Promotion and fortune in Song Dynasty

People were coming and going on the Zhou Bridge, it was bustling and noisy, but there were also many people quietly watching Lu Ci and his party by the bridge.

In particular, some delicate-looking young ladies who are waiting to be married and who come from fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-rank official families even come and go together, looking at them with burning eyes, and secretly choosing their favorite husband-in-law.

The eyes that fell on Lu Ci were obviously the most—who wouldn't love the radiant, handsome, and personable Mr. Mei Lang?

It's just that no matter how excited they are, they also have self-knowledge: as long as Lu Ci doesn't make taboos in the palace examination, with this talent and appearance, the probability of failing the list is obviously very small, and it is even possible to be among the best.

If one enters the top three, then the ones who will compete for it will definitely be those high-ranking dignitaries, and it will not be their turn at all.

Thinking that Lu Ci could only watch from a distance, their beating hearts calmed down.

In comparison, the two who have a good relationship with Lu Ci and are on the list this time are more suitable.

While admiring the young gentleman by the river, they secretly commented in their hearts: The married Liu Sanbian doesn't count, and the other two standing next to Lu Langjun. The appearance is still pretty, this time on the list, the ranking is still very high, it can be said that the future is boundless; the one with the surname Teng is older, and his appearance is also pleasing to the eye, so he is also a suitable candidate...

Under Lu Ci, who won the first place on the list, Lu Ci and his group, who are also on the list, still occupy three positions.

Liu Qi ranked fifth, Zhu Shuo ranked 32nd, and the last one, Teng Zongliang, narrowly ranked 320th.

Yi Shu and Zhong Yuan fell off the list as expected.

But because he had been mentally prepared and received some enlightenment and comfort from Lu Ci, his mood recovered quickly.

After a brief loss, I was able to congratulate a few friends with a smile.

Out of the six people who were insured together, four of them made it onto the list. As soon as the news got out, countless people were amazed and jealous.

In the case that many people on the certificate of protection were wiped out, even if Lu Ci took most of the limelight away, their ranking is even high, which is enough to be proud of themselves.

What no one knows is that Lu Ci, who is the most beautiful center, just wants to touch salty fish in troubled waters quietly, and doesn't want this kind of limelight at all.

Looking at the white waves surging, as if the canal water was bubbling with the slightest bit of chill, Lu Ci seemed calm at this moment, but his heart was constantly at war with heaven and man.

To jump, or not to jump?

If he really wants to cheat, he actually has a lot of ways to achieve his goal.

After all, for him who has figured out Liu Yong's temper, it is easy to persuade the other party who has obvious weaknesses.

Not to mention that when making a bet, there are still countless loopholes to take advantage of.

However, when a gentleman says a word, it is hard to chase after a horse.

If he really escaped this time, not to mention that he himself was not able to make it through, but just to say that he has always been the majesty of the head of the six (Liu Qi:???), it will definitely be somewhat damaged.

In contrast, he would rather jump the moat.

Fortunately, when we made this agreement, we only said that we would jump into the river immediately, instead of talking too much about swimming around: in this way, as long as we jump down, even if we get up immediately, it will count.

After fully warming up, keeping warm, and preparing for emergency first aid, with his physique that always pays attention to exercise, it should be fine.

After Lu Ci made up his mind, he made up his mind not to delay any longer. He stayed after lunch and jumped into the river to fully understand the self-inflicted promise.

You have to remember to be cautious in the future.

"cough."

Liu Qi coughed uncomfortably.

He had already been scolded severely by Zhu Shuo, who had just found out about it, and now seeing the serious face of the little Taotie, who really wanted to fulfill the agreement, he felt a little bit annoyed.

He couldn't help regretting it, at that time Xiao Taotie said it casually, why did he still follow suit and force people to take it seriously?

It was the early spring when it was warm and cold, and jumping into the icy cold moat was no joke.

Unless it is a strong fisherman who has lived on the water all year round, he can't bear such a water temperature, let alone a scholar like them who is not diligent in common affairs.

Even if he only jumped up once, he might suffer from a minor illness if he was exposed to such a cold air.

Although Liu Qi wanted to see the excitement of the little Taotie's face no longer calm, but he didn't want the little Taotie to do anything good or bad.

The more he thought about it, the more regretful he was. He couldn't help leaning into Lu Ci's ear, and advised him with a guilty conscience: "In my opinion, forget it. If you don't feel sorry, just answer me one more thing."

Lu Ci glanced at him expressionlessly, and said calmly, "Thank you brother Liu for your kindness..."

Hearing this, Liu Qi thought that he was going to go along with the flow, and was about to breathe a sigh of relief when Lu Ci changed the subject: "If you have good intentions, you don't need to break the contract."

Liu Qi's eyelids twitched.

Zhu Shuo and the others gave him vicious eyes of condemnation, which pierced him like a thorn in his back, and he was dripping with cold sweat.

He was very suspicious of Lu Ci's jump. If nothing else happened, it would be fine, but if he got sick... even if it was just a little cold, he would have to be beaten up on the spot by the angry Zhu.

Liu Qi still wanted to persuade him a few more words, but it was too late—just now when the two of them talked, they didn't deliberately shy away from others, so from this few words, they secretly paid attention to Lu Ci, who won two provincial dollars at a young age. The crowd of good things made up the general meaning, and they were happy to share the big gossip of "Lu Shengyuan must do what he said, and in order to keep his promise, he will jump into the canal in the afternoon".

After the six people finished their lunch in different ways, Bianjing Shilu, a well-known non-governmental tabloid in Bianjing, had published this anecdote that was hotly released, and solemnly placed it on the front page.

Liu Qi still has great confidence in Lu Ci's sense of propriety.

After worrying about Lu Ci and his own safety for a while, he quickly relaxed and gnawed on the sauced duck's paw comfortably.

Not to mention reading the newly bought "Bianjing Shilu" happily, I also commented a few words with the dignified other people from time to time.

Zhu said nothing, just looked at Liu Qi coldly, and thrust the chopsticks in his hand into a piece of white jade tofu murderously.

Lu Ci, who was only [-] years old and won the title of Provincial Yuan in the provincial examination for the first time in four years, is actually much more famous than he and his friends imagined.

Especially at this critical moment when the palace examination will be held in a few days, his every move is even more eye-catching, but any trouble around him will become a big gossip that Bianjing citizens love to talk about.

It's a pity that Lu Ci not only hired ten more healthy servants to guard the house, but also changed his previous style of traveling around the mountains and rivers, except for meals in restaurants. Staying at home keeps their curiosity unsatisfied.

Now that there is such a big event as jumping into the river, why isn't it exciting?

Without knowing the specific reason, but only knowing that it was a "gamble" between friends, the unscrupulous writers of the tabloids dedicatedly displayed their ability to make up random things, and a burst of brilliant writing made flowers, which was fermented Four or five versions came out.

There are versions that are close to the truth, there are more serious versions, there are versions that are full of myths, and there are versions that involve courtesans and are very erotic...

There was an uproar for a while, and even Yan Shu, who was summoned by the emperor to enter the palace at noon, inevitably heard the rumor before going out.

Lu Shengyuan?

Yan Shu has always had a good memory, and after thinking about it for a while, he matched the name with the name of the unforgettable handsome young man whom he met once.

Among the versions that have been passed around as gaudy, he can also see at a glance which ones may be the real reason.

Can't help but smile.

From the looks of it that day, he was obviously a pleasing and smart person, how could he commit the stupid thing of digging a hole and burying himself?

After Emperor Zhao Heng asked Yan Shu about some government affairs raised in the early court, he saw that the courtier who had always acted very rigorous in front of him had a strange expression, so he couldn't help asking a few words.

His Majesty personally intervened, and Yan Shu couldn't have concealed anything, so he said everything.

Zhao Heng was stunned for a moment, recalling the glimpse that day, he vaguely recalled that he was a handsome young gentleman, and couldn't help but also laughed: "Although he was a little messy, he has a humble and committed temper."

Jumping into a river is not a very respectable thing, even if it is a gambling contract, you still need to wear light clothes, which cling to your body and are easy to catch cold.

After winning two yuan in a row, he didn't get ecstatic and celebrated, but earnestly fulfilled the old covenant. Zhao Heng loved this honesty the most.

Besides, the reason why Lu Ci lost the contract was that he was too humble.

After having the domineering and powerful former prime minister Kou Zhun, Zhao Heng became disliked of arrogant, complacent and high-profile talents. He would rather personally select honest, humble and self-restraining people to serve as important ministers around him.

Hearing the official's attitude towards this, Yan Shu thought for a moment, still not smiling, but said in a serious disapproval tone: "However, the palace examination will be in a few days. If he is the most important person Zhinuo fell ill because of this, and he will not be allowed to enter the palace at that time, won't the official family miss out on a good talent and beauty?"

What he knew well was that he was able to be promoted by the emperor back then because he was strong enough to fight for it, and it was also good luck.

Now that Lu Ci also has this luck, so what can he do if he pushes him forward?

Compared with Kou Zhun who tried to obstruct his promotion several times, Yan Shu didn't pay much attention to the secret rivalry between the North and the South.

Just because he was once targeted by Kou Zhun, everyone attributed him to the Southern faction that was hostile to Kou Zhun.

But Yan Shu could see it clearly - even if the officials became more and more confused and demanded prudence, they still had to completely stand by the officials.

Now that the official asked about Lu Ci, he sent a gust of wind to him.

When Zhao Heng heard it, he also felt that it made sense.

Since the founding of the dynasty, only a few decades ago, there has been a person who has reached the rank of three yuan.

If Lu Ci strives for success and can produce such a literary star under his own rule, and pass it down, he will also have a bright face because of the abundance of talents.

It's rare to meet a young talent who is pleasing to the eye and extremely talented in learning. If you want to let him delay the business because of a mere bet, what's the deal?

In addition, he was in a good mood at the moment, and when inspiration came, his interest also followed, and he said with a smile: "Then I might as well intervene."

Not to mention anyone else, not even Yan Shu and Zhao Heng, the monarch and his ministers, did not think about this accidental whim.

After half a cup of tea, Lu Ci and his party, who were still enjoying dessert after dinner in Ren's shop, received an imperial edict with extremely concise and concise content——

"Don't jump into the river."

While Lu Ci was surprised, he couldn't laugh or cry.

Not to mention how the news got into the palace... In history, there was Liu Sanbian who wrote lyrics according to the order, how could it be his turn to follow the order not to jump into the river?

After receiving the decree at a loss, the minister in charge of passing the edict was very optimistic about Lu Jieyuan, who had just won two yuan and had an immeasurable future. However, he had already won the favor of the government before entering the palace examination, so he couldn't help joking. He added a sentence: "With the care and love of the officials, Lu Xingyuan needs to be cautious when betting with others in the future."

It is impossible for Lu Ci to reject the small gestures of favor from the emperor's confidantes.

"thanks for reminding."

But he also grasped his sense of propriety, and did not appear to be flattered, so as not to be flattering, but thanked him again politely.

Seeing that he has a stable temperament and is not frivolous, the courtiers couldn't help being more optimistic about him.

The author has something to say: Notes:

1. Song Zhenzong made exceptions for the talents he liked, and there were quite a few times.The following example:

In order to show reverence for the gods during the sacrificial ceremony in the southern suburbs of the imperial court, Zhenzong specially issued an edict: All participating officials must be in good health, and those who are "old, sick, young and weak" are not allowed.The new secretary, Mr. Yan Shu, is only 14 years old and belongs to the ranks of "young and weak" and is not allowed to participate in activities in the southern suburbs.Yan Shu then went to the chapter, claiming that he was willing to "observe the great ceremony".It is called "Shang Lian Qiyi" in history. Zhenzong loved his kindness and made an exception to allow him to participate. For this reason, another edict was issued: if there are Beijing officials who are under the age of 15, if they are willing to go to the southern suburbs to accompany them to watch the ceremony, they can Free to participate in activities.

2. Zhenzong appreciates honest courtiers:

At that time, during the palace examination, one poem and one poem were tested, and he was tested in the court with more than a thousand Jinshi. However, Yan Shu was not stage frightened.After two days, try poetry, fu, and theory again.After Yan Shu got the test questions, he said sincerely: "I did the topic of this Fu ten days ago. Please give me some other questions." Test him on the topic.After the topic was completed, Zhenzong read it and praised it many times.After trying it like this, it proves that this child has real talents and learning, and he is a scholar in the country. Zhenzong is even more happy.

There is another manifestation of Yan Shu's "not hiding":

At that time, the bureaucrats and bureaucrats all liked to play and feast, and went in and out of the singing and dancing place of Bianliang Restaurant.The Song Dynasty couldn't help this matter, but Zhenzong preferred dignified people to serve as civil servants in the East Palace.When Yan Shu accepted the appointment, Zhenzong told him this meaning.Unexpectedly, Yan Shu replied: "It's not that I don't want to have a banquet. It's because my family is poor that I can't hold a banquet. If I have money, I will go out. If I don't have money, I can't go." Zhenzong even praised his honesty. It is called "caring about the deepening of the day".

3. Yan Shu’s competitors back then:

Jiang Gai, another Jinshi in the same discipline as him, came from Daming Mansion, Hebei Province. He was only 12 years old. Both of them were famous all over the world for their "handsomeness".

Kou Zhun was in a bad mood from the very beginning, and wanted to "restrain" Yan Shu and promote Jiang Gai.The reason he gave was: Yan Shu was from outside Jiang, that is, from the south.According to the opinion of the legendary Taizu, southerners are not allowed to be officials, but Zhenzong liked Yan Shu too much, so he responded to Kou Zhun and said: "The imperial court selects scholars for the world, and only seeks talented people. How can a family from all over the world be based on the distance between the north and the south?" And restrictions? Zhang Jiuling, the famous prime minister of the Tang Dynasty, is even in a remote place in the south of the Lingnan, can it be discarded and used?" Kou Zhun couldn't answer correctly.

After Yan Shu and Jiang Gai took the "children's test", Yan Shu's grades were better, and he was awarded Jinshi's background, while Jiang Gai was a lower class, and his classmate was awarded a student's background.He even gave Secretary Yan Shu the provincial orthographic character, which is equivalent to the secretary of the State Council.

All of the above are from "300 Years of the Great Song Empire: The Second Volume of Zhenzong Zhao Heng"