There are precedents in the history of the Red Chamber

Shi Zhongzhu's family, because they had a baby with them, were delayed on the road and were the last to arrive.Shi Ding sat on the highest seat, and when he saw their father and son coming, he pointed out a seat for Shi Zhongzhu, and Shi An stood behind Shi Zhongzhu.Shi Dingcai slowly explained the purpose: "The purpose of calling the clansmen today is for the third generation of our historian to become an official. In this generation, the oldest is the grandson of the sixth uncle's family, and the next is my eldest grandson. I didn't ask you to become officials, but I just wanted to communicate with you. When is the most suitable time for this generation to become an official? They have become an official. Will an old guy like me retreat? When will I retire? "

The old man Shi Ding called Uncle Six belonged to the sixth family of the historians in the capital. He took care of most of the family affairs on weekdays. Historians are well-known internally.He got up and said: "Patriarch, I don't think there is much to discuss. Since the children and grandchildren are capable, let them enter the officialdom to practice and experience. The patriarch does not need to avoid suspicion. You are now the second assistant in name, but Yuan Jie is actually a mascot. With power in hand, it can even conceal historians."

For such remarks, Shi Ding and Shi Nai didn't even want to reason. Now that everyone has been summoned, it is natural to discuss the reasons, so what are they talking about now.Seeing that the clansmen present still nodded, Shi Ding rolled his eyes and squinted at Shi Bosong. As the next patriarch, Shi Bosong naturally assumed the responsibility of explaining.

"Sixth uncle's words are wrong. There are many talented people in the clan, so it is gratifying to congratulate, but it will inevitably cause dissatisfaction among other families if they occupy more positions in the court hall. I am afraid that even the saints are not willing. and the like."

"How grand was Wang Xie's family back then, we are not even half of them!" Uncle Shi Liu said.

"So, now the court doesn't care about Wang Xie." Shi Nai said flatly.

Shi Zhongzhu took over the conversation and said sincerely: "Nowadays, the imperial examination has replaced the nine-rank Zhongzheng; grace and military merit are equally emphasized, but it has been biased towards military merit; recommendation is still being implemented, but except for a few, the high-ranking ones are all imperial examinations. The promotion of military merit. Everyone, still can't see through it?"

"Yao Yun said it is very true." Now that the younger generation is present, Shi Ding does not have the nickname Shi Zhongzhu, and warned the people: "My third brother and I are at the right time. Back then, when the saint wanted to win over the nobles, my third brother and I My younger brother has the merits of saving his family, so he reluctantly ascended to the position. It is no longer possible for future generations to take this path. Therefore, I have paid more and more attention to ethnic studies in these years, and I want all members of the clan to be promoted from imperial examinations, military examinations, and military merits. It sounds good and has a bright future.”

"The patriarch means..."

"Now I'm sitting on the crater of Erfu, and Yaoyun has also joined the cabinet. People outside talk about our historians. There are three princes from one family, father and son, and elders in the cabinet. The extreme will decline. Of course I can be greedy for power and position, and promote the clansmen, but in a few years, the whole clan will have to take advantage of these external things." Shi Ding said.

Uncle Shi Liu was puzzled: "Yuan Jie is 80 years old, and he will die without moving his seat. I have never heard of someone who voluntarily quits. The sage also likes you, patriarch!"

Don't blame Sixth Uncle Shi, the world is like this, as long as one member of the family occupies a high position, the status of the entire family will be raised, who will take the initiative to step down from the high position?I don't want to be on the one hand, and I don't want to lose such a backing tree if I'm close to the clan.

"Yuan Jie refused to retire because he retired, and the Yuan family collapsed. Just because he has been in business for 30 years, he is still the son of the minister of the Ministry of Rites? The ministers are all rewarded by saints for Yuan Jie's face, and their descendants wither. How dare Yuan Jie retreat?" Shi Ding said: "Our historians are different. In the second generation, Yaoyun has the best official career, and in the third generation, many clansmen have achieved fame. Those who are not good at writing are also at home. If you practice martial arts diligently, it will not be a problem to go to the border to gain fame."

"What Second Brother said is true." Shi Nai said, "Nowadays there are so many talents in the clan, Second Brother and I have stepped back and jumped out of the officialdom. The onlookers are clear, and we can still guide the juniors."

Shi Bosong knew the news a long time ago, and his sons watched quietly. Shi Zhongzhu, his father and third uncle also had roughly the same opinion. If any family that controls the government fails to rebel, it will not end well. .Historians have not yet reached this point, but they should take precautions before they happen.

The remaining clansmen looked at each other in blank dismay, not knowing whether they should try to persuade them to stay or nod their heads in agreement.

Shi Ding didn't give the clansmen too much time to think, and said, "Since we don't speak, let's assume that everyone has acquiesced. Now let's talk about when the old guys of our generation will retire, and when will the third generation be like this?" The officialdom is good."

"Father, Enke is the best opportunity. Let everyone in the clan participate in Enke this time. When the children enter the court, father and third uncle will also retreat." Shi Bosong suggested .

"Enke is a good opportunity. It's just that a large number of clan members have been selected. I'm still staying at the top. Will the saint misunderstand?" Shi Ding said: "I think it's better to divide into two groups. Experience and experience. You know, when you become an official at a young age, it is not easy to mix in the officialdom, like Yao Yun, who was also squeezed out at the beginning."

"How about the patriarch first ask the saint to be appointed? The saint may not agree. It's just a test, let the saint know what our historians mean." Sixth Uncle Shi suggested.

"It's not good, the late emperor has a new funeral. I'm the auxiliary minister appointed by the late emperor. The saint will not let me go even for the sake of fame." Shi Ding said.

"Speaking of it, I'm not sure, I'd better step down first." Shi Nai said, "Nowadays, the border generals are all saints, and the Ministry of War has no real power, so I take the position, so I'll retire. The sage should also understand that the old man in the sage's residence is vacating his place."

"No!" Shi Ding resolutely objected, "When you entered the cabinet for me, you already retreated once, so I won't allow you to say anything!"

"Second brother, I'm not for you, I'm all for the historian."

"I'm the patriarch, if I say no, I won't!" Shi Ding said, "Don't worry, I will find a perfect solution."

Shi Bosong said: "Father, let's make a deal like this. Now, Enke will take a group of people first, and those who want to join the army can also set off?"

"Okay, that's it. All clan elders, go and inform the people in this house first."

The Pangzhi tribe gradually left, leaving only Shi Ding and Shi Nai in the room.

When there were fewer people, Shi Nai felt more relaxed. Shi Nai rolled up his sleeves and filled a teacup with water.

Shi Ding squeezed the space between his brows, and said, "Okay, now let's talk about how to express our opinion to the saint." A lot of people can't discuss anything, and those who are side branches just need to obey.

"If you don't change your father's ways for three years, it will be three years at the earliest before your father can retire." Shi Bosong said.

"Brother Zhu, what do you think, you have been a waiter, and in our family, you are the most familiar with the saint, in your opinion?" Shi Ding asked.

"Today's sages are different from the previous emperors. They are gentler and empathetic, much like Renzong." Shi Zhongzhu said. The Renzong he was talking about was the grandfather of today, the first emperor served by Shi Zhongzhu.

"Your Majesty Renzong~" Shi Nai sighed, even a military general like him respects Renzong very much. Renzong's benevolence is for the courtiers and common people, and he still has iron and blood methods for foreign people. Shi Nai always remembers His Majesty Renzong His Majesty Renzong's grace to know you, and the brilliance of the historians and dukes began with His Majesty Renzong.

"Brother Zhu, what do you mean, dad can go directly to the book?" Shi Bosong asked.

"Father first wrote a letter saying that he was not in good health, short-spirited, and so on. He beat the side drums, and waited for three years after the Great Sacrifice of the First Emperor, and then said that his official career would be smoother." Shi Zhongzhu suggested.

"On weekdays, I would hand over the political affairs in my hands to other elders, sages, confidants, and elders. I will withdraw, third brother, maybe I can go further." Shi Ding said.

"What are you doing, the second brother is not in good health, I am about the same age as the second brother, how shameless I dare to go further." Shi Nai laughed at himself.

"Employment is also good, so you can talk about it in the future." Shi Ding said.

"Bah, bah, bah, Dad, it's unlucky, don't talk nonsense!" Shi Zhongzhu said, which hinted at what inscription should be engraved on the tombstone after death.

"Hey, I don't mind. Brother Zhu, why worry, there will be such a day." Shi Nai said openly.

"Third brother didn't retire as a first-rank member, I always feel ashamed in my heart, back then..."

"Second brother! Don't talk about it, we made an agreement at the beginning." Shi Nai stretched out his hand to hold Shi Dingdao. Back then, when his parents only wanted his elder brother and suppressed their brothers, they made an agreement; back then when they had the opportunity to save him When Shi Ding rushed to give the most conspicuous credit to Shi Nai, he made an agreement; back then they let the brothers of the two houses have the same order, back then they supported each other in the court, back then...it was a long time ago.

Shi Dinghui held Shi Nai's hand and remained silent.Shi Bosong and Shi Zhongzhu also retreated quietly.Shi Sixian, Shi Sixian, and Shi An of the third generation looked at each other, listened quietly, and silently followed their fathers back home.

After leaving the big study room, Shi Bosong and Shi Zhongzhu exchanged softly in front: "The fifth son is cool in Jinling, so we have to tell him the family's decision."

"Well, you should write to him." Shi Zhongzhu declined.

"Talk to him well, he has listened to you since he was a child."

"Brother, Shumei has a wild temper and doesn't like to be bound by rules. You should write it and let him know that you are the patriarch." Shi Zhongzhu said that the authority of the heir should be emphasized at any time, even if he almost became such a point of view back then. victims, but he remains supportive.

"We are brothers, just like my father and third uncle."

"Therefore, let Shumei understand that a pack of wolves must have a wolf," Shi Zhongzhu said.

"I always think you are more suitable to be a wolf."

Shi Zhongzhu turned his head and smiled slightly, the faint light of the wind lamp flickering in his eyes, Shi Zhongzhu said seriously: "Brother, you are the most suitable wolf leader, and I would like to be the number one hero under the wolf king."

"I'm always afraid of wronging you..." Your talent is enough to shine through the ages, if my so-called elder brother blocks your light...

"No, my temperament can't be a wolf, I don't want to hide my light for the people; I don't want to be a hero behind the scenes, I just like to show off, and I have a weak temperament..."

"There's no need to belittle yourself like this!"

"I'm also afraid that you will make yourself wronged." Shi Zhongzhu moved closer and said, "I was born in a Shi family, and I have never regretted it."

"Me too."

The three juniors at the back continued to follow quietly, silently, as if they hadn't heard anything.