I have a role in the heavens

There was silence in the palace, and the ministers looked around blankly, wondering why the punishment was not serious for the queen involved in the case, and the prince for six months. Concubine Chen, who had nothing to do with the whole process, was demoted from concubine to concubine Chen. She was demoted two levels in a row and received a more severe punishment than the two people involved in the case.

The people present were all experienced, and they didn’t know that things were different from what they imagined. Concubine Chen must be the mastermind of the case. I didn’t expect that after Your Majesty became a Buddhist monk and stopped being a womanizer, things like this would still happen in the harem. It was so unexpected.

For a moment, everyone looked at Emperor Yuan Jing. The strange look on his face made Emperor Yuan Jing a little uncomfortable, and he gestured to the eunuch on the side.

"Retreat!"

Emperor Yuan Jing left the Jinluan Palace in a hurry, as if he was escaping from the gazes of the ministers, and seemed to be running away.

"If you don't sweep one house, why sweep the world!"

Xu Zisheng touched his chin and said bluntly.

All the ministers withdrew their gazes and looked at the minister of the Ministry of War with incomprehensible expressions. He was an assassin in the officialdom. It was good to have strength. He didn't care at all that his majesty would be angry. He was confident and could give advice and ridicule the king at will. I thought so too. I want to do this, but it's a pity that I don't have enough qualifications to achieve the realm of the second-grade Confucianism. It seems that the little ones in the family need to strengthen their education. If they can't enter the realm of the fifth-grade Confucianism and Taoism, their legs will be broken to save them a whole day. He ran to the Jiaofang Department and was sucked dry by those courtesans.

"Today I must go to the Jiaofangsi, watch the singing and dancing, listen to the sad story of the court lady, and calm down the anger in my heart!"

Several ministers looked at each other and saw the expressions that only people of the same profession would understand. They nodded slightly and tacitly understood that they had nothing to do today. Let's go and listen to music. Let's go together!

"A bunch of old people are not shy. They just go to Jiaofangsi to have fun all day long. They don't care about the people of the world at all!"

"I'm ashamed to be associated with you. I'm going to experience the people's sentiments tonight, listen to the tragic experiences of those poor people in the Jiaofang Division, and experience the suffering of the people!"

Xu Zisheng glanced at the ministers with disdain, strode away, and walked out. He happened to see his father, Marquis Wu An, and several familiar generals gathering together, talking quietly, and he couldn't help but pricked up his ears and listened. .

"Marquis Wu'an, I heard that a group of Jiangnan women have arrived from the Jiaofang Division. They are weak, boneless, and charming. I'll go and see them together tonight!"

"That's necessary. Let's book the venue tonight and experience the tenderness of the women from the water town!"

"Hehehe, it's settled! See you tonight!"

Several old perverts let out obscene laughter, which made Xu Zisheng, who was eavesdropping not far away, turn pale, his mouth twitched, and he looked up to the sky and sighed, feeling inexplicably sad.

"The civil and military officials of the entire dynasty are all dressed up like beasts. They are just like raccoons. They only know how to listen to music and enjoy singing and dancing all day long. Can Dafeng still be saved?"

"Perhaps only Wei Yuan will not go to Jiaofangsi to listen to music. This is heartbreaking. I must find a young lady to comfort my injured heart tonight!"

Xu Zisheng thought shamelessly, a smile immediately appeared on his face, his steps became lighter in an instant, and he walked out of the palace with a hint of urgency.

One day later, Emperor Yuan Jing issued a decree to confer a title on Xu Qi'an, the third-class son of Chang'an County. Xu Qi'an suddenly became a noble, breaking away from his status as a commoner and joining the upper class.

The titles of different surnames in Dafeng are divided into five levels: Gong, Hou, Bo, Zi and Nan. Each title is divided into five grades (levels).

Xu Qi'an's title is the third-class Changle County Prince. This is a title that is better than the superior, but not as good as the inferior. It does not have any real power, but only an extra monthly salary.

However, the significance of a title is not power, but the glory and social status it symbolizes. Being named on the gold medal list and ranking in the temple, does it count as a noble? No, this kind of power is only temporary. The real and permanent symbol of eliminating civilians and joining the aristocratic class is a hereditary and irreplaceable title.

Of course, Xu Qian's title cannot be hereditary, but at least for one day, the Xu family will be nobles and no longer common people. From now on, if the prince of Changle County marries a commoner woman as his official wife, he will be accused of marrying a commoner woman.

In short, for the first time in hundreds of years, the Xu family had a viscount, completely getting rid of the common people and becoming a noble. For Xu Pingzhi, the head of the family, this is probably the most glorious moment in his life. On the same day, I took Xu Qi'an to burn incense at the ancestral grave. After returning, I sent out invitations, held a banquet, and invited relatives and friends to the house to drink and celebrate.

At the same time, in the Marquis of Wu'an Mansion, the eunuch of Emperor Yuan Jing read out the imperial edict, stuffed it into Xu Zisheng's hand, and left without looking back. Only then did the bewildered Marquis of Wu'an and his son react. Looking at it, there was confusion in his eyes.

"His Majesty actually made you a marquis. What did you do?"

Marquis Wu'an was a little dazed and curious, looking at his son with a special status without knowing why.

Just now, Emperor Yuan Jing issued an order to confer Xu Zisheng the title of Marquis of Yong'an, which confused everyone. Who didn't know that Emperor Yuan Jing and Xu Zisheng always disliked each other if they didn't deal with each other.

"What can I do, except say a few words every day, nothing?"

Xu Zisheng was also at a loss. Could it be that Emperor Yuan Jing had opened up new attributes and had a masochistic tendency, and he beat him every day to make him feel physically and mentally happy.

"Did Emperor Yuan Jing become a monk because he was a cultivator and lost his mind? Xu Qian was knighted because of his great achievements, and I was knighted because I defied him?"

Xu Zisheng's expression was extremely strange, and he looked at his old father, hoping to get some clues from him.

Marquis Wu An gave a bitter smile when he heard this, looked around, his expression became majestic, and ordered to everyone in the courtyard.

"Don't tell anyone what you heard today, otherwise you won't blame me for being ruthless!"

"yes!"

The guards and servants bowed and responded.

Marquis Wu An nodded with satisfaction, looked at his son, and persuaded.

"You should also be more respectful to His Majesty and pay attention to the impact, so as not to be overheard and reported to His Majesty!"

"So what? I'm like this in front of him. Am I still afraid of others snitching on me?"

Xu Zisheng didn't take it seriously, waved his hand, and said very calmly, a gentleman is magnanimous, and he scolded Emperor Yuan Jing for never betraying anyone.

Marquis Wu'an was at a loss for words. Thinking of his son's daily behavior, he slapped his forehead and felt that there was no hope. He hoped that his son could live a long life, at least to live longer than Emperor Yuan Jing, otherwise the Marquis Wu'an's house might end in a disastrous situation.

"I hope you live a long life!"

Marquis Wu'an understood that masters of Confucianism and Taoism could not extend their lives, so he said this in the hope that Emperor Yuan Jing would die early and the Marquis of Wu'an's house would not be settled by the Queen.

"Father, don't worry, even if you die, I won't die!"

Xu Zisheng comforted Marquis Wu An very filially, reached out and patted Marquis Wu An on the shoulder, and a very secret Qi machine penetrated into it.

Marquis Wu An's eyes widened in an instant, and he looked at his son in disbelief. It was the energy of a high-grade warrior. He was actually good at both civil and military skills, and his realm was not weaker than his own. He even felt a hint of the second-grade warrior from it. With the aura of Hedao, you don't have to worry about your son's short life now, but his comforting words sound so awkward. Even if he is dead, he will not die!

During this period of time, Xu Zisheng's martial arts cultivation took a step further and entered the realm of second-level Hedao. His mind transformed and strengthened to the extreme. The essence of Hedao is to sublimate the martial artist's Tao and complete his own Tao. Being oppressed by other people's ways, you can already bear the consequences of being deprived of your luck, and you will not die because of it.

Logically speaking, when the second-level Hedao was promoted, he should have been born with strange phenomena, which were noticed by some people. However, Xu Zisheng used the awe-inspiring righteousness in his body to suppress the strange phenomena, so no one knew that he was actually a second-level Hedao martial artist. His cultivation level is not weaker than that of Wei Yuan, and he can be called the number one martial artist in the world.

"I feel relieved when I hear you say that!"

Wu Anhou said a little awkwardly in his heart, and finally put down his worries. Xu Zisheng has reached a very high level in both civil and martial arts. He has a long life and strong strength. Wu Anhou is as stable as Mount Tai. He can definitely survive His Majesty. Although Wu Anhou I felt that it was a bit rebellious to think this way, but I felt extremely relieved.

Another year during the imperial examination, Xu Qi'an's cousin Xu Xinnian won the Huiyuan exam. Because he was from Yunlu Academy, he was rejected by the civil servants from the Imperial College above the court, so he was bound to be sent to a remote rural area. The best outcome. Some people just go to Qingzhou to watch. Today's Qingzhou is the paradise created by the great scholar Yang Gong for Yunlu Academy. Many students of Yunlu Academy are watching in Qingzhou and have been reused, but they still cannot set foot in Kyoto City, the center of the court. .

Brother Xing Qianli was worried. Xu Qian was a single-generation brother, so he naturally didn't want him to be assigned to a remote place. However, he was born as a watchman and had a very bad relationship with the officials. It could even be said that he didn't have a good relationship with the six departments. Having a watchman was a weapon of Emperor Jing of the Yuan Dynasty, specifically used to supervise all officials. It can be said that there were many political enemies in the government and the public, and no official would like a watchman.

Xu Qi'an also thought about letting Xu Xinnian stay in Kyoto City through Wei Yuan's relationship, but Wei's father was not omnipotent, and everyone in the court was shouting and beating him, so he had no choice but to come to Yong'an Marquis Mansion.

Since Xu Zisheng was granted the title of Marquis of Yong'an, the imperial court naturally rewarded him with an official residence, which occupied a huge area, had courtyards, pavilions, rockery and ponds, all of which were extremely majestic and definitely not inferior to the Marquis of Wu'an. Xu Zisheng was not the eldest son. In the future, the title of Marquis of Wu'an would be the same as his. It had nothing to do with him, so he took the opportunity to move out in order not to affect the family. Although he was rampant in the court, he was not liked by Emperor Yuan Jing. It could even be said to be disgusted. If he was not needed to maintain the court. The balance above had already squeezed him out.

Xu Qi'an looked at the magnificent Yong'an Marquis Mansion and couldn't help but sigh. He worked hard in Yunzhou and almost died, and then he got the title of Chang'an County Prince. It sounded like a title of son's generation, but Xu Zisheng didn't do anything. He was directly awarded the title of Marquis, which is really infuriating. He is worthy of being the chosen one, the protagonist of the world, and enviable.

Xu Qi'an was led by the guards to a living room. Xu Zisheng arrived late, with a bit of laziness on his face, as if he hadn't woken up.

"ha!"

Xu Zisheng sat on the main seat, yawned, and spoke directly to Xu Qi'an without any airs.

"You kid don't go to the Three Treasures Hall for any reason. What's the purpose of coming here this time? Tell me quickly. I went to the Jiaofang Division last night to observe the public sentiment. I stayed up all night. I'm very sleepy now. I don't have time to waste with you!"

"Master Hou, I have a cousin who you have also met. He passed the imperial examination this time. However, since he was born in Yunlu Academy, he will definitely be sent to a remote place. My uncles and aunts at home are worried. I can only ask for help." It’s on your head!”

Xu Qian rubbed his hands and said with some embarrassment. Asking for help requires bending down and losing face. Of course, Xu Qi'an didn't have such a thing as shame.

"This is how you ask people to do things. It's a bit unethical to come to the door empty-handed!"

Xu Zisheng looked at Xu Qi'an in the hall playfully, staring at Xu Qi'an's empty hands with burning eyes, which was self-evident.

When Xu Qian heard this, he remembered that he came empty-handed and didn't bring any gifts. He really shouldn't have. He lowered his head and thought for a moment, then said with a smile.

"Master Marquis, the seven oirans from the Jiaofang Division are going to have a tea party recently, and they are inviting the humble ministers. There is no one else. I wonder if the Marquis is interested in inspecting the work of the Jiaofang Division!"

Xu Zisheng's eyes lit up, he leaned forward, showing some interest, coughed dryly, and then said in deep thought.

"The Jiaofang Division is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Rites. Normally, I see that the Minister of Rites has a sly look on his face. He must be doing a bad job. I think it is necessary to go and inspect the institutions under the Ministry of Rites to see if they are working seriously!"

"Your Majesty, the Marquis is wise. As an agency under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Rites, the Jiaofang Department should go and conduct an open and covert inspection. We will definitely be able to understand whether the work of the Ministry of Rites is in place!"

Xu Qian was also very sensible and agreed with Xu Zisheng. The two looked at each other and smiled, understanding each other tacitly.

Now that the dirty deal has been reached, it's time to get down to business. Xu Zisheng straightened his back again, leaned back, and asked.

"Xu Xinnian, as a member of this imperial examination, is talented and knowledgeable. He is exactly what the imperial court needs as a pillar of the country. How could he be placed in that poor and remote place!"

Xu Zisheng looked upright and spoke righteously, full of righteousness for the country and the people. Ling Ran looked like a positive character at first glance.

"Say what department you want your cousin to go to, I'll figure it out for you!"

Seeing how domineering Xu Zisheng was, Xu Qi'an secretly admired him. He was worthy of being a court boss who could be compared with Wei's father. He spoke with great dignity, and he was free to choose from all departments. It was so respectable.

"The Ministry of War, the Ministry of Punishment, the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Husbandry, the Ministry of Officials, and the Ministry of Works, Nu, you can choose whatever your cousin wants. Even if he wants to join the palace and become a eunuch, I can handle it!"

Xu Zisheng looked like he was taking everything in, and he waved his hand with great arrogance, as if there was nothing he couldn't do in the great court.

Xu Qian's mouth twitched slightly. If he sent his cousin to the palace, his second uncle and aunt would eat him alive.

"It's not necessary in the palace. After all, my cousin is my second uncle's only son. If he is sent to the palace, at my second uncle's age, I'm afraid he won't be able to have another child. Wouldn't he be extinct?"

"Master Hou, is it true that my cousin can choose at will among the various yamen? After all, the arrangement of new scholars is the responsibility of the Ministry of Civil Affairs!"

"The Minister of Civil Affairs seems to have a hard time dealing with you. Do you think you won't agree?"

Xu Qi'an was a little worried. After all, he had also begged Wei's father. The most that Wei's father could do was arrange his cousin to Qingzhou, but it was beyond his power to keep his cousin in Kyoto.

Of course, Xu Qian also has another concern, that is, she does not want to put all her eggs in one basket, and does not want her little cousin to be branded as an eunuch. A smart man will never put all his chips in one place.

"Don't worry, I still have a certain reputation in the court. If he dares to disagree with my small request, I will slap him with big ears and I will definitely make him agree!"

Xu Zisheng waved his hands and looked like he didn't have to worry. He was like a bandit, vulgar and fierce.

When Xu Qian heard this, he was a little worried. Could he be self-defeating and anger the Minister of Rites, and send his cousin to the border in a fit of anger?

"Master Marquis, isn't this a bit too much? If he offends the Minister of Civil Affairs and he deliberately retaliates, my little cousin may not be able to bear it!"

Xu Zisheng's eyes widened, showing a bit of anger. He stared at Xu Qian with stern eyes and said coldly.

"Are you worried about me doing things?"

"How could it be possible? Who doesn't know the reputation of the Marquis? How dare you question it because of your humble position!"

Xu Qian waved his hands repeatedly, indicating that he had no such intention. Now that the matter was over, he could only pray secretly in his heart, hoping that his little cousin would not be sent to the border.

"New Year, it's not that eldest brother won't help you, it's really that I can't help you either! If you are really sent to the border, just wish yourself well, don't blame eldest brother!"

Xu Qi'an left the Yong'an Marquis Mansion with a heavy heart, his face heavy and his steps staggering. He didn't know that he thought his cousin was dead.

Xu Zisheng watched Xu Qi'an leave with a solemn expression, and then he stopped being so generous, picked up the teacup on the side, took a sip, and said with a bit of a smirk on his face.

"You kid helped your cousin cheat in the imperial examination. If I don't scare you, I feel unhappy!"

Xu Qian relied on his good luck to guess the questions for Xu Xinnian before the imperial examination and wrote a few poems. He just hit the test questions and allowed Xu Xinnian, who had mediocre poems, to win the title of Huiyuan.

"It's hard to travel! It's hard to travel! There are many divergent roads, how can we be safe now? There will be strong winds and waves, and there will be times when we can hang our sails and sail across the sea."

"Who else could write this poem except Xu Qian, a copycat and prostitute?"

Although Xu Zisheng said so, he had no intention of actually tricking the Xu Qi'an brothers. Although Xu Xinnian was not good at poetry, he was a talented scholar, otherwise he would not have been accepted by Zhang Shen as a disciple and became Jinke Huiyuan.

After the Xingbang came out, Xu New Year's song "It's Difficult to Travel" was spread among the marking officials, and those who heard it applauded and their blood boiled. After several days of deliberation, this poem has spread throughout the capital and is widely sung.

"Xu Xinnian is an upright boy who impressed me deeply. I heard that he never said anything about the quarrel, but he is a good troll. Why don't we assign him to the Metropolitan Procuratorate and let him specifically troll people!"

"Wei Yuan is the censor of Zuodu of the Metropolitan Procuratorate. If he is placed in the Metropolitan Procuratorate, he will inevitably be branded as an eunuch!"

"Xu Qian came to me to share risks. He didn't want to put all his eggs in one basket. He wanted to find a future for his cousin and leave a way out for the Xu Xu family!"

"That's all, as Xu Xinnian is Zhang Shen's disciple, his main duties should be governing the country and the art of war. I'd better find a place for him in the Ministry of War!"

The four great scholars at Yunlu Academy each have their own strengths. As Zhang Shen is a master of the art of war at the time, his disciples must also focus on the aspect of governing the country with the art of war, so it is appropriate to be placed in the Ministry of War. In addition, Xu Zisheng, as the Minister of the Ministry of War, is good at criticizing others. , we just need subordinates like Xu New Year who are proficient in the art of war and know how to quarrel.