Man Tang Huacai

Chapter 180 Greedy

Ministry of Rites.

Zhang Bian walked through the long corridor and opened the door of the class room.

"The number one scholar is so comfortable."

"I didn't expect Prince Consort Zhang to come." Xue Bai was sleeping and his hair was messy. He said, "I'm rude to cooperate with the Ministry of Rites to verify some facts."

"There is no need to see each other between you and me."

Zhang Bian shook his hand and sat down on the simple couch, as if he was very familiar with Xue Bai.

It must be said that this dashing and suave consort has a kind of friendly temperament that makes it easy to make friends with people.

"This time, it was me who blocked your future. Please don't take offense."

Xue Bai said: "When Prince Consort Zhang comes to see me, are you not afraid of being implicated by me?"

Zhang Bian smiled and said: "It doesn't matter. I have told the saint frankly. I heard that you are the same?"

"That's a coincidence."

Xue Bai was in a bad mood when he saw Zhang Bian's smile.

Because he discovered that their plans had collided. They all wanted to find a suitable moment to confess to Li Longji, but Zhang Bian got the first step and caught him off guard.

"Consort Zhang, can you tell me how you told the saint?"

"it is good."

Zhang Bian actually opened his mouth and spoke eloquently.

"When I was young, I was close friends with Xue Xiu, and I also had a good relationship with Princess Tang Chang. I almost married her. After Xue Xiu's death, I sympathized with him. I knew at that time that although Duke Zhang Qujiang had been demoted, He still protected some innocent people implicated in the case of three common people."

"In the third year after arriving in Tianbao, Superintendent He became an official. Before leaving, he told me that among the innocent people adopted by Mr. Zhang Qujiang, there were still some children who had not grown up. They were raised in a yard and were entrusted to me to take care of them. However, it only lasted two years. This matter has been discovered by Banniang, and you have all been betrayed by her, and there is nothing I can do about it."

"They are all official slaves who have fallen into low status. Most of them have been sold to the princes and princesses. I know what Banniang means. Alas. You are the only one who survived. I don't know how I feel. I can't care. Because of you Too many things have been stirred up, and sooner or later I will be implicated, so I have no choice but to bury the hatchet."

"Xu Hao, a doctor in the Ministry of Punishment, is a good friend of mine. He is the nephew of Duke Zhang Qujiang. He has always wanted to give Zhang Gong a sacred tablet. I bribed his servant to steal the manuscript and handed it to the case of Xiao Yin in the Ministry of Punishment. I used Zheng Qian's case to test the saint's will. The reaction was, as expected, the saint was merciful and did not pursue Zheng Qian. So I was ready to find an opportunity to confess to the saint."

"Soon, I learned that Princess Tang Chang had met you and hesitated again. Fortunately, she was not instigated by King Qing and told you the truth. You are not Xue Xi's son, but an orphan he collected, so Only then do I dare to tell the truth to the saint."

"Those who are familiar with the matter think that you are the son of Xue Xiu, and you have been making a fuss about it. Some people accuse the brothers of linking up Li Yingyu's party, and some really want to link up Li Yingyu's party. The saint asked me to present everything to him, and I will Show it to him."

Having said this, Zhang Bian spread his hands, with an open and relaxed expression, and said with a smile: "It's that simple."

Xue Bai asked back: "When Prince Consort Zhang does this, he only cares about two people, yourself and Princess Tang Chang?"

Many people have always wanted to use Xue Bai's identity to criticize political opponents or win over allies through the three commoners case. Zhang Bian's confession will only show his own honesty and Princess Tang Chang's honesty.

The honest thing about Princess Tang Chang is that although she met Xue Bai, she did not tie Xue Bai to do things as Xue Xi's son. She told the truth about Xue Xi's raising of an adopted son. This was something that no one expected, and it became a success. This strengthened Zhang Bian’s confidence.

"Yes."

Zhang Bian admitted frankly: "I hope her situation will be better after this incident."

This sentence sounds gentle, as if this is a very good person.

Xue Bai only felt that Zhang Bian was quite cold. At least in this matter, Zhang Bian almost killed him.

Until now, Zhang Bian had not communicated with him in advance at all.

Xue Bai might give up the exam and lose his future; he might also be killed for hiding his true identity... Zhang Bian didn't care about these. His purpose was clear and concise from beginning to end.

Thinking carefully about what Zhang Bian said, he protected those official slaves as much as he could, and it didn't matter if they died; he didn't care about Princess Ning's feelings, or even the future and life of his friends Xu Hao and Zheng Qian. They were all used for testing.

"Why did the consort come today?"

"Solve the trouble." Zhang Bian said, "The problem started with me, so I should solve it."

This is true. Li Longji doesn't need to worry about this.

Zhang Bian patted Xue Bai on the back, showing some amiability of his elders, and said: "I hope you can live well, and I will try my best."

This is also true. Although he is indifferent, he has no intention of harming others. If Xue Bai dies, forget it, since Xue Bai can save himself. He was also willing to help out without harming himself.

Although Xue Bai could see clearly, he didn't know how to "make excuses". There was no need to fall out with Zhang Bian at the moment, so he asked: "How does the prince consort plan to solve the problem?"

"Let me tell you something first." Zhang Bian said: "You did something wrong. You were a rebellious and humble official slave, but you concealed the matter and coveted official position. Are you willing to admit that you were wrong?"

Xue Bai refused to admit it.

Although he was born in the Tang Dynasty, he did not agree with this rule at all.

But Zhang Bian didn't care what Xue Bai was thinking. From the way he asked, he could tell with the words "will you admit it or not?", what he wanted was an attitude.

"I was wrong." Xue Bai said immediately.

"Okay." Zhang Bian said, "You have committed a serious crime, the crime of deceiving the emperor for many years, right?"

"Yes, I am guilty."

"Logically, the saint should kill you." Zhang Bian said: "But the saint is tolerant and has not forgotten your filial piety. Also, Concubine Yang and General Gao will intercede for you. Therefore, you can spare your life."

"Sage, thank you for your great kindness, my consort."

Zhang Bian said: "In this way, your life has been saved. But the price must be paid. On the Lantern Festival of the sixth year of Tianbao, you personally admitted that you are Xue Ling's son and recognized your relatives before the emperor. The saint will not be wrong. You have committed a taboo, and it is true." of."

"The prince-in-law also knows that the saint once promised me a number one scholar."

"Yes, since the saint treated you so favorably, you deceived the saint at that time, and now you still have the nerve to mention it?"

No wonder Li Longji likes Zhang Bian, he is indeed too sensible.

Xue Bai had to admit that he didn't do this well.

He pondered and said slowly: "Please forgive me, Prince Consort, if I exposed myself at that time, I would definitely die."

"You won't die." Zhang Bian said: "At most, you will be reassigned as an official slave. In fact, if you reveal your life, it will not be difficult to get as rich as Jia Chang. You are greedy. You would rather deceive the saint for greed. Do you still dare to ask me to be considerate? I am helping you because I think you know what's right. If you don't know what to do, I will ask the saint to kill you."

"My ambition is not to be Jia Chang." Xue Bai said, "My ambition is to be Sheji."

"What about me?" Zhang Bian said, "I also aspire to be the Prime Minister. Can Xue Lang help me?"

"it is good!"

Zhang Bian was stunned for a moment.

He was sarcastic, but Xue Bai agreed without hesitation.

"If the consort wants to worship the prime minister, I will give my full support. When the time comes, the uncle will be the right prime minister, and the consort will be the left prime minister." Xue Bai said: "In my life, my kindness will be repaid and my debts will be paid."

"That's enough." Zhang Bian laughed angrily at Xue Bai and said, "You can't take the imperial examination. First save your life. When you present the opera, when the saint calms down, then please give me an official."

Xue Bai thought.

In fact, this is not an unacceptable result.

From a rebellious slave, he improved his situation to this point in one year, which is not too bad. The problem is that in the future, there will be fewer and fewer novel methods to coax the saints. If we don't do it all at once, our future will be limited.

But Zhang Bian was telling the truth. No matter how generous Li Longji was, he would never give him the top prize again after being deceived for so long. Moreover, giving Xue Bai the top prize also meant overturning the good news at last year's Shangyuan Festival imperial banquet. How could it be possible with the way Xue Bai was annoying him now?

"You have figured it all out, promise me not to cause trouble again, and I will take you out." Zhang Bian said: "You are still Xue Ling's son, no one can frame you again. But the title of No. 1 Scholar is worth it for the peace of mind."

Xue Bai pondered and asked slowly: "Some people wooed Yang Zhao and controlled the craftsmanship and pricing of bamboo paper, but was it the consort's idea?"

"I do know about this." Zhang Bian said, "I will teach them how to force you to break taboos, and they will know how to seize the benefits of bamboo paper."

"Isn't it arranged by the consort?"

"I don't care about other people's business." Xue Bai asked again: "Cui Qiao would rather lose his position as Minister of Rites and leave a reputation as a fool than deal with me. In addition to obeying the holy will, is there any other reason?"

"Not everyone is deliberately dealing with you, and Cui Qiao doesn't feel good about it either." Zhang Bian said: "Chunwei should have been presided over by Li Yan, the Minister of Rites. In this way, there is still a chance for mediation when something goes wrong. But you Chunwei five sons made a big fuss. We put Cui Qiao up. Although he has a high reputation, he has no real power. There are many people who are persecuting him. They are competing for ranking, paper, and power. He really wants to be transferred to a post in Dongdu."

Xue Bai asked: "If I are deposed, who will be the number one scholar?"

"Yang Yu."

"Did you write the paper well?"

"The Yang family of Hongnong is a clan brother to Yang Hu, the number one scholar in Tianbao Sixth Year."

"Oh, the relative of Yang Shenjin who wants to claim me as his son is also a relative of Yang Hui?"

Zhang Bian was too lazy to talk to him anymore and asked, "Do you want to live or do you want to be number one?"

"Consort, can you allow me to consider it?"

"Although I'm not in a hurry, you have to think clearly." Zhang Bian said, "If it's too late, someone will add insult to injury."

It seems that Li Linfu has not taken any action until now, probably waiting and watching carefully. Maybe in these two days, he might give Xue Bai a fatal blow.

~~

Right Prime Minister's Mansion.

In the meeting hall, after Da Xixun had been talking for a long time, he noticed that Li Linfu was twirling his beard and seemed to be distracted.

He had to remind him loudly.

"Right Prime Minister, I am saying that Xue Bai has really admitted this time. What the Right Prime Minister has reported in front of the saint many times before is true!"

"So what?" Li Linfu scolded: "You want to tell the saint the truth, 'Your Majesty, please see, I am all right.'"

Da Xixun was stunned and couldn't help but admire him, and praised: "Your Prime Minister is really...a sage!"

"The saint is not wrong." Li Linfu said: "In the end, this matter is nothing more than Xue Bai losing the top prize in exchange for the saint's forgiveness, and he is still the son of Xue Ling."

"But in this case, the Right Prime Minister was slandered by this man before..."

"Can a saint still treat me badly?"

Da Xixun was stunned again, wondering why the right minister had become so generous? He didn't even think of taking the opportunity to retaliate against Xue Bai.

I saw Li Linfu pacing back and forth, his eyes showing deep thought, and suddenly asked: "You just said that Xue Bai told himself about his life experience, is he Xue Xi's son or adopted son?"

"A foster son." Da Xixun said: "Actually, what is a foster son? He knows how to take in orphans and train dead soldiers."

"Sure?"

"I asked Cui Qiao about this matter, so I can't be wrong."

"I see."

Li Linfu paced his feet and murmured: "No wonder this man said that he has no hatred in his heart. It turns out that he has always known about his family background."

"Back to the Prime Minister, Xue Bai said that he had lost his memory. It was Princess Tang Chang who told me."

"Do you believe what he says?" Li Linfu scolded: "If he is just an adopted son, regardless of whether his amnesia is true or false, can he still remember Xue Xiu's kindness before he was six years old?"

Da Xixun was confused and asked: "What does the right minister mean?"

"The adopted son has no grudges...He lost his official career this time. He was greedy and deserved it..."

Li Linfu muttered to himself for a while and then ordered: "Go and call Cui Qiao."

"Here."

"Come here, recruit Juro and Eleven Niang."

Not long after, his son and daughter arrived, and Li Linfu said directly: "Xue Bai said that he was not the son of Xue Xi, but an orphan and a dead soldier."

"If it's true, then so be it." Li Xiu said, "If it's false, then it would be unfilial for him, the son, to expose the guilt of his late father."

"I've been talking about filial piety all day long, but I haven't seen you succeed." Li Linfu said: "If this matter is true, Xue Bai's life experience has been settled, and it is not a mortal enemy. Moreover, he has lost his future, so he can become a guest of the family. .How did you do with the marriage?"

Li Xiu was stunned.

Get married?

He remembered that when Xue Bai said that Party Yang only popularized bamboo paper, the matter of Grandpa's marriage faded away and was never mentioned again.

But it seems that there was no mention of ending the relationship.

"Grandma," said Li Shiniang, "I originally said that Shi Qi would urge Xue Bai to propose marriage, but it was Brother Ten who said that Grandpa should reconsider."

"Beast, what can you do?"

"My child knows his fault."

"I don't blame Brother Ten. I might as well leave this matter to my daughter." Li Shiniang said with a smile: "I'm not afraid that Grandpa will know, Shi Qi is often at Xue Bai's new house recently."

"Go."

Li Linfu dismissed his children and hurriedly handled some general affairs, until Cui Qiao arrived.

"Is it true that Xue Bai is Xue Xi's adopted son?"

"I don't know." Cui Qiao said: "However, the saint must have sent someone to investigate. It must be true that he is not angry anymore."

"It's not difficult to check." Li Linfu murmured: "I have never found any trace of Xue Xiu's wife in another house. If Princess Tang Chang admits it, it must be true."

It can be seen that he knows many things, and just looking at the talisman is not in line with his mood and interests. When he must kill Xue Bai, he turned a blind eye to all this.

"May I ask what your right minister means?"

Li Linfu shifted his gaze back to the official document and said calmly: "Go and tell Xue Bai. If you realize that you are wrong, the truth can protect him."

Cui Qiao was a little surprised. It should be noted that the last time he came, Li Linfu wanted to support Xue Bai and kill him, but things changed so quickly.

He didn't care about this and asked: "The number one scholar?"

"Yang Yu."

Cui Qiao breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that all parties could finally be satisfied. Chunwei's ranking, huge interests, and the power struggle behind it were all clear. The most important thing in officialdom was the word "profit".

Just like the ripples on the lake, no matter how fierce they are, they will eventually calm down.

Xue Bai was not at a loss either. He was a rebellious and lowly slave, but he got the top prize for a while, and in exchange for the forgiveness of the saint and the right minister, he was extremely lucky.

……

With this in mind, Cui Qiao returned to the Ministry of Rites, walked through the long corridor, opened the door, and looked at Xue Bai with compassion and kindness in her eyes.

"A young man's heart is as high as the sky, accept your fate."

"I'm afraid Cui Gong is wrong." Xue Bai said: "I don't have a youthful spirit. On the contrary, I am very realistic."

He committed the crime of deceiving the emperor but still managed to save his life. Others only regarded him as lucky, but forgot how much effort he put into pleasing Li Longji.

In the same way, since he wanted to keep his title of champion, he could not expect an emperor to sympathize with him or understand him. What needs to be considered is what is his value in the academic world and official circles?

If you have no value, you will be abandoned. This is a reality.

Unfortunately, Cui Qiao didn't believe it at all. She shook her head and lamented the arrogance of this young man.

"Young people's nature makes me envious of me..."

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(End of this chapter)