When Liu Zimin led a group of students to the Tianhai Tower, he secretly looked at Zhao Junchen, and saw that Zhao Junchen looked as usual and was minding his own taste of the dishes in front of him, just like ordinary diners who occasionally looked in their direction.
He glanced at her a few times, but he didn’t show any concern, as if he didn’t know Liu Zimin at all. <-》
Zhao Junchen came to Tianhai Tower today to meet these imperial examination candidates who are interested in getting closer to him. Although these students are currently insignificant, they are different from Zhan Shanchang, Zuo Lanshan and other courtiers who surrendered to Zhao Junchen halfway. These students will be in the future.
He will be single-handedly promoted and trained by Zhao Junchen. Not only will he be extremely malleable, but he will also become Zhao Junchen's first true direct descendant, and he will naturally be more comfortable to use.
That's why Zhao Junchen attaches so much importance to this imperial examination and to these imperial examination candidates who are willing to take refuge in him.
However, Zhao Junchen did not intend to meet these students just like this. Now that he is an important minister of the DPRK and is about to take the exam, it is not appropriate to meet at this time. At this time, concealing his identity and observing from the side can also make it easier to see.
These students have good conduct and will be confident in their future use.
On the other side, Liu Zimin already knew that Zhao Junchen would not reveal his identity today, but when he saw Xiao Wenxuan and Zhao Junchen eating at the same table, he was really worried that he excluded Xiao Wenxuan in the first place because he saw that Xiao Wenxuan and people like him were not of the same mind at all, but
At this time, the relationship between Zhao Junchen and Xiao Wenxuan was somewhat unclear. If Xiao Wenxuan had a close relationship with Zhao Junchen, but he excluded Xiao Wenxuan, wouldn't it make Zhao Junchen dissatisfied?
It seemed that he had read through Liu Zimin's thoughts. Zhao Junchen turan smiled at Liu Zimin, indicating that he was not dissatisfied, and then continued to taste his squirrel fish.
Seeing Zhao Junchen like this, Liu Zimin was overjoyed. He finally relaxed and regained his previous appearance. He loudly greeted the students behind him to sit down: "Come on, come on, everyone, sit down quickly. This Tianhai Tower is famous. I want to come."
The food is excellent. Although most of us are here for the first time, there is no need to be polite. You can order whatever you want to eat. I will treat you today."
"Haha, thank you so much Brother Liu"
"Young Master Liu is really heroic and generous."
"Brother Liu is worthy of being a member of Mr. Zhao's family."
…
When Liu Zimin was entertaining guests at a restaurant as high as Tianhai Tower, the students who followed him had many words of flattery and thanks. For a time, they all flattered and praised Liu Zimin. And Liu Zimin couldn't help but look proud.
He looked so beautiful and clearly enjoyed the atmosphere at this time.
However, although Liu Zimin had already invited all the students to sit down, and all the students responded one after another, no one actually sat down. Instead, they all looked at the two students beside Liu Zimin.
One of these two people has a fair face, a slender figure, and looks to be in his early twenties. He is dressed in luxurious brocade clothes, and has a bit of nobility in his temperament. He seems to be from an extraordinary background.
The other person is completely different. He is older, has a face with a Chinese character, a beard, a tall figure, and a slovenly appearance. His clothes are ordinary, but his eyes are bright. At first glance, he looks like a man from Shandong, but for some reason he reveals an intelligent and elegant temperament.
.
After these two people took their seats first, the other students followed them, and soon three or four tables were filled.
The order of seating is actually the most important. Although sometimes it is just a subconscious behavior, it can also show people's status and prestige in their respective circles.
Obviously, although this group of students was summoned by Liu Zimin based on Zhao Junchen's reputation, and Liu Zimin was also the one to treat them today, in the eyes of the students, the status of these two people was actually higher than that of Liu Zimin.
Noticing this scene, Zhao Junchen, who was secretly observing from the side, looked at the two people with interest. Liu Zimin couldn't help but his expression was slightly condensed, but in an instant he returned to normal, and he just continued to greet the students to sit down.
After all the students were seated, Liu Zimin sat next to the two students who sat down first.
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"Brother Xiao." On the other side, Zhao Junchen suddenly asked Xiao Wenxuan: "Who are the two people who took the seat first? It seems that their status is still higher than Liu Zimin's? Weren't all these students gathered together by Liu Zimin?
?"
At this time, Xiao Wenxuan didn't seem to want to be discovered by the students and candidates. He was just eating the dish closest to him. After hearing Zhao Junchen's inquiry, he hesitated slightly and explained to Zhao Junchen softly: "
The noble-looking student is named Zeng Wei. He is the younger son of Mr. Zeng Congrong, the political envoy of Sichuan Province. Among these students, he has the most noble family background. However, although he has a noble family background, he does not have any sonorous qualities.
, it is not an exaggeration to say that he is approachable and highly praised by many people, and his knowledge is also excellent, and he is even better than me."
Hearing what Xiao Wenxuan said, Zhao Junchen nodded understandingly.
Zeng Wei is indeed one of Zhao Junchen's most valued candidates for this year's examination, but it is not because of his father Zeng Congrong.
As far as Zhao Junchen knew, Zeng Congrong could be called an old fox in the officialdom. Although he had speculated everywhere since he became an official in the court, he had never truly joined any faction in the court. But even so, he still relied on his qualifications to please everyone.
He was promoted to the position of political envoy of Youchengxuan in Sichuan, which shows his ability.
However, in the officialdom, under normal circumstances, being well-mannered and trying to please everyone may be considered an effective way to become an official. Although promotion is slower without the support of a backer, it will not be deliberately suppressed by hostile factions, let alone because the backer loses power.
was implicated, but at the critical moment, the disadvantages of having no backer were revealed.
That means there is no one to help!
The reason why Zeng Congrong became the envoy of Youcheng in Sichuan was not only because of his own qualifications and means, but also because in this era, Sichuan was not a good place for officials in the DPRK and China, although it had the reputation of "the land of abundance".
, but the transportation is inconvenient, the location is remote, the population is sparse, and the climate is unsuitable.
The most important thing is the complicated relationship between the ethnic minorities and the Han people there at this time.
It can be said that being an official in Sichuan is probably second only to Shuntian Prefecture in the capital.
It is precisely because of this that ordinary officials avoid official positions in Sichuan, and this is how Zeng Congrong was able to sit in this position.
But this was not the case at this time. With the passage of Zhao Junchen's "Sichuan Salt Service Reform", the position of Sichuan Province in the eyes of the ministers of the DPRK and the Central Government has instantly become a hot topic. You know.
in this era.
All positions related to salt are full of oil and gas.
Under such circumstances, how could Zeng Congrong, who had no backer, still secure his position as Sichuan Youcheng's envoy?
As far as Zhao Junchen knew, many courtiers had told Emperor Deqing about this in recent days, or that Zeng Congrong was old and lacked energy.
He should retire and return to his hometown, or it could be said that Zeng Congrong was tepid during his tenure, had no achievements, and was obviously lacking in ability. With the reform of Sichuan's salt affairs, the situation in Sichuan has become increasingly complicated.
More capable officials should be sent to replace Yun Yun.
When Zhao Junchen thinks about it, he is afraid that Zeng Congrong will retire from his position as Chief Envoy of Sichuan in the near future. The best result is just to be transferred to a casual position, but more likely he will be forced to retire and return to his hometown.
.
Therefore, the reason why Zhao Junchen valued Zeng Wei was not because of Zeng Congrong, but more because of Zeng Wei himself.
According to the information Zhao Junchen received, this was Zeng Wei's attempt to win over Liu Zimin.
Initially, the response was lukewarm.
It was neither cold nor hot, but news of Sichuan's salt reform came from the DPRK.
Zeng Wei immediately moved closer to Liu Zimin.
Judging from the time, it is obvious that this action was not prompted by his father in Sichuan, but by his own long-term vision and keen political sense. As soon as he heard the news about Sichuan's salt reform, he immediately understood the matter.
impact on one's own family.
In addition, Zeng Wei decisively moved closer to Zhao Junchen, changing his father's impartial official style in the court without any hesitation. It can be seen that this man is quite decisive and opinionated.
Obviously, such talents, if cultivated properly, will become great talents in the future.
On the other side, seeing Zhao Junchen nodding slightly with a thoughtful look on his face, Xiao Wenxuan paused for a moment and then continued: "As for the tall, plump scholar with a beard, sir, don't look at his appearance.
There are some rough and tumble men, but he is Zhao Shancai, a talented man from the south of the Yangtze River who is now famous in the capital. Although I have always thought highly of his talent, knowledge, and wit, I dare not compare with him."
Zhao Junchen was really surprised when he heard Xiao Wenxuan say this.
This time Zhao Junchen came to Tianhai Tower, he was actually looking forward to the Jiangnan talent Zhao Shan the most. Although according to Liu Zimin's report, Zhao Shancai's attitude towards Zhao Junchen was not clear, and his relationship with Liu Zimin was always aloof, but
After all, Zhao Shancai's fame and talent are here. Even an arrogant Xiao Wenxuan actually admits that his talent and learning cannot be compared with Zhao Shancai. Zhao Shancai's evaluation of Zhao Junchen as "a traitor who governs the world" also amazed Zhao Junchen. If he can compare with him
Being accepted as a disciple will undoubtedly be Zhao Junchen's biggest gain in this imperial examination.
However, Zhao Junchen never expected that the image in his mind of Zhao Shancai, a scholar from the south of the Yangtze River that was supposed to be elegant and comely, would actually look like a big man from Shandong.
Seeing the surprise on Zhao Junchen's expression, Xiao Wenxuan also smiled bitterly and shook his head. Apparently he had been similarly surprised at the beginning.
"But..." Xiao Wenxuan changed the topic, and there was a bit of ridicule in his expression. He didn't know whether he was mocking Zhao Shancai or himself, and then said: "Compared with Zhao Shancai, my talent and learning are very different, but when it comes to life,
As a person, I'm afraid there are even more differences. Young Master, don't look at this Zhao Shancai's prestige and status in the eyes of this group of students is still higher than that of Liu Zimin, but in fact his relationship with this group of people is only aloof, and has never been clearly stated
Zhao Junchen had no intention of seeking refuge with Zhao Junchen. At the same time, although Zhao Shancai had a close relationship with Liu Zimin and others, in the eyes of outsiders, the two had distinct meridians, and their reputations had never been damaged because of this. Such comprehensive and comprehensive methods
The scheming is evident."
At this point, Xiao Wenxuan smiled bitterly and shook his head, saying: "To be honest, I have always prided myself on having a sharp eye, but how on earth can Zhao Shancai be so comprehensive? I still haven't seen it yet."
Hearing what Xiao Wenxuan said, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but become more curious about Zhao Shancai, and secretly looked at him with interest.
Then, Zhao Junchen asked Xiao Wenxuan for various information about other students. Although the information obtained from Xiao Wenxuan at this time was inevitably biased, in a certain respect, it was more real.
Through conversations with Xiao Wenxuan, combined with his own secret observations, Zhao Junchen gradually gained a firm understanding of the character of the candidates who were willing to rely on him for the examination.
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But Liu Zimin, who has been using Zhao Junchen's name to win over people's hearts these days, is prosperous among the imperial examination candidates and is really prosperous.
Although his actions like this will be spurned by many conscientious students, and his reputation will be ruined because of it, and even affect the reputation of his deceased father, but people's hearts are in favor, and there are also many imperial examination candidates.
Like Xiao Wenxuan, he either longed for Zhao Junchen's power, or wanted to use Zhao Junchen's power to help him in his imperial examination, so he was very close to Liu Zimin.
In addition, Zhao Junchen funded him a lot of money. Liu Zimin has been living a luxurious life these days, spending a lot of money, almost all his wishes have come true, and he is very proud.
Ever since his father, Liu Wencai, the former imperial censor of Zuodu of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, was overthrown by Zhou Shangjing, the Liu family has been in decline for many years. They live in poverty and struggle, and most people in the world are those who add insult to injury. Over the years, Liu Zimin can be said to have suffered.
After all the cold treatment, have you ever been so proud?
And despite being proud, Liu Zimin's ambition gradually expanded due to the contrast.
Liu Zimin's ambitions were not big. He just hoped that after joining the court as an official, he could achieve a higher status among the "Zhao Party" and get more attention from Zhao Junchen.
In Liu Zimin's view, this time to win over the students' hearts for Zhao Junchen is his opportunity. As long as he can become the leader of this group of students and the representative of the new forces in the "Zhao Party", there is no need to worry about losing his status.
And take him seriously? Maybe he can become Zhao Junchen’s right-hand man in the future.
Unfortunately, this expectation is now gradually getting further and further away from Liu Zimin.
Because Liu Zimin was shocked to discover that Zeng Wei's status and reputation in this small circle had actually surpassed him at some point.
Not only Zeng Wei, but also Zhao Shancai, an outsider, had a higher status than himself!
Liu Zimin was filled with annoyance when he thought about the scene where he had just asked a group of students to take their seats, but the students were subconsciously waiting for Zeng Wei and Zhao Shan to take their seats first.
What's even more frightening is that all this was actually seen by Zhao Junchen who was standing by!
Will Zhao Junchen look down on himself because of this?
Being so worried, Liu Zimin looked in a daze, and was actually a little distracted while chatting and laughing with the students around him.
"Brother Liu! Brother Liu!"
Suddenly hearing someone calling him, Liu Zimin was startled and looked up, only to see Zeng Wei, who had taken away his position, looking at him with a smile.
Liu Zimin quickly put on a smile and asked, "Brother Zeng, please tell me."
Zeng Wei was stunned for a moment, then shook his head and laughed, and asked again: "Now we have followed Brother Liu to the Tianhai Tower for a gathering. The reason for this gathering has been kept secret by Brother Liu before, but now it is time to tell us.
Alright?"
Liu Zimin glanced slightly in the direction of Zhao Junchen, a look of joy suddenly appeared on his face, then he picked up the wine glass, stood up, and said loudly: "Everyone and I are all very interested in the current Minister of Household Affairs, Mr. Zhao.
We all have admiration, and this is how we gathered together. Mr. Zhao was ill a few days ago, and you and I were all very worried. Today I invite you all to tell you some good news. As far as I know,
I know, Lord Zhao, he has recovered physically. Please tell me, should we celebrate such a happy event?!"
As Liu Zimin finished speaking, all the students cheered, whether it was true or false!
However, just after the cheers were halfway through, the sound of broken plates was heard.
All the students turned around and saw the source of the sound, Xiao Wenxuan, looking at Zhao Junchen in disbelief!
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First update. (To be continued. Mobile phone users please go here to read.)