The Chief Minister Takes a Stand, Setting the Tone for the Aristocratic Families

Elsewhere, at the Zhang Residence.

Zhang Lian had just returned home when he summoned his two sons and brought them into a rather secluded room in the rear courtyard. There, he told them everything that had happened in the Imperial Study.

"Qiu Yan dared to be so presumptuous before His Majesty, showing Father not the slightest respect!"

The third son immediately showed displeasure and said anxiously, "That Qiu Yan is clearly no good man. A mere scholar from a humble family, rising with the tide of fortune and gaining a few achievements, yet he knows nothing of humility! He stole Hai'er's position in the Privy Council, and now he is pushing his luck, showing Father no respect at all. And he is promoting that Movable-Type Printing Technique besides, opposing us at every turn! In your son's view, we should remove this man as soon as possible. Delay invites change!"

Zhang Lian had three sons in all. His eldest had been posted outside the capital and was about to become a high official governing an entire region. The two sons before him were both officials in the capital. However, while the eldest had entered office through the Imperial Examinations, the second and third sons had both received their posts through hereditary privilege.

Even so, the Zhang Family was one of the great aristocratic families, and Zhang Lian was a chief minister of the current age. Apart from his three sons, there were many talented members in the clan. They could be considered a house of immense power, one of the foremost representatives of the aristocratic families throughout the realm.

But as for Zhang Lian's two sons in particular, they might not necessarily count among the Zhang Family's outstanding talents. Still, they took part in many affairs. The third son now speaking