The imperial examination ends in the spring, and those who pass the test are waiting to be selected. There are several ways to fail: go home, stay in Chang'an, travel around...
It's a long way home, and I'm exhausted from going back and forth.
Staying in Chang'an and living in Chang'an is not easy. Those who can stay in Chang'an must have connections, many friends, and money.
The third way is to travel around, increase your knowledge and gain qualifications at the same time... In a certain year and month, I traveled to Northern Xinjiang and saw the magnificence of Northern Xinjiang, the poverty in Northern Xinjiang, and the difficulties of the frontier fortress... This qualification is very impressive.
"Boss, get up."
"Aye."
"Pack your things and look carefully to make sure you don't leave anything behind."
"I want to poop."
"Hurry up, a group of people are waiting for you."
"It's time for breakfast!"
"Pull out the cart."
"Guest, please move slowly!"
The early morning of the reverse journey was very noisy and smoky.
Qian Shi opened his eyes and felt his body shaking, as if he was still on the road.
The weather was a bit cold, so he couldn't help but wrap himself up in quilt.
Next door is his companion Zhuang Qin, a powerful son.
On the other side is Zhuang Nansheng, a landowner who comes from a so-called farming and studying family.
Unlike them, Qian Shi's father was the county chief registrar, and he was from an official background.
However, in the eyes of these failed scholars, the status of county chief registrar seems a bit humble. At least you must be the son of a county magistrate.
get up!
After walking out of the room, Qian Shi was refreshed and shouted: "Get up!"
"Why are you panicking?"
Next door, Zhuang Qin was lazing around.
Qian Shi went downstairs. Most of the guests staying at the hotel had left, and most of the remaining guests had to stay.
"Guest, please go to the backyard to wash up!" The waiter pointed to the backyard without his feet touching the ground.
Qian Shi went to the backyard, where there was a well and several water tanks.
After washing, he moved his body.
"Money is right."
Zhuang Qin and Mao Nan were born, lazy.
"Wash up quickly!" Qian Shi frowned, "Then go and see Deputy Envoy Yang."
"What do you want me to ask for?" Zhuang Qin took a bowl and scooped out water to rinse his mouth, "Ahhhh..."
Mao Nansheng squatted down, brushed his teeth, and said with his mouth in his mouth: "People from Northern Xinjiang will come to receive you today, so you won't have to worry about food and drink. Those who have stayed here for ten and a half months will pick up some Cheng Yi before leaving, and go to Chang'an with Northern Xinjiang to take the exam." It will be more comfortable if we go back together."
"It's etiquette after all!" Qian Shi was a little dissatisfied.
"Bah!" Zhuang Qin spit out water and turned around and said: "Yang Xuan and Chang'an have already fallen out. Didn't you hear this all the way? Chang'an is saying that Yang Xuan is rebellious. We came here to see the rebellious one..."
"Stay here." Mao Nansheng said: "That Yang Xuan's poems are very good. Since we are here, we must go and meet him at least."
Qian Shi knew that this was not an opinion, but a desire to maximize benefits.
The larger the official you meet, the better the subsequent reception and the richer Cheng Yi will be.
Zhuang Qin smiled and said, "I drank too much last night and forgot about it."
Everyone finished washing and then had breakfast.
"Let's go see Deputy Envoy Yang."
Zhuang Qin regarded himself as the leader and went to the Jiedu envoy's house with more than thirty scholars.
"Where is the Jiedu ambassador's house?"
Zhuang Qin looked for a passerby and asked him.
The passerby pointed to the right, "More than thirty steps from here, turn left and go out. When you see the avenue, go right. You can see it all the way."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome!"
Zhuang Qin handed over his hand and said after coming back: "It smells like mutton, it is indeed a barren land. Damn it, I will definitely not come here next time."
Mao Nansheng smiled and said: "One qualification is enough. Even if there is a peerless beauty here next time, I won't come."
"Ha ha ha ha!"
A group of people laughed as if no one was around.
Zhuang Qin coughed dryly and said, "Be low-key."
Everyone laughed.
Zhuang Qin raised his hands to the curious people around him, and then said: "The relationship between Northern Xinjiang and Chang'an is very troublesome now, and it is not good for us to wade into troubled waters.
Remember, if Yang Xuan recruits us, just be polite. Whoever agrees or stays has nothing to do with us from now on."
Mao Nansheng nodded, "Northern Xinjiang is destined to be purged, and whoever is stupid will stay. Let's come here to get some experience and gain knowledge."
"Countless!"
The group of people arrived outside the Jiedushi's house.
Zhuang Qin stepped forward and held up his hands, "Please report that Chang'an scholar Zhuang Qin and others want to see Deputy Envoy Yang."
Menzi had already been told, "Wait a moment."
Zhuang Qin smiled, "It's troublesome."
He turned back to look at his companions and said, "Please remain reserved later."
He is well-informed, so what he says is convincing.
Qian Shi felt that such a trip was a bit boring, and he wanted to leave the group and take a walk alone in northern Xinjiang.
But if you are unfamiliar with this place, you must be accompanied by a local if you want to travel.
Look!
Let's see what Deputy Yang means.
Qian Shi thought of his father's evaluation of Yang Xuan: a capable minister and a domineering general.
Outstanding ability, but too domineering.
If Yang Xuan hadn't said that he would live up to the Tang Dynasty in this life, countless people outside would regard him as a traitor, and everyone would beat him up.
Mao Nansheng patted him on the shoulder, "What are you thinking about? Do you think this place is better than your Yamen?"
"Big!" Qian Shi satisfied Mao Nansheng's sense of superiority with just one word.
"Haha!" Mao Nansheng said: "Last time we went to southern Xinjiang, it was bigger there. The local reception was very kind. They booked a family for a reverse trip. They had wine and meat every day. They were accompanied by officials or local scholars and traveled around.
…
Hey! Those days will be so beautiful."
It’s just a dream of death!
Qian Shi looked depressed.
"Qian Shi, what do you want to do in this life?" Mao Nansheng suddenly asked.
Qian Shi said: "Take it one step at a time. If it doesn't work, just become a small official."
My father said: The imperial examination is an experience. You should walk more and see more. You should be careful in your words and deeds, and don't talk about your thoughts to everyone.
He was a little surprised and asked, why?
The father sighed, if you are unlucky, if you tell it, it will only make people laugh. If you are proud, if you tell it, it will only make people jealous...
In this world, only your parents and relatives will be truly happy for your achievements and sad for your misfortunes.
All right!
Although he felt that what his father said was too arrogant, he still did as he was told.
Sure enough, he said that his ambition was very decadent, and Mao Nansheng patted him on the shoulder with a sad look on his face and said something... How can a great man be so sluggish?
But in an instant, Mao Nansheng went to talk to others in high spirits. He was full of energy, as if he had just taken a few pills of Chang'an's popular rejuvenation pill.
It turns out that your misfortune will only make others happy!
Qian Shi verified his father's words one by one.
The door came out, "Everyone, please come with me."
"Shouldn't you call yourself a villain?" Mao Nansheng asked with high spirits, still immersed in a sense of superiority that was greater than Qian Shi's life goal.
Menzi said neither humble nor arrogantly: "Internally, if you should call yourself a villain, then call yourself a villain. Externally, I represent Northern Xinjiang, so naturally I cannot bow my head."
Mao Nansheng's high spirits were immediately discouraged, and he said unwillingly: "Who said this?"
"Deputy Ambassador Yang."
Menzi glanced at Mao Nansheng and said, "How dare you beep again?"
Mao Nansheng coughed dryly and looked at the buildings on the left and right, "It's so big."
It turns out that many people who seem to be aggressive are fake, and their true colors will be revealed when encountering difficulties.
What kind of person is Deputy Envoy Yang?
A capable minister in governing the world, a domineering general.
Mostly vicious!
Mao Nansheng whispered, "Be careful, that person is probably vicious."
Menzi's words made these scholars feel the same way.
Outside the lobby, the doorman asked them to wait while he went in to report.
Qian Shi stood in front. He could see the situation in the lobby and hear the voices when he raised his eyes.
But he lowered his eyes slightly and didn't look.
"...The weather is getting cold, so officials from all over the country are visiting to pay homage to the local elderly people's clothing, food, housing and transportation. My request is not high, but don't starve to death, okay?"
"Don't worry, Deputy."
"Yeah! By the way, tell those officials that with the money and food I have allocated here, those who are brave can try Tan Mo and see if their necks are tougher or my knife is tougher."
"The deputy is not afraid that they will be frightened?"
"I also want to say nice words, but money and silk can move people's hearts!"
Footsteps sounded outside.
Someone entered from the right side and said, "Deputy envoy, the scouts are here to report that the rangers from Jianshui City raided one of our farming sites last night."
"how?"
"More than 20 people on our side died, but the other side didn't want to please them. The soldiers stationed in the field were well prepared. A wave of arrows struck, leaving more than 30 people behind, while the rest fled in confusion."
"Tell Jiang Cunzhong to take revenge!"
"yes!"
The footsteps reached the front and stopped.
Yang Xuan looked at these scholars and said with a smile: "Those who can participate in the imperial examination are all great talents. You come to Northern Xinjiang because you want to take a walk and have a look. I welcome you."
This is a good opening, very gentle.
"There are many outsiders speculating about what is happening in Northern Xinjiang, but scholars should not sit in a well and look at the sky, especially those who think that they can know the affairs of the world without going out."
These words were meant to teach a lesson, Qian Shi raised his head and took a look.
Young, heroic, with dignity between his brows... He doesn't look like a vicious person!
"No matter how much you read, if you don't have experience to back it up, you are just reading dead books. If you read thousands of books, you still have to travel thousands of miles." Yang Xuan knew that these people were arrogant, "Now that you are here...then go."
Look around. Tan Jin."
An official came out of the lobby, "Deputy Ambassador."
Yang Xuan pointed to these scholars, "Take these scholars around and take a look. There is no need to cover up."
This is too much confidence!
Zhuang Qin raised his head, half-smiling but not smiling.
He is an old man and well-informed. No matter where he travels, local officials will be secretive. They are not allowed to go to many places and are not allowed to interfere with many places.
"May I ask the deputy envoy, where can I go?" Zhuang Qin asked.
Yang Xuan nodded, "Except for confidentiality, you can go."
"Thank you, Deputy Ambassador."
Zhuang Qin was a little excited. Qian Shi knew what he was excited about, and it was nothing more than being able to find faults... After returning to Chang'an, Beijiang's faults were his talking points and his capital.
The more people who oppose Yang Xuan, the more valuable this capital will be.
The scholars left, and Han Ji came out, "Are these people?"
Yang Xuan nodded, "There are old people, there are those who don't know the heights of the world, and there are also those who are at a loss. Now that they are here, let them see the true situation of our northern border."
"Why not let Bao Dong go?" Han Ji asked.
"Bao Dong is in the countryside."
…
In a village outside Taoxian County.
The tanned Bao Dong sat under a tree at the head of the village, surrounded by villagers.
He held a large porcelain bowl, took a sip of water, and said, "I have been doing business in Northern Xinjiang these years." He patted the basket on his back. Just before, he sold some goods in the village, with a total value of three yuan.
, the money earned is not enough for today’s expenses.
He put down the big bowl and wiped the corners of his mouth with his sleeve vulgarly, "In the past few years, businessmen would be made things difficult when they went everywhere."
An old man squatted diagonally opposite and said with a smile: "That's for the benefit."
Bao Dong stretched out his thumb and said, "You are wise. It is true. You must be given benefits."
The old man said proudly: "You are skinning people when you pass by! I have seen it before."
Bao Dong nodded, "But if you go and take a look now, it's gone."
"No more?" The old man was a little surprised.
Many villagers have never even been to the county town in their lives, and their only experience is the sky above their heads.
Bao Dong said: "No, now whoever dares to reach out for benefits, you give it to him. When you go back, you go to the city to report it. In two days at most, that person will be dead.
Not only will you lose your job, but you will still have to be investigated for three years. Once it is found that the amount of bribe demanded exceeds ten yuan, you will be sentenced to prison. Do you know the prison sentence?"
"Just going to jail!" a young man said excitedly.
"Yes, it means going to jail."
The old man was surprised and said, "That's Mr. Guan!"
Bao Dong smiled and said, "What about the officials? Some people say that it is the people who support the officials. After all, the people are the officials.
But the world is turned upside down, and officials have become the slaves of the people.
If this continues, something will happen sooner or later.
Therefore, the man said, "You are not satisfied with eating the people's food. You wish you could break the bones and suck out the marrow. What are these officials doing? Once discovered, they will be severely punished."
The old man rubbed his feet and took a few steps closer to Bao Dong. "Report? That year, someone also reported a minor official. Later, for some reason, the minor official found out and led people to ransack his house. The family was missing. Some people said they had fled.
Became a beggar."
Bao Dong shook his head, "That man sent people around, and anyone found to leak information or cover up the guilty officials will be punished with the same crime.
Think about it, you are just trying to protect your colleagues out of favor, but when you turn around, you are guilty of whatever your colleagues are guilty of, who would be willing to do that?"
The old man patted his thigh and said, "This is a great method, it's amazing!"
He took a few more steps and said, "In this way, we dare to go out."
Bao Dong sighed in his heart and looked at the longing faces, "Just go!"
"There are still taxes!" The old man felt that he was a little greedy.
Bao Dong said: "In the same way, if you find anyone who dares to collect taxes indiscriminately or who dares to collect money and food under clever names, just report it.
Don't be afraid, tell your neighbors and relatives before reporting, and if they are retaliated against, ask them to go to Tao County.
When the time comes! Pull them all down from top to bottom! Those who deserve to be exiled will be exiled, and those who deserve to be beheaded will be beheaded.
If you come here a few times, at least you can manage it for fifty years!"
The old man was so excited that he couldn't help but hesitate a little longer, only to find that he was face to face with Bao Dong. He smiled coquettishly, and then asked: "Who is that person you are talking about?"
Bao Dong said: "Deputy Ambassador Yang of Tao County!"
The old man looked at him and said, "I believe it."
He stood up and said, "Boss."
"Aye!" A strong man came over.
"Last time you said you were going to the city to do something, and you were worried about being bullied. Now you're not afraid anymore. You can go tomorrow."
"Okay!" The strong man looked happy.
"Second dick!"
"Aye!" A man came over.
The old man said: "Go to Mr. Ma's house in the village and ask for a piece of paper. Give him a dollar and ask Mr. Ma to write a few words."
The second child asked: "What word?"
"The position of Deputy Ambassador Yang."
The old man turned around and looked at the villagers, "Such a good official must be protected.
Our voices are weak, but there are many people.
Every household prays for Vice Envoy Yang every day, one person, one hundred people, one thousand people...