In the north of the capital, there is an inn called "Dexian Building". Although it is not very luxurious and not very famous, it is clean and elegant and the cost is not high. Therefore, many candidates, including Zhao Shancai, live here.
, On weekdays, the candidates gather together in the inn to talk about romance, poetry, calligraphy and painting, which is quite lively.
However, this day is the day when the rankings of the palace examination are released. For the candidates, this is related to the turning point of their life destiny. Therefore, when it gets dark, most of the candidates rush to the Ministry of Etiquette impatiently to wait for the news.
, so the "Dexian Building" became much empty and cleaner for a while.
However, unlike other candidates, Zhao Shancai was as calm and comfortable as ever at this time, without any eagerness or anxiety. He did not go to the Ministry of Household Affairs to wait for news. Instead, he took advantage of this rare quiet time to stay in his room and read.
A book called "Cai Gen Tan".
"There are many forces, and those who are not close are clean, and those who are close and untainted are especially clean; those who do not know the skills of omnics are high, and those who know them but do not use them are especially high..."
Zhao Shan just read this, sighed softly, put aside the "Cai Gen Tan" in his hand, closed his eyes and savored this thought-provoking and intriguing sentence. After a long time, he opened his eyes and sighed: "This is
This is the only book written by the dynasty."
As Zhao Shancai's words fell, someone outside the room suddenly raised his voice and laughed: "I didn't expect that Brother Shancai would have such a high opinion of Huanchu Taoist's work. Unfortunately, in my opinion, although this work is concise, clear and meaningful,
, both elegant and popular, and there are many truths in it that are thought-provoking. However, the views are too moderate. If you just stick to these principles, you may be able to protect yourself, but if you want to make a difference and achieve a career, it is absolutely impossible.
...With Brother Shancai's character and ambition, I am actually a little surprised that he would also like this work..."
Zhao Shancai smiled slightly and said, "It turns out that Brother Zeng is here. Please come into the room to talk."
As soon as he finished speaking, the door was pushed open, and the person who entered the room was Zeng Wei, who had high hopes for Zhao Junchen.
Zeng Wei was born in a family of officials, and his father once served as the chief envoy of Sichuan. Naturally, he had plenty of money on hand. He originally lived in the most luxurious inn in the capital, "Shenxianju", but suddenly a few days ago...
He moved to the "Dexian Building" and visited Zhao Shancai every day, chatting with him about interesting things about the government and the public.
After entering the room, Zeng Wei said with a smile: "What? Today is the day when the results of the imperial examination are announced. Why doesn't Brother Zhao go to the Ministry of Rites to wait for the news?"
Zhao Shancai also smiled and said, "Brother Zeng didn't go either?"
Zeng Wei shook his head and said: "The ranking of the imperial examination is appointed by His Majesty. How can it be changed by me going or not going? The ranking is as high as it should be. In that case, why should I go?... What's more,
The candidates who live here, the owner of this inn, and even the entourage around me have all gone to the Ministry of Etiquette to wait for news. Why should I join in the fun? After they come back, they will naturally inform me of my ranking.
, so I’ll just wait for the news here.”
While talking, Zeng Wei sat down next to Zhao Shancai.
Zhao Shancai nodded and said: "Brother Zeng's thoughts are the same as mine, but at this time, how many of the candidates can calm down and wait for the news? Brother Zeng's indifferent nature and extraordinary tolerance are enough to be admired.
.”
Zeng Wei commented indifferently: "As the saying goes, 'Smart people talk and stupid people run errands', so smart people will always be lazy. I have been taught by my father for many years, but I dare not belittle myself. At this time, I naturally have to treat myself as a smart person."
It has nothing to do with xinxing and measure to hold ourselves to the standard."
While speaking, Zeng Wei shook his head and laughed at himself, saying: "What's more, with my talent and learning, no matter what, my results can't be compared to Brother Zhao. Of course, I can't compare to the grandson of Zhou's first assistant, but I won't be beaten either."
After comparing with other people, the ranking can be roughly estimated, so naturally there is no need to worry."
Zhao Shancai smiled and said: "The talents and learning required for the imperial examination are just dead knowledge from books after all, and have little to do with the way of life and governance. However, I have known Brother Zeng for many days, and I know that Brother Zeng, you may be good at talents and learning.
A little inferior to me, but in terms of knowledge, vision, means, etc., Brother Zeng is not inferior to any of his peers in the world."
Zeng Wei shook his head and said: "If I were facing other people, I would dare to say this, but Brother Zhao, you are a close disciple of the former Crown Prince and Grand Master He Ming. You have obtained the true inheritance of the old Grand Master He. My knowledge and
Even more so, I dare not compare with Brother Zhao in terms of means."
Zhao Shancai shook his head and said: "Brother Zeng said just now that he didn't dare to belittle himself, why are you so humble now?"
Zeng Wei sighed: "I'm just telling the truth... It's just that I don't understand something, but I still want to ask Brother Zhao for advice."
Zhao Shancai nodded and said with a smile: "I don't want to take the advice seriously. Brother Zeng, please tell me."
After Zeng Wei pondered for a moment, he asked: "Brother Zhao's perspective is very clear about the world, so it is natural that he should understand that although the current Crown Prince is resolute and upright, he is also naive, stubborn and self-conscious.
He has set many unnecessary principles and bottom lines, and is by no means an ideal assistant candidate... And Brother Zhao, you have inherited Master He's imperial skills, the core of which is to pay attention to the weaknesses of human nature, and do not compromise on means, but they are all
His Highness is something he cannot accept, so Brother Zhao, even if you seek refuge with His Highness, you will never be liked by His Highness. Even if you are taken as a confidant by His Highness, it will be difficult for His Highness to adopt your plans. At that time,
, Brother Zhao, you will inevitably be tied up, and all the talents and learning inherited from the old master He will be useless, isn't it a pity? "
Zhao Shancai looked helpless, shook his head and said: "Brother Zeng, you and I have had many deep conversations in the past few days. During this period, you have repeatedly tried to persuade me, secretly or openly, to join you in joining Zhao Junchen. Now I want to
I would like to ask you, what is the charm of Zhao Junchen that not only makes you surrender wholeheartedly, but also pulls me to join him?
Although Zhao Junchen's methods are comparable to those of others in the city, he now has his own faction in the temple, and his power and influence are no less than those of the court elders. But after all, he is just a notorious corrupt official, and everyone in the government and the public knows about it. Brother Zeng
You should naturally know after reading history books. Since ancient times, corrupt officials and powerful officials like this have never ended well in the end, even if they gain power for a while. Brother Zeng, you are so smart and have a long-term vision, why do you want to surrender to him wholeheartedly?"
After Zeng Wei was silent for a moment, he slowly replied: "I want to persuade Brother Zhao to join me in joining Zhao Junchen. First, because I know Brother Zhao's ability and intelligence, so I really don't want to be an enemy of Brother Zhao in the future; second, I want to persuade Brother Zhao to join me in joining Zhao Junchen.
I admire Brother Zhao’s human nature, and I don’t want Brother Zhao to take refuge in the wrong mastermind and waste what he has learned throughout his life!”
After a pause, Zeng Wei continued: "As for why I want to take refuge with Zhao Junchen... in the eyes of others, it is because with the implementation of Zhao Junchen's "Sichuan Salt Policy Reform Notes", the Sichuan Chief Envoy's
The position instantly became a lucrative position, and because my father had no backing, his official position was on the verge of collapse. I turned to Zhao Junchen just to protect my father's official position... But Brother Zhao, you should know that I am not so eager for quick success and short-sighted.
man of……"
Zhao Shancai nodded and waited for Zeng Wei to continue.
Over the past few days, Zhao Shancai and Zeng Wei have had in-depth conversations several times. They have become close friends with each other. Although Zeng Wei admires Zhao Shancai's mind and knowledge, Zhao Shancai also appreciates Zeng Wei's talents and methods, so Zhao Shancai is actually quite confused.
With Zeng Wei's knowledge and vision, why did he choose to seek refuge with Zhao Junchen?
Zhao Shancai asked several times before, but Zeng Wei always avoided talking. Now that the palace examination is finally over. The two are about to enter the officialdom, and Zeng Wei is finally willing to tell his truth.
On the other side, Zeng Wei paused and continued: "I don't deny that I want to preserve the glory of the family, which is one of the reasons why I took refuge in Zhao Junchen. However, this is not all. Remember Brother Zhao, when you commented on Zhao Junchen
Junchen is called the 'treacherous official who governs the world', and I wholeheartedly agree, but Brother Zhao, your evaluation is based on speculation from various rumors, but I have seen it with my own eyes!"
"Oh?" Zhao Shancai was slightly stunned.
Zeng Wei patiently explained: "Brother Zhao is from Jiangnan. He goes to Beijing to take the exam from south to north, along the Grand Canal. But my family lives in Sichuan, and the route to Beijing to take the exam is much more troublesome. First, I enter Shaanxi from northern Sichuan, and then
From Shaanxi to Shanxi, we can finally reach the capital. During this period, I passed through Lu'an Mansion, and found that countless people there regarded Zhao Junchen as the sky, and even enshrined Zhao Junchen's longevity tablet, regardless of officials or farmers.
Businessmen and workers all have high praise for Zhao Junchen..."
Zhao Shancai nodded understandingly and sighed: "I have also read the "Records of Locust Extermination in Lu'an Prefecture". I thought this book was just an attempt by Shanxi merchants to please Zhao Junchen for the Sichuan Salt incident. What's in it
The contents are all exaggerated and made out of nothing, but now it seems that I should have taken it for granted."
Zeng Wei nodded and said: "That's right! In fact, the people always follow what they say. When everyone said that Zhao Junchen was a corrupt official, the people naturally believed it and scolded him together. But now
As the people in southern Shanxi rush to praise Zhao Junchen's merits, the people around him will naturally gradually change their views on Zhao Junchen. At least in the places I pass by, Zhao Junchen's reputation is no longer in disgrace."
Zhao Shancai pondered and did not answer, but quietly digested the new news.
Zeng Wei sighed and continued: "In fact, now not only near southern Shanxi, but also from North Zhili to South Zhili, in the four provinces and thirteen prefectures, Zhao Junchen's reputation has quietly changed.
Come on! Brother Zhao, you should have heard the news. Because the prince failed to prepare for the southern tour, many people were displaced and their families were destroyed along the way. During this period, Zhao Junchen has been doing his best to provide relief, and he has saved many lives.
People, I don’t know how many people have changed their attitude towards Zhao Junchen..."
Speaking of this, Zeng Wei looked at Zhao Shancai meaningfully and asked: "In that case, Brother Zhao, do you still think that Zhao Junchen is just a purely corrupt official? Yes, Zhao Junchen is notorious now, but that's only now
Well, with Zhao Junchen's deliberate changes, it is conceivable that these notorious reputations will soon change. At that time, Zhao Junchen will still be in a situation of death and inevitable decline? I'm afraid not necessarily? "
Recalling his initial contact with Zhao Junchen, Zhao Shancai was silent for a moment and said: "Even if he is good at decorating his appearance, a corrupt official and a traitor are still corrupt and traitorous. How can I be with him?"
Zeng Wei smiled and said: "Didn't Brother Zhao evaluate Zhao Junchen as a 'treacherous official who governs the world'? Since he can govern the world, why bother with the details? With the emperor's skills that Brother Zhao has learned, he should never care about these things."
Zhao Shancai shook his head and said: "Since what I have learned is the art of the emperor, I should naturally sell it to the emperor's family. This is the oath that my master made me swear when I became a disciple. If I surrender to Zhao Junchen,
Then not only did I violate my oath, but I also became an enemy of the prince... Although the emperor's art that I have learned focuses on human weakness and unscrupulous means, there is still a bottom line after all. I hope Brother Zeng can understand... What's more,
The prince is the future emperor, and it is orthodox. As long as the prince can succeed to the throne smoothly, then Zhao Junchen will definitely not end well..."
Zeng Wei suddenly laughed and said leisurely: "Brother Zhao is far superior to Zeng in terms of talent, intelligence, intelligence, and eloquence. However, when you and I talked today, I said something, you argued something, and you and I several times
After a deep discussion, this is the first time I have the upper hand, why does Brother Zhao think this is?"
Before Zhao Shancai could answer, Zeng Wei sneered and said: "Because, Brother Zhao, you also know very well that the prince is not your ideal mastermind. In comparison, Zhao Junchen can really play to your strengths. So.
You hesitated in your heart, so you fell behind in the conversation, isn't that so? The prince... is certainly the future emperor. Of course he is orthodox, and no one can compete with him after he succeeds to the throne. But with the prince's character as a person,
Can you really succeed to the throne smoothly? Brother Zhao. To be honest, if it weren’t for the prince’s temperament, I really wouldn’t have dared to seek refuge with Zhao Junchen!”
After Zhao Shancai heard Zeng Wei's words, he was silent for a long time, then suddenly smiled, his expression returned to his usual calmness, and he said slowly: "His Royal Highness will successfully ascend the throne. If I can't even do this,
, he has really failed to live up to what he has learned in his life... A real man does something and doesn't do something in this world. Although Zhao Junchen's methods are brilliant and his reputation has changed, his friends in the government are all corrupt officials.
Corrupt officials, although these corrupt officials are crowding around him now, they are still in a situation that cannot be defeated. Therefore, if Zhao Junchen is allowed to overthrow His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and cover the sky with one hand in the temple, then the Ming Dynasty will be in chaos! In this way, if I join him again
For him, wouldn’t he be helping Zhou to do evil?”
At this point, seeing what Zeng Wei wanted to say, Zhao Shancai added firmly: "Brother Zeng, I have made up my mind. Although the future is difficult and dangerous, I will never look back! No matter whether I succeed or fail, right or wrong, I have no regrets!
So, you don’t have to say it anymore.”
This time, it was Zeng Wei's turn to be silent.
After Zeng Wei was silent for a moment, he slowly stood up and said: "Today is the day when the results of the imperial examination are revealed, and it is also the beginning of our entry into the officialdom. I originally wanted to take this opportunity to persuade Brother Zhao again, but now it seems that I
There is no way to make Brother Zhao change his mind... Hey! From today on, you and I will be our own masters... It's a pity, I really don't want to be an enemy of Brother Zhao..."
While talking, Zeng Wei had already left Zhao Shancai's room.
Zhao Shancai, on the other hand, remained silent, not refuting, but also not holding back.
When Zeng Wei walked away, Zhao Shan picked up the "Cai Gen Tan" in his hand and read slowly again: "Those who love benefits escape from morality, and their harm is obvious and superficial; those who love fame sneak into morality.
, its harm is hidden and profound..."
After reading this, Zhao Shan paused for a moment, then turned the page and continued to read the following sentences.
Between reading and reciting, time passes.
…
When Zhao Shancai had read nearly half of "Cao Gen Tan", the sound of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the room.
Then, Zhao Shancai's scholar Zhao Mu pushed open the door and said loudly and happily: "Master, good news, great news, you got the second place in the Jinke imperial examination!"
Hearing Zhao Mu's words, Zhao Shancai didn't look happy at all. He just asked with a calm expression: "Oh? So who is the top pick in this subject? Zhou Suwen?"
Seeing Zhao Shancai's appearance, Zhao Mu also calmed down a little, and nodded slightly unconvinced, saying: "Yes, even that Zhou Suwen, if you ask me, Zhou Suwen's talent and knowledge may not be better than the young master.
It’s just that his family background is good, he has a grandfather who is the first minister of the dynasty, otherwise the top scholar in this class must be a young master!"
Zhao Shancai smiled softly, but did not see any indignation, and said slowly: "Family background is also a part of strength. This is not fair, but it is a fact. It is not only the case now, it can be expected that this situation will be like this in thousands of years."
It won't change, so you don't have to be unconvinced... By the way, I heard that the prince returned to Beijing today. When you went to the Ministry of Rites to look at the list, did you get any news? "
Zhao Mu nodded repeatedly and said: "I heard about it. Now the six yamen are spreading the news! It is said that while the prince was away from Beijing to handle the case, he arrested a total of nearly a hundred local officials. After returning to Beijing, he even appeared in public in the morning.
Impeached Zhou Shangjing, Huang Yourong, and Shen Changmao..."
"Snapped!"
As Zhao Mu finished speaking, the "Cai Gen Tan" in Zhao Shancai's hand fell to the ground.
Zhao Mu looked up and saw that Zhao Shancai, who had always been calm and calm, as if he had everything under control, now had a look of shock on his face!
Zhao Shancai never expected that he had already reminded the prince Zhu Heyu through Lu Chunxiao, the censor of Zuodu, but the prince Zhu Heyu still made the matter bigger! And the trouble was even bigger than imagined!
Originally, Zhao Shancai had made up his mind to assist Crown Prince Zhu Heyu with all his heart, but at this moment, Zhao Shancai suddenly felt that this matter might be more difficult than he imagined!
…………
ps: Well, it’s a big chapter of 5,000 words!
...(To be continued, please search Piaotian Literature, the novels will be better and updated faster!