Soldiers come to the world

During this period of time, Chang'an gradually became lively, not because the Hefei battle ended and the prices gradually fell, nor was it because the soldiers received generous rewards, and the soldiers and their families had more money and their purchasing power increased greatly.

The real reason is that the second public imperial examination in the Han Dynasty will be held in August three months later. Since then, it will be held every year, called the autumn examination. The taxis from Jiaozhou to Dunhuang in the west are yearning for this opportunity to become an official.

There are living examples here. The scholars who were admitted in the Xiangyang imperial examination back then are now the county magistrates, and some have even been promoted to prefects.

Ten days after the news was announced, soldiers began to arrive in Chang'an one after another. These were the people who were relatively close to Chang'an, such as Longxi, Guan, Han, Bashu, etc. They yearned for Chang'an and arrived in Chang'an early.

Everyone knows that Chang'an gathers the best Confucian scholars, the best schools, and even high-ranking officials from the Han Dynasty. If they can become the disciples of a certain high-ranking official, they may be able to win the gold list.

With all kinds of things in their hands, scholars flocked from all directions, crowded the hostels and mansions in Chang'an, or visited relatives and friends, and lived in private houses in Chang'an. In just a few days, nearly two Wanshi flooded into Chang'an City.

The business of various taverns in Chang'an became more and more prosperous. Many taverns specially set up a restaurant for scholars, set up a floor or a restaurant for the exclusive use of scholars.

The reason why soldiers like to gather in taverns is very simple, because they can hear a lot of news in taverns, and from all kinds of news, true and false, they can get useful information for themselves.

For example, there was a joke once. Several scholars from Zhang County, Longxi County heard in a tavern that the chief examiner this year was Zhang Lian, a fellow villager of Zuo Cheng, an official in the Ministry of Civil Affairs. He expressed the hope that Zhang Lian would take care of them in the imperial examination.

As a result, they were thrown out by Zhang Lianlian, and finally they knew that the chief examiner was usually appointed ten days before the exam, and what they heard in the tavern was false news.

Despite this, the scholars still flock to the major taverns, which also shows their desire for heights from one aspect.

This afternoon, in the Sanba Tavern outside Chang'an East City, hundreds of celebrities gathered on the second floor, talking loudly and clamoring loudly. A senior man was sitting in a corner of the tavern, listening to the discussion of the scholar quietly.

This young man is Chen Qun, the emissary sent by Cao Cao. Chen Qun doesn't know how many times he has come to Chang'an. This time he came to discuss with Liu Jing about the wedding date of Cao Xian. Liu Jing just went to Han Wei After all, he had to wait a few days.

Another task Chen Qun had was given to him by Cao Pi to inspect the imperial examinations of the Han Dynasty. Cao Pi also intended to follow the example of the Han Dynasty and hold a "spring test" in Yedu next spring, which would also attract talents from all over the world to join him.

There was a commotion in the lobby, several scholars were arguing about the scope of this year's test questions, only to hear someone shouting loudly: "You have forgotten, I don't have to forget, the last time the questions of the Xiangyang imperial examination were mainly Legalists, this is the king of Han Dynasty. His ideas are good at the top, how can the people at the bottom not welcome them, this year's test questions must also be based on the Legalists, everyone hurry to find them and read them well."

The people around applauded, and a young man opposite Chen Qun curled his lips and sneered: "Even such a stupid person has come to take the imperial examination, no wonder so many people come to Chang'an."

Chen Qun asked with a curious smile, "This little friend doesn't seem to agree with Legalism."

The young scholar arched his hands and said: "The King of Han has always regarded Legalism as his bones, Confucianism as his flesh and blood, and Taoism as his essence and blood. All three schools of thought are valued, and he will never favor one side. The folk customs in Jingzhou are loose, and the people are not afraid of the law, which is not conducive to government governance. Therefore, the King of Han decided to strengthen laws and regulations in Jingzhou and Yizhou, and implement severe punishments. It was in this environment that the Xiangyang imperial examination was influenced by Legalism, and the legalist examination questions were mainly used. , this moment, that moment, and now mentioning that the Legalists are the main ones, wouldn't it be a desperate plan!"

Chen Qun chuckled, "My little friend is right. I wonder which side you think this year's test questions will lean towards?"

The young scholar smiled proudly: "I personally think that Confucianism and Taoism are the main schools."

"Why do you think so?" Chen Qun was even more surprised, and asked with a smile.

"The reason is very simple. The Han and Cao armies have just experienced the Hefei War, and both of them have been seriously injured. For this reason, the Han State and Cao Cao have made a two-year alliance. In fact, they want to use two years to recuperate and restore the economy. Naturally, they need to do nothing. And governance, this is exactly the idea of ​​Taoism, and it is also the most urgent request of the King of Han to the governments everywhere, not to disturb the people, and let the people recuperate."

Chen Qun nodded, "That makes sense, so why is there still Confucianism?"

The young scholar smiled triumphantly, and said in a low voice: "Seeing that the world is about to be unified, the king of Han must of course show some gestures to the original gentry, so that they can feel that Han also respects Confucianism. Isn't the imperial examination the best publicity?"

Chen Qun suddenly realized, and smiled happily: "My little friend is right, I have been educated, I don't know your surname, where is your surname?"

The young scholar got up and cupped his hands and said, "I am Jiang Wei from Longxi, and I will also take the imperial examination this year."

Chen Qun smiled happily: "So it's Jiang Gong, so I wish Jiang Gong this year's success!"

. . . . . . . . .

In the morning of the next day, Liu Jing returned from his Han inspection and returned to Chang'an. At this time, Liu Jing had already learned the battle report of recovering Wuwei. Although this was news worth celebrating, for Liu Jing, it was beyond his expectation However, although Ma Chao is ambitious, the Qiang people he relies on are far inferior to the Huns, and they do not have much fighting power, so they will perish sooner or later.

What makes Liu Jing a little regretful is that in the end, Ma Chao failed to become the important frontier minister he relied on, but betrayed himself. This is also the first general who has betrayed him since Liu Jing raised his army from Chaisang, and he also hopes to be the last one.

As soon as Liu Jing returned to the mansion, a guard came to report, "Cao Cao's envoy, Chen Qun, is begging to see him outside the mansion!"

This made Liu Jing slightly startled, why did Chen Qun come by such a coincidence, as soon as he returned to the mansion, he came to visit, could it be that he had come earlier?

Liu Jing didn't have time to think about it, and immediately ordered: "Take him to the VIP hall and wait."

Liu Jing got up to go to the guest room, when his wife Tao Zhan walked into the study, changed a robe for him, pursed her lips and said with a smile: "It is estimated that the envoy is here to talk about marriage, I am afraid that the young lady of the Cao family is about to enter the house .”

Liu Jing actually thought about it too. He told his wife not long ago that Liu Cao's marriage would continue, and Tao Zhan sent someone to send a long skirt. Come to my mansion, of course it is for marriage.

"The daughter of the Cao family wants to come in, but the virtuous wife can accept it calmly?" Liu Jing asked jokingly.

Tao Zhan sighed, and said helplessly: "With the status of a husband, it is easy to marry a thousand women. The etiquette system also stipulates that a husband must marry 24 wives. Why should I be a villain, and I have seen Cao's lady before. Yes, virtuous and polite, good-looking, I like it too, and I heard that her father is planning to find another husband for her, but she is resolutely refusing, which shows that he is very infatuated with you, and this matter cannot be done every year. If it drags on, people can't afford to wait!"

Liu Jing nodded, "It's not enough to be infatuated, but she is very smart. She knows the importance of this marriage to the Cao family, so she wholeheartedly shares the worries of her father and sacrifices herself. She is indeed a good daughter."

"Don't talk about her so badly, you don't understand a woman's heart."

Liu Jing laughed, turned around and walked towards the outer house. Seeing her husband walking away, Tao Zhan frowned slightly. If the wedding date is set, the time will be fast, and they also need to make preparations, especially Cao Xian's residence. Tao Zhan thought about it Thinking, Mingyue Tower is more suitable, she needs to be cleaned up, Tao Zhan is thinking about the things she needs, and walks quickly to Mingyue Tower

Chen Qun was sitting in the guest room waiting patiently, drinking tea slowly, when footsteps came from outside, and the maid reminded him softly, "Sir, Your Highness is coming."

Standing up, Chen Qun saw Han Wang Liu Jing walking up the steps quickly. Chen Qun quickly went up to meet him, and gave a deep salute, "I see His Royal Highness Han Wang!"

"Chen Cheng, we meet again." Liu Jing smiled slightly.

Chen Qun suddenly remembered that Liu Jing wanted him to serve Han, and he felt a little uneasy. Will Liu Jing persuade him to stay this time? Jing said: "I was entrusted by Duke Wei to come to His Highness the King of Han to talk about the previously agreed marriage."

He took out another scroll and presented it to Liu Jing, "This is a handwritten letter from Duke Wei to His Highness, Your Highness please read it!"

Liu Jing nodded, "This matter has been delayed for two years, and it really cannot be delayed any longer. Please sit down, Cheng!"

Liu Jing asked Chen Qun to sit down, and then asked the maid to serve tea. He read Cao Cao's letter, which was very polite. He hoped that the two families would get married as soon as possible. The daughter is getting older, so it is not appropriate to delay any longer. He hopes to get married as soon as possible.

The letter was a father's ardent expectation for his daughter's marriage, and he didn't talk about other things at all. In fact, this was Cao Cao's gesture of easing the relationship. Liu Jing put away the letter and asked with a smile, "How is Mr. Wei?"

"Duke Wei is still in good health, but he is old and cannot be compared to before. His physical strength and energy are not as good as before, and military and political affairs are basically handed over to the world."

"Military affairs?"

Liu Jing smiled and said, "Has even the military power been handed over to the world?"

Chen Qun was a little embarrassed, and said for a long while: "It is inconvenient for me to answer this matter, please forgive me, Your Highness."

"Hehe! I'm just asking casually, don't take it to heart."

At this time, Chen Qun turned the topic back to the business, "Your Highness, the previous procedures for the marriage have basically been completed. I am here today to discuss the date of application and the marriage. In fact, the details of the marriage have also been discussed. Duke Wei's There is no need to change the meaning, and we should proceed according to the previously discussed plan, the key now is the request period, which is also the task of my mission this time, I hope His Highness the King of Han can confirm the specific wedding date."

Liu Jing pondered for a while and said: "Actually, Pingzhangtai should discuss this matter. Chen Cheng shouldn't come to me directly. After all, this is not my personal matter, and Pingzhangtai came forward a few times before."

Chen Qun hurriedly said: "I have already talked with Heping Zhangtai, and the several ministers all hope to get married as soon as possible, but the specific time must be decided by His Royal Highness, and Wei Gong also hopes that this matter is both public and private. Get the attitude of the princess."

Liu Jing nodded, and ordered the maids in the hall: "Go and invite the princess!"

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