Zhao Defang's road to the virtuous king

"The next official is just discussing the facts and telling the truth."

"Still going around in circles? Say it!"

Seeing this, Concubine Di persuaded, "What is the lord doing, Mr. Wang is gone, it doesn't matter what Mr. Kou said."

"Ma'am, it's not that I want to talk about him. He has made a lot of enemies in the court, which is not good for him at all. Mr. Wang has known me since he was the number one scholar. I know him best. He has the same aloof temperament, but His majesty is strict, upright and frank, and he is a rare capable official in the court. Both Mr. Wang and him are the people I admire the most, and they are also capable ministers that His Majesty values. But the two of them are at odds with each other, how will the court work together in the future?"

"Then let's talk slowly, don't look like a trial."

Defang had no choice but to take a breath, "Master Kou, what exactly did you talk to Mr. Wang? Can you listen to the lonely king?"

Kou Zhun looked at Defang, bowed his head slightly and said, "Your Majesty Wang once said that officials in their [-]s who do not invite old people to become officials are all greedy for vanity and wealth. Please also ask your Majesty to decree these people to retire, but Chai Shangshu is very old. He heard about it after he took office. The words are often unhappy, so the lower official asked him for advice, if Mr. Wang lived to seventy, would he be able to let go of power and wealth, but he said that the lower official is a child's talk, and he was too lazy to answer, and said that the lower official has no official style , I don’t know how to advance or retreat, no wonder I didn’t win the number one prize at the beginning.”

Hearing this, Defang looked at Concubine Di, and then at Kou Zhun, "Master Wang really said that?"

"Yes, my lord, can you say a few words in return?"

"That's it. It's a bit off-putting, but what did you say that drove him away?"

"The lower official said that although Mr. Wang has outstanding talents and learning, the title of champion was also won by sumo wrestling. The lower official is a literati, and he is indeed incapable of winning the title of the champion, which is as heavy as a thousand pounds. Moreover, the lower official is not like a great champion. They will only seal the matter in private or write bold words on paper."

Defang blinked her eyes when she heard this, "Kou Zhun, Kou Zhun, how dare you say that, the sumo champion is the sore spot of Mr. Wang, and you actually said it in front of him, you should be glad that he didn't beat you."

"I'm just telling the truth. Besides, the one who made the sumo wrestler was the Emperor Taizu. You should be lucky that Mr. Wang can become the champion of sumo wrestling in the history books."

"You, you really are." Defang sighed, "Master Wang is not in the court, so how can I report the matter if I don't know what to do, Kou Zhun, what you said is really cruel."

"In short, the official did not say anything wrong, nor did he speak falsely. He left without saying a word and was ashamed. What has he to do with the official? What do you two think about it, my lord?"

Concubine Di covered her mouth and laughed lightly, Defang shook her head helplessly, "They are all bad friends, they are all bad friends. From now on, the gate of the lonely king's Nanqing Palace must be strictly controlled."

"The gate of the prince's mansion is very strict, and there is a mirror of shame. A certain person left because he was photographed without face. The next official has done a good job and stepped into the mansion, hahaha"

Defang stroked her forehead, "Ma'am, I'm dizzy from the heat, where's the soup? Quickly bring me some."

Ke'er happened to bring soup, and Concubine Di smiled and gave it to Defang, "Drink it quickly, I won't be able to listen to Master Kou's report if I'm dizzy."

Defang picked up the soup and drank it, looked up at Kou Zhun and said suddenly, "Seeing that a certain person is upset, the heat is still there, if you want to feel better, drink two more bowls."

Concubine Di, Kou Zhun and everyone in the hall laughed at this.