As the New Year is approaching, the "Western Inspection" work organized by Uncle Cao suddenly ended early, and all three thousand honors and two hundred special honors were released... Not only did the time come earlier than expected, but the treatment was also very fair.

Of course, this is a feudal society, and it is a feudal era in which internal conflicts have completely intensified. Coupled with this scale, it is impossible to be completely fair in discussing merit. But the most fearful thing in everything is comparison. Compared with someone's previous performance in the city, it is obviously beyond

Between his limited promises and his subsequent refusal to admit his debt, as well as his self-destruction and secretiveness after his return, Uncle Cao Huang's behavior can truly be said to have captured the hearts of the people.

Zhang Xing also saw his name. Like Qin Bao, as one of the people who went out of the city to ask for help and brought back the reinforcements, he also became one of the two hundred special honors. The sixth rank became the fifth rank, but his position remained unchanged.

.

In some ways, this seems unsatisfactory because there are no direct benefits.

But in fact, according to the political tradition of the Wei Dynasty and even the previous dynasty, it is really fair... Mainly because based on Zhang Xing's current position and merits, he would be the fifth rank before that, and the fifth rank

A local official often means the actual military and political chief of the place. In the army, he is also a Zhonglang general who leads more than a thousand regular troops. In the center, it is even more impressive. Basically, he is just a transitional officer. When he is successful, he will be a minister, and when he retreats, he will go to some temples.

Supervisory office.

This is a ceiling for the career of people from the so-called humble common people, or even third-rate aristocratic families, which is also the origin of the saying that people from a humble family or even a third-rate family come into being.

Even because of the rapid expansion and multiplication of the Guanlong clan and other aristocratic families, some members of the more unlucky aristocratic families have to be subject to this restriction at certain stages, such as Li Ding.

Like Zhang Sanlang, Li Silang was also recognized as having meritorious service, but his meritorious service was still not enough to allow him to cross that threshold... So, after two frustrated middle-level bureaucrats in the Wei Dynasty met and drank a bottle of wine, they

Then they turned around and went to run for and buy offices, destroying the fine feudal traditions of the Wei Dynasty.

Of course, compared to Li Ding, who had not saved much money, Zhang Xing obviously had an advantage in this regard... He had a large fish pond slush fund, rich connections, and seemed to be more relaxed, which for a runner

As far as officials are concerned, isn’t everything in place?

But soon, Zhang Xing realized that, just as Bai Yousi said, what he thought was too beautiful.

First of all, his low-level connections are useless... The power of personnel appointment lies with the emperor, the grassroots officials belong to the emperor, and the core dispatching power in the middle, which is the so-called power of selecting people, lies with Nanya. Zhang Xing wants to

Whether he is transferred to another place, promoted, or assigned a special person to be promoted, he will inevitably have to fall into the hands of those prime ministers in Nanya.

However, the husbands are not easy to get along with, and you have to follow the rules when using money to clear the way.

Su Wei is a hereditary prime minister, and he wants face. Officials are valued for their background, reputation, morals, and qualifications. You are bringing shame on yourself by giving money.

Niu Hong is a small version of Su Wei, for the same reason.

Uncle Cao Huang... is too stubborn. Not to mention the cruel words and face issues before, the key point is that this wave is the plan given by others. If you still go to him, wouldn't it be a slap in the face?

Bai Hengqiu... Theoretically, because of Bai Yousi's existence, he should be the main collaborator in the future. It seems natural to find him. But the more this is the case, the less Zhang Xing is prepared to accept the other party's political investment too early... Not only

It's a matter of the right to speak, and there is also a vague desire to treat Bai Yousi and Bai Hengqiu separately.

Regardless of whether this person is a careerist or has a certain destiny, when the matter comes to a head, one must be on guard.

Zhang Shizhao... is so smart, and he has such a bad fate... To be honest, Zhang Xing is a little scared of him.

Sima Changying, after that night, Zhang Xing was not sure whether the other party had seen him. If he was thought to be here for revenge, it would be great fun... If he was killed by someone from the Sima family in the Sima family's mansion

Here, do you think Sima Erlong will report himself to the official position?

So after tossing and turning, the only ones left are Yu Changji and Zhang Han.

Zhang Han is at the forefront of the storm. Although it is the most convenient, it is by no means the first choice... On the other hand, Yu Changji is said to have started breaking the rules very early. While catering to the saints, he concentrates on selling his official position. He has already made a name for himself and should be a skilled worker.

, you can give it a try.

Thinking of doing it, Zhang Xing went to inquire about the market that day. It turned out that at Xianggong Yu's place, a county guard only needed 10,000 taels of silver to wrap the circle. To be honest, the price was a bit expensive, especially after the big golden pillar was erected.

It seems that there is a bit of a premium, but the important thing is to ensure quality and quantity. As long as you pay, it will be done.

Zhang Xing liked this the most, so he went to the fish pond that night and dug out 400 taels of gold... This was actually a further involution and premium with a preparedness mentality. Theoretically, 400 taels of gold could be exchanged for 10,000 taels on the black market.

Silver, however, still has a price but no market, and gold is more valuable in terms of gifts... But considering that Zhang Sanlang still has regional needs to go to Hebei, it cannot be overstated.

Four hundred taels, equivalent to twenty-five kilograms, is a bit heavy, but not large. As long as it is tied to the clothes inside like a grenade, it can be carried by one person with Zhang Xing's cultivation.

Just like wearing armor.

However, bringing some gold is not a problem, but having to queue up late at night in the twelfth lunar month is a bit annoying.

That's right, in Shunlufang, where Prime Minister Yu's house is located, the West Street of Cross Street is brightly lit all night long, and the convoy of gift-giving vehicles is lined up from the inner gate of Prime Minister Yu's house to the intersection of Cross Street.

This is a rule. Once the street is closed, people outside the intersection must go home by themselves. Otherwise, the view will not be good, and they will not be able to handle it.

But on the other hand, as long as you get in line in time, you will definitely see Xiahou Yan, the son of Mr. Yu, tonight, and Mr. Xiahou will naturally give you an explanation.

In addition, along the way from Xianggong Yu's house to Cross Street, there are Yu family members with local officials, street cleaners and helpers to maintain order, and provide tea and snacks, and stools for the old and weak... the service is excellent.

Said to be extremely considerate.

In this way, after chatting about official gossip with several colleagues in front and behind him all night, Zhang Xing finally arrived at the entrance of the luxurious Yu Mansion at the second watch. Then the more powerful person in front of him just asked the servants to rush him.

After getting in the car, there was a sudden disturbance inside the door.

"It's not that silk is not good, but you can at least get a few thousand pieces and give them away, so that you can buy clothes for the servants before the New Year... You have given me a cart of one hundred and eighty pieces. What's the use? Is there anything else?

Hidden goods?

"No?

"If not, leave.

"The cars are also driven away... I don't have to go out and tell people that I worked hard to save a car of silk, but our family ignored me... A car of silk can't do anything, and our family doesn't look down on it... Take it away, take it away

, go through the side door over there, don’t turn."

"Next person."

Zhang Xing listened with interest, and suddenly he heard someone shouting, and a middle-aged man standing on the steps in the cold winter night raised his hand and pointed at him, so he immediately strode up and walked in the door proudly.

As soon as he entered the door, he saw a young man wearing a white fur robe sitting in the door, with a stove behind him and several cases in front of him, holding tea to drink.

When this person saw Zhang Xing, he couldn't help but frown while holding tea: "I just kicked out the guy who gave me a cart of silk, and here comes the guy empty-handed?"

"But Mr. Xiahou?"

Zhang Xing had already inquired clearly and knew that all the dirty things related to Yu Changji's family were handled by his step-son Xia Houyan brought by his step-wife. However, his own brother and two legitimate sons had nothing to do with it, and they had always had a "clear name".

He handed it over and asked directly.

"That's right, what's wrong? Did you bring anything?" Xia Houyan was busy with a lot of money, and his tone became more and more impatient.

Knowing that it was the rightful owner, Zhang Xing nodded immediately, unhurriedly untied his belt, and pulled his coat to both sides. The golden light immediately blinded the eyes of the people around him:

"Four hundred taels of gold, twenty-five kilograms, according to the market price, is exactly ten thousand taels of silver. Please carry it with you...please ask for the governor of Hebei Province."

Xia Houyan was definitely not an ignorant person, but even so, he was still stunned for a moment. He took a sip of tea, then exhaled a white breath next to the light and replied as usual: "Guest's name, official position? County Sheriff is very good."

Level six and above are not allowed."

"Beidi Zhang Xing, deputy general inspector of Fulongwei, from the fifth rank." Zhang Xing spoke simply.

"Do you have a name?"

"How can Fulongwei be famous?" Zhang Xing responded calmly. "But Mr. Xiahou, don't worry, no one dares to pretend to be Fulongwei."

Xia Houyan nodded, put down the tea and turned around to wave: "The king is in charge, take the distinguished guests directly to the small living room at the back. According to the rules, the activities of the fifth rank must be seen by the adults in person."

The trip went extremely smoothly.

Arriving at the small living room, there were only two people waiting here. After waiting here for more than a quarter of an hour, Zhang Xing received the second summons and moved into a small flower hall further back, where he met Yu Changji, Prime Minister Yu.

myself.

This justice, who should be considered the youngest in fact, is lowering his head and writing something seriously... It seems to be some kind of calligraphy work, not a formal letter.

"No need to be polite." Mr. Yu just raised his head and glanced, then continued writing with his head lowered. "I remember you...Fulongwei deputy inspector, you should be the one who is really in charge of several regular inspections...Some people say you are Bai

The eldest lady’s son-in-law?”

Zhang Xing was startled for a moment. He didn't expect that the first question would be this, but it didn't stop him from changing his expression and his heart was pounding. Then he nodded immediately: "There is such a saying... but it has reached the ears of Mr. Yu."

Yet?"

Yu Changji glanced at the person coming again, lowered his head and asked: "Then why do you come to me for this kind of thing? Isn't it a casual matter for your father-in-law?"

"Aren't you afraid that your father-in-law will arrange your official position and you will be regarded as a son-in-law in the future?" Zhang Xing answered confidently and confidently. "You still need to have some ambition in life. Without ambition, what is the difference between the salted fish hanging under the eaves in winter?

?”

Yu Changji looked at the other party again, and then continued to lower his head and write: "You have made meritorious service since you went out on tour, and you have reached the fifth rank, and now you want to transfer to Hebei to be a county guard?"

Grain bracelet

"yes."

“Why Hebei?”

"It's close to the Northland." Zhang Xing said sincerely. "I am from the Northland, but the Northland is too far after all, so I can only settle for the next best thing."

Yu Changji did not nod or shake his head, but wrote seriously. After finishing writing in one breath, he stopped writing and stood up. Then he wiped his hands and looked at the other party: "There is something I have always been curious about. You may know it, and if you know it, you might as well

Tell me and I can leave some dowry money for you depending on the situation."

Zhang Xing suddenly remembered something, and then his heart skipped a beat.

"Shortly after the death of Princess Dachang, did Sima Xianggong have any trouble with the saint in Renshou Palace?" Yu Changji's words were plain and crisp.

really.
To be continued...