Zhao Yan was philosophical about being ostracized and isolated. Only a handful of people in the Ministry of Works truly disliked him; most of the others were simply fence-sitters swayed by the prevailing winds—a common human trait. Surviving in the bureaucracy required self-preservation above all else; one could not last long with courage but no strategy.
The only person in the Ministry who grew close to Zhao Yan was a minor clerk. As they spent more time together, they became lunch companions. If someone else had tried to get close to Zhao Yan, Vice Minister Dīng might have been suspicious, but a mere clerk? He didn't even consider him worth his notice.
What of being a Director of the Ministry of Works? One still had to work under him. Everyone else avoided Zhao Yan like the plague, leaving only this insignificant clerk at his side. What kind of waves could a pair like that possibly make?
Chapter 508