Five years of county magistrate, 100 million catties of grain shocked Li Shimin

Chapter 192 Fang Yuan's Relationship in Chang'an City

Yipinxiang Restaurant.

Fang Yuan booked the private room last time.

It was only after the name of Princess Xiangcheng was given.

Otherwise, with Fang Yuan's identity, he can only be set on the first floor.

After questioning, Fang Yuan learned that the fifth floor is reserved only for relatives of the emperor, the fourth floor is for ministers above the fourth rank, and the third floor is for Fang Yuan and officials below the fourth rank.
A small restaurant is so classy.

Fang Yuan stood on the balcony, looked at the huge Chang'an City from a high position, and watched the common people coming and going, deeply moved.

Big cities are good, but the pace is too fast, I feel that every day is very busy, I don’t have my own time, and I feel empty when I am free.

Chang'an City is such a big city, after being promoted here for a few days, Fang Yuan has a feeling that he can't control himself, very irritable.

"Fang Yuan, you can actually book the fifth floor?!"

A surprised voice suddenly sounded from the direction of the stairs.

A middle-aged man a few years older than Fang Yuan came up from below.

He was dressed plainly, neither plain nor pompous, and had a goatee.

"Qin Fangben, you are here."

Fang Yuan was pulled back to reality, and turned to welcome the visitor.

Qin Fangben, Wailang, a member of the Ministry of Officials' Examination Department, has an official rank of six ranks.

The Ministry of Officials Examination and Merit Department is a special department responsible for the performance appraisal of officials.

Because of the performance appraisal, it is possible to check the detailed work of officials and even understand their daily life.

It is one of Fang Yuan's relationships in Chang'an City, and also an official of the official department who went to Wuling County to assess Fang Yuan.

In Wuling County before, Fang Yuan bought him at a high price in order to stay in Wuling County for two more years, and later became a beneficial friend.

Fang Yuan valued his well-informed information in the official department, while he valued Fang Yuan's management methods, and Fang Yuan's future might have a bright future.

"Fang Yuan, you are amazing!"

"In a few years, it has been promoted from a seventh-rank to a fifth-rank!"

"I even know a certain relative of the emperor, so I decided on such a good position!"

Qin Fangben looked at Fang Yuan and sighed with eyes full.

When Wuling County inspected Fang Yuan, he and Fang Yuan were also at the seventh rank.

In the blink of an eye, he had only started from the sixth rank, and Fang Yuan was already on the fifth rank.

Such a big change in status in just a few years is really unpredictable.

"It's just luck."

"You're doing well now too, meritorious service officer Wailang!"

Fang Yuan shook his head and smiled.

Invite the other person to sit down and chat while eating.

The food and drink are ready and ready to serve at any time.

"Only from the sixth grade, it is much worse than you."

Qin Fangben waved his hand and sighed.

He was very happy when he rose from the seventh rank to the sixth rank, and was promoted to two ranks in a few years.

But compared with Fang Yuan, that is too much difference, not happy at all.

Well, everyone is equally poor, and you suddenly become rich, how can I be happy?

Qin Fangben was even a little cautious, after all Fang Yuan's official rank was much higher than his, but he didn't show it too much.

"Is it possible to go further?"

Fang Yuan toasted him, said in a deep voice.

Qin Fangben's position in the examination department is very important.

Responsible for assessing the virtues and deeds of officials' promotion and promotion.

Although it is from the sixth grade, the contacts are all confidential.

He has read many officials' materials and knows a lot.

He has given Fang Yuan a lot of information over the years, all of which are relatively confidential.

"It's difficult, unless there is a lot of money to open up relationships."

"But my monthly salary is only that, and it's impossible for my family to support me."

Qin Fangben drank a cup, shook his head and sighed.

As he spoke, he stroked his goatee, his eyes somewhat closed.

Qin Fang was not born as an ordinary person, but also from an aristocratic family, but a small one.

He is still an offshoot at home, and the family cannot have too many resources to support him, so he can only rely on his own efforts.

It is very difficult to work hard on your own, and it is impossible to advance to another level in three to five years, and it may even take longer.

"How much?"

Fang Yuan poured him wine and asked casually.

"Thirty to fifty."

Qin Fangben was a little powerless to say.

Based on his monthly salary, it would take three to five years to get thirty or fifty.

But he still has to pay for his family's expenses, and it's actually impossible to get that money together in three to five years.

"Go and find out how much it costs, I'll lend it to you!"

Fang Yuan pondered for a moment, and said seriously.

There is still some money in the house, and it can still live for everyone in the house.

Liaozhou is escorting the bandits over here, and they are also bringing in the profits they just made in Liaozhou.

Coupled with the fact that the business group in Chang'an City is about to open, Fang Yuan will soon have money in his account, there will be no shortage of money, it will only increase.

"You, what did you say?"

Qin Fangben exclaimed.

The hand holding the wine trembled and spilled the wine.

He looked at Fang Yuan in amazement, eyes filled with disbelief.

"I said I would lend you."

Fang Yuan smiled lightly.

He slammed Qin Fangben's wine glass lightly, and then drank.

Qin Fangben looked at Fang Yuan in shock, had a drink with Fang Yuan, and poured several more glasses.

After drinking a few glasses of wine, Qin Fangben finally recovered a lot and was no longer so shocked.

"Thank you!"

"These documents are yours!"

"If you have an assignment in the future, you are welcome!"

Qin Fangben took a deep breath and said in a deep voice.

He took out a thin document from his pocket and handed it to Fang Yuan.

Don't look at the data sheet, but every piece of information in it is confidential and priceless.

"You don't have to be so polite, we are partners!"

Fang Yuan took the information and said with a smile.

He came to Qin Fang this time to ask for these confidential information.

They are all the materials of the important ministers of the imperial court, and many of them are the black history of the ministers.

When meeting with Qin Fangben, Fang Yuan was not sure if he would really bring these materials to him.

After all, if this kind of information is leaked, for the person concerned, not only will he be dismissed, but he may also be imprisoned.

"Good, partner!"

Qin Fangben laughed.

He just regards Fang Yuan as a partner, and he has helped Fang Yuan many times in these years.

It is also because Fang Yuan is regarded as a partner that he brought these confidential information to see if it is suitable, and then decide whether to hand it over to Fang Yuan.

This kind of confidential information might be able to threaten some ministers, but Qin Fang didn't dare to use it. His status is not enough, and if he uses it, he may not see the sun of tomorrow.

As for whether Fang Yuan uses it or not, that is Fang Yuan's business, and Fang Yuan can go directly to see the emperor, which is incomparable to him.

"In the future, Chang'an City may not be very stable."

"If you are free, help me keep an eye on Bishamon's situation."

Fang Yuan accepted the information and reminded.

"Bishamon, your focus is terrible."

"Although you are now an order of Chang'an, I still suggest that you keep your hands off these matters."

Qin Fangben was taken aback for a moment, and then reminded.

His official position is sensitive, and he also knows something about Bishamon.

"Already in it."

"I can only say try not to participate."

Fang Yuan sighed.

Some things are not what you want.

Already involved, I can only say to protect myself as much as possible.

Otherwise, he would not want to get those secrets from Qin Fangben.

"Okay, you pay attention to safety."

"Special reminder, don't check on Concubine Zheng."

Qin Fangben looked around and whispered.

Even in the private room, he was worried about being heard by others.

"Concubine Zheng?"

Fang Yuan was a little puzzled.

The emperor does not seem to have a concubine named Zheng.

And why does this Concubine Zheng feel like she is talking about Zheng Guanyin?

"It's Zheng Guanyin, the widow of the Crown Prince Yin, what we say in private."

"Your Majesty and Zheng Guanyin. Do you understand what I mean?"

Qin Fang didn't say anything clearly.

But Fang Yuan already understood what he meant.

No wonder Li Daozong mentioned that Zheng Guanyin looked a little weird not long ago.

It turns out that there are still these things here, and it is normal not to investigate her about Bishamon.

The two chatted a lot, about things in Chang'an City, and about Fang Yuan's affairs outside Chang'an City.

It seems like a friend I haven't seen for a long time, laughing loudly or obscenely from time to time.

Suddenly, there was a burst of noise downstairs, Fang Yuan vaguely heard someone calling Ma Zhou.

So curious, I walked to the balcony and looked downstairs.

"Walk around, what are you doing here if you don't have money?"

"Our Yipinxiang restaurant is not for people like you to come, so hurry up!"

"Hahaha, this Ma Zhou claims to be talented, and what he said is quite reasonable, but he dare not take the imperial examination. I'm afraid it will be difficult to cheat for food and drink in the future."

The waiter in the downstairs shop chases customers.

Some dignitaries watching the play talked a lot.

A scruffy middle-aged man a few years older than Fang Yuan was kicked out of Yipinxiang Restaurant.

The middle-aged man was full of displeasure, and threatened that he would be poor now for 30 years in Hedong and 30 years in Hexi.

"The man's name is Ma Zhou. He has a unique strategy. He likes to drink high alcohol. He often talks to people and says that he will definitely be appointed as a Marquis and Prime Minister in the future. Many people feel that he is quite talented and are willing to buy him a few drinks."

"But when the imperial examination was held, people found out that he didn't even dare to apply for it, so they began to think that he was only bragging, and gradually stopped buying him drinks."

Qin Fangben also walked out of the balcony, saw Ma Zhou below and said.

In Chang'an City, Ma Zhou was also a minor celebrity, but most of the news was negative.

"Ma Zhou!"

Fang Yuan nodded, looked at Ma Zhou with interest, and suddenly raised his voice.

He remembered that Ma Zhou was a strange man, there were many records in history, and he was promoted to the position of prime minister.

Such a fierce man can be seen by himself when he is down and down, so he has to help him and invest in the future.

Ma Zhou, who was about to leave, suddenly heard someone calling him. For a moment, he didn't know where the voice came from, and looked around.

When he saw the waiter looking at the high place, he also looked, and saw Fang Yuan and Qin Fangben who were on the fifth floor.

"Brother Ma, please come up and get together."

Fang Yuan invited.

When Ma Zhou saw that it was the fifth floor, he was alerted immediately.

The waiter in the shop was more flexible, seeing that it was Fang Yuan's invitation from the fifth floor, he immediately showed a adjusted smile.

As we all know, those who can use the private rooms on the fifth floor are either relatives of the emperor or are related to the relatives of the emperor.

No matter which one it is, it is an existence that ordinary people look up to for a lifetime.

With a happy face, Ma Zhou proudly pushed the waiter through the store and walked into Yipinxiang with big strides.

The dignitaries who discussed just now are discussing again, laughing at who will be cheated and cheated again.

"Fang Yuan, are you sure you want to invite him?"

Qin Fangben looked at Fang Yuan suspiciously and said.

"Qin Fangben, I have to remind you that Ma Zhou's future is limitless."

Fang Yuan pondered for a moment, then smiled and said.

Qin Fangben was even more puzzled, and was about to ask more detailed questions.

But at this moment, there was the sound of rapid footsteps on the stairs, and Ma Zhou walked up excitedly.

"Ma Zhou, pay my respects to the two adults."

Ma Zhou came up and bowed to Fang Yuan and the two.

He was dressed fairly cleanly, but he was unkempt. He was a bit dark, with messy hair and a lot of stubble, making him look sloppy.

"Brother Ma, you don't need to be polite, today we are commensurate with friends."

"Xiaoer, serve another dish, hurry up!"

Fang Yuan smiled.

shouted downstairs.

The waiter in the shop downstairs should be right away.

"Thank you, my lord, for being able to see it!"

"When I become a senior official in the future, I will never forget your kindness!"

"Haven't you asked the two adults' names?"

Ma Zhou said neither humble nor overbearing.

"This is Qin Fangben, my name is Fang Yuan."

Fang Yuan said bluntly.

The official positions of the two were not specified.

After all, as Fang Yuan said just now, today's friends are very good friends.

"Chang'an orders Fang Yuan?!"

Ma Zhou exclaimed suddenly.

His mouth opened slightly, looking a little shocked.

"Exactly."

"Come on, please take a seat."

Fang Yuan replied with a light smile.

"Meet Fang Ling!"

"Fang Ling, I heard that Gao Gaojiu was invented by you, right?"

"Since we are multiplied by friends today, if we can become friends, we can credit some high-quality wine, and I will definitely pay back ten times when I become a high-ranking official in the future!"

Ma Zhou was very excited.

Sit down according to Fang Yuan's invitation.

"Naturally."

Fang Yuan was taken aback, hehe laughed.

I thought it was because of his status as Chang'an Ling that he was restrained.

Unexpectedly, he still proudly felt that he could become a high-ranking official in the future.

And he's surprisingly fond of alcohol, so maybe he's an alcoholic.

If he didn't know some history, Fang Yuan might not be bothered to make friends with this kind of person.

"Thank you Fang Ling!"

Ma Zhou was very excited.

I want to raise my glass to thank Fang Yuan.

But when he made the action, he found that there was nothing on the banquet.

"Come on, this is for you!"

Fang Yuan poured himself a glass of wine, then handed the jug to Ma Zhou.

"Fang Ling is proud!"

"I Ma Zhou did it!"

Ma Zhou was stunned, then solemnly took the wine glass handed over by Fang Yuan.

After finishing speaking, he respected Fang Yuan, picked up the jug and gulped it down.

Fang Yuan looked at it, smiled in relief, clinked glasses with Qin Fangben who was speechless and drank.

"what!"

"Good wine!"

"Happy, fast!"

Ma Zhou sighed greatly.

When he put down the jug, his eyes lit up a lot.

His face also turned slightly red, and he looked like he was a little bit hot.

"Brother Ma, drinking a little will make you happy, but drinking too much will hurt you."

Fang Yuan pushed the food and wine on his table to Ma Zhou.

"What Fang Ling said is very true."

"However, I like drinking all my life, so I can't quit my only hobby, can I?"

"Before I have an official position, it doesn't matter how much I drink, and I can't miss it. It won't be too late to pay attention after the emperor grants me an official position."

Ma Zhou hiccupped and smiled cheerfully.

"Brother Ma, why didn't you take the imperial examination?"

"I don't know how long it will take for His Majesty to confer an official!"

Qin Fangben couldn't help but said.

He felt that Ma Zhou was too rude.

I don't know where Fang Yuan looked at Ma Zhou?
"The imperial examination is just something played by the powerful families. The top ten are all determined by default."

"If you can't make it into the top ten, you can only be exiled outside the imperial capital. It's not what I want."

"But even if I call myself a talent, I can't guarantee that I will be in the top ten."

Ma Zhou shook his head and said.

Although there is no express regulation in the imperial examination.

But most of the students who won the gold list will be released if they are not in the top ten.

"Then how can you attract His Majesty's attention?"

Qin Fangben continued to ask.

"I'm currently in Zhonglang General Chang He's house, helping with raising horses and so on."

"He promised me that I would write all his memorials. With my talents, His Majesty will find out sooner or later."

Ma Zhou said with a smile.

But obviously, the smile was a bit bitter.

He picked up the flagon to drink again, but found that the flagon was empty.

Just in time, the shop waiter came up and brought him new food and drinks.

"General Zhonglang is a military officer, what memorial can I write?"

Qin Fang couldn't help laughing.

Zhonglang will be a senior military officer under the fourth rank.

But because it is a military position, even if the status is high, there are few memorials.

Ma Zhou didn't speak, just smiled bitterly, and took a heavy drink.

He never knew this, but it only had something to do with Chang He, so he could only wait like this.

When Chang He showed great kindness, or he would recommend himself to the emperor, and use this springboard to become famous.

"Brother Ma, how about I recommend you to His Majesty?"

Fang Yuan said suddenly.

He asked Ma Zhou to come up, just to help him.

With Ma Zhou's current situation, it is equivalent to sending charcoal in a timely manner.

I don't know how grateful Ma Zhou is, but it's easy for him.

According to historical records, Ma Zhou also began to enter the officialdom in the past few years.

"What, what?"

Ma Zhou was greatly shocked, and the hand holding the wine glass froze.

Qin Fangben was also stunned, looking at Fang Yuan in disbelief.

Recommendations have been made since ancient times, but most of them recommend their own relatives.

Because it will cause joint and several liability, people who are not very well-connected will not recommend it.

Fang Yuan just met Ma Zhou on the first day, so he recommended Ma Zhou to the emperor, isn't that too reckless?

"I can enter the palace at any time, or I can take you to see the emperor directly."

"How is it? Do you have the confidence to persuade the emperor to grant you an official position?"

Fang Yuan continued to laugh.

"Fang Ling, thank you for your kindness!"

"No, after I become a senior official, I will always remember your kindness!"

Ma Zhou stood up holding the jug, bowed heavily to Fang Yuan, and gulped down another jug ​​of wine.

"Brother Ma, brother Ma, drink less, drink less!"

Fang Yuan stood up and grabbed him.

These are high-alcohol wines. Drinking them pot by pot like this is easy to hurt your body.

"Fang Ling, I'm happy!"

"I, Ma Zhou, also have Bole!"

Ma Zhou's voice was a little choked up, and his eyes were a little red.

Originally, Qin Fang wanted to persuade Fang Yuan, but seeing Ma Zhou like this, he finally held back.

"Call me Fang Yuan, we are friends!"

Fang Yuan patted Ma Zhou's shoulder and sat down again.

Ma Zhou wiped the corners of his eyes without leaving a trace, and sat down again.

"Turn up your appearance later, and change into better clothes."

"Just these few days, if I bring you into the palace, there should be eunuchs who will pass you on."

Fang Yuan smiled lightly.

"Ok!"

Ma Zhou nodded heavily.

Afterwards, Fang Yuan and the three chatted freely.

In words, Ma Zhou really showed a lot of talent.

Qin Fangben, who had been wary of him, slowly corrected himself and looked at Ma Zhou squarely.

After drinking for three rounds, all three of them were a little drunk, so the banquet ended.

As soon as Fang Yuan returned to the mansion, he wrote a letter of recommendation to the emperor, preparing to enter the palace.

Naturally, it was not because Ma Zhou entered the palace, but just happened to enter the palace.

That's why I told him to prepare it when I tasted the incense.

It is also complicated for officials to meet the emperor on their own initiative.

You have to take a shower, change clothes, etc.

After a series of briefings, Fang Yuan met Li Shimin in the imperial study.

(End of this chapter)