Chapter 779: Authority (II)
The speed at which news travels in the political world always exceeds one’s imagination.
While Qi Xuansu was still waiting anxiously outside the gate of Zixiao Palace, the news of Ke Qingqing’s promotion had already spread through the lower ranks of Yuhuang Palace.
Although Ke Qingqing remained a sixth-rank deacon, everyone viewed it as a promotion. Transferring from a local Daoist mansion to the Jade Capital, even as a lateral move, was considered an elevation. Moreover, she was assigned to Ziwei Hall, the foremost of the Nine Halls. Her place of work had shifted from the Xuanshang North District of the Imperial Capital to the Purple Mansion, a location normally reserved for Sages. Thus, the opportunities available there far exceeded those of any other post.
More crucially, a secretary must follow the right boss.
Generally speaking, a secretary would inevitably rise and fall with the superior. A good superior was considerate, valued relationships, and stayed out of trouble.
Some Sages continued to care greatly for their secretaries even after stepping down from office. Other Sages rose swiftly in rank, so their secretaries ascended along with them. A classic example was Mu Jin. Based on her qualifications and experience, she should have spent many more years toiling, but because she followed Zhang Yuelu, she became a superintendent before turning thirty. In contrast, people like Sun Yongfeng had endured many years of hardship and still held the same rank.
Of course, not all secretaries had happy endings. Quite a few secretaries had been dragged down due to scandals involving their superiors. In the major Jiangnan case, several secretaries were dealt with alongside their bosses.
Some secretaries were unfortunate enough to work for a frivolous boss who neglected their duties. When these Sages stepped down from key positions, their Daoist rank remained, so their secretaries still had to follow them around.
The fates of these secretaries varied greatly. Though retired, some Sages still had many protégés and contacts. They were willing to vouch for their longtime secretaries and secure another path for them. But those who lacked real power to begin with, or who had been forgotten after stepping down, left their secretaries stranded in mediocrity, stuck in the same position forever. Others had no sense of obligation, seeing their secretaries as tools and simply not caring about their future. In such cases, the secretary could only suffer in silence.
In Ke Qingqing’s case, there was no doubt that she followed the right person.
Qi Xuansu had already become a third-rank Deputy Hall Master before the age of thirty. This could not be explained as mere luck. Beyond having a strong backing, his own abilities were outstanding.