I studied in modern times

Chapter 998 Yuanyou Ceremony
Yujin Garden, built by Emperor Shizong of this week, is located on the banks of the Min River outside the Nanxun Gate of Bianjing City. It was originally intended as a naval training base, just like Jinming Pond.

The Jiangwu Pond in the garden was the training ground for the Great Song Dynasty's Tiger-Swift Navy during the reign of Emperor Taizu.

However, after the fall of the Southern Tang Dynasty, the navy had no further use.

Thus, both Jinming Pond and Jiangwu Pond lost their status as naval training bases and instead became part of the royal gardens.

Because of the annual bidding process, Jinming Pond has been maintained and preserved, and it has largely retained its original size.

Jiangwuchi was not so lucky.

Today, it is less than one-third of its original size.

What was once a lake is now a royal garden with lush grass and blooming flowers.

Zhao Xu walked along the bluestone path by the Jiangwu Pond, seeing the willows drooping by the lake, smelling the fragrance of spring, and breathing in the fresh air of the garden.

Wen Yanbo, Zhang Fangping, and Feng Jing, three elders, walked behind Zhao Xu, supported by their respective sons and nephews.

On the day of the provincial imperial examination, the emperor and the elder statesmen visited Yujin Garden together.

Naturally, Todoroki also paid close attention to this.

Therefore, Su Song, a senior minister who had a very good relationship with the elders and was also considered a confidant of Zhao Xu, was sent to accompany them.

"I have heard that in the past, when the Duke (Liu Chang, Liu Ban's elder brother) accompanied Emperor Yingzu on a tour of Yujin Garden, he composed a poem that read: 'Willows sway gently, shrouding the imperial palace; fine grasses softly cover the sandy path...'"

"Today, I am strolling through this garden with all the elders, and it is exactly the same as it was in the past!" Zhao Xu suddenly stopped and said, looking at the willows by the lake and the gardens on both sides of the road.

Walking not far behind Zhao Xu, Wen Yanbo immediately began his role as a straight man, laughing and saying, "Your Majesty is absolutely right!"

"Back then, when the Emperor toured the gardens at the Temple of Ying, this old minister was also among those accompanying him..."

"I vaguely remember that Yujin Garden was just like it is today back then..."

"This old minister still remembers the last part of Liu Yuanfu's poem from back then!"

As he spoke, the old Grand Tutor began to recite: "The garden gates are always closed, no one enters; the forbidden canal flows withered flowers after the rain!"

After reciting the poem, he seemed to suddenly realize something, and cupped his hands in congratulations, saying, "Today, His Majesty extends his grace to the world, opening up the forbidden gardens and imperial forests, and sharing joy with the people!"

"If Liu Yuanfu were alive, he would surely thank His Majesty for his kindness on behalf of the entire nation!"

Zhao Xu chuckled and said, "Grand Tutor, you flatter me!"

"I am merely following the stories of my ancestors and adhering to the teachings of the sages!"

But in my heart, I couldn't help but give Wen Yanbo a thumbs up.

That's why they say the Grand Tutor is an unshakeable figure in politics!
Even during the Yuanfeng era, when the New Party was at its strongest, Wen Yanbo's political influence never diminished significantly.

His status rose even more dramatically after Fu Bi's death.

As a result, whether in Zhao Xu's previous life or this life, Wen Yanbo was always invited to Bianjing City to preside over the ceremony after Zhao Xu's father passed away.

He even became the core of a faction within the imperial court.

Wen Yanbo was able to do all this because he was politically astute.

Unlike some people, Zhao Xu clearly gave them all the opportunities.

But they always pretend to be deaf and dumb, acting aloof and superior.

Wen Yanbo was different!

He was really willing to swallow his pride and actually agreed to recite the text.

Just like now, Zhao Xu only took the lead, and he immediately followed up, using Liu Chang's poem to directly introduce Zhao Xu's people-friendly actions as emperor - releasing the forbidden garden and visiting the imperial forest.

He even said, as a veteran of four dynasties, "If Liu Chang were still alive, he would definitely be grateful."

Who is Liu Chang?

Regardless of his literary achievements and status during his lifetime.

Today, his biggest political label is that of the elder brother of Liu Ban, a censor, and the father of Liu Fengshi, the deputy transport commissioner of Jinghu South Circuit and prefect of Tanzhou.

Among them, the one with the highest status was naturally Liu Ban, a censor.

Liu Ban was the most abstract civil official in the Song Dynasty at that time. In just over two years in office, he gave dozens of civil and military officials in the court and the country nicknames that matched their image.

For example—Zeng Bu, the Turtle Minister; Han Zhongyan, the Crane Minister; Sun Jue, the Big Monkey; Sun Zhu, the Little Monkey; Kong Zonghan, the Little Erlang; Cai Que, the Shell and Vegetable Minister…

Such examples are numerous.

Moreover, because it was so apt, and with the Bianjing Xinbao newspaper frequently fueling the flames, it became known throughout the land.

Many people are now more famous by their nicknames than by their real names.

For example, Kong Zonghan, the contemporary Duke Yansheng who was called "Little Erlang" by Liu Ban, is now referred to as "Kong Xiao Er," "My Little Erlang," or "Confucius's Little Erlang" when people mention him...

As a result, the dignified Duke Yansheng dared not enter the court unless ordered to do so.

Naturally, Liu Ban's big mouth also brought him a lot of trouble and attracted countless hatreds.

Therefore, those in and out of the court hated him even more, like fish crossing a river.

But he is still alive and well.

He even rose rapidly through the ranks.

In the first year of the Yuan You era, Liu Ban was only the Junior Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat, but in the second year of the Yuan You era, he was promoted to the position of Imperial Secretary.

In February of this year, he was transferred from the position of Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat to the position of Attendant.

Now I have been promoted to Grand Master of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, and have been granted the post of Attendant-in-Waiting of the Dragon Pavilion. I have also been granted a gold fish pouch and permission to wear purple robes.

He even obtained a noble title—in the name of assisting the emperor and advising on state affairs, he was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Linjiang County, with a fief of four hundred households.

Therefore, even a fool would know that this person has already received Zhao Xu's protection.

Although she was not part of Zhao Xu's inner circle, she was still an outer member.

The reason why Zhao Xu accepted and protected Liu Ban was very simple.

Liu Ban's words are more powerful than an army of 100,000!
In Zhao Xu's eyes, this medieval abstract master was Sun Xiaochuan of the Song Dynasty (this is somewhat insulting to Liu Ban, but strictly speaking, they are actually quite similar).

Without him, it would be quite difficult for Zhao Xu to touch upon the Confucian traditions.

But with him around, many things became much easier.

For example, the Duke Yansheng, what a sacred name.

But Liu Ban said: This is the youngest son of Confucius.

In an instant, the aura of the Duke Yansheng was shattered.

Therefore, it is understandable that Zhao Xu treated Liu Ban with great care.

Wen Yanbo's actions both flattered Zhao Xu and, in accordance with Zhao Xu's wishes, lured Liu Chang out.

Since Liu Chang was a loyal minister who cared deeply for his country and its people, naturally his younger brother Liu Ban was as well.

His son, Liu Fengshi, could be considered one as well.

Speaking of Liu Fengshi, Wu Chong's former strategist, after being demoted to Suizhou by Zhao Xu, he may have realized something, or perhaps he had a sudden awakening.

In short, he began to become obsessed with the way of "investigating things to acquire knowledge".

It is said that after he took office, he personally went to the place where Shen Kuo had been demoted and lived.

After carefully inventorying the belongings left behind by Shen Kuo and his wife, they were sent back to Bianjing.

Then he sent his son, carrying a letter written in his own hand, to visit Shen Kuo. The son addressed Shen Kuo as "a junior scholar" and asked him to inquire about the sage's great path of "investigating things to acquire knowledge."

Shen Kuo, not one to retaliate against someone who is smiling, could only reply with a letter containing a pile of his own and Su Song's articles.

After Liu Fengshi obtained it, he treasured it as if it were a priceless gem and studied it day and night.

Since last year, he has been publishing articles in the Bianjing Xinbao under the pseudonym "Suizhou Jushi" advocating "investigating things to acquire knowledge".

not only that!

After being demoted, Liu Fengshi still used his status as Wu Chong's most trusted advisor to write a letter to persuade the Wu family to back down after Wu An took charge of the case.

It is said that the Wu family agreed to the divorce and sent Wang's dowry, and even the son Wang had with Wu Anchi, back to Jiangning.

Liu Fengshi played a very important role!
After all, the Wu family has been known for its political stupidity and slow reaction since Wu Chong's death.

After Wu An took charge of the case, he quickly bowed his head and admitted defeat.

There must have been someone persuading him behind this. Moreover, this person must have a very close relationship with the Wu family.

Otherwise, the Wu family won't listen.

In short, ever since he was demoted, Liu Fengshi has seemed very eager to advance his career.

Zhao Xu was naturally broad-minded.

He then forgave Liu Fengshi for his ignorance when he was in court.

They quickly accepted this former party traitor.

In the second year of the Yuan You era, Liu Fengshi was transferred from Suizhou to Xiangzhou, and was subsequently promoted to the position of Supervisor of Criminal Justice in Jinghu North Circuit.

Just after the first month of the lunar calendar this year, another imperial edict was issued, appointing him as the Deputy Transport Commissioner of Jinghu South Circuit and concurrently the Prefect of Tanzhou.

He was sent to serve as Cai Jing's rear guard, responsible for the transfer of materials, the import of money and silk, and the northward transport of sugar cane in the Guangnan West Road and Jiaozhou development area.

At the same time, this was also a test for Liu Fengshi.

Let's see if he's truly loyal and willing to become Zhao Xu's henchman.

Zhao Xu had no intention of recalling a conservative who was at odds with his new policies.

Then again...

Zhao Xu looked at Wen Yanbo with a smile and praised, "Grand Tutor, you truly deserve to be a veteran of four reigns and a pillar of the nation!"

"His magnanimity is exemplary, worthy of being a model for the world!"

Upon hearing this, Wen Yanbo immediately replied, "This old minister has received profound favors. For the sake of the nation, for the great cause of our ancestors, and for Your Majesty... those minor grievances are but a few hardships!"

As he spoke, the old Grand Tutor flicked his sleeves in a pretentious manner.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Xu immediately laughed: "Grand Tutor, you have the world in your heart and the nation in your mind. I truly admire you!"

It should be noted that this refers to Liu Ban or Liu Fengshi.

Strictly speaking, he and Wen Yanbo were enemies.

Liu Fengshi was demoted because he, along with Lü Tao, Shangguan Jun, and others, submitted a memorial stating that "Grand Tutor Wen should no longer attend court."

This angered Wen Yanbo, and Zhao Xu had to step in personally to calm him down.

Liu Fengshi was demoted as a result.

As for Liu Ban...

He gave nicknames to all the court officials.

How could Wen Yanbo not exist?
The nickname Liu Ban gave Wen Yanbo was truly a cruel insult – eighty-four.

why?
This brings us to the origin of this nickname—after Liu Ban helped Sima Kang with the funeral arrangements for Sima Guang, he returned to the court and was appointed as a secretary in the Imperial Secretariat by Zhao Xu.

It just so happens that Zheng Mu, one of the Four Gentlemen of Guling, is requesting to retire.

Upon seeing Zheng Mu's letter of retirement, Liu Ban couldn't help but ask his colleague Qian Xie, "How old is Scholar Zheng this year?"
A: Seventy-three.

Liu Ban then said: "Seventy-three is still very young. Scholar, you should wait until you are eighty-four to retire."

Well, there was only one person in the court who, at the age of eighty-four, was still deeply involved in politics and would even go to the capital every now and then to show off his status as a senior official who had served four dynasties—Wen Yanbo.

Unfortunately, the imperial court did not approve Zheng Mu's request to retire.

Instead, he was appointed as the Assistant Minister of the Prince of Yang and the Prince of Jing, and concurrently as the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy.

After this incident, people in and out of the court said – why is it not permissible to retire at the age of seventy-three? Because there is someone in court who is eighty-four!

Over time, many people have come to refer to Wen Yanbo as "eighty-four".

How could Wen Yanbo not be angry with Liu Ban?

However, Wen Yanbo's greatest strength lies in his ability to distinguish between the powerful and the lesser, and his skill in refusing to back down even when insulted.

Unlike others, I won't fuss over trivial matters or try to make a fuss or show off my power.

As for Wen Yanbo, despite his usual airs, he's not as arrogant as he seems.

But at crucial moments, he knows when to back down and when to advance.

Such a loyal minister naturally deserves to be rewarded!

Moreover, it must be a hefty reward!
Zhao Xu thought for a moment and said to Wen Yanbo, "Grand Tutor, you should know that since I ascended the throne, I have vowed to gather scholars from all over the world, collect ancient and modern books and rare editions, and compile them into a grand encyclopedia!"

"This pawnshop compiles all the books of the classics, histories, philosophical works, and literary collections since the beginning of time, including those on astronomy, geography, yin and yang, medicine, divination, Buddhism, Taoism, and arts and crafts, all of which have been gathered into one book!"

Wen Yanbo's breathing quickened as he listened.

This is a pie in the sky that Zhao Xu has been planning since the eighth year of the Yuanfeng era, but has yet to realize.

This was also something that Wen Yanbo had been striving for.

Unfortunately, the emperor only talked about this matter; I never saw him put it into practice.

Could it be... today...?

Not only Wen Yanbo, but also Zhang Fangping, Feng Jing, and even Su Song who was accompanying them, all had their hearts pounding.

no way!
The three immortal achievements of civil officials.

The highest virtue is to establish moral character, the next is to establish merit, and the last is to establish words of wisdom.

The pie in the sky that Zhao Xu painted directly struck at the soft spot of every civil official and scholar-official.

No one is unmoved, and no one can resist such temptation.

Then Zhao Xu smiled and said, "In the past, due to the scarcity of national funds and the tightness of the treasury, my great wish has never had the opportunity to be realized!"

"Now, thanks to the help of Heaven and the diligent service of my officials, the treasury is gradually filling up. I believe this matter can now be put on the agenda!"

As he spoke, he walked toward Wen Yanbo, grasped the old Grand Tutor's hand, and said, "I wonder if the Grand Tutor would be willing to preside over this 'Yuanyou Grand Ceremony' on my behalf?"

Wen Yanbo was immediately excited and about to bow in respect, but Zhao Xu quickly stopped him, saying, "Grand Tutor, there's no need for you to bow!"

"Simply tell me whether you are willing or not?"

Why would Wen Yanbo be unwilling?

The emperor nodded vigorously, saying, "This old minister... thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness!"

"Excellent!" Zhao Xu nodded and said to Wen Yanbo, "In that case, I hereby appoint the Grand Tutor as the Commissioner for Compiling the Yuan You Grand Ceremony!"

"Furthermore, funds from the sealed treasury were used to establish the 'Yuanyou Grand Hall Library' in Bianjing City, which housed rare and valuable books, ancient texts, and fine editions from the Chongwen Academy."

"An edict was issued to all book collectors throughout the land, and scholars were encouraged to donate their books to prepare for this prosperous age!"

"also……"

“Zhang Jiedu, Feng Jiedu…” He looked at Zhang Fangping and Feng Jing, “and Su Xianggong…” His gaze finally settled on Su Song.

"I wonder if the three gentlemen would be willing to assist the Grand Tutor in making this a great undertaking?"

The three men immediately prostrated themselves and said, "Your Majesty, we are deeply grateful for your great kindness!"

"Excellent!" Zhao Xu nodded: "Then I hereby appoint the two military governors as 'Co-Commissioner of the Compilation of the Yuan You Grand Ceremony,' and appoint Prime Minister Su as 'Deputy Commissioner of the Compilation of the Yuan You Grand Hall,' to assist the Grand Tutor in this matter!"

"Scholars throughout the land and officials in the court, including the Grand Tutor, the two military governors, and Prime Minister Su, who are deemed capable of assisting in the compilation of the Yuanyou Grand Canon, those below the sixth rank can be directly transferred to the Yuanyou Grand Canon Compilation Bureau without requesting imperial approval. Those above the sixth rank, although they need to request imperial approval, will, in principle, be granted permission by me!"

The Yuan You Grand Ceremony is more than just a pie in the sky!

At the same time, it was also Zhao Xu's open scheme!

One, an open scheme to purge the stubborn conservatives in the court and in the countryside, as well as ministers who might threaten his reform initiatives.

In short—whoever blocks Zhao Xu's path, Zhao Xu can instruct Wen Yanbo and others to transfer them to the Yuanyou Grand Compilation Bureau to compile books.

How much time would it take to compile such a magnificent work and win worldwide acclaim?

ten years?

Twenty years?!

Ten or twenty years later, when these people, their beards turned white, finally walked out of the Yuanyou Grand Bookstore.

The world has changed dramatically!
Unfortunately, they couldn't say anything.

(End of this chapter)