But on second thought, her book had sold so well that at least people would gain knowledge about flood self-rescue; she had still achieved some results.
Trying to focus on the positives, she began to consider other ways to promote her work.
Upon arriving at the Ministry of Rites, Xu Zhen noticed that it was unusually quiet today. After inquiring with Tang Yanzhi, she learned that both the Minister and the Deputy Minister would be returning soon.
Sure enough, it wasn’t long before two middle-aged men stepped inside.
These two were indeed the Minister and the Deputy Minister; both had fair complexions and were clean-shaven, dressed in light gray official robes. They walked with upright postures and serious expressions, proceeding directly to the front to sit down before picking up their pens to begin reviewing documents.
Xu Zhen dutifully lowered her head to copy the texts.
Not long after, the Minister summoned her over.
Sitting beside him made Xu Zhen a little nervous, but since the Minister remained silent, she didn’t dare to speak either.
After a moment, the Minister finally made a move.
Without any further words, he pushed two sheets of xuan paper in front of Xu Zhen, his gaze sharp and tone unfriendly as he asked, “Is this announcement written by you?”
Xu Zhen looked down and saw that it was her own informational handout about flood prevention, the very first version that had been posted in the notice board.
She nodded in acknowledgment, saying, “It was written by me.”
The Minister asked, “Is that true?”
Xu Zhen replied, “Yes, it is.”
Suddenly, the Minister erupted in anger, sweeping two sheets of paper to the ground as he shouted, “Assistant Minister, how dare you abuse your power so boldly right after your appointment! What audacity!”
Xu Zhen was taken aback.
The surrounding officials were also startled, raising their heads to look at the Minister and Xu Zhen.
The room fell into sudden silence.
The Minister yelled, “Who gave you this authority? Is your official seal meant to fulfill your personal desires?!”
His voice trembled with rage, as if Xu Zhen had committed a heinous crime.
Fearing that she might be dismissed from her position, Xu Zhen quickly explained in a low voice, “I asked someone beforehand, and they said it was okay for me to post announcements myself.”
The Minister coldly inquired, “Who?”
Feeling embarrassed about betraying her colleague, Xu Zhen didn’t dare to retort again and could only remain quietly seated on the ground.
This was the first time Xu Zhen had encountered such a situation; she had no idea what to do next or what would happen, so she simply waited for the Minister to speak.
Seeing her silence, the Minister scolded, “Don’t think that you’ve secured your position! If you make a mistake, I can report you at any time!”
At that moment, Xu Zhen remembered that her official position had been granted by the Emperor. No matter how angry the Minister became, he could only intimidate her; he had no power to dismiss her directly.
She breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Seeing her reaction, the Minister became even more furious, believing that Xu Zhen was being arrogant and acting deliberately.
Chapter 38: Thirty-Eight Treasures ?
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