While Lu Yao and his father Lu Xu were discussing what had happened in the past few days in the palace, as well as Lu Yao's imperial examination, Han Qi also welcomed a distinguished guest in the Han palace.
This person is both his good friend and his official colleague.
Fan Zhongyan.
Fan Zhongyan, who is he? At this time, he has not yet written the classic sentence "Be worried about the world's worries first, and be happy after the world's happiness." His stage has just begun.
Fan Zhongyan was born on Dingchou day in August of the second year of Duangong, Emperor Taizong of the Song Dynasty, in the official residence of Jieduzhang Secretary of Xuzhou.
In the first year of Chunhua, Fan Yong died of illness and his mother, Xie, was poor and helpless, so she had to hold the two-year-old Fan Zhongyan in her arms and remarry Zhu Wenhan, a native of Changshan, Zizhou. Fan Zhongyan also changed his surname to Zhu Shuo.
In the eighth year of Dazhong Xiangfu, Fan Zhongyan ascended the Cai Qi list in the name of "Zhu Shuo" and ranked 97th in the Second Division of the Middle School. He became a Jinshi from "Hanru" and was appointed as the manager of the Guangde Army to join the army and take charge of the litigation prison and cases.
Matters, official position is ninth rank. It can be said that Fan Zhongyan is one of the few people from a poor family who can succeed in life.
Since he already had a salary from the imperial court, Fan Zhongyan took his mother to support him. In the first year of Tianxi, Fan Zhongyan was promoted to Wenlin Lang and appointed as a Jiedushi official in the Jiqing Army. He returned to the clan and restored the surname of Fan Zhongyan.
name.
In the first year of Jingyou's reign, Fan Zhongyan was transferred to the post of magistrate of Suzhou, established a place to live in Nanyuan, and built a county school. When floods occurred in Suzhou, Fan Zhongyan ordered the people to dredge five canals, build water conservancy projects, and guide water from Taihu Lake into the sea. The following year, due to his contribution to water control, Fan Zhongyan
, Fan Zhongyan was transferred back to the capital and sentenced to the Imperial Academy, and was soon promoted to a member of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Wailang, with the power to know the Kaifeng Mansion. Fan Zhongyan vigorously rectified the bureaucracy in the capital and eliminated bad governance.
If you have Fan Jun to worry about, if there is no problem in the capital, there will be something to write about."
In the third year of Jingyou's reign, Fan Zhongyan was dissatisfied with Prime Minister Lu Yijian's control of the government, cultivating party members, and appointing cronies. He presented the "Hundred Officials Map" to Emperor Renzong, sharply criticized the prime minister's employment system, and persuaded the emperor to formulate a system and personally control the promotion of officials. Lu Yijian
Not to be outdone, he ridiculed Fan Zhongyan for being pedantic, and slandered Fan Zhongyan for "exceeding his duties, colluding with cronies, and alienating the emperor and his ministers." Fan Zhongyan wrote four chapters in a row, criticizing Lu Yijian for being cunning. Because of his fierce words, he was dismissed and transferred to Raozhou.
Shi Handu composed a tune to suit his needs, listed the names of Fan Zhongyan's comrades, and asked Renzong to publish a list in the court.
The dispute between Fan and Lu was very involved. Secretary Cheng Yujing wrote a letter requesting to amend the edict; Prince Zhongyun Yinzhu sued himself and Fan Zhongyan was a mentor and friend, and he was willing to be demoted together; Ouyang Xiu, the editor of the pavilion, blamed Gao Ruona.
As an admonisher, he said nothing about Fan Zhongyan's demotion. Cai Xiang also wrote a poem "Four Sages and One Unworthy" to attack Gao Ruona, but they were all implicated in being demoted. The courtiers were afraid of the power of the prime minister and did not dare to say anything. Fan Zhongyan was demoted.
After leaving the capital, no one dared to say goodbye. Only Li Hong, a direct bachelor of Dulong Tuge, and Wang Zhi, the manager of Jixian School, went out to see him off in the suburbs.
In the fourth year of Jingyou's reign, Lu Yijian was dismissed from the post of prime minister. The scholar-bureaucrats defended Fan Zhongyan one after another. The two sides argued with each other and factional arguments broke out. Renzong ordered Prime Minister Zhang Shixun to ask about the plan and issued an edict to prohibit each other from forming factions.
Because Fan Zhongyan was demoted many times for his remonstrances, Mei Yaochen wrote "Lingwu Fu" to urge Fan Zhongyan to talk less, meddle less, and just be free. Fan Zhongyan wrote back to "Lingwu Fu", emphasizing that he "would rather die than die."
"Live in silence", fully demonstrating the awe-inspiring and solemn etiquette of asking for life for the people.
At this time, the reason why Fan Zhongyan appeared in Han Qi's house was naturally because of Xixia Li Yuanhao's independence. Before, Lu Yao had wondered many times why Fan Zhongyan's name was rarely mentioned in the court. That was because,
This person's name has become a taboo. Zhao Zhen has issued an order not to form friends with each other. Naturally, the ministers dare not talk about Fan Zhongyan casually.
However, the current situation has changed. The threat from Xixia is getting bigger and bigger, and they have already sent envoys to the Song Dynasty during the Spring Festival this year, semi-forcefully trying to get the Song Dynasty to recognize Xixia's status.
Side affairs also began to become tense during this period. Zhao Zhen looked at the whole dynasty and could not find a minister who could handle this matter properly, so after the year, he sent an envoy to ask Fan Zhongyan for advice, and wrote in a letter
Zhong said that Fan Zhongyan was popular and hoped to recall him to the capital.
Fan Zhongyan was deeply grateful for the emperor's favor and immediately set off for Bianliang. When he came back, he happened to catch up with the imperial examination. At this time, Fan Zhongyan's mentality had changed significantly. He remembered that he had left before
When he was in Kyoto, no one dared to see him off. People in the court were afraid of being inferior when he mentioned him. This time he was demoted, which made Fan Zhongyan understand a truth.
That is, he can no longer be as isolated and helpless as before. He wants to cultivate his own power in the court and find people who, like himself, want to change the situation in the court and then change the country.
So, he immediately thought of his good friend, Han Qi. Han Qi is now the Privy Councilor. It won't be long before the war in Xixia begins, and Han Qi will become the actual controller of the highest power in the imperial court.
Therefore, after Fan Zhongyan returned to Bianliang City, the first place he went to was not the palace, but directly to Han Qi's house.
When he learned that his friend had returned with honor, Han Qi was naturally happy for him. Fan Zhongyan was demoted from Beijing before. In fact, Han Qi wanted to see him off, but Fan Zhongyan took the initiative to reject him. After all, if Han Qi showed that he was too close to Fan Zhongyan at that time,
If you get close, you might get implicated.
But this time, when Han Qi knew that his friend was already waiting for him in the main hall, he didn't have time to think more and went directly to the main hall.
Friends who haven't seen each other for many years naturally have a lot to say. Han Qi first told Fan Zhongyan everything that happened during the days when Fan Zhongyan left Bianliang. Then, the two of them immediately got to the point, which was the border defense of Xixia and
War matters.
After saying this, the two couldn't help but chat about the imperial examinations in the past few days.
Fan Zhongyan was suffering from the fact that no one around him had the same interests as him and could become a partner, so he said: "I don't know if there will be so many capable people in this imperial examination who can have the same aspirations as us in the future."
When Han Qi heard what Fan Zhongyan said, he naturally understood the meaning of his words and wanted to find some like-minded people.
Han Qi said: "Brother Fan, you don't have to be so discouraged. With so many students taking the imperial examination, there must be some like-minded people like you."
When Fan Zhongyan heard what Han Qi said, he asked: "Oh? Brother Han, you have been in Bianliang. Do you know who will appear in this imperial examination?"
Han Qi thought for a while and said: "Among these candidates, the ones with outstanding literary talent and good conduct are the two brothers Su Shi and Su Zhe. The two of them will definitely pass the Jinshi and be named on the gold list in the future."
When Fan Zhongyan heard this, he smiled and said: "I know these two people. Aren't people in Bianliang City now saying that they are great talents? It's just that literary talent belongs to literary talent, but the ability to handle political affairs, and
Their ideals and ambitions have nothing to do with literary talent."
"You're right," Han Qi nodded. "A person who can write good articles may not necessarily be a good official. And I heard people say that Su Shi is very frivolous and doesn't know how to become an official."
Come on, whether we can do it well or not is still a question."
Fan Zhongyan was deeply satisfied and said: "These two people should first take a look at their performance in the palace examination before making any plans."
At this time, another person's name appeared in Han Qi's mind, but he didn't know what kind of path this person would take in the future, and he didn't know whether he and Fan Zhongyan would get along, so he couldn't help but frown.
brow.
Fan Zhongyan, who knew Han Qi very well, saw Han Qi's entanglement, so he said: "Brother Han, I think you have other candidates in your mind. It doesn't matter. You can tell me about it."
Han Qi came back to his senses and said: "Actually, I do have a capable person here, but I don't know if he will be of use to us."
"Oh? It's not easy to fall in love with someone. Tell me." Fan Zhongyan became interested as soon as he heard this. He knew Han Qi very well. Han Qi was very old-fashioned and mean, and he was also very picky about people, so if Han Qi
Qi said that this person is capable, then this person must have many advantages compared to ordinary people.
Han Qi did not directly name this person, but asked, "Brother Fan, how many days ago did you arrive in Bianliang?"
Fan Zhongyan was stunned and said: "I did it three days ago, which was the first day of the provincial examination."
Han Qi nodded and said, "If that's the case, then Brother Fan must have been busy these days. You should have walked around the streets and alleys of Bianliang."
Fan Zhongyan smiled and said: "This is natural. I have been away from Beijing for so long. Now that I have come back, I have really walked around the city. Don't tell me, the changes in Bianliang City have been quite big in the past few days.
.I discovered that there is something called lottery, which seems to be very popular.”
"Well, the lottery is now owned by the royal family. In fact, most of the money earned will be given to the emperor. Some time ago, your majesty has expanded the national treasury with the help of this lottery. It is different from taxation. People voluntarily hand over their money.
It's in the hands of the emperor." Han Qi said.
Fan Zhongyan was a little surprised and said, "Is there such a thing?"
"I wonder, Brother Fan, have you ever been to Fanlou and tasted the delicious food?" Han Qi changed the subject again and said.
Even though Fan Zhongyan is a great poet, great politician, and great talent, in the final analysis, food is the most important thing for the people, and he himself is also a foodie. When Fan Lou is mentioned, Fan Zhongyan's eyes light up. It seems that that place must be...
It left a deep impression on him.
"Brother Han, when I came back this time, there were only two places that left the deepest impression on me. One was the lottery station I just mentioned, and the other was this Fan Tower. Needless to say, this Fan Tower seemed to be a new place.
I hired a chef. I went there to eat yesterday, and the food was quite delicious. I don’t know where the chef was hired from.”
Han Qi smiled and said: "Actually, Fan Lou didn't change chefs at all, it's just that they have a unique secret recipe for cooking."
"Oh? Then where does this secret recipe come from?"
Han Qi continued: "Actually, both this secret recipe and this lottery station are the work of one person and were thought up by one person."
Fan Zhongyan was very surprised by this statement. You must know that the secret recipe of gourmet food and the lottery industry are very different. A person can come up with these two things at the same time. This person must be a capable person, so
Fan Zhongyan quickly asked: "Who is it?"
Han Qi's answer was very calm. After all, he basically wanted to see this person every day, and from the first impression alone, this person was indeed not a capable person.
"Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, the second son of the Lu Xu family, Lu Yao."
Fan Zhongyan touched his beard and said, "Lu Yao, why do I seem to have heard this name somewhere?"
He thought carefully, then patted his forehead and said, "I remembered, is this Lu Yao the author of "The Story of the Stone"?"
"It's this person." Han Qi said.
Sure enough, Fan Zhongyan was still a scholar at heart. After returning to Bianliang, Fan Zhongyan not only paid attention to current affairs in the court, he also paid attention to what ordinary people were reading at this time. Therefore, "The Story of the Stone" also entered the
In his field of vision, the author's name was Lu Yao.
Seeing that Fan Zhongyan had understood, Han Qi continued: "Not just that book, he is also the one who has been able to make books for poor families readable recently and greatly reduce the cost of printing. The movable type printing and printing factory is Lu Yao
It’s done.”
"This is a great achievement. You know, when I was taking the imperial examination, my family was living in poverty. My mother did all kinds of menial work so that I could afford to study. It was really hard."
When Fan Zhongyan talked about printing and reading, he remembered his previous experience. Although for those rich and powerful children, the price of this book was not expensive, but for the children from poor families, they had to consider not only the cost of going to Beijing to take the exam, but also
If you have to spend money to buy books, it's a lot of money. Fan Zhongyan has been brought up by his mother since he was a child. He himself is also a representative of the children from poor families. No one has more say than him, so after hearing about this movable type
When he was developing printing technology, Fan Zhongyan was full of praise for Lu Yao who made this contribution.
Han Qi said: "This Lu Yao's achievements are not just that."
Fan Zhongyan looked at Han Qi, who continued: "Brother Fan, you must have known that a grand event is being held in Bianliang City recently, called the New Cuju Competition."
When Fan Zhongyan heard this, he smiled and said, "Of course I know that. I heard that Brother Han, you also found some soldiers to participate in this competition and formed a team, right?"
"Well, I'm participating in this competition just to participate. After all, Uncle Cao Guo found me, so I still have to give him face. Brother Fan, do you know who proposed this competition?"
"I heard, didn't the emperor personally order the event? Could it be that there is some secret behind it?"
"Yes, to the outside world, it is indeed the emperor who organized this competition. The purpose is to increase the influence of this competition. However, the real organizer of this competition is the Lu Yao we have been talking about just now. He intends to pass this competition
, improve the participation of the whole people, so that everyone has the opportunity to exercise, in order to achieve the purpose of strengthening the people."
Fan Zhongyan was horrified and said: "How can there be such a talented person in the world? I wonder how old this Lu Yao is?"
"Early twenties."
"Where is the official position?"
"Five-grade idler, he also participated in the imperial examination. It is estimated that when he passes the imperial examination, he will be entrusted with important tasks by the emperor."
After Fan Zhongyan heard about Lu Yao's deeds, he was different from Han Qi. After all, he did not directly see Lu Yao in person, but saw what Lu Yao had done first. Therefore, Fan Zhongyan is still very optimistic about this.
Lu Yao, he said: "If we can get help from this person, it will definitely be even more powerful for us."
"Although this person has some abilities and talents, his personality is a bit weird." Han Qi thought for a while and said, "He has always been a loner. He treats everyone, no matter what kind of official he is, even immediately.
Han Yonghe, the minister who wants to become his father-in-law, treats everyone equally. He may form his own sect in the future. It may not be easy to persuade him to join."
"Hey," Fan Zhongyan waved his hand and said: "Since ancient times, capable people have been more or less eccentric, which is normal. Even if he has no way of becoming ours in the end, as long as he is not our enemy, it will be fine.
Already."
"This is true, but Lu Yao still doesn't know that you have returned to Beijing. Should we find an opportunity to ask him out?" Han Qi asked.
Fan Zhongyan shook his head and said: "No need. If we go to make an appointment with him, it will appear that we are a little groveling, which is really not a crime. Fan has traveled all over the country for so many years, so he still needs this face. Moreover, Lu Yao has not been busy recently.
What about this new Cuju competition? I just happened to take the opportunity of this competition to see what kind of person he is first, and then make plans after the competition is over. Maybe, he knows my name.
Maybe he will come to me proactively."
Han Qi thought to himself, no matter what kind of big shot you are, Lu Yao would not take the initiative to find you. This is Lu Yao's character. But what Fan Zhongyan said before is right. Now everyone in Bianliang City is focusing on the new Cuju competition.
Yes, it would be a good thing to take this opportunity to let Fan Zhongyan get in touch with Lu Yao.
"Well, Brother Fan is very thoughtful. You are right. Lu Yao is a junior, so he should come to see you." Han Qi said superficially.
"I really didn't expect that someone in his early twenties could be so accomplished. This minister of household affairs has really raised a good son." When Fan Zhongyan said this, he envied Lu Xulai very much.
And what about Lu Xu at this time?
Lu Mansion, Lu Yao and Lu Xu had almost finished chatting. Lu Xu saw that his son had also been busy all day and had walked back from Gongyuan in the afternoon. He must be very tired, so he expressed that he wanted Lu Yao to have a good rest.
"Get some rest early. Are you going to the training ground tomorrow to watch them train? Speaking of which, you haven't been to the training ground for ten days," Lu Xu said.
Lu Yao smiled and shook his head and said: "I won't go to the training ground. Originally, the next two days were the last two days of the last round of training. It's too late to make any changes at this time.
It won't do anything if I go. I have other plans tomorrow."
"Okay, you go to bed early. Tomorrow, I will send someone to tell Pan Wen and Zhe Kexing that you have returned home. I will hold a banquet in the house in the evening and call them to enjoy it.
Haha."
After Lu Xu finished speaking, he left Lu Yao's room.
His father is quite thoughtful. He knows that Lu Yao has been in seclusion for a week, plus the three days of the imperial examination, which means that he has been cut off from the outside world for ten days. So, he will call a few people tomorrow.
Friends, having a few drinks with Lu Yao would be a good choice. After all, in two days, when the warm-up match starts, Lu Yao will definitely be busy again.
Finally, he finished chatting with his family. After Lu Yao finished washing, he returned to his room and lay down on the bed.
Sure enough, a golden nest and a silver nest are not as good as one's own doghouse. Although I have only been home for three days, I still feel very friendly when I return to my room. Lu Yao lies on the bed. At this moment, he truly feels free to relax.
Fell asleep.
The next day, everyone in the Lu family thought that Lu Yao would wake up very late, but they didn't expect that Lu Yao would be the first one to get up today. The main reason for this is that Lu Yao had already adjusted when he was in Gongyuan a few days ago.
He had changed his biological clock and now woke up before dawn every day. Lu Yao thought he had nothing to do, so he called Tang Xi who was guarding the door. The two of them went to the kitchen and prepared breakfast for the family.
While cooking, Lu Yao also asked Tang Xi about the construction of factories, banks, and stadiums in the past few days. The good news he got is that the bank should be completed in two or three days. Knowing this
Lu Yao was very happy about this, and said that it was completed at the right time. The students in Bianliang City are now in need of money. It seems that it will be easier to earn the first pot of gold from the bank.
Of course, Lu Yao also gave Tang Xi some tasks, such as preparing some things. He would visit Han Yonghe soon. After all, he was about to get married. Since he went into seclusion until now, he has not been to Han's house once.
Now that the imperial examination is over, it really makes sense not to go. Of course, Lu Yao has another purpose for going to the Han Mansion this time, and that is about Han Yunyu.
On the other side, Lu Yao also asked Tang Xi to take two copies of the coach's manuscript to the printing factory after having breakfast and send it to Su Shi and Su Che. The Kaifeng trio also wanted a copy. After all, they were about to warm up.
The game is about to start, and they should have some detailed information about the coaches.
After some explanations, Lu Yao waited in the restaurant. Not long after, the first people to appear in front of Lu Yao were his eldest brother Lu Hao and his sister-in-law Xu.