Wan Zhen’er’s elder brother Wan Xi was also “happy”, being made a Battalion Commander by his imperial brother-in-law, soon promoted to Deputy Chief Commander. Her second brother Wan Tong was a Battalion Commander, and another younger brother, Wan Da, also prospered and was made a Deputy Commander.
The entire Wan family found positions because of Wan Zhen’er.
“Having connections in the court makes official positions easy” – this saying didn’t come out of thin air.
This was understandable; they were Wan Zhen’er’s family, and blood is thicker than water.
The most interesting case was a man named Wan An, a distant relative with no real connection. The only similarity was sharing the surname “Wan” with Wan Zhen’er. That was enough. Since he shared her surname, creating a “bootlicking culture” was not difficult.
Wan An had likely thoroughly studied “The Art of War” and understood the strategy of “indirect rescue”.
Wan Zhen’er asked: “I heard you are a Grand Scholar?”
Wan An stood with both hands hanging down, extremely respectful and devout, replied: “Reporting to Imperial Noble Consort, this nephew is.”
Wan Zhen’er said: “Not bad at all.”
Wan An still stood with both hands hanging down, still using an extremely respectful and devout voice to answer: “By the grace of Imperial Noble Consort.”
Wan Zhen’er narrowed her eyes.
Wan Zhen’er knew that the Grand Scholar’s power was not great, with an official rank of only fifth grade, merely an imperial attendant consultant, without seal of authority, serving in the Hanlin Academy with a stipend. But climbing step by step to this position through his own efforts was already rare and precious.
While her father and brothers held important positions, everyone under heaven knew they relied on nepotism, not true ability.
Although heroes do not ask about origins, Wan Zhen’er was born lowly, with a thin foundation and shallow roots. Compared to her peers—the emperor’s nominal wives—her family background appeared inferior, sometimes making her feel slightly insecure.
Wan An wanted to borrow Wan Zhen’er’s influence to rise quickly. Conversely, Wan Zhen’er could use Wan An to decorate her family’s facade.
