Li Shuncheng bowed and backed away step by step. Only after leaving the western study of Jingren Palace did he turn and hurry off.
At the same moment he went out, Emperor Guangde set aside the memorial in his hand. A faint smile appeared on his usually impassive face, only to vanish again as he said mildly, "He is indeed no ordinary mediocrity."
Though he had not named anyone, Qiu Shi'an immediately chimed in with a smile. "When Lord Sun returned from Huguang and handed over his post at the Northern Garrison Office, this servant was heartsick for several nights."
As he spoke, he covertly studied the Emperor's expression and ventured, "From the sound of it, Li Enxian seems to be useful. Shall this servant find a way to approach him again?"
Emperor Guangde shook his head, his slightly gaunt chin lifting a fraction. "Go summon Grand Secretary He."
After a pause, he added another name. "And Xu Furen."
Qiu Shi'an bowed in acknowledgment, knowing that Xu Furen's appointment as Assistant Grand Secretary was now secure.
That was only natural. Had it not been for the solar eclipse and the Crown Prince's Dragon Root Case, the Grand Secretariat would already have been jointly governed by the "two Rens."
Now that he had received firm confirmation, Qiu Shi'an naturally would not miss the chance to earn goodwill. Leaving the study, he handed off the task of summoning He Tiren to someone else and personally led a party to Xu Furen's residence.
There was no conversation along the way.
When they reached the Xu residence, the two Tiger Brave Camp hundred-commanders at the front called out for the gatekeeper and steward through the side gate.
Qiu Shi'an's carriage then slowly stopped before the side gate. Three young eunuchs made a great production