Man Tang Huacai

Chapter 172 Introduction

The poem "Yan Ge Xing" has been widely circulated. It satirizes generals who engage in provocation lightly and rush into greed for merit.

A poem points out the shortcomings of border policies, which shows that Gao Shi has made considerable efforts to study border wars and is quite insightful.

At this time, he confessed that it was An Lushan who wrote the poem to ridicule, but Xue Bai was a little unsure whether this was the original intention of the poem, or whether Gao Shi deliberately catered to himself. If he was deliberately pandering, how could he be sure that he was dissatisfied with An Lushan?

"Well, you're thirty-five years old!" Xue Baisui shouted with a straight face: "An Lushan is my nephew, how dare you write a poem to ridicule him?!"

Gao Shi immediately bowed and was about to say a few more words, but in the end he laughed.

"Xue Lang, there is no need to scare me. Although I have only been in Chang'an for a short period of time, I happened to hear about you and General Wang's invasion of the Jiaofang."

Only then did Xue Bai realize that his dislike of An Lushan could be seen by interested people.

He then asked: "Did you say that just to agree with me?"

Gao Shi smiled and said: "How could the poem I wrote ten years ago be to echo Xue Lang?"

These words were very wise, and several people in the hall couldn't help but smile.

After laughing, Gao Shi's face gradually became serious again. He talked about his journey north to Youji in his early years and lamented the hardships of the Northeastern frontier army.

What he admired more was Li Yi, the king of Xin'an who swept across the Turks. He wrote poems and submitted poems to Li Yi, hoping to work under his rule, but unfortunately he did not receive a reply. He made friends with Wang Zhihuan in Jimen, but finally returned south disappointed.

Wang Zhihuan was also a poet that Xue Bai liked very much, but unfortunately he is no longer alive now. Gao Shi was also sighing as he spoke.

Then the topic changed, and they talked about other experiences and friends, Li Bai, Du Fu, Zhang Xu, Li Yong, Zhang Jiugao... It can be seen that Gao Shi's contacts were all famous people in the world.

This person is similar to Cen Shen, who has read thousands of books and traveled thousands of miles, is knowledgeable and knowledgeable, and is both civil and military. However, it lacks a bit of the wildness of young people and has a bit more of the frustration and depression of middle-aged people. However, he and Xue Bai have a lot to say, from the frontier to the political situation, and then comment on the characters and customs of all parties.

Although Gao Shi had never been an official, he might not have enough experience to be able to take charge of his own affairs, but if he worked in the shogunate, he would be a very good assistant.

Xue Bai couldn't help but think, it would be great if he could be hired.

This matter is ridiculous when you think about it. If you want to hire Gao Shi as a screener, you must at least recommend him to a court title, that is, ask the court to appoint him as a minor official. Even if he is only a ninth-rank official, you have to pay a salary. Then he must first It is a Fangjie town.

Looking at the ages of both parties, I'm afraid it will be difficult for Gao Shi to survive until then... But we can observe him for a while to see if he can be introduced to Wang Zhongsi.

He was thinking about this in his mind, and Gao Shi saw that the conversation was almost done, and finally turned the topic to the main business of his visit today.

"Zimei said that he could be on the list in the Spring Festival of the Sixth Year of Tianbao. Thanks to Xue Lang, I am also willing to participate in the Spring Festival of the Seventh Year of Tianbao. I wonder if I have the honor to be in the same year as Xue Lang."

This is a self-deprecating sentence with a bit of joking meaning. He has achieved nothing in middle age and has become a bit worldly, but in the end he still cannot completely let go of his body to please a boy with tied hair.

"Brother Gao also wants to participate in Jinke Chunwei?" Xue Bai pondered for a moment and asked, "Brother Gao just claimed to be from Hebei?"

"Yes, Bohai Gao family, I am now settled in Songzhou."

Xue Bai shook his head more and more in his heart.

He was born in Hebei and settled in Henan. In short, he was a child from a poor family in Guandong.

Gao Shi can be considered to have a good background. His grandfather Gao Kan captured the Turkic Chebi Khan alive, pacified Goguryeo, made great military exploits, was granted the title of Founding Duke of Pingyuan County, and was buried with him in the Qianling Mausoleum, thus revitalizing the reputation of the Gao family in Bohai.

But that was during the Taizong and Gaozong dynasties, and things are different now. The Gao family's military background was not enough. If they had not moved to Guanlong and married into the aristocratic family, the children would have quickly left and no one would care about them if they did not make progress.

Moreover, Gao Shi also wrote a poem to satirize the great defeat in the 24th year of Kaiyuan. The current emperor is very generous and did not get angry because of a poem. But at that time, Zhang Jiuling strongly advocated killing An Lushan, which made Li Longji unhappy. Gao Shi's position on this matter was obviously opposed to the saint.

The most difficult person to pass the imperial examination in the Tang Dynasty is this kind of person, no matter whether you are famous for your poems or talented.

Xue Bai knew it was impossible, so he simply said bluntly: "How about I introduce a few friends to Brother Gao? Compared with becoming an official through the imperial examination, there are other paths that are more suitable for Brother Gao."

Gao Shizhao was stunned for a moment, with various emotions in his eyes. Finally, he said seriously: "I want to try again."

"Why bother?"

"Although I am not talented. I was twenty-year-old Jie Shujian and traveled to Chang'an City in the west. I looked up at the king's gate and bent my fingers to become a public minister. I thought that I would be a public minister just around the corner. In a blink of an eye, I am already forty and four years old. In these years, I have lived in seclusion in Songcheng, farming and studying. I want to raise it, but I still... feel unwilling to do so."

"I understand Brother Gao."

The man studied literature and martial arts, and aspired to conquer the world at home. Xue Bai understood too well and did not let Gao Shi say more. He said, "In two days, I will go to Uncle Yang to invest in a bank account. Brother Gao, would you like to go with me?"

He was not sure that he could help Gao Shi become a Jinshi, but he was willing to give him a try.

Gao Shi heard this and looked at Xue Bai. His somewhat lonely eyes seemed to gradually become brighter, which was the light of progress.

~~

In fact, Li Jiayou didn't need Xue Bai's help to win the Jinshi.

He was born in the east ancestral house of the Li family in Zhao County. He was one of the seventh and tenth surnames and had a high reputation in the world. He came from a wealthy family, was talented, had a bold temperament, and was good at music. He became quite famous in Chang'an when he was young.

Not surprisingly, the chief examiner for Tianbao's seventh year in Chunwei was Cui Qiao, the Minister of Rites, and Li Linfu, who controlled the state affairs, could obviously decide on the final list. For these two people, Li Jiayou has already submitted his business papers and arranged them.

The reason why I came to visit Xue Bai was simply because my good friend Huangfu Ran recommended him in the letter and wanted to have a good relationship with him.

Therefore, when Xue Bai was talking to Gao Shi, he would sit next to him and laugh, and occasionally say a few humorous words.

Li Jiayou was very courageous. He knew that some of Xue Bai and Gao Shi's words were inappropriate, but he still dared to talk about them. Moreover, he dared to scold anyone. He also used the poem "Yan Ge Xing" to comment on the saint from the fact that he asked Zhang Shougui to worship the prime minister. The prime minister used.

Li Jiayou was insightful, talented, and loyal. He was a bit arrogant, but there were many arrogant people in the Tang Dynasty, so this was not a shortcoming.

After everyone talked, Li Jiayou was also in high spirits. He clasped his fists and said, "I hope I can be the same age as Xue Lang." Then he changed the topic to his favorite piece of music.

"Let's not talk about these career pursuits. I heard that Xue Lang is rehearsing a play. When can I get a reward?"

Xue Bai said: "Looking at the time, maybe we can see you at the Qujiang Banquet after Spring?"

"Hahaha." Li Jiayou said: "Then you and I will be named on the gold medal list and watch the opera in Quyuan, which will be two great joys in life. Oh, Gao thirty-five has reunited with Mr. Dong after a long absence. You and I feel like old friends at the first sight, which is another great joy. "

The famous disciple smiled brightly, but Gao Shi was a little at a loss and fell silent.

Li Jiayou was enthusiastic, and then recommended Dong Tinglan to Xue Bai.

"Since Mr. Xue is rehearsing a play, do you need any musicians? Mr. Dong is good at playing the harp, bamboo flute, and bamboo flute, and his skills are famous in Chang'an."

"Oh?" Xue Bai was very considerate and immediately introduced the opera he was going to rehearse and sang a few lines a cappella.

Dong Tinglan originally disdained Xue Bai's opera, but now he frowned when he heard the white voice. However, gradually, his expression also changed.

"Does Xue Lang have a piano here? How about I play a piece of music to discuss with Xue Lang?"

"Okay, Mr. Dong, please come this way."

The three of them moved forward, and after walking for a while, they heard the sound of music in the distance, mixed with the sound of drums.

A look of shock finally appeared in Dong Tinglan's eyes.

He couldn't help but regret that he had spoken too much before coming here, such as, "I have no intention of making progress, I just want to travel around the world, why bother asking children to recommend me?"

At this time, the old face was a little worried, so he glanced at Li Jiayou, who was looking at him and smiled narrowly. Looking at Gao Thirty-five, he was much better, and he just patted Dong Tinglan's forearm to show encouragement. .

Among the three people visiting today, Gao Shi hoped to get help from Xue Bai the most, but Xue Bai could help him the least. Dong Tinglan was just the opposite. He didn't expect Xue Bai's help when he came, but in fact Xue Bai could help him the most.

Things in the world are sometimes so difficult to fulfill one's wishes.

~~

A few days later, Quchifang.

In the newly built paper workshop, Xue Bai, Du Youlin, and Yuan Zai were walking and talking.

"The winter solstice is coming soon, and more and more people are going to Beijing to prepare for the exam. We plan to provide a house in Quchifang for poor students to study..."

Yuan Zai was talking eloquently and led the two of them towards the back.

After the paper mill, there is a printing mill, where carpenters are holding pear wood and carving it one by one for printing books.

Block printing is an existing craft in the world, but it has not yet become popular on a large scale. It is believed that with the promotion of bamboo paper, it will become popular faster.

Xue Bai would like to try movable type printing, but in terms of cost and necessity, it is not too necessary at the moment. For example, what they are printing now is a collection of annotations for poor scholars to prepare for the imperial examination, which are the previous opinions and annotations on the imperial examination scriptures.

This is a key reason why the children of aristocratic families can surpass the poor. Then, when a large number of collection books are sent to the hands of the poor families, they will narrow the gap little by little and hope to stand out in the examination room. What Yang Party is planning is such a political trend. prestige. But if Yang Zheng was too smart, he would not do this. With his status, it is easy to feel that there is no need to take big risks to win this kind of future reputation, and that Xue Bai has evil intentions... According to common sense, this is indeed the case. After all, no one can predict what will happen next.

Fortunately, Yang Zheng is not smart, but Yuan Zai is ambitious, and Du You is close to Xue Bai, pushing Yang Dang to embark on this crazy path.

"Anyone who expresses his/her willingness to serve us, these annotations can be distributed." Yuan Zai pointed to the books being printed, with a sharp look in his eyes, and said: "There are still three or four months, enough for some poor scholars to publish their articles. Furthermore, even if Chunwei fails to pass the exam, it will be very beneficial to our reputation..."

Xue Bai picked up a printed copy of "Etiquette, Chapters and Meanings", flipped through it, and said, "In my opinion, this subject should be given to three or five students from poor families, so that I can show my uncle's strength."

Yuan Zai said: "At most three, the imperial examination is ultimately controlled by Ge Nu."

Du Youlin said: "Since Yang Zhao is going to be appointed as the censor Zhongcheng, he should do something."

"Let's discuss this matter with my uncle." Yuan Zai hesitated slightly, not sure about letting Yang Zhao contribute, and said: "On this matter, we have to reach a tacit understanding with the Right Prime Minister's Office."

"Can he reach a tacit understanding with us?" Du Youlin was quite doubtful, "That is the brother slave of 'Ye Wu Yi Xian'."

Yuan Zai said: "I have thought about it. There are no talented people in the world. What Genu is worried about is that the poor people will submit suggestions to criticize the current ills, and the grassroots people will reveal the opportunities at the time. It is not that he deliberately wants to suppress the poor people. He is jealous of talents and talents, and is more afraid of them. Talented, knowledgeable, and famous people. If the quota for the children of aristocratic families can be replaced by lonely scholars, he would be willing to see it."

Du Youlin frowned and said, "If we want Ge Nu to give up a few places, what conditions should we give?"

"How about letting Yang Zhao test this matter first?" Yuan Zai asked Xue Bai.

Xue Bai nodded. There is no shame in turning enemies into friends in the power arena.

"Yes, but there is no need to rush. Let's talk about it later when Uncle Guo touches Ge Nu's interests in some matter."

"Xue Lang is thoughtful." Yuan Zai smiled, "But there are already scholars you want to support?"

"Gao Shi, Gao thirty-five, Brother Yuan has heard of it."

Yuan Zai had actually heard of Gao Shi. He was a little embarrassed. He pondered for a moment and asked, "How about introducing me to my father-in-law?"

"No rush, let's try the examination room first."

"Ha." Yuan Zai laughed when he heard this and said, "Then I will make a bet with Xue Lang?"

"No gambling."

"Okay, then how does Xue Lang plan to help Gao Thirty-five win the ranking?"

Xue Bai already had a rough plan and said: "First of all, we cannot introduce him to General Wang."

After hearing such nonsense, Yuan Zai suddenly realized, stroking his hands and saying: "I see, it's a good thing you didn't make a bet with me."

~~

By the winter month, part of the rural tribute had arrived in Chang'an along with the taxes escorted by the local government, and there were more voices in the brothels and restaurants where scribes gathered to criticize current affairs.

The heavy snow did not cover up the prosperity of Chang'an.

Before the Spring Festival, the court had two major events. One was that Gao Xianzhi, who had destroyed the Xiaobolu Kingdom, would return to Beijing to offer prisoners, and the other was that Ge Shuhan and An Sishun, who had made great achievements in Longyou, would also return to the court to report on their duties.

They are all barbarians, and they are the generals of the Tang Dynasty. They are also the most shining generals in Tianbao's six years.

Xue Bai was actually a little curious. Now that Li Linfu recommended his brother Shu Han as the governor of Longyou, how would his brother Shu Han deal with Wang Zhongsi and Li Linfu when he returned to the court?

And the way he can point out for Gao Shi to make progress is simple, which is to get to know Ge Shuhan.

After all, the imperial examination was controlled by Li Linfu. If Gao Shi wanted to pass the exam, he must have Li Linfu's favor. Among those favored by Li Linfu, Ge Shuhan was the most likely to appreciate Gao Shi.

As far as he knew, Ge Shuhan should return to Chang'an soon.

On this day, Xue Bai took Gao Shi to Qingmen Restaurant for drinking, saying that he was introducing him to a friend.

"I don't know if Brother Gao already knows this friend. Among Brother Gao's friends, is there anyone who has passed Tianbao in the third year and is ranked twenty-seventh among the brothers in the family?"

"Cen twenty-seven?" Gao Shishi even laughed, "Brother Wang Changling and Du Zimei are also good friends with him. At the end of Kaiyuan, brother Wang told me about this little friend; in the third year of Tianbao, Taibai, Zimei and I When I was traveling in the Liang and Song Dynasties, I heard that he was awarded Jinshi at a young age. He was an outstanding young man. I should ask him for advice..."

"You two will definitely become close friends." Xue Bai said firmly.

Gao Shi said: "Brother Wang and Du Zimei both said so."

"Xue Lang!"

While talking, Cen Shen had already entered the restaurant.

Xue Bai raised his hand to say hello, thinking that today he would be able to introduce "Gao Cen" to him in person. This ordinary scene would only become a legend in the poetry world in the future, so they should leave poems behind.

"It's rare that Mr. Xue invites me to drink."

"Introducing you to a confidant who is as knowledgeable about local affairs as you are..."

At this time, a big man who was drinking alone in the restaurant heard the word "side affairs" and turned back to look at the three people. He chuckled and shook his head, as if he disdained these boastful people.

This big man was from the Western Regions. He was in his forties, tall and majestic, with a high nose and deep eyes, curly beard and hair, and a fierce look.

Having had enough wine, he called over the waiter and asked, "Can your beautiful lady be a prostitute?"

"This is a restaurant. If you want to have sex, go to Pingkangfang and follow the wall."

This big man from the Western Regions didn't hesitate. He dropped his drink money and walked into the cold wind. He still kept his robe open and was not afraid of the cold at all.

He was well dressed, but he had a big purse hanging around his waist.

Two scoundrel men on the street corner happened to see him, and they immediately called their six companions to follow him. When the big man walked into the alley, eight people immediately surrounded him, and screams rang out in the alley.

"My wallet..."

But it was this big man from the Western Region who knocked down eight people in a moment, grabbed their purses, patted the leader's face, and asked: "Pingkangfang is too far away, where can I stay?"

The rogue leader was a young man named Cao Buzheng. He rolled his eyes and said, "My sister is a prostitute. She is so beautiful."

"Okay, take me to your house."

Cao Buzheng agreed repeatedly, but he had crooked intentions in his heart.

He has a sister named Cao Buzhe, who is plain in appearance and has a very fierce temperament. In fact, she is the real leader of their gang of scoundrels. I think she will be able to use wine to bring this evil man home. The medicine knocked him over.

The dusk drums in Chang'an City were ringing and night fell. The big man from the Western Regions followed Cao Buzheng into a small house in Kaimingfang. As expected, there was a woman drinking in the courtyard. She was not afraid when she saw him and teased him with a smile.

"What kind of bastard did you come from? You're actually quite strong. You're drinking with me. If you get me drunk, I won't accept you as a prostitute."

"Okay!" The big man from the Western Regions said it.

~~

Yongningfang, Geshuhan's house, lobby.

The tall and exaggerated Guan Chongsi was sitting there, looking down at Cang Bi, the steward of the Right Prime Minister's Mansion.

Cang Bi indeed has the aura of being in charge of the prime minister's office. He is not at all afraid of this big man who kills people without blinking an eye. His eyes look at his nose, and his nose looks at his heart.

They all knew that Ge Shuhan was returning to the capital today and planned to invite him to meet his master.

Wang Zhongsi obviously shouldn't be like this, but it can be seen from this incident that he cares more about the situation in Longyou and the condition of his soldiers than he cares about his own life and death.

But all the soldiers and subordinates had arrived at the mansion, but Ge Shuhan himself was missing.

Guan Chongsi and Cang Bi knew that Ge Shuhan was avoiding them, so they insisted on waiting. Unexpectedly, I actually waited until dawn the next day, when the saint issued an order to summon Ge Shuhan.

"Where is General Geshu?"

"do not know."

"..."

It was not until noon that everyone who was so busy looking for their brother Shu Han received the news that this general who had just made great achievements was taken to the Chang'an County Yamen at dawn for raping a civilian girl in Kaimingfang.

　It’s too late to write this. I hope no one is waiting. Let’s read it in the morning~~ Please vote for me, please vote for me~~

　　

　

(End of this chapter)