I studied in modern times

Chapter 1032 Zhao Xu: It's all settled today!
Hearing Zhao Xu's cold snort, Su Shi panicked and knelt down, weeping, saying, "Your Majesty, everything I said is true, and Wen Zhong's loyalty is as clear as the sun and moon!"

Zhao Xu sneered: "Loyalty as unquestionable as Wang Shen's?"

"hehe!"

Su Shi was speechless for a moment.
Wang Shen...

This old friend of his, the former Imperial Son-in-Law Commandant, is now a taboo subject in the court.

Who doesn't know that the current emperor loves to use Wang Shen to put pressure on his relatives and powerful families?

Ok……

Now we need to add Zhang Dunli as well.

This is even worse!

He died suddenly in prison, and his whole family was exiled to Lingnan, never to be heard from again.

Princess Shou Kang was the only surviving younger sister of the late emperor.

Only by having enough face could Zhang Dunli's children be protected.

otherwise……

"I know that the scholar is deeply devoted to his principles..." the emperor said coldly, "Back then, when Wang Shen died in a foreign land, his family dared not hold a memorial service for him, but the scholar alone held a memorial service for him from afar..."

Su Shi was terrified and almost immediately prostrated himself, saying, "Your subject deserves death..."

Zhao Xu chuckled and said, "The reason I didn't pursue the matter of Wang Shen is because I know that the scholar and Wang Shen were close friends. As a friend, it is both morally right and reasonable to hold a memorial service for a deceased friend!"

Su Shi could only prostrate himself on the ground, repeatedly praising His Majesty's sagacity.

Zhao Xu then added, "Kong Wenzhong is different. He not only harbors resentment towards the court, but also towards me!"

"Therefore, he deliberately chose the day the imperial examination results were announced to commit suicide!"

"What is he doing?!"

"Does the scholar not know?"

Although Zhao Xu knew that the fact that Kong Wenzhong died on the same day as the provincial examination results were released was very likely a coincidence—Kong Wenzhong was stubborn, but he couldn't have been stubborn to this extent.

But Zhao Xu didn't care about all that.

They just pick it up and use it as a reason or excuse.

He is the emperor!

They possess the final right to interpret all laws and regulations!

Su Shi listened intently, trying to think of a way to defend Kong Wenzhong.

But when the words reached his lips, he couldn't say anything.

Su Shi knew very well that he could not persuade an emperor who already had doubts about his subjects.

Unless, this emperor is Liu Bang, the founder of the Han Dynasty, or Liu Bei, the Emperor Zhaolie of the Han Dynasty!
Otherwise, the official must have a very close relationship with the emperor and a trust built up over many years.

Kong Wenzhong is clearly not among them.

Having no other option, Su Shi could only try his best to speak well of Kong Wenzhong and find excuses for him: "Your Majesty... Wenzhong is a descendant of the sage and a great Confucian scholar of our time..."

"I would stake my life on this: Wenzhong has absolutely no disloyal intentions!"

Zhao Xu chuckled: "Even when the emperor was alive, there was still a rebellious disciple named Zai Yu..."

"My virtue is meager, far inferior to that of a sage..."

"How can there be no traitors and villains?"

Zai Yu is the same as Zi Wo.

He was that stubborn student who fell asleep in class, was caught red-handed by Confucius, and was then criticized as "a piece of rotten wood that cannot be carved."

In modern times, this Confucian sage is attacked daily by countless disciples and followers, almost to the point of expelling him from the Confucian school.

There was nothing that could be done; this sage simply didn't fit in among Confucius's disciples.
"As for the scholar to guarantee it with his life?" Zhao Xu laughed: "Even if what the scholar says is true, I will not do it!"

Su Shi raised his head and looked at Zhao Xu.

“Because…” Zhao Xu lowered his head, looking at Su Shi who was prostrate before him: “Scholar, you are the nation’s treasure, the country’s gem, and also my right arm!”

"How could I risk the scholar's life?"

Although Zhao Xu had limited contact with Su Shi in his previous life, his understanding of him was not deep.

All I remember are fragments of private conversations after the lectures.

However, in modern times, he had read Su Shi's collected works, poems, and countless articles researching him.

Therefore, Zhao Xu knew that Su Shi was a man who loved fame, cared about his reputation, and valued loyalty.

As long as you can accurately gauge his feelings, you don't need to worry about him not working hard!
As expected, upon hearing Zhao Xu's words, Su Shi's eyes immediately reddened, and he bowed with a trembling voice, saying, "Your Majesty's favor is something I will repay even if I die a hundred times!"

Su Shi was indeed grateful to the current emperor.

It was this emperor who reinstated me, it was this emperor who appointed me as the governor of Dengzhou, it was this emperor who sent envoys to comfort me and bestow gifts on my birthday and other holidays, it was this emperor who provided full support in all matters concerning Dengzhou, ensuring that I had no obstacles in the court or in the local area!

Han Changli (Han Yu) said: "A thousand-mile horse is common, but a discerning eye is rare!"

The Han dynasty scholar Sima Xiangru famously said: "If used, it is a dragon; if not used, it is a worm."

Su Shi's decades-long career in officialdom gave him an extremely profound understanding of these two sentences.

As a subject, I lack the emperor's trust and support.

It's impossible for them to accomplish anything significant.

Su Zizhan, who became famous at a young age, had always been patriotic and had great ambitions.

But what was he before the current emperor ascended the throne?
However, Huangzhou was just a farmer, and Changzhou was merely a passerby.

His writings are renowned throughout the world, and his poetry is unparalleled.
So what!

During the Wutai Poetry Case, he could only tremble in fear in the imperial prison, forced by scribes and living a precarious existence.

He wrote his will several times and wept uncontrollably several times.

However, after the young emperor ascended the throne, he gave him unprecedented trust and support.

During his four years in Dengzhou, he was never hindered.

Instead, they crammed his students and friends into his life.

I'm afraid he won't be efficient enough in his work!

Thus, he rose through the ranks from Tongpan to Zuoye Sili, from local county magistrate and Zhixian to Jian Dangguan.

Almost all of them were his friends and students.

As a result, everyone was of one mind and there were no more obstacles. The entire Dengzhou was practically his personal fiefdom.

This allowed him to wield his brush and ink, to write about his achievements, and to put his ideas into practice.

Of course, I also have to do things for His Majesty.

Opening ports, shipbuilding, fishing, trade, salt production...

Su Shi, however, found it sweet.

Because all of this is beneficial to the country and its people.

As Su Shi was pondering these things, he felt his arm being grasped by a pair of small, tender hands. He looked up and saw the young emperor with his sincere eyes.

Su Shi knew that as long as he stopped mentioning Kong Wenzhong and pleading for him and his clan at this moment, he would be saved.

So, following his uncle's (Zhang Fangping's) advice, he passed the Emperor Zhao's initial test.

From then on, he became the emperor's confidant and a henchman of the emperor.

It's even possible that he could become a close advisor to the emperor, a minister assisting the state, or even be appointed prime minister in the future!

The emperors of the Zhao dynasty loved to use such ministers, and they also liked to tame their ministers before employing them.

but……

Su Shi closed his eyes, and the image of Kong Wenzhong in life appeared in his mind.

He and Kong Wenzhong were close friends and had a deep bond!
In any case, he would not betray Kong Wenzhong, nor would he stand idly by while Kong Wenzhong's brothers, wife, and children were left alone.

So, after much struggle, Su Shi finally chose to take off his turban, bow his head and say, "Your Majesty's grace is like that of Heaven, bestowing upon my humble body such kindness. I am deeply grateful and wish I could serve Your Majesty like an ox or a horse!"

"Of course..."

"Wenzhong is my closest friend!"

"Your subject begs to use my official rank, title, merit, and salary to atone for Wen Zhong's crime!"

As he spoke, he lay prostrate on the ground, motionless, awaiting the possible thunderous judgment—Su Shi had heard from his younger brother Su Zhe about the young ruler's reputation—"His Majesty has adopted the strengths of the wise rulers of the Han and Tang dynasties, and combined them with the benevolence of his ancestors."

The reviews look very high, right?

But if you think about it more deeply, you'll understand the subtext—anyone who has read history knows what shadows existed beyond the brilliance of the wise rulers of the Han and Tang dynasties.
In these shadows, many officials were murdered and the court was purged without batting an eye.

Sacrificing an uncle or teacher at the drop of a hat is common practice.

As for the benevolence of our ancestors, that's even more terrifying!

Because, in addition to being benevolent, the officials of the Song Dynasty also had a reputation for being suspicious, power-hungry, and prone to distrust!

Therefore, after Su Shi finished speaking, he was also terrified and sweating profusely.

He is very scared!
They feared that Kong Wenzhong's brothers, wife, and children would not be rescued, and that he himself, or even his younger brother, would be killed instead.

Just like the Wutai Poetry Case...

In an effort to save him, more than a dozen friends and confidants, including his younger brother Su Zhe, were demoted as well.

Even so, if Wang Anshi hadn't intervened, or if the late Empress Dowager Cixi hadn't spoken up for them, it would have been a great relief.

I'm afraid his fate and that of his relatives and friends will be much worse!
Su Shi knew all too well why the Wutai Poetry Case had occurred.

Because of his mouth!

That line: "With your limited talents, you have launched a campaign that is doomed to fail, driving innocent people into a place where they are sure to die!"
I have deeply offended the late emperor!

The most fatal flaw was that the second attempt to return to the river failed.

The floodwaters were devastating, and millions of people were displaced.

Thus, he became Tian Feng in the serialized version of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" published in the Bianjing New Daily.

They were immediately plunged into a life-or-death situation!

Now, he is once again risking offending the king to plead for his old friend.

Moreover, this was done despite the emperor's repeated gestures of goodwill, encouragement, and favors, and despite knowing that the emperor intended to thoroughly punish Kong Wenzhong.

They pleaded for mercy again and again.

To be honest, Su Shi knew that he was really ungrateful!
If the emperor were to become enraged, he would instantly offend the heavens.

After a long while, when Su Shi's back was soaked with sweat.

Only then did Su Shi hear the cold voice of the young emperor before him.

"not enough!"

Su Shi raised his head and looked at the emperor standing in front of him, whose expression was extremely cold.

His heart was filled with ecstatic joy.

not enough?

So you mean I can just pay more?!

He could no longer care about anything else and immediately bowed his head to express his gratitude: "Your Majesty's great kindness has moved me to tears!"

An official of the Zhao family actually forgave his recklessness despite his repeated offenses, and even granted his request.

By paying a higher price, Kong Wenzhong and his clan can be redeemed.

This...this...is unprecedented!
This made Su Shi even happier and more encouraged.

He immediately bowed his head in gratitude, tears streaming down his face, and said, "Your subject is willing to use all the official positions, titles, honors, and emoluments he has acquired in this life to atone for Wen Zhong's sins!"

“It’s still not enough!” the young emperor said coldly.

Su Shi was stunned. After only a moment's hesitation, he chose to add to the offer: "Then add my descendants!"

He now has three sons: the eldest son, Mai, was born to his first wife, Wang Fu; the second son, Dai, and the third son, Guo, were both born to his sister-in-law and second wife, Wang Runzhi.

She originally had a young son, born to her concubine Chaoyun, but he died young in the eighth year of the Yuanfeng era.

Su Shi believed that his three sons were all filial and would not complain about him.

at the same time……

Su Shi also realized that although he was now making a vow before the emperor to give all the future official positions and titles of himself and his descendants to Kong Wenzhong to forgive his sins.

This can be considered cutting off one's own escape route.

But isn't this also a stroke of luck?
Selling oneself to the emperor!

This is a wonderful thing that many people would love to have!
However, the young emperor before him still shook his head: "It's still not enough!"

Su Shi listened, then lowered his head, truly at a loss for what to do.

After all, he could only make decisions for himself and his son.

Could it be that he could drag his brother or even his friends down with him?
Left with no other option, Su Shi could only kowtow and plead, "Your Majesty, I beg for your mercy..."

Then he heard the young emperor before him say, "I originally intended to give important positions to scholars..."

"I have already ordered someone to draft the imperial edict appointing the scholar as the official in charge of the various counties and towns of Kaifeng Prefecture..." As he spoke, he took out a document from his bosom.

“Alas, the scholar…” Zhao Xu shook his head slightly, looking disappointed.

Upon seeing this, Su Shi burst into tears, crying out, "Your subject... Your subject... I deserve to die ten thousand times!"

He was completely moved.

For officials in Kaifeng Prefecture, County, and Town, this is a ladder to advancement!

Seeing Su Shi weeping uncontrollably before him, Zhao Xu chuckled to himself, "It's all settled for today!"

"Su Zizhan, you've fallen into my trap!"

"Next, let's see how many people we can catch to go and develop Hainan with Su Shi!"

Thinking this way, Zhao Xu couldn't help but feel proud of his own wisdom.

(End of this chapter)