Do you know: I am Yuan Wenshao

Chapter 229 The Empress Dowager Summons
"Your Majesty, there are still more than two months before the Enke exam starts. The candidate for the examiner has not yet been decided. Please make an early decision." Han Zhang said out of the queue.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zongquan turned to the Queen Mother, who was sitting behind him and listening to the affairs behind the curtain, and asked, "I wonder what the Queen Mother thinks of this matter?"

The Queen Mother heard this and said calmly: "This time it is an additional enke given by the official after he ascends the throne. It is up to the official to decide who will be the chief examiner."

Zhao Zongquan turned his head when he heard this, looked at Han Zhang and said, "I wonder who the Grand Prime Minister thinks is suitable to be the examiner?"

"Your Majesty, I think He Bangyuan, the left minister of the Ministry of Rites, is qualified for the job." Han Zhang said.

Zhao Zongquan took a deep look at Han Zhang when he heard this, not that there was anything wrong with the person he recommended.

The examiner of the imperial examination is basically one of the left and right ministers of the Ministry of Rites. As the left minister of the Ministry of Rites, He Bangyuan is indeed qualified to serve as the examiner.

But He Bangyuan was from Han Zhang's family, and Zhao Zongquan didn't want him to be the examiner.

Those who passed the imperial examination and passed the imperial examination called the examiner "Master", "Master" or "Enmen", and claimed to be the examiner's "disciple". In this way, they established a special relationship with the examiner. The relationship between teachers and students has become weak, and the imperial examination has become a channel for the examiners to form cliques for personal gain and cultivate and win over their own influence.

The examiner is not just an invigilator. Not only is the examiner responsible for deciding on the topics, but the final marking of the papers is also made by the examiner.

When students write articles, they will consider the political leanings of the examiner when answering questions.

It can be said that whoever serves as the examiner will not only be naturally close to the examiner, but also have the same political orientation.

Later emperors also discovered this problem and added palace examinations.

The emperor personally set the questions for the Imperial Examination. As the examiner, he became the "benefit" of all Jinshi. All new Jinshi became "disciples of the Emperor." The power of selecting scholars was transferred to the hands of the emperor, thereby preventing officials from passing the imperial examination. The situation of forming cliques for personal gain.

However, the effect in this case is not particularly good.

After all, all students are disciples of the emperor. Those who have just passed the imperial examination, except for the top three, will hardly win the attention of the official family.

Every time there are so many people admitted to the imperial examination, it takes time to show their ability, and the officials may not be able to see it.

But the examiner is different. Although he is interested in ability, he is more interested in who is of the same mind as him.

He Bangyuan is a member of Han Zhang's family. If he serves as the examiner, the newly admitted scholars will all become Han Zhang's lineage.

Although Zhao Zongquan's use of Jiang Jingming had the support of Han Zhang, he still used Han Zhang more and did not trust him.

Han Zhang noticed Zhao Zongquan's gaze and secretly thought that he was too impatient.

However, with such a huge benefit in front of him, he really couldn't turn a blind eye.

"The person recommended by the Grand Prime Minister is quite good, but after all, this is the first imperial examination since I came to the throne, and it is still Enke. In order to reflect my importance, it is better for the examiner to have a higher status."

After Zhao Zongquan finished speaking, he looked around the ministers below and finally stopped at Hai Wenyuan.

"Let Mr. Zhongshu Linghai serve as the examiner this time." Zhao Zongquan said calmly.

Han Zhang was startled when he heard this, but quickly came to his senses, bowed and said: "Your Majesty is wise!"

With Hai Wenyuan's identity and status among the scholars, he was considered a top candidate to be the examiner of the imperial examination, and no one could find fault with him.

Even if Han Zhang was unwilling, he could not find an excuse to object.

"Your Majesty is wise!" all the officials shouted in unison.

Hai Wenyuan came out and said: "I obey the order!"

Zhao Zongquan nodded and said: "Today is the Lantern Festival. In the evening, all the ministers will come with me to the tower to enjoy the lanterns. If there is nothing else to report, please withdraw from the court!"

"Your Majesty, I need to beat you up for something!" Yuan Wenshao came out and said.

"Oh?" Zhao Zongquan smiled and said, "I wonder if Marquis Zhongyong has anything to report?"

"Your Majesty, I accidentally figured out a method of making colored glaze. I wanted to use the colored glaze to make some money to support my family. However, the colored glaze workshop was coveted by others and was attacked many times. There were even spies from Xixia and Liao. I was bothered by it, and I was worried that the method of making colored glaze would be stolen by Xixia or Liao Dynasty, so I wanted to dedicate this method to His Majesty," Yuan Wenshao said.

After Yuan Wenshao finished speaking, the hall fell into silence.

Yuan Wenshao made a lot of wealth from Liuli, and all the noble officials in Bianjing were not jealous of him.

Unexpectedly, Yuan Wenshao would offer it up like this.

Many people think Yuan Wenshao is a fool for handing over such a gold mine.

There are also smart people who have realized that the reason why Yuan Wenshao is willing to hand over is because he is afraid that he has to hand over.

The Queen Mother behind the curtain looked gloomy. How could she not know the consequences of lowering the rewards and pensions of soldiers.

The reason why she agreed was to use this to suppress Zhao Zongquan's prestige and let him know that fighting is not that simple, so don't use your sword lightly.

She didn't want to see the situation that the late emperor had worked so hard to create be ruined by Zhao Zongquan.

Unexpectedly, Yuan Wenshao would actually propose the method of making colored glaze.

She has heard how much money Liuli makes, but it is still only sold within the Great Zhou Dynasty. If it is sold to other countries, the benefits will be even greater.

With Liuli, the problem of lack of money will naturally be solved.

The Queen Mother took a deep look at Zhao Zongquan, who had his back turned to her.

She knew that this matter must be related to Zhao Zongquan.

Zhao Zongquan was displeased when he heard this and said: "This is Yuan Qing's private property. If I accept it, how will the world think of me? It's inappropriate! Where is the Shaoyin of Kaifeng Prefecture?"

"I'm here!" Su Qianhui, the Shaoyin of Kaifeng Prefecture, came out and said.

Previously, the Prefect of Kaifeng was held by King Yong. When King Yan rebelled, King Yong's family was killed. After Zhao Zongquan put down the rebellion, the post of Prefect of Kaifeng remained vacant, and all official affairs were handled by Shao Yin.

Zhao Zongquan said displeasedly: "Bianjing is at the foot of the emperor and the capital of the Great Zhou Kingdom. There are spies from the Xixia and Liao Kingdoms making trouble here. As the governor of Kaifeng, you cannot escape the blame. You will be fined for half a year as a warning. If it happens again. Similar things should be dealt with strictly!"

"Thank you for your forgiveness, Your Majesty."

Su Qianhui cursed in his heart that these things had nothing to do with him. He had a governor before, so even if he was asked about the crime, he could not be blamed.

However, he didn't dare to say it at all, so he could only admit it with a grimace.

"Your Majesty, the profits from colored glaze are too great. Xixia and Liao will definitely not give up. If it is stolen by Liao and Xixia, the consequences will be disastrous. I beg your Majesty to accept it." Yuan Wenshao said solemnly.

To be honest, Yuan Wenshao is really tired of it. If you want it, I will give it to you, and you have to offer it in public.

I offer it in public, and I have to accompany you to show off here.

"Your Majesty, I think what Marquis Zhongyong said makes sense. If it is stolen by Liao and Xixia, it will definitely bring a lot of wealth to Liao and Xixia. The border will be in danger by then!" Han Zhang said.

With Han Zhang taking the lead, many officials came out to ask Zhao Zongquan to accept him.

Zhao Zongquan hesitated for a while and sighed: "Well, I can't live up to Marquis Zhongyong's patriotism. However, Zhongyong Bo's contribution to the method of making colored glaze is meritorious and he cannot but reward it. I will give Feiyun Village the honor." The reward is given to you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Yuan Wenshao thanked him.Feiyunzhuang is located more than 20 li away from the north of Bianjing City and has hot springs. It was originally a royal villa and was previously awarded to King Yan by Emperor Renzong.

Yuan Wenshao did not expect that Zhao Zongquan would reward Zhuangzi to him.

Looking at it this way, he actually made money.

Of course, the value of this Zhuangzi is definitely far behind compared to the production method of colored glaze.

But the method of making colored glaze was a hot potato for him, so it would be very cost-effective to switch to a village with hot springs.

"Let's disperse the court!" Zhao Zongquan said calmly.

"I would like to send you off to Your Majesty and the Queen Mother!"

All the officials bowed and shouted in unison. They waited for the Queen Mother and Zhao Zongquan to leave before they straightened up and left the hall.

"Jiro!"

Gu Tingye quickly caught up with Yuan Wenshao and said with a smile: "I'm going to move today. I'll invite Uncle Shen Guo and the others at noon. You can come over and have a drink together."

"Okay, I'll go back and change my clothes in a minute. The orange garden covers an area of ​​more than 100 acres, and the forest behind it alone is nearly a hundred acres. You've got a big advantage." Yuan Wenshao said with a smile.

The Orange Garden has always been in the hands of the emperor, and will only be given to a few close friends for their retirement, and even then it will be a temporary residence.

If Zhao Zongquan hadn't wanted Gu Tingye to ease the relationship with the Gu family, he would not have been awarded the title of Marquis Ningyuan.

If the palace is merged in the future, including the Ningyuan Marquis' Mansion, the area will be no different than that of some princes' palaces.

"You envy me, and I also envy you. Feiyun Village is a royal villa, and the officials have rewarded you." Gu Tingye said.

Although Feiyun Village was rewarded to Yuan Wenshao and some illegal things in the royal courtyard had to be demolished, the house would not be demolished.

No matter how much money is spent, such a villa cannot be built because it exceeds the rules, but it is a reward from the emperor, so Yuan Wenshao can naturally live in it.

"You don't want to either..."

Just as Yuan Wenshao was about to speak, a young eunuch came over and saluted: "I have met Marquis Zhongyong. The Queen Mother has summoned him."

"Zhong Huai, when the Queen Mother summons me, I will go there first. If you come back early, I will go to the banquet." Yuan Wenshao said.

"Well, go quickly." Gu Tingye nodded.

"Excuse me, please lead the way, father-in-law." Yuan Wenshao said with a smile.

"Marquis Zhongyong, please come this way!" the young eunuch said.

Yuan Wenshao followed the eunuch to the harem, but he was thinking about how to deal with the Queen Mother.

The reason why the Queen Mother summoned him was probably because he dedicated the method of making colored glaze to Zhao Zongquan.

I just don’t know what the Queen Mother will say when she summons him.

He followed the eunuch all the way to Yanfu Palace and entered the main hall.

"Please report to the Queen Mother, Marquis Zhongyong," said the young eunuch.

Yuan Wenshao bowed and said: "Your Majesty Yuan Wenshao, please see the Queen Mother!"

The Queen Mother, who was lying on her side on the Arhat bed, rubbing her eyebrows, sat up with the help of the eunuch. She waved her hand to signal the eunuch who was leading the way to step back. She looked at Yuan Wenshao and smiled and said, "Sit down, please!"

"Thank you, Queen Mother!" Yuan Wenshao thanked her and straightened up.

Two eunuchs carried a chair and placed it behind Yuan Wenshao.

Yuan Wenshao bowed and sat down.

The Queen Mother looked at Zhu Neiguan beside her. Zhu Neiguan nodded knowingly and said, "You all should step aside."

"Yes!"

The eunuchs and maids in the hall bowed and left after hearing the words. Only Yuan Wenshao, the Queen Mother and Zhu Neiguan were left in the hall.

"Marquis Zhongyong, the Ai family wants to hear the truth. You offered the method of making colored glaze, but the officials forced you to do so?" asked the Queen Mother.

"When I returned to the Queen Mother, no one forced me to do so. I did it voluntarily." Yuan Wenshao cupped his hands and said.

"Ah~"

The Queen Mother sighed and said: "Do you also think that the Ai family listens to politics behind the curtain because they are in love with power?"

"I don't dare!" Yuan Wenshao smiled bitterly in his heart and said: "Your Majesty has been in Yuzhou before and has no experience in handling national affairs. The Queen Mother listens to politics from behind the curtain, which can stabilize the government and gain experience."

"It would be nice if everyone thought so." The Queen Mother sighed.

Yuan Wenshao did not answer. It was not suitable for him to talk about these sensitive topics.

The Queen Mother looked at Yuan Wenshao and said: "With your merits, even if you have recaptured Lingzhou City, it is not enough to grant you a title. Do you know why the late emperor wanted to grant you a title?"

"I don't know." Yuan Wenshao shook his head.

To be honest, he really didn't expect it when he was knighted.

Generally speaking, it is very difficult to be awarded a title after the founding of the country, and his contribution at that time was indeed not enough to be awarded a title.

Moreover, Emperor Renzong had always disapproved of war. Even if he won the battle, Emperor Renzong should not have given him a title.

But it just happened to be closed.

Later, Yuan Wenshao heard that he was granted the title because he happened to have a son in the official family at that time, and he felt happy.

But these are all rumors and are not suitable to be spoken out.

"Many people think that the official family is unwilling to fight and only wants peace. In fact, these people have misunderstood the official family. After the official family took office, they were also very ambitious, thinking about regaining the sixteen states of Yanyun and completing the unfinished ambition of their ancestors. If the official family The family didn't want to go to war, so they wouldn't have launched troops against Xixia back then. The reason why the officials didn't want to go to war was because the court didn't have any extra money or food to fight the war."

"Whether it was the destruction of Xixia or the recovery of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, it was not a day's work. Knowing this, the officials tried to solve the internal shortcomings, but unfortunately the reform failed in the end." The Queen Mother sighed.

Yuan Wenshao heard this and said: "The late emperor had a lot of things in his heart. I believe that the new emperor will definitely fulfill his legacy."

The Queen Mother shook her head noncommittally and said: "Many people said that the late emperor knighted you because he was happy to have an heir. In fact, the late emperor privately told the Ai family that the reason why he knighted you was because Lingzhou City was very special. Important. After the Xixia Kingdom of Liao State blocked horses and lost Lingzhou City, the only way for the Zhou Dynasty to obtain horses was the Ancient Tea Horse Road. However, the number of horses traded on the Ancient Tea Horse Road was not only small, but also far behind the war horses of the Western Xia and Liao Kingdoms. You recaptured Lingzhou City and allowed Zhou to obtain war horses through the Western Regions, and your contribution was to Sheji. This is why the late emperor gave you the title."

"Today's officials, it is a good thing to be ambitious. The Ai family is not against the use of troops. But he wants to prove himself more by fighting. Now that he has just fought one battle, the court can't even come up with any money for rewards and pensions. If the fight continues, the stable situation that the late Emperor worked so hard to create will be destroyed by him."

"The Ai family originally wanted to use this incident to make him understand that war should not be started lightly, but I didn't expect that you dedicated the method of Liuli to him."

Yuan Wenshao was silent for a while after hearing this, and said: "But this time it was Xixia who took the initiative to invade, and Dazhou just counterattacked."

(End of this chapter)