"I've thought it over and I'm ready, I will sit for the imperial examinations and enter officialdom!" Yang Chengyou comforted his sister, "Ninth sister, don't worry. Old Hai said I have a good aptitude, but I started my enlightenment a bit too late and for too short a period. I can try the children's examination in three months as practice.

If I don't pass, I'll treat it as getting familiar with the atmosphere. If I'm lucky and pass, then I will prepare well for next year's township examination.

If I pass the township examination, I still have to wait three years to take the meeting examination, to obtain the Gongshi qualification to participate in the palace examination, and after becoming a Jinshi, then can I start my career as an official, but the official rank will be very low,"

"I will choose to start as a County Magistrate, accumulating experience while benefiting the people. As long as I hold good intentions, I will not fear any demons and spirits, and then I will gradually get promoted. Someday I will reach the highest position among officials, and then I will be able to protect my family and sister.

At that time, sister, you can do whatever you wish without being bullied or pressured by anyone."

"I will also study hard to protect the family and sister in the future!" Yang Chengbin quickly raised his hand to express his intentions.

The other six brothers did not want to be left behind: "And us too!"

Looking at her brothers who loved and protected her so, Yang Mengchen's eyes gradually moistened, warmth and happiness filled her heart.

"Since Fourth Brother has chosen to enter officialdom, I naturally support him wholeheartedly. However, Fourth Brother, merely holding good intentions is far from enough if you want to benefit the people. I have read history books, and there were many officials who were good and clean, but they met tragic ends. Does Fourth Brother know why?"

Yang Chengyou pondered for a moment before shaking his head, the other seven brothers also looked at their sister with puzzled expressions.

"That's because they didn't understand the Art of Balance in office," Yang Mengchen said earnestly. "The darkness of the officialdom has always existed and is unavoidable. The truly upright officials are rare, yet they too don't meet a good end;

"Therefore, you need to learn moderation, to feign, to read people's words and expressions, to say one thing and mean another. Only then will you have ample handle in the official circles, to protect yourself. Otherwise, you might encounter a great disaster without any warning;

"Most importantly, you must learn to observe the situation and choose sides."

"Ninth sister, what does choosing sides mean?" Yang Chengbin voiced the question the brother had in mind.

Yang Mengchen slowly explained: "Choosing sides means political stance. Each official has their own political stance, their own cliques. Some are loyal to the Emperor, some to a certain Prince or powerful courtiers, even to rebellious figures with ill intentions. Each group prospers or suffers together;

"No official can stay out of it all unless they have extraordinary talents and powerful backing to choose to be a lone official. Otherwise, they will be overwhelmed by other factions until they are obliterated, which is the so-called party struggle;

"For an Emperor, such party struggles are necessary to solidify imperial power. Without them, the Emperor would be more worried, as unity among his officials could very likely lead to a usurpation of his power. This is the Art of Balance, and also the monarch's scheming;

"However, Fourth Brother need not worry. The current Emperor is not a foolish ruler, and Dong Chu is free from internal strife and external threats. Moreover, Old Hai is loyal only to the current Emperor. All Fourth Brother needs to do is maintain the right attitude, resolutely follow Old Hai in being loyal to the Emperor, and know how to be flexible among the various officials.

Then you will certainly be safe and sound."

"I never imagined that the official world could be so dark and treacherous," Yang Chengbin said with a fearful slap on his chest. "Fortunately, our teacher also dislikes the officialdom. I will happily follow him in scholarly pursuits and become a learned and talented scholar."

Yang Chengyou frowned in deep thought.

The rest of the brothers all wore serious expressions, filled with concern in their eyes. Could their fourth brother cope with such a dark officialdom?

Knowing that Fourth Brother needed time to digest what she'd just said, without disturbing him further, Yang Mengchen turned to Yang Chengxuan, "Third brother, how are things going?"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.