Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 641 How about changing the family?
Hou Mansion,

In the west wing room,

Chu Nian sat there with a calm look on his face, drinking tea and eating cakes. He behaved generously and looked like a gentleman.

Zhang Jinyu pushed the door open and saw a civil servant sitting in the inner hall. He was wearing a green robe and had a thin figure. His pale face was covered with fine wrinkles. His eyes were bright and sharp, as if He looks like a falcon and seems to have a resolute character.

It is difficult to deal with, he is another civil servant of Shen Zhongxin.

Zhang Jinyu admired secretly in his heart,
"Lord Chu Nian, I have been neglectful a lot. Please forgive me, Lord Chu."

The words arrived before the people arrived.

Zhang Jinyu's face was full of spring breeze, and she slowly pushed the door open and entered.

Chu Nian was sitting in the hall. He put down his tea bowl, looked for the sound, and looked towards the door. He saw a handsome, confident man in rich clothes walking into the room. He thought he was Marquis Luo Yun.
He stood up hastily and bowed with his hands;

"The lower official Wuying Palace Chu Nian, on the orders of Master Nan, came here to pay homage to the Marquis."

After saying that, he gave a gift. It was enough to be humane and sophisticated.

Seeing this, Zhang Jinyu felt wind at his feet, took two steps quickly, and hurriedly went over to help him up.

"You are so polite, Mr. Chu. I did not entertain you well and neglected your distinguished guest. Please take a seat quickly."

Chu Nian nodded, then turned around and sat down. He was extremely polite and added a touch of Confucian elegance, which made people feel good about him.

I also feel that Marquis Luo Yun is a gentleman, and he is not as arrogant and domineering as the rumors outside say. The rumors stop at the wise, and they are not false at all.

The two of them sat down,
The serving maid came in and served new tea to the two of them. After bowing and retreating, Chu Nian finally spoke,

"Master Hou, I came here today to discuss with Master Hou. Hanyuan Palace is used as the red lottery examination room. Do you have any suggestions on the layout?
To be honest with the Marquis, this was also the first time for Xianguan to invigilate the exam in the palace. Many things were not considered carefully. As the chief examiner, the Marquis and Xiaguan as the deputy examiner were worried, so they took advantage of every opportunity to make the Marquis busy. , give me some pointers. "

Chu Nian didn't gossip too much. He briefly stated the purpose, which was the layout of the Hanyuan Palace examination room, because Hanyuan Palace was a palace complex, not to mention magnificent and luxurious. Every plant and tree was everywhere. It cost a lot.

As the newly built palace of Emperor Wu, no one has moved in yet. It has been used as a student examination room for the first time, and not once or twice. People eat, drink, and have sex there, which has defiled the palace. Chu Nian is still a little worried.

Not to mention the large number of people, there is no separate venue for Gongyuan, and cheating in scientific examinations is a serious crime. The presiding officials are jointly and severally liable, and there is no room for sloppiness. So Chu Nian thought about it for a long time, but he didn't know how to modify it.

Zhang Jinyu had just entered her seat, and suddenly she was confused. What preparations should be made for the exam?
"Master Chu, I didn't understand. How do you want to arrange it?"

When Chu Nian looked up, he saw Luo Yunhou's confused expression, and patted his forehead with a wry smile. It was his own negligence. The Marquis had really never seen what the examination room looked like. He thought, why not let the Marquis see it in person? ,
"Master Marquis, we are all lower-ranking officials, right? I didn't discuss it with Master Marquis in detail. Master Marquis, do you know what Gongyuan looks like?"

Chu Nian sat there and confessed, and then asked curiously, how did Zhang Jinyu know what Gongyuan looked like? He had never seen it, but he had only heard people say how strict the Gongyuan inspections were.

"I've never seen this before. Is there any explanation in it?"

"Master Marquis, if you have nothing to do, I would like to lead the way and invite you to the Gongyuan to have a look. After seeing you, the Marquis will naturally know that Hanyuan Hall is the new palace in the palace. Although I have ideas, I am at a loss. "

Seeing that the Marquis was interested, Chu Nian bluntly said that Hanyuan Palace needed to be renovated, but he was afraid that if he did too much, the palace would blame him.

This look,
Zhang Jinyu is a little curious. What kind of renovations are needed in the examination room? Do you still want to demolish it? I have never been to the new palace in the palace, but I also know that His Majesty's newly built houses are all the same. They must be good, and tampering with them is not good,

"Okay, since Mr. Chu is a little hesitant, it's better to do this. Today, I will go over with Mr. Chu to have a look and discuss the reconstruction on the spot. Naturally, the Enke exam is important, and the places that need to be moved need to be moved. No need. I’m afraid, what do you think about letting people from the Ministry of Industry come out to speed up the renovation?”

"Thank you, Lord Marquis, I agree."

Chu Nian was overjoyed. He didn't expect the Marquis to be so generous and agree so quickly. He didn't need to waste any words. He felt relieved after all.

The first one to get up without seeing anyone else, he pulled the Marquis and walked towards the door. On the contrary, it was Zhang Jinyu who was quite surprised. Mr. Chu is still a pure person, which is rare and valuable.

"Ningbian, prepare the frame. I and Mr. Chu will go to Gongyuan. Mr. Chu, don't be anxious. There is plenty of time."

"Ah, my official is a bit sleepy,"

Chu Nian saw that he was still holding Luo Yunhou's sleeve, his face turned red, he was a little embarrassed, and he complained.

Zhang Jinyu waved her hand and extended her hand in a gesture of invitation. Then the two of them left the concierge one after another, quickly walked out of the courtyard, arrived outside the main gate of the Hou Mansion, got on the carriage, and went straight to the Gongyuan on the south bank of Qinghu Lake in Beicheng.

A house on the east bank of Qinghu Lake in Beicheng,
The residence of Li Chonghou, the chief minister of Dawu, is located here. The deep courtyard is close to Qinghu Lake. The crystal clear lake water reflects the mountains in the distance. There are ripples on the water surface. When the breeze blows, it is full of vitality.

In the corner of Qinghu Lake, in the courtyard of the backyard of Li's house, the path along the lake is rugged and winding, with tree-lined hillsides on one side. There is a viewing platform at the end of the road. From the viewing platform, you can overlook the entire Qinghu Lake. , there is an attic on the stage, the eldest son Li Chaosheng is sitting on the attic, with people on the left and right to accompany him.
"Everyone, unfortunately today, my father caught the cold and rested in the back house, so I neglected you all. I would like to apologize."

With a smile on his face, Mr. Li covered his face with his hand, picked up the wine cup and drank it all in one gulp. The people sitting around did not dare to neglect, and hurriedly picked up the wine cup and drank with him.

Sun Boyan, the minister of Honglu Temple who was sitting at the east end, put down his wine cup with a look of emotion on his face.

"So many years have passed, and now the eldest son has become more promising. We have a backbone in our hearts." "Yes, if you count today, it has been more than ten years. Since the new emperor ascended the throne, now everyone has become a leader." It has been eight years since the Feng Dynasty, and the eldest son has eight talents and has reached the position of Zuo Cheng. In time, he will definitely have a place in the cabinet."

The words of praise kept coming. Luan Gongfu, the minister of Taichang Temple, sat aside and sighed. After so many years, he finally found the backbone. There was still something unsaid in his heart. After the new emperor ascended the throne, Li Dang began to go dormant. The chief minister in the court delegated power. Later, Li Dang gradually began to disappear.

Master Yang, the minister of Guanglu Temple, shook his head, looked at the two people across from him, put down his wine cup, looked solemn, and said nothing. Li Chaosheng was sitting in the first place, and he was still happy to hear it. Now that he saw Master Yang's appearance, he felt a little unhappy in his heart, but he didn't say anything. Ask questions,

"No, no, all the senior brothers are good brothers to the junior brothers. We cannot bear these words of praise."

He said politely to the two of them, but the corner of his eyes was aimed at Master Yang.

Obviously, Young Master Yang's behavior was a bit abnormal, which puzzled the two friends across from him. Luan Gongfu was a straight-tempered person, so when he saw this scene, he felt unhappy. He actually patted the table and asked,

"Young Master, just tell me what's on your mind. Why are you so depressed today when you arrive at the teacher's house with your junior brother by your side? How can it be that you are so depressed?"

"Yes, young master, this is not like your character,"

Sun Boyan was also advising on the side,
Mr. Li's eyes turned around as if he had this intention.

Looking at the puzzled looks of the three people, Master Yang sighed heavily.

"Dear fellow disciples, we have been in the imperial examination since the late Emperor Tianbao's reign and entered the sect of our mentor. Only then have we reached our current status. I must not forget the advice given by my mentor.
But everyone, it has been eight years since my mentor delegated power, and I am the only one left in the court to support him. Jing Cunliang, who once became a disciple of his mentor, is now a disciple of Prince Zhongshun, and is now serving as a patrol envoy in the south of the Yangtze River. Wang Mengshan, who was born in the Imperial Academy, also went to Jiangnan to take over Lin Ruhai's position as Salt Inspector and Prime Minister of Salt Administration! "

With a look of grief on his face, Young Master Yang picked up the flask and took a sip of wine. The wine spilled into his collar and wet a large area on his chest. He felt a little free and easy.

"Also, this year Enke added the Hanyuan Hall as the examination room, with Marquis Luo Yun as the examiner and Marquis Xiangyang as the inspector. It is unbelievable that all the nobles and nobles have acted, not to mention the actions of those eunuchs last night.

Thinking about it, you all should know that nowadays, not to mention those from the North and South Township Party, nobles and eunuchs are all trying their best to find a place in the court. As for us, eldest son, if we don’t advance, we will retreat. If this situation continues, where will I be? How sad it is to wait for a place to establish oneself! "

With a roar, Master Yang's tears of grief burst out, and his face was filled with tears. The grief on his face made the two people who followed him also have sighs on their faces. Li Dang didn't know how many people still remembered.
The most shocking thing is that the eldest son, Li Chaosheng, has had a smooth life and has reached the high position he is today. Although he has the care of his father, it is more because of the help of these senior brothers who are officials in the court. Senior Brother Yang, who used to have a happy face, why is he looking like this today? Sample,
Thinking of what his senior brother said, how could he still not know in the General Affairs Department that although Jing Cunliang advertised himself as a Li party, he had already taken refuge with Prince Zhongshun?
As for the matter of Marquis Luo Yun, after hearing about it!
Although I don't understand why Master Nan agreed, it's a pity that Li Dang has long since lost his previous decision-making. The two people who have a headache should be Mr. Lu Ge and Mr. Gu Ge, so Li Chaosheng remains silent in the ministry.

Also last night, the eunuch and the eunuch Zhao Eunuch were raiding wealthy merchants. The family received a tip-off early in the morning that the Sheng family had left manpower behind. However, after receiving the letter, my father said nothing and lied about being ill.
In this way, I can't interfere even more. Although the Sheng family was my father's client in the early years, they later became the guest of Prince Zhongshun. Although I can't say that I was cheating, I had to have a gap in it. Thinking of this, I felt helpless. Said;
"Senior brother, stop talking. Can you listen to what I have to say for now?"

Master Yang wiped the tears on his face with his sleeves, looked at the eldest son Li Chaosheng with red eyes, and replied;
"Master, please speak."

Although the other two looked bad, they were not newcomers to the court. This situation was almost unsolvable. How could they save it? They looked over.

"Three senior brothers, how can I not know about the affairs of the imperial court? Nowadays, they all stick together to keep warm and plan their own plans. The situation that is frozen three feet is not as cold as a day. The situation that my father painstakingly created has long since disappeared.

Now in the court, including Mr. Chang and the three senior brothers who are struggling to support me, my father's health has long been overwhelmed and he wants to retire and return to his hometown. However, because of His Majesty's request, he is sitting in the position of chief minister. I am the only one waiting for this. How can the shrimp soldiers and crab generals regain their reputation? Junior brother, I also know that I am not capable enough and cannot take on big responsibilities. "

Li Chaosheng didn't explain too much. His father never allowed him to form gangs in the court. He really couldn't bear to understand that he had already reached the position of Zuocheng. He only needed to accumulate time and he would have a place in the cabinet in the future. However, he always felt that he was not what he wanted. If my father retires and returns to his hometown, he may not be able to do so smoothly. Thinking of this makes him depressed.

"Junior brother, I'm not asking you to come forward. It's just that my heart is hurt. Every time I think of the way we are suppressed in the court today, it will be difficult to move forward until the teacher really leaves."

"Brother Yang is right. The rural parties in the north and south are becoming more and more powerful now. The two old foxes Lu Wenshan and Gu Yichen, one controls the Shilin in the south of the Yangtze River, and the other wins over the officials in the north of the capital. They have already become full-fledged and are eyeing the chief minister. The position is no longer available for one day or two,"

Luan Gongfu and Sun Boyan had solemn expressions on their faces. In recent years, many people had written letters requesting the creation of additional positions for court officials. Wasn't it their people who were instigating it?

Over there at the cabinet,

Since his mentor was still there, there were already many officials in the capital. They were directly crossed out by his mentor and presented to His Majesty. Emperor Wu took advantage of the situation and put pen to paper. Not only did he not create any more positions, he also deleted too many useless officials in the capital. The twists and turns in this process have been going on for a long time. , and then settled down,
If their mentor retreats, won't those people be able to let them go?

"What the three senior brothers said is absolutely true, but my father said that we can continue to hold on this year. His Majesty's decree allows my father to recuperate at home and not have to interfere with the government affairs of the cabinet. In this way, the cabinet will definitely fall into their hands. , I’m afraid we’ll have a hard time in the future, Senior Brother Yang, do you have any good ideas?”

"Hey, I don't have a good opinion, junior brother. As the saying goes, you can enjoy the shade by leaning against a big tree. If you lower your body, I think those people will rush to win over you, so."

Master Yang rarely made a joke and had a smile on his face, but Luan Gongfu and Sun Boyan's expressions changed and they became angry and asked;

"Young master, what do you mean by this? How can the eldest son live under others for a long time?"

"That's right, my mentor is still here, so there's no point in taking refuge in someone else. What's your intention?"

The two were furious. Although Li Chaosheng was disgusted, he also knew that it was impossible for Senior Brother Yang to harm him, but with a solution,

"Two senior brothers, please wait a moment. Please tell me, Senior Brother Yang, what is the solution?"

Master Yang took the brocade cloth, wiped the water on his face, and stared at the three people. Changing the family was a big deal, especially for the son of his mentor, which was very involved. But when he thought of the situation in the court, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't keep his current position. After all, He opened his mouth,

"Today, the court is extremely dangerous. It is not enough for us to keep warm together. We can only find another place to keep warm. Now that your majesty's three princes have left the palace to build a mansion, can we choose one person to assist us as a means of entry? Or choose someone."

Young Master Yang did not dare to say any more. This was a battle for the right to inherit the throne. If he was not careful, he would fall into an abyss. It seemed inappropriate. The expressions of everyone in the attic changed drastically. Li Chaosheng thought a lot about the promotion. Capital is vital.

(End of this chapter)