No, gentlemen also guard against

Chapter 550: Steps to Heaven, "Not Sleeping" Bachelor

Luoyang Imperial City, Imperial Study Room.

A small-scale imperial meeting ended shortly after it started.

Zhang Yu and Hu Fu, who hurriedly returned to the capital to resume their duties, retreated with serious faces.

Shi Lingzhen, a woman in colorful clothes who temporarily served as a female official after Rong Zhen went out, looked away from the backs of Di Fuzi and Xie Xun as they exited the house after paying homage to each other.

She stood next to a mysterious black dragon couch behind the bead curtain, lowering her head slightly, not daring to look at the expression of the old woman on the dragon couch in front of her.

In the imperial study room, outside the bead curtain, there were still five figures left, who did not retreat.

They are Li Lun, Wei Jisi, Wei Sixing, and Princess Changle, plus a young Princess Wei. She is the granddaughter of one of the empress's sisters, and she usually takes care of them... They are all clan relatives.

Several people were stayed by the empress Wei Zhao, who gave them seats by the stove and gave them pepper and cypress wine.

This is a custom during New Year's Day in Guanzhong. According to folklore, drinking pepper and cypress wine can drive away evil spirits, cure diseases, and prolong life.

Today is New Year's Day. Empress Wei Zhao has just returned to the palace after presiding over the ceremony of offering sacrifices to heaven in the eastern suburbs. She left the five clan members in front of her behind and prepared to have a warm chat. However, she received messages from Zhang Yu and Hu Fu who had returned from Jiangzhou in a hurry. information.

So Master Di was immediately summoned and entered the palace with Ouyang Lianghan's teacher Xie Xun.

Inquire about Ouyang Lianghan's resignation...

After Master Di and Xie Xun retreated, the old woman on the couch behind the bead curtain remained silent. The atmosphere inside and outside the imperial study was a little quiet.

Lingzhen, who lowered his head, felt Her Majesty the Queen's gaze coming towards him. He suddenly felt pressure in his heart, and his obedient head lowered even further.

She bit her lip, her eyes were filled with irritation and a little... helplessness.

As a female official with a pen, she drafted the specific imperial edict for Ouyang Lianghan's promotion. Her Majesty the Queen just gave a few instructions and arranged the promotions of "Acting Jiangzhou Governor" and "Jiangnan Supervisor Zuo Deputy Envoy".

However, Ling Zhen, who understands the Sacred Heart deeply and is second only to Rong Zhen, knows that to maintain His Majesty’s majesty and face,

So when drafting the reasons for promotion in the imperial edict, she took a roundabout way and only said that Ouyang Lianghan had fulfilled his duties as Sima of Jiangzhou, and he was filial to his parents at home, and his reputation was outstanding, so he was promoted.

It was as if he had been promoted naturally, and he didn't mention his contribution to the recent crisis when he was ordered to clean up the mess in Xunyang City, and the court's intention to continue building the Donglin Buddha in need of him.

Anyway, smart people must understand.

But Lingzhen never expected that Ouyang Lianghan would directly borrow her words on the spot and refuse directly on the grounds of serving his sick relative.

In particular, I heard from Khufu and others that Ouyang Lianghan also said at that time, "Fuwei Holy Dynasty ruled the world with filial piety."

This is very filial.

When Lingzhen, who was standing by just now, heard this, he was silenced anyway, and he tried very hard not to look at the expressions of Her Majesty the Queen and several Li and Wei clan members outside.

At the moment, no one can blame Ouyang Lianghan for his polite refusal, let alone find fault with this sentence.

Three concessions and three concessions are not uncommon in the court.

Although in the past, those who could make three concessions were either high-ranking officials like the Prime Minister of the Political Affairs Hall, or high-ranking old officials who begged for their bones. Like Ouyang Lianghan, there were very few who got into trouble at a young age, mainly because of the high officials. Most young officials do not have this qualification.

However, the Donglin Buddha statue in Jiangzhou now needs this person, and he is almost the only one.

This Ouyang Lianghan is indeed qualified to pull and bargain.

But it's a bit impolite for you to "make three concessions and three concessions" so skillfully.

Moreover, according to what Zhang Yu and Hu Fu said, Ouyang Lianghan's aunt came out to receive the order lively at first, but after someone finished speaking, she suddenly fell ill... Could you have agreed in advance? Pretend to be a little bit like that? If you do this, everyone will be embarrassed, okay...

Lingzhen couldn't help but think, could it be that the words she drafted in the previous edict to demote officials were too harsh and cold, making this guy hold a grudge?
Sensing Her Majesty the Queen's gaze, Lingzhen lowered her head deeply, understanding that Her Majesty was somewhat blaming her for her inability to draft the decree.

On the couch, the elderly empress seemed to be holding her forehead and speaking:
"Tell me, what is good to give? Marriage is not enough, and I want him to stay in Jiangzhou. What else is suitable to reward."

Lingzhen stood with his hands down, not daring to raise his eyes.

This was actually the suggestion of Hu Fu, the eunuch who had just become the envoy. He was familiar with Ouyang Lianghan and knew about the love between Ouyang Lianghan and Xie Xun's only daughter, Xie Lingjiang, so he proposed that His Majesty grant them a direct marriage.

Because Ouyang Lianghan was from a poor family, and Xie Lingjiang was a girl with the fifth surname.

Even if a poor man matches a noble girl, even if the poor man is good enough, there is always a gap in family status. If Her Majesty the Queen personally grants the marriage, it can be regarded as a reward.

However, this proposal to grant a marriage was blocked by a sudden memorial from Jiangzhou, and Rong Zhen firmly opposed it.

The reason is that Ouyang Lianghan still needs to govern Jiangzhou and preside over the Buddha. It is better not to do things like this that distract talented ministers.

Speaking of which, this memorial to Feng Rongzhen was brought back by Hu Fu and Zhang Yu from Jiangzhou. Apparently, Hu Fu mentioned this to Rong Zhen, Aunt Song and others before leaving.

Judging from the confused look on Khufu's face after hearing the content of Rong Zhen's memorial, he obviously did not expect that the silent Rong Zhen daughter Shi of Jiangzhou had asked him to submit a memorial, which was directly opposed to this matter.

However, Rong Zhen's objection alone could not stop Empress Wei Zhao's move. After all, granting a marriage to Ouyang Lianghan, a poor man, would indeed save trouble and effort.

But after just summoning Ouyang Lianghan's mentor Xie Xun to consult about the matter, the empress gave up the idea completely.

Because Xie Xun also opposed the reward of marriage in court.

Of course there are a lot of reasons, similar to Rong Zhen.

However, discerning people such as the two kings of the Wei family and the king Xiang could see that the great scholar Xie Xun was doting on his disciples. He refused this useless reward for Ouyang Lianghan and wanted to exchange it for a more substantial reward.

Anyway, his old father would definitely be able to make the final decision on things like marriage contracts. How could he look down on Han Shituer?

After hearing the news, everyone in the imperial study was an old fox, including Mrs. Di, who was also vague and said that it was up to His Majesty to make a decision.

At a certain moment, Lingzhen quickly glanced at the stern expression on Her Majesty the Queen's face.

He knew that Ouyang Lianghan could no longer find excuses to refuse this time.

It doesn't matter if you refuse once on the grounds of "filial piety". If you keep saying "three resignations and three concessions" a few more times, will the court lose face?

"Why is it that my elder is feeling unwell. He was fine before, but after receiving His Majesty's edict, he becomes unwell now?"

Wei Jisi, who was sitting by the fire, did not drink the wine in the glass, and mumbled with a somewhat unhappy look on his face.

Wei Sixing nodded and said expressionlessly: "Then send the imperial doctor over to give his aunt a look, so that he can finally get the order."

Prime Minister Li Lun stood up and advised with a serious look on his face:
"Mother, what the two princes said is inappropriate. Talented people still need to be appeased. As for rewards, why not start with Ouyang Lianghan's aunt and confer a royal decree..."

Princess Changle also nodded in time.

Wei Jisi and Wei Sixing heard the words and had no choice but to nod in agreement.

"can."

Empress Wei Zhao nodded lightly and asked again:
"What else? Isn't it too petty to add just one?"

Everyone was speechless for a moment.

At this moment, a palace attendant held a tray, walked in, lowered his head and reported:
"Your Majesty, the elder said that his memory is not very good. I was going to present something to Your Majesty just now. I only remembered it when I walked outside the imperial city and asked my slave to deliver it immediately."

"what?"

Empress Wei Zhao picked up a lone piece of paper on the tray with great interest and unfolded it.

"One poem and one article?"

She raised her eyebrows slightly.

Li Lun, who was warming himself by the fire, seemed to think of something and couldn't help but look up.

The Queen Mother inside the bead curtain seemed to be looking down at the manuscript for a while, and at a certain moment, she chuckled.

"Old man, old man, you are really... really supporting this junior." He said with emotion.

"Your Majesty, what did the elder say?" Princess Changle asked curiously.

"It's nothing, I didn't say anything. The old man only sent me a poem about chanting chrysanthemums and an article called "Teacher's Talk". You all know the owners of these two poems."

"Who?"

After saying that, Empress Wei Zhao raised her head and said calmly without giving everyone time to chew:
"I know what to reward him with."

The empress uttered two words, and silence fell into silence inside and outside the bead curtain.

Wei Jisi and Wei Sixing looked a little puzzled.

Even Prime Minister Li Lun and Princess Chang Le stopped drinking and looked at each other, and they could see the surprise in each other's eyes...

A few days after New Year's Day, a Wenhua banquet hosted by the palace was in full swing.

At the annual Wenhua banquet, the empress received the scribes and scholars from Luoyang, as well as outstanding scholars selected from various places, and received articles praising virtues that were circulated like snowflakes.

In the middle of the dinner, Xiang Wang Li Lun presented to the empress two unknown works that were temporarily unknown in Luoyang.

One is called "Inscribed on the Chrysanthemum" and the other is called "The Master's Statement".

The author is the same person, and it is also a name that frequently appears in certain court affairs... Ouyang Lianghan.

However, Shilin's previous impression of this name was more of a gentleman who refused to obey orders, and a water conservancy master who was proficient in the hydrology of the south of the Yangtze River.

And these two articles... once they appeared, they completely eclipsed the other articles behind the entire Wenhua Banquet.

The celebrities in Luoyang were very surprised and whispered among themselves. They were all talking about how Ouyang Lianghan was so elegant? How come you didn’t know this before?

The empress Long Yan was so pleased that she received great reviews and praises. After the banquet, she directly conferred the title of Bachelor of Arts on Xiu Wen Guan, Sima Ouyang Lianghan of Jiangzhou.

For a time, there was a heated discussion among scholars, and the literati were stunned and envious.

In the study room of the Prime Minister's Mansion, even Xie Xun, who had been mentally prepared, looked surprised and looked at the smiling fat old man who was working with his head down behind the desk...

The post of Xiuwenguan bachelor was originally established by Emperor Taizong of the Daqian Dynasty. The bachelors who entered the library were known as the Eighteen Scholars in history. Most of them were old people from Qiandi. They were Taizong's confidants, equivalent to think tanks, and led the national policy of the Daqian Dynasty.

Later, during the "Two Saints" period of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wei, there was gradually a need to bypass the constraints of the existing bureaucracy and make decisions on political affairs. Therefore, a small group of close officials were conferred the title of Bachelor of Xiuwenguan, who could directly Entering the palace to report, draft, and participate in secrets, they were equivalent to the "secretary team" of the Second Sage. This group of people was known as the "Beimen Bachelor" at that time, and they had all the power in the government and the public.

Now that the Great Zhou Dynasty has been established, Empress Wei no longer needs to use the Xiuwen Guan bachelor to share the power of the prime minister. However, the Xiuwen Guan is still there, and the bachelor's degree has become more of an honorary position and has begun to serve as a fast lane for the officialdom of the Great Zhou Dynasty. . Of course, there are still hard conditions, and there must be recognized culture!
Although there are only fifth-grade bachelors in the Xiuwen Guan, they are only in name only, but those who join the library are all potential candidates for the future political affairs hall recognized by the government and the public... Gradually, it became known throughout the world that the Empress of the Great Zhou Dynasty "valued academicians over Confucian scholars." Scholars all over the world began to respect literature. The so-called Confucian scholars are those who are admitted step by step, while bachelors are people with outstanding literary talents.

However, there is actually an unspoken rule here! Because of limited vision and resources, most of the outstanding children from poor families follow the path of Confucian scholars and pass the imperial examinations all the way; while the children of wealthy families and high-ranking officials have their elders paving the way, and they directly focus on the road of bachelor's degree, disdainful of thousands of troops. Thousands of horses crossed the single-plank bridge in the imperial examination of a humble family. As soon as they debuted, they worked hard to gain the reputation of Wenhua and strive to enter Xiuwenkan... There are currently six Xiuwenguan bachelors in office, and they are all young people from aristocratic families who are favored by the political minister or the empress and prince. Junjie.

Now, Ouyang Lianghan, who was born as a poor scholar, has entered the Xiuwen Hall and became the seventh bachelor of the Great Zhou Dynasty! He is also the second youngest among them.

For a time, people in Luoyang were talking about it. After these two poems by Ouyang Lianghan came out, there were various interpretations. For example, in some circles of ladies in the capital, there was another heated discussion, especially the sentence "Inferior status is shameful, and officialdom is close to flattery", which praised and criticized worldly affairs and current affairs, and was deeply loved by them.

Different social classes like Ouyang Lianghan's poems and sentences differently, such as "There is no high or low, neither long nor young. Where the Tao exists, the teacher exists." It was widely spread among the lower class scholars in Luoyang. , which deeply fits their pain points and is full of praise. What most people like is probably the catchy quatrain "If I were the Qing Emperor in another year, I would be rewarded with peach blossoms blooming at the same place." The most popular comment is that Ouyang Lianghan's ambition is from officialdom to political affairs. Mr. Tang, became the second Concubine Di, ambitious... In short, very good, very energetic!
A certain person did not know that his article was endorsed by His Highness the Prime Minister and that the Empress helped him become famous. Moreover, because the allusion of "a good scholar has not gone to bed yet" was recently spread in the capital, for a while, the scholars in Luoyang affectionately nicknamed him "the bachelor who has not gone to bed". ".

If he knew about it, could his nickname be more serious if he complained about it? Not sleeping yet? He sounds like a crooked old scholar who stays up late at night and goes to romantic places...

Jiangzhou, Xunyangdu.

On a morning after New Year's Day when the snow had just melted, Rong Zhen received Hu Fu, Zhang Yu and his party who had disembarked from the ship again.

After hearing the latest news in Luoyang, she thought for a moment with a slightly cold expression. After a while, a cold and beautiful face showed an expression of disbelief: "What, Ouyang Lianghan has entered the Xiuwen Museum? He... How did he get into the Xiuwen Academy? Museum, aren’t there all Wenhua Ci officials there, and they are all related to aristocratic families, and he comes from a humble family in Jiangyou..."

"It's too late to explain, Rong Nu Shi, where is Ouyang Sima now?" Khufu asked impatiently.

"The New Year's Day holiday hasn't ended yet, and he hasn't come on duty yet. He should be at the Huaiye Lane residence." Rong Zhen said with a dazed expression on his face, obviously still digesting the previous news.

"Go quickly, the snow is about to melt, and the Donglin Giant Buddha can't wait any longer. Construction will start in early spring. We can't let Mr. Ouyang resign. If we go back and forth a few times, the old bones of the Za family will fall apart."

Zhang Yu, who was standing behind, urged with a grimace... After being a eunuch who delivered orders for so many years, he had never encountered such a difficult order. In the past, those who received orders would give him money, but now Zhang Yu couldn't wait for this Ouyang. Sima can collect his money and receive orders.

However, although the matter was urgent, the group did not go to Huaiye Lane immediately. Instead, at Hu Fu's sudden suggestion, they rushed to the Xingzifang construction site and found a certain old woman with white eyes.

Aunt Song, the deputy superintendent of Si Tianjian, was burning morning incense in the mourning hall of her beloved disciple. She greeted the visitors with a lonely face. After a while, after Hu Fu and others expressed their intention to come, Aunt Song showed an incredulous expression and pointed at her own A wrinkled face asked:

"What are you talking about? You want me to invite him in person? He deserves it, it's impossible, absolutely impossible!"

However, after learning the content of the imperial edict, Grandma Song's expression changed.

(End of this chapter)