Liuli Qiu laughed and said, "Every official in the Ministry of Revenue works diligently. Each is quite capable, and there are many affairs to handle. Even among us, we can’t manage everything, and no matter who I recommend to follow the Marquis, they are reluctant to leave. However, what the Marquis is busy with are matters commanded by the Emperor, so I must make the sacrifice. Whoever Marquis Gu sets his eyes on, he can take them away."
The words both praised his own officials and cleverly dodged taking sides, truly glib. Even if the Capital Inspection upsets somebody, it’s not on him.
In fact, Liuli Qiu wished Marquis Gu would take one of his trusted men.
Marquis Gu laughed and said, "When I was fighting in the Northern Border and needed money and provisions, I often interacted with the Ministry of Revenue. After returning victorious, I had to request rewards and pensions for my soldiers, dealing with the Ministry for several months. Marquis Mansion knows that if I ask you to hand over your trusted associates, you certainly won’t agree. So how about you choose one, and I choose one?"
The two exchanged a smile and did not engage in further pleasantries, directly deciding on two candidates.
Before parting, Liuli Qiu showed concern for Marquis Gu’s health, speaking with the tone of someone seasoned: "Though the Marquis is in his prime and favored by the Emperor, you must take care of your health. There’s no need to handle everything personally; delegate the trivial matters to others, and ordered them to be monitored not to act lazily or selfishly."
These words were a rare genuine sentiment from Liuli Qiu.
Marquis Gu was taken aback and quickly said, "Thank you for your great kindness, I will certainly keep your words in mind and dare not forget them."
Liuli Qiu laughed and said, "It’s not so much; it’s just that there are plenty of trivial matters in the Ministry of Revenue, and after several years of handling them, I have gained a few small insights."
Marquis Gu said earnestly, "Those insights are the most valuable."
"Hahaha," Liuli Qiu laughed aloud, "The Marquis is truly humorous. We, the Ministry of Revenue folks, love money the most, and just hearing the word money makes me happy."
The two bid farewell.
Marquis Gu proceeded to the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Industry to request personnel.
Because of a shared affection for visiting the Jade Spring Pond, the Minister of Rites naturally showed goodwill toward Marquis Gu and immediately selected two people without much talk.
Before parting, he asked, "Does your brother still write poetry?"
Marquis Gu replied, "I am afraid the Minister doesn’t know; due to the great success of the poetry anthology from the Jade Spring Pond, Sixth Master now spends half the day reading poetry and the other half painting, assisted by Mr. Songshan at the mansion. Recently, he even funded a poetry competition at the Imperial College. Despite family mourning, he hasn’t been delayed."
"Oh?"
Upon hearing about Sixth Master Gu’s wife’s passing, the Minister of Rites expressed condolences and inquired more about the poetry competition.
Military generals and civil servants often don’t think highly of one another, while Marquis Gu, after growing up, spent little time in the Capital City, having almost nothing to converse about. But because of Sixth Master’s poetry, he found shared topics with the Minister of Rites.
"The Minister also knows my father-in-law is the National Academy Sacrificial Officer. Seeing Sixth Master’s poetry collection, he wished to compile poems from Imperial College’s poetically inclined scholars; thus, Sixth Master funded a poetry contest to select excellent works to compile, print, and sell. In my opinion, Mr. Songshan is the most suited to host the first competition, though I personally prefer Young Master Nantang’s poetry."
"Oh? This Mr. Songshan must be incredibly talented, as I see Marquis hilting him highly."
"Lord Father-in-law greatly esteems Mr. Songshan. Currently residing temporarily at Marquis Mansion, my brother-in-law and Sixth Master often seek his guidance. But Young Master Nantang’s poetry is also uniquely remarkable."
The Minister of Rites instantly grew interested in Mr. Songshan and Young Master Nantang, expressing numerous times the intention to visit the Imperial College once his current busy period ends.
Upon parting, the Minister of Rites reminded Marquis Gu: "Though guarding the northern border laid down incomparable merits, it’s inevitable some wear and tear. Think big for everything, Marquis. With matters like Capital Inspection, which even the previous Ministry of Personnel found cumbersome and thankless, it takes great effort to navigate, especially after years of fighting. Listen well to insights from subordinates, and don’t exhaust yourself."
Marquis Gu agreed repeatedly.
The Ministry of Industry seemed easier; having constructed city defenses against the Yelv Family in the Northern Border, Marquis Gu was familiar with the Ministry through frequent negotiations on construction plans.
The Minister of the Ministry of Works was a sincere individual, not fond of much speech. After hearing Marquis Gu’s request, he provided a register to let the Marquis choose himself.