Promotion and fortune in Song Dynasty

After Lu Ci finally got through the ceremonies such as thanking, worshiping the yellow armor, recounting the same year, publishing a small record of titles, and erecting a title stone in front of the tribute courtyard of the Ministry of Rites, etc. in his eyes...

Finally, the one he has been looking forward to the most among all the episodes.

——(prepared at one's own expense) Wenxi banquet.

Although the Wenxi banquet is divided into two days, only the first day is for Jinshi subjects and ranks, and the second day is only for all subjects.

During the Jinshi banquet, in addition to the Zhigong Juguan, the leaders were also as high as Chenglang and the two provinces.

When feasting on various subjects, it was just Shenglang and Xiaoliang.

Very occasionally, even the emperor would visit the Qionglin Garden and watch from behind the curtain.

Seeing that it was the day of the "gift" banquet, Liu Qi, Zhu Shuo and Teng Zongliang got up at Chen Shi as usual, washed and changed their clothes, and gathered around the table in the small hall.

However, Lu Ci, who was always on tap, arrived a long time earlier than ever before.

Lu Ci casually turned his upper body sideways, resting his cheek with one hand, as if he was admiring the bright spring scenery outside the window.

His face is still exquisite and handsome that cannot be described by ordinary pen and ink, but unconsciously, the youthfulness of a young man has quietly faded away.

Coupled with his tall and slender stature, and his demeanor is quite mature and calm, at first glance, it only makes people's eyes shine, and they will be fascinated by it, but they will never think that this is just a young gentleman who is only seventeen years old.

Even those Xinke Scholars sitting in the same small hall couldn't help casting their eyes occasionally and scrutinizing them quietly.

After hearing the familiar footsteps, Lu Ci immediately came back to his senses, and looked at them with a smile: "Brother Liu, Brother Teng, Brother Zhu, how did you rest well last night?"

The three couldn't help stunned.

Against the background of the clear sunlight, Lu Ci's handsome profile was more and more white, with a slender neck, sitting so quietly, it looked like a jade carving with a lustrous halo.

When she raised her lips slightly and smiled at them, it was as if a jade carving had been brought to life with a wonderful brush, and it came to life completely.

Compared with the undisguised joy at this time, Lu Ci's a few days ago can be called melancholy.

Liu Qi was undoubtedly the one who knew Lu Ci the best among the three, and she was also the first to regain consciousness at this time.

He didn't need to guess to know that the reason why Xiao Taotie could sweep away the lack of interest for more than a month and become so radiant was probably not the elegant honor represented by the Wenxi Banquet, but ninety-nine percent of it was the Wenxi Banquet Serving wine, meat and fruit, delicacies...

Liu Qi couldn't help feeling dumbfounded from the bottom of her heart.

"What are you still doing?" Lu Ci looked at them puzzled, "Sit down."

The three of them woke up like a dream, and hurriedly followed suit.

I don't know why, they sat down, but they unconsciously carried a bit of caution in their actions, as if a careless mistake would disturb a beautiful painting.

Lu Ci usually used some cakes for breakfast, but today, for Liu Qi's well-known purpose, he only used some easy-to-digest fresh fruits.

And save more fighting power for a while to display at the Wenxi Banquet.

Liu Qi thought about it, coughed lightly, and asked pretending to be casual: "I know, where will the wedding banquet be held?"

Lu Ci replied without hesitation: "I don't see any other notice, so it's located in Qionglin Garden."

Qionglin Garden is one of the four imperial gardens in Bianjing, and it can be said to be very famous.And since the eighth year of Taiping Xingguo, it has become a custom for the imperial court to grant banquets for the first Jinshi here.

Lu Ci had heard about it a long time ago, so it can be said that he has been looking forward to it for a long time.

Liu Qi sighed sympathetically, and reminded with sympathy: "Brother Yu Yu, do you still remember that Qionglin Garden is open to the citizens from March to May every year?"

That day when I went from Quemen to Jiji Institute, if it weren't for the support of the twelve Jinwu Guards who are tall and solid, Liu Qi has no doubts that as the number one scholar with both talent and appearance, three yuan and the first place However, Lu Ci was probably forcibly taken away by a group of healthy servants of powerful families who were waiting to marry Jiaojiao.

Now the journey from the Qiji Office to Qionglin Garden has lost the Jinwu guards to clear the way and protect it.

Even if these people did not dare to snatch away the scholars who were going to the banquet, they would still be gearing up to join in the looting as soon as the Wenxi banquet was over.

And in the Wenxi banquet, people who intend to choose a son-in-law will definitely squeeze into this royal garden open to the public, and observe the appearance and performance of each green-clothed man openly.

I don't know if Xiao Taotie's appetite can be as good as before when he is surrounded by countless eyes.

Lu Ci's smile froze.

Zhu said that he also understood Liu Qi's subtext. Based on the battle that day, it is not difficult to know that this worry is not unreasonable.

He frowned, and while trying to figure out a countermeasure, he became deeply worried for his brother Yu Yu.

Liu Qi solemnly urged: "No matter what, on the way to and from Qionglin Garden, Yu Yu must not be left alone, and remember to go with us."

At the end, he added another sentence: "Especially the return journey."

Teng Zongliang was also a little apprehensive when he thought of the crazy enthusiasm of the people on the day of the gathering place in the past, and he didn't realize that Liu Qi was alarmist, so he quickly echoed: "Brother Liu's words are reasonable. Ruo Yu has no intention of getting married. , then you must be more careful.”

Zhu said also nodded with a serious face, and solemnly promised: "Just in case, today I will not leave brother Yu Yu half a step away."

Before hearing this, Lu Ci showed a cooperative expression of emotion, Liu Qi smiled "hehe" and said mercilessly: "Brother Zhu is lost by the authorities. You really can't leave an inch, and I'm afraid it will be with you Yu together, both of them will be kidnapped."

As the first time to apply for the second-class, and as the only Jinshi who was younger than Lu Ci, who was on the top of the list, Zhu said that although he was not as eye-catching as Lu Cilai in comparison, he was still there. He is definitely the fast son-in-law in the minds of countless people.

Really accidentally ignored his own Zhu said, his mind went blank.

Seeing Zhu said, who had always been stable and calm, suddenly showing a dazed and stunned expression, Teng Zongliang, who had been keeping quiet and watching, couldn't help it anymore, and laughed out loud in a very unkind way.

Given the age of him and Liu Qi, they were married long ago, so naturally they would not have the distress of being arrested.

Lu Ci patted the back of Zhu Shuo's hand to comfort him, but another thing came to his mind.

Compared with Liu Qi and the others' worries, what made Lu Ci feel more helpless was what the emperor Zhao Heng said as a joke or a serious urging.

After Dao he finished his examinations, he was finally able to fulfill his promise, and went to jump into the river again, and even gave a clear date for the jump.

Lu Ci clearly remembered that the time limit given by the officials was 'after the wedding banquet'.

He sighed with a headache.

Even though he was reluctant, he had to admit that with the rather vigorous playfulness of today's officials, he probably didn't just say it casually, but was really thinking about watching this lively...

time.

Qionglin Garden is opposite to Jinming Pool in the north, both of which are still open to the citizens of Bianjing at this time. Although it has been open for more than two months, the number of tourists visiting it has decreased slightly.

But on the day when the Wenxi Banquet was held, not only the bustling scene was restored, but even worse.

Whether it is the sidewalks on both sides of Shuntianmen Street, or the orchard pavilions on the side of the road, or the horizontal floors in the garden, they are all crowded with people.

What attracted the attention of passers-by was that all the people gathered in the building at this time, competing to look out, were all the official girls with exquisite makeup, gorgeous dresses, and strong fragrance, who rarely showed their faces on weekdays.

On the day when these new scholars went to the Judgment Office, they had chosen their favorite husband-in-law candidates in their minds. At this moment, it was obvious that they were going to get serious.

These handsome people who came from official families were all standing at the table with several healthy servants sent by their families, waiting for an order, they would rush out in groups.

While waiting shyly and smilingly for the appearance of the gentleman in their hearts, they are secretly wary of the girls who have the same goals as themselves, and they have to think hard about how to send someone to 'invite' for a while, so as not to offend them the least. The other party is not happy.

"It's coming, it's finally here!"

Crowded on the sidewalks on both sides of Shuntianmen Street, bursts of cheers came suddenly.

The ladies who were sitting reservedly could not help leaning forward, leaning towards the window and looking out from afar.

Under the general observation of the sensational scholars in the city, Lu Ci, who was riding in the front because of Jiaci, seemed to be the first to bear the brunt.

"That's the number one scholar. So young!"

Many people who missed the hustle and bustle of the day after the announcement of the rankings, after witnessing the appearance of the No. I will die without any regrets if I get on the list and pass the exam.”

As soon as this statement came out, people around agreed with it, and some people ridiculed him: "You first show the patience to memorize the "San Zi Jing", and then think about it!"

The crowd burst into laughter.

There are also many scholars who failed the provincial and imperial examinations, but were unwilling to leave early because they were greedy for the prosperity of the capital. Seeing this, their hearts were sour, and they couldn't help saying: "I'm afraid it's five points for talent and five points for appearance."

Although this remark made most people sneer, it also aroused a lot of resonance among some Luodians.

After all, it has been inevitable since ancient times that literati look down on each other.

If they had all passed the exam, or if they had experienced the difficulty of the palace exam, and had seen Lu Ci's performance in the exam room, perhaps they would not be so angry.

But because of his arrogance and arrogance, he boasted that his talents were unrecognized, and he didn't know the specific situation, seeing Lu Ci being so sought after by others, of course he couldn't be happy.

Immediately, someone echoed: "Isn't it? I don't know how many people are educated this time, and I was lucky enough to have a chance with Cai Qi, the second place in the list. That's the one who has real talents and real learning. If it weren't for the luck of Mr. Lu , was born with a good appearance, and his knowledge is not bad, so he won the favor of officials early in the morning."

Someone else said strangely: "That's not true. My family has a distant relative who is an official in the court. I also heard that the official family had a long time to make a decision when deciding whether to be the first or second place. They even specially called a group of officials into the palace to discuss."

"If Lu Ci's paper is really so good, why should he hesitate so far? The officials must know..."

"Hmph! Anyway, in a few days, the Tribute Court will pass out the test paper of the number one scholar, and then I will see how good it is, so that I can compare with Cai Bang."

Naturally, the sour words of some scholars who didn't even make the list could have any impact on the festive atmosphere in the city.

Anyway, the gold list has been issued, the dust has settled, and Lu Ci, whom they underestimated, is clearly about to soar into the sky, and the big families in the capital who do not hesitate to coerce and lure him, and dream of recruiting him as a son-in-law, are afraid that an entire imperial street will be blocked. No more.

On the contrary, these people who are not interested in them only dare to gather together and complain in a low voice, lest someone with a heart will report it after hearing it, and be labeled as dissatisfied with the king's judgment and causing trouble.

Then I don't know how many moves can be done to eliminate the crime.

After all, Lu Ci had a similar experience once, and he was mentally prepared. Even if he saw the same turbulent crowd as last time, and there were no Jinwu guards around him to clear the way, he could still maintain the same calm inside and outside.

Even if it is the head of the court, it is impossible to arrest Zhuangyuan Lang before he goes to the wedding banquet.

Who doesn't know that today's Holy Majesty especially favors and values ​​Lu Ci?Although rare, who can guarantee that the official family will not hold a wedding banquet for this rare Sanyuan and the first emperor on a whim?

It would be terrible if the person was taken away, but the officials were sent to a wedding banquet where there was no champion.

Facing the eyes of these people, Lu Ci still had a decent and calm smile on his lips.

He thought about the delicacies at the Qionglin Banquet in peace, and led a group of agitated tributes to Qionglin Garden at a leisurely pace.

Because the crowd gathered on the street outside Shuntian Gate to watch the excitement, the direction of the city gate, which was always crowded with people, became lonely for a while.

Even the guards at the city gate were a little yearning for the hustle and bustle on the other side, and stood guard very absent-mindedly.

At this moment, a dilapidated carriage with three elderly men slowly approached the city gate...

Because he was thinking about the champion jumping into the river, Zhao Heng, the official who had a rare kiss in Qionglin Garden, was also busy with the words of joy that he was going to give later.

When he was young, he was famous for his talents, even though he was a bit neglected after succeeding to the throne, he just completed a masterpiece "Dissolving Doubts" that he is proud of a few days ago, so that his writing style has not regressed too much.

Besides, even if there are some mistakes and omissions, no one will make corrections without knowing the interest.

The wine and fruit at the banquet were all prepared by Jinshi at their own expense, and the emperor would give imperial poems, imperial scriptures and Confucian classics to encourage them as a show of favor.

Zhao Heng edited and deleted for a while, and soon completed his proud work, which was taken down by others.

When Jinshi first started, the actors in the garden played the music "The Joy of Zheng'an", and at the same time sang slowly: "Tomorrow, the son of heaven, follow the old chapter. Si Le Panshui, light in all directions..."

Unlike the other Jinshi who felt so honored and overwhelmed with emotion, as soon as he thought of this self-proclaimed song, it was probably written by an official himself, and Lu Ci would...

He twitched the corners of his mouth, showing a polite yet awkward smile.

The author has something to say: Notes

1. About the cause and effect of Zhenzong's academic work "Shiyu Lun".

It is recorded in history that eight emperors worshiped Fenyin Temple [-] times successively.Tang Minghuang has twice.Interestingly, the Anshi Rebellion broke out shortly after Tang Minghuang offered sacrifices.In addition, during the reign of Emperor Ming of Tang Dynasty, Shangqing Palace, a famous Taoist temple, was built on Cuiyun Peak in the north of Luoyang City.

Immediately after Emperor Mingzong of Tang Dynasty, Emperor Zhenzong offered sacrifices to God of Earth, and Emperor Minghuang of Tang Dynasty built Zhaoying Palace. This matter made Sun Shi (a great Confucian with the same fame as Du Hao and Xing Bing in Zhenzong Dynasty) have to think about it.Expressed fierce opposition to this, and put Tang Minghuang's "end" there in his words, which was almost equivalent to a curse.

Zhenzong replied to him in a very academic and gracious manner, and then specially wrote an academic article "Resolving Doubts" for this purpose, analyzing it like a scholar, to explain that although the actions of Tang Minghuang are similar, they cannot be said today. The reason why things are wrong.Later, he showed this paper to his officials, as if he was "discussing" an academic proposition with Sun Shi.

As for Sun Shi's harsh words, accusing the emperor, and "arrogance" in his attitude, Zhenzong did not make any comments.

("300 Years of the Great Song Empire 7")

2. The details about Wen Xiyan are all from "General History of China's Imperial Examination System Song Dynasty Volume", Chapter 13