrat

Someone else was anxious on his behalf.

Dou Hongyan did not need to trouble herself over Shen Yishu's official post, as it was soon settled at court.

Almost the moment Shen Yishu secured his position, Xiyue dug up all of his background details: "Madam, it was the Third Prince who recommended him to the Palace Secretariat."

"Oh?"

"The eldest master has neither academic credentials nor administrative achievements, making it difficult to place him in other offices. The Third Prince arranged for him to be a Collator in the Palace Secretariat, and the eldest master is extremely pleased."

Dou Hongyan burst out laughing: "Where is he now?"

Xiyue's expression turned somewhat peculiar, feeling a sense of embarrassment for Dou Hongyan: "Upon receiving the news, the eldest master began boasting loudly at his usual tavern, and is currently basking in the flattery of his passing acquaintances."

Dou Hongyan had previously inquired into the tavern he frequented.

The patrons were all pampered scions from prominent capital families who possessed no real capabilities of their own. It was a wonder Shen Yishu could fit in with such a crowd.

Having now attained even a sesame-seed-sized official post, Shen Yishu's tail was practically pointed at the sky.

Not only did he boast extravagantly at the tavern, but upon returning to the Marquis's estate, he also swaggered in with an arrogant air, heading straight to Dou Hongyan's courtyard to gloat.

Previously suppressed by Dou Hongyan's control over the household, he now held an official post and looked down upon her entirely.

"Eldest master, you have returned—"

"What are you saying!" Shen Yishu's personal attendant fawned, rebuking the steward: "Our eldest master is now a man of official standing! You should address him as Lord Shen! This appointment was personally overseen by the Third Prince, ordering our Lord Shen to assume office as a Collator in the Palace Secretariat!"

"That is the very place that manages His Majesty's archives!"

The steward lowered his head and wiped away a cold sweat: "Yes, yes, indeed... Congratulations, Lord Shen, on bringing honor to your lineage. When the Old Madam hears of this, she will surely be delighted."

Taking a subtle detour, he dropped a hint to Shen Yishu: "Shall we go and share this wonderful news with the Old Madam right away?"

Upon reflection, Shen Yishu thought this made sense. He gave a restrained, haughty nod of his newly elevated head and followed the steward toward the Old Madam's quarters.

Only then did the steward breathe a sigh of relief.

Judging by that earlier stance, the eldest master had clearly intended to pick a fight in the madam's courtyard. Fortunately, the eldest master was still riding high on his triumph, making it easy to divert him and prevent any displeasure for the madam.

Yet, even without visiting Dou Hongyan's place, she was entirely clear on the rumors circulating through the estate and naturally knew all about Shen Yishu's pompous display.

She held nothing but contempt in her heart.

The prestige of a Collator had already declined by the previous dynasty, lacking its former glory.

Having been away for years, Shen Yishu was even less aware of how things had changed over the past decade.

The positions of the Collators in the Palace Secretariat had remained completely unchanged all this time; it was effectively a sinecure used to shelve and dismiss people, holding not a shred of a future.

"It seems His Highness the Third Prince doesn't hold much interest in Shen Yishu either."

Dou Hongyan remained unconcerned, letting Shen Yishu float away on cloud nine.

Fortunately, there were currently enough people flattering Shen Yishu that, immersed in Liu Xin'er's tender embrace, he had completely lost touch with reality.

Ever since learning that Shen Yishu held an official post, Liu Xin'er felt even more excited than he did.

Looking at Shen Yishu's official robes with yearning, her expression grew dreamy, as if she could already see her own son clad in official attire, standing tall and magnificent.

If even her son could receive protection and be promoted by Shen Yishu...

Suppressing the surging emotions in her heart, she spoke to Shen Yishu in gentle, soft tones: "Husband, now that you have entered official service, when gathering with your colleagues, might you take little Shun along so he can learn to share your burdens?"

Yet, contrary to expectations, Shen Yishu, who had previously doted on little Shun, reacted with an immediate frown.

Refusing her outright, he said, "His studies are heavy, and his primary task at the moment is to master his books. There is no need for this right now."

Though the underlying tone of dismissal was subtle, Liu Xin'er perceived it with acute sensitivity.

Her smile stiffened, and her fists clenched involuntarily as a chill swept through her heart.