Funing Hall

Zhao Cong went to court almost every day.

According to the rules of the Song Dynasty, the emperor didn't have to be like this. The most diligent Taizu only did it once every three days.Not to mention the first emperor, it is common for him not to go to court for several months.

Unless he was really unwell, or he was out of town, Zhao Cong had to meet officials in Chui Gong Hall every day.

After meeting the officials, he went to Chongzheng Palace to deal with political affairs, read memorials, discuss matters with officials, and meet various officials who came to the palace to ask to see him.

As soon as Yi Yu arrived in Kaifeng, he went to the palace to see His Majesty the next day.

He is only a non-local official, and he is still a low-ranking official. If he wants to see His Majesty, he can only wait for His Majesty to go to the Chongzheng Hall after the court.Even if you ask for a meeting, you have to wait in line.Originally, he had to wait at least a few hours for his position and official position.

But just like what Zhao Shiqi said, Yi Yu is the number one in Zhao Cong's mind. Although he is only a small official, after all he knows how to print, and he was ordered by Zhao Cong to take care of this matter in Yangzhou.What's more, as long as the technology improves a bit, and a batch of new books are printed, he will always send them to the palace.

Zhao Cong was thinking about this, looked at the roster of officials who wanted to see him today, and first drew Yi Yu's name.

Yi Yu was the first to enter the Chongzheng Hall, and he was also very excited.Some other high-ranking officials looked at him sideways, and he couldn't help straightening his back even more.

I haven't seen you for several months, but His Majesty is still as Yi Yu remembered.

His Majesty was still wearing a vermilion round-neck gown and court attire, but he had taken off the right-angled toe on his head, and a white jade hairpin was inserted in his hair.

When he entered, he only dared to take a look at it quietly when he first entered the door, His Majesty looked down at the book.He only saw the white jade flowing under the light coming in from the window.Then he didn't dare to look any more, knelt down on the ground and called "Long live".

Only then did Zhao Cong raise his head, with a standard friendly smile on his face, he said with a smile, "Master Yi is here? Get up quickly."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Yi Yu stood up without looking directly at His Majesty.

Zhao Cong clicked the book on the table: "I'm just looking at the book you sent to the palace. The words are good. The Jiangnan is elegant, and the words written are very charming. Looking at it like this, it seems that I can touch the book with my own hands. mentioned rain and wind."

Being praised, Yi Yu couldn't help showing a smile on his face, and said humbly, "Your Majesty loves these lyrics and music, so they are truly valuable."

He said it very sincerely, and it was also his true thoughts.

Zhao Cong, however, listened to these flattering words too much and didn't take them seriously at all.Zhao Cong pointed to the high chair beside him: "Master Yi, sit down and talk."

"Yes." Yi Yu sat down, still not daring to look directly.

Zhao Cong put his eyes on the book, and continued to praise: "In the past few years, you have often sent books to the palace. Every few months, I can see the improvement in them. This time, the batch you sent, It is the best printed one. Mr. Yi is really born to do this."

What Zhao Cong said was very true. A talent like Yi Yu will be included in history books in the future.He originally thought that Yi Yu was a very utilitarian person, but in the past few years he has calmed down and honed his skills in Yangzhou, which changed him a lot.

Yi Yu hurriedly got up again, knelt down and said, "Because of your Majesty's appreciation, I have the opportunity to be an official. This time I returned to Beijing without reporting to Your Majesty in advance, because of the recent progress in printing. Some of the characters in the books in the palace were printed strangely. This month, the official changed the material again, and finally made those uncommon characters printed evenly. It happened that Mr. Si returned to Beijing, so the official came together , intending to present it to His Majesty personally." As he spoke, he took out a book from his pocket and held it above his head, "I only have one book, please read it, Your Majesty."

Just such a book, it can be seen that it is very precious, Zhao Cong understands his mentality of "giving treasure", and does not blame him, but asks Fulu to bring the book.He lowered his head and looked through it carefully, and found that the printing was very good. He praised it a few more times, and asked some detailed questions about the printing technique, but Yi Yu answered them all without hiding anything.

After all, even if Yi Yu told His Majesty, His Majesty would not be able to do this in person, and this technology is not the most important thing, he is not afraid of being learned by others.

After talking back and forth several times, what should be said is finished.Zhao Cong met many officials every day, and it was only natural for him to leave when he came to discuss matters.He picked up the teacup, indicating that the conversation had come to an end.

Yi Yu was also sensible, and got up to leave.Just before leaving, he looked up at him again, hesitated to speak, and finally turned and left.

Zhao Cong nodded his finger on the table, secretly thinking that this person still has something to say.

After a few days, he knew what Yi Yu hadn't said.

Yi Yu wants to stay in Kaifeng.

To this end, he also invited several officials to speak for him.

Let's say Yi Yu is stupid, he asked someone to speak for him, and if he was careless, the emperor would be angry, so it was inevitable to doubt his intentions.Since it can attract people's attention, he must give something away. Zhao Cong hates corruption and bribery the most. There is Zheng Qiao's example before him. It has been less than half a month since his head was chopped off, and the smell of blood is still lingering on the tip of everyone's nose.

However, Yi Yu is also smart, and the people he invites are all down-to-earth, honest and serious-minded people, most of whom are generals, military supervisors and other places.People in these places have two things in common: love of talent, and extra serious.

It's the real scriptures, not the censors, and they don't rely on their mouths to make a living. They often argue with Zhao Cong because of a new type of weapon or a little mistake in the measurement.Zhao Cong never punished such a person even if he felt angry.After all, what they are fighting for is the real thing, and after the fight is over, they do what they should do as usual, and they never take Joe.

Zhao Cong also believed that Yi Yu did not give gifts to such people, even though Yi Yu was very rich.

But Zhao Cong was very unhappy.

He doesn't like being treated like a fool.

Yi Yu really had a lot of scheming in mind.

In fact, Yi Yu had already acted very cautiously. If he were to change the emperor, he might really have to refer to the words of those honest ministers and keep him in Kaifeng.It's just that Yi Yu didn't know at all, Zhao Cong had seen his true nature many years ago, and he didn't like him very much from the beginning.

The reason why Zhao Cong sent Yi Yu to Yangzhou back then was because Yi Yu was the only one who understood this technique, and because Yi Yu was quite scheming and he didn't have a good impression of this person.But Yi Yu has real skills, and he is willing to give Yi Yu a chance.If Yi Yu works steadily in Yangzhou, it will not be troublesome to become a local official in the future.Or when the time is right, Zhao Cong will also call him to Beijing.

But this is the right time, not this time.

Because of this matter, he was unhappy, and when he was unhappy, Zhao Shiqi would find out immediately.

He didn't hide anything, told him about it, and said: "Si Lang hasn't learned the fundamentals from him until now, how good do you think this person is? Since he wanted to be an official in the capital, he should have stayed in the Hanlin Academy. He wants to rely on this technology to climb up, but he doesn't want to stay in Yangzhou for a long time. Since he is deeply thoughtful, he doesn't know the reason?"

"He is afraid that if he stays in Yangzhou for a long time, His Majesty will forget him, and he will stay in his hometown as an official after working hard to become the number one scholar?"

Zhao Cong "hummed": "You also know the few people he invited to talk about Xiang. They have to go to the palace to discuss something with me. They say it's a discussion, but it's actually a quarrel. One by one is serious. , I am impatient to talk to them. Now they are all persuaded by Yi Yu, and they only say that printing has a foundation in the south, and Yi Yu should be allowed to return to Beijing to develop, otherwise there will be an imbalance between the north and the south." After finishing speaking, Zhao Cong took another picture. He touched the table, "How do you ask me to refute? Reasons one after another! There are still some things that cannot be refuted! Come into the palace every day to make trouble with me!"

"He just knows such a skill. If His Majesty hates him, he just ignores him. Who dares to say anything?"

Zhao Cong sighed: "Yeah, he knows that skill, he is the only one who knows it in the whole Song Dynasty. If it wasn't for this skill, I would be so angry?"

Zhao Shiqi sat side by side with Zhao Cong, his eyes darkened when he heard this.

Zhao Cong also felt helpless, he really couldn't punish Yi Yu, who made Yi Yu have such a good ability.He whispered: "Delay for a while, I'll think about it again."

The two of them ate together, and when they were finished, Zhao Cong was going to take a nap, and then he had to see the officials again.Occasionally, Zhao Shiqi would accompany him to rest.At this moment Zhao Shiqi said that he had to go out of the palace to do business, Zhao Cong told him to be careful, so he went inside to rest.

Although Zhao Shiqi was still wearing an official uniform, he was still tender and fresh, but everyone could tell that he was not in a good mood at the moment.The little eunuchs at the Donghua Gate saluted but did not dare to speak, and Zhao Shiqi even did not reward him.

He got on his horse, flicked his whip, and walked into the distance.

"Eleventh—" Zhao Zongning was also riding a horse. He was walking across from him on the East Street. When he saw him, he was about to greet him when he rode away.Zhao Zongning immediately turned around and looked, muttering, "Who messed with him, you look unhappy?"

Che Xia turned around and looked together: "The servant girl doesn't know either."

"I'll go into the palace and ask my brother."

When they paused, the carriage beside them also stopped.The curtain of the carriage was lifted a little, Piao Shu asked softly: "Princess, my lady asks if you are in a hurry, if so, we will go back to the palace by ourselves."

Zhao Zongning smiled and said, "It's okay, let's go! We'll be there soon!"

After she finished speaking, she pulled the rein and walked to the front of the carriage.

Qian Yuemo went to the flower banquet in the Princess Mansion yesterday. She was of extraordinary status and was the Emperor's favorite concubine. She was surrounded by many young ladies in the Princess Mansion. She talked a lot and stayed for a long time. Naturally, she stayed overnight.Zhao Zongning happened to be fine today, so he sent her back to the palace.

As soon as they arrived outside the Donghua Gate, a carriage came behind them. Zhao Zongning turned around and saw a young man getting out of the carriage, very handsome.

Zhao Zongning likes good-looking ones, and after a few more glances, he thinks he looks familiar, but he can't remember who it is for a while.Until the gentleman saluted her: "Xiaguan Yiyu, magistrate of Baoying County, met Princess Baoning."

"It's the number one scholar." Zhao Zongning remembered who he was now, "Go to the palace to meet His Majesty?"

"Back to the princess, yes."

"I'm afraid you have something important to do, go ahead."

"Princess, this is against the rules."

"Go in." Zhao Zongning said nonchalantly, wrapping the soft whip in his hand to play.

Yi Yu didn't insist anymore, and made another salute, and walked into Donghua Gate.

Qian Yuemo supported Piaoshu's hand and got off the carriage, saw Yi Yu's back, and then glanced at Zhao Zongning, Zhao Zongning was also looking at Yi Yu's back.

"Princess?"

Zhao Zongning turned to look at her: "Let's go, I'll take you back to Xueliu Pavilion."

"Thank you princess."

"It's okay, you made me such beautiful clothes. You are the first one to make clothes for me since I was a child." Zhao Zongning's clothes were all made by the embroiderer in the palace. The first one outside Xiuniang said, "Anniang's embroidery is also pretty, but she can't sew clothes."

Although Zhao Zongning thanked her so much for making a suit of clothes, sent her back, and said it out loud, Qian Yuemo was still very happy, she smiled and thanked her, and walked into Donghua side by side with Zhao Zongning Door.

Zhao Zongning sat in Xueliu Pavilion for a while, then went to Chongzheng Hall to find Zhao Cong.

Before Xiao Shiyi came back, Zhao Cong had been very tense in the past few years. Sometimes Zhao Zongning was afraid that Zhao Cong would be too busy with political affairs and hurt his body, so he often went to the palace to help with some political affairs.Zhao Zongning also knew that someone said something about her behind her back, but she had a clear conscience.Until Xiao Shiyi came back and was able to help Zhao Cong, Zhao Cong's temper eased up again. She retired after finishing her career, and then she only cared about eating, drinking and having fun, and became the most famous Princess Baoning in Tokyo.

Even so, when she came to Chongzheng Hall now, those people waiting in line to see His Majesty inevitably looked up at her with complicated expressions.

Zhao Zongning secretly "hmph", but saw Yi Yu talking with several adults who will be in charge, and they all had smiles on their faces.Speaking of Yi Yu, it was Xiao Tang who first introduced him to Zhao Zongning. Zhao Zongning said that this person was not pure in mind and did not mention this person to Zhao Cong.

She was only 13 years old at the time, but now that she is old, she still thinks this person is quite thoughtful.

It is normal for officials to want to climb up.However, this person, Zhao Zongning couldn't look down on him no matter what. Although he was indeed handsome, he only had that face left.

Zhao Zongning stared at Yi Yu for a while before entering the main hall.

As soon as she left, someone immediately said to Yi Yu: "Master Yi, Princess Baoning just watched you for a long time!"

"The princess is afraid that she rarely sees me, so she was just surprised for a while."

"Tsk, you can't say that. Anyway, Zhuangyuanlang, you are so handsome, so be careful!" After the man finished speaking, he patted Yi Yu's shoulder, turned around and said to several foreign officials who came to Beijing for business Speaking of Zheng Qiao's case, "The gold ingots are spread out, shining brightly, and the front of the vertical arch hall is full!..."

An adult who was going to be the prison said disdainfully: "Don't talk about serious things, let's just talk about these!"

Yi Yu said with a smile: "The lower official is in Yangzhou, busy with printing, so it's easy to ask about the affairs of Beijing, and he really doesn't know about it, Zheng Xianggong..."

"Don't mention this person, even thinking about this person makes me feel dirty!" This lord is very upright, and he hates corrupt people like Zheng Qiao the most.

Yi Yu cupped his hands and said apologetically, "It's the official's abruptness."

Zhao Zongning walked into the main hall and asked as he walked, "Is brother awake?"

Fu Lu said: "It's almost time for His Majesty to wake up, the little one is about to call."

"I'll ask my brother to get up. Get some water, and I'll wash my hands."

Fu Lu fetched water, she washed her hands, then applied the balm that Che Xia carried with her, and walked into the inner room.She opened the curtain lightly, and Zhao Cong just opened his eyes, he slept well, saw his sister coming, and said with a smile: "Why are you here?"

"I'll send Concubine Shu back. Brother, is Little Eleven unhappy?" Zhao Zongning said while helping Zhao Cong to sit up.

"Ok?"

"When I came, I met him. Before I had time to say a word, he rode away on a fast horse, as if someone had provoked him, with an unhappy face. None of the little eunuchs behind him could keep up with him. Who messed with him? Who dares to mess with him?" Zhao Zongning sat by the bed.

Zhao Cong thought about it carefully, and said, "I'm afraid it's because of Yi Yu."

"Yi Yu? The number one scholar back then?"

Because it was Enke after Zhao Cong came to power, even though people don't remember Yi Yu's appearance, when it comes to this person, they can remember that he was the number one scholar back then.

Zhao Cong told Zhao Zongning about the matter, and spread his hands: "There is no way, he is the only one who understands that technique."

Technology comes first.

"Back then, I thought this person was quite scheming, but now it seems that he is indeed so! How dare he use this matter to force brother!"

"He didn't force it. He probably thought I didn't realize it. After all, everyone praised him for his humility and courtesy."

Zhao Zongning lowered his head and thought for a while, then suddenly smiled and said, "Brother, there is another way. Doesn't he want to stay in Kaifeng, so let's let him stay!"

"how?"

"Brother, I still need a son-in-law. Brother, give me a marriage, let him be a son-in-law, it's a great face! Ask him to stay in Kaifeng, and stay in Kaifeng for life and death, please be satisfied. If you become a son-in-law, you can't be an official. Look at him How can you be scheming. As a son-in-law, the skills he knows are not afraid of being useless. What do you think, brother?"

Zhao Zongning thought this idea was really good, but Zhao Cong flatly rejected it: "No."

"Why not?"

No matter what Zhao Cong did, he would never make a fuss about his sister's wedding.Before Jiang Qian, he accepted it so easily because the Jiang family was upright and had a good character, and Jiang Qian was also excellent enough to be a son-in-law.Yi Yu, how can he be worthy of Zhao Zongning?

Although he agrees with his younger sister's face raising, there is a bottom line.

"I won't agree to this matter, so I will let it go."

"Brother, as long as we do this, won't this matter be settled? He's just a son-in-law, and he can't do anything to me. After we get married, I won't let him live in the princess mansion."

"You are obedient, no matter how bad my brother is, I don't need you to be like this."

"elder brother--"

Zhao Cong's face darkened: "Let's do this!"

"..."

It was rare for Zhao Zongning to be wronged, because Zhao Cong still had something to do, and it was also rare for her to have the posture of a little girl, so she walked away with her mouth pouting.

Zhao Cong sighed, thinking for the first time, did he teach his sister too boldly?

She doesn't even care about her own marriage.

He shook his head secretly, his parents died early, with such a younger sister, he must find a good son-in-law for her.